Atara Noam, formerly Isidora Inchausti Santiago, served as Panama’s deputy ambassador to Greece. Despite her prestigious role, she made a life-altering decision to leave her career and convert to Judaism—guided by Rabbi Yehuda Peretz, himself a former Christian clergyman who converted.
Born in Panama City in 1976, Noam grew up in a Catholic household. Her father, a Spanish immigrant, was a successful aviation entrepreneur; her mother was a longtime flight attendant. After her father’s death and her mother's divorce, the family transitioned to Protestantism, which sparked Noam’s interest in prayer and fasting.
Initially pursuing a career in maritime engineering, Noam earned her license as a second officer for merchant and cruise ships. Though she aimed to work at the Panama Canal, her plans changed dramatically. She moved to the UK using her Spanish citizenship, seeking better opportunities.
Facing hardship, she took jobs at McDonald’s and even cleaned London’s iconic double-decker buses. During this difficult time, she stumbled upon a verse from Psalms that revived her faith: “Though weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning.”
Her breakthrough came unexpectedly: after appearing in a BBC documentary on immigration, she was offered a position at Panama’s Maritime Authority in London. There, she rose through the ranks, working under four ambassadors over seven years.
As her professional life flourished, she developed a deep spiritual connection to Judaism. She began observing Shabbat—even before formally converting—after finding a book about the holy day left on a London bus. Her curiosity led her to study Jewish texts and history, where she discovered inconsistencies in Christian doctrines and grew increasingly convinced of Judaism’s truth.
Eventually, she was offered a diplomatic post in Greece, serving as Panama’s deputy ambassador. Despite improved conditions, her spiritual pull toward Judaism deepened. She became involved with Chabad in Athens and, after visiting the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, she knew with certainty she wanted to convert.
Encouraged by Rabbi Peretz, Noam moved to live near a synagogue in Athens and formally converted.
Soon after, she visited Israel for the Passover holiday. Watching the Western Wall from her hotel window, she heard the words “Next year in rebuilt Jerusalem”—and knew she had found her life’s purpose.
Despite having a prestigious career, Noam felt a void living as a Jew in the Diaspora. Kosher food and Shabbat observance were challenging in Greece. With unwavering resolve, she left everything behind and immigrated to Israel.
On September 14, 2023, Atara Noam landed in the Holy Land—fulfilling her dream of joining the Jewish people and living as a Jew in the land of Israel.