Amid War And Uncertainty, The Orthodox Union Brought Over 2,000 Youth To Israel This Summer

JLIC’s Summer in Jerusalem internship and beit midrash program brought 45 college students to Israel this summer.

TJJ participants ran a carnival in Givat Eden for children of parents serving in miluim (reserve duty).

Participants of the OU’s Israel Free Spirit Birthright volunteer track sorted vegetables at Leket, Israel’s leading food rescue organization

Amid escalating tensions from the Iran war, which threatened to derail hundreds of summer programs in Israel, the Orthodox Union ensured that over 3,000 participants—including over 2,000 North Americans—could still experience a secure and unforgettable summer.

For Laurie Engel of Chicago, there was never a question about sending her 16-year-old daughter Maayan to Israel on JOLT, NCSY’s teen leadership program, during the conflict.

“Maayan was extremely excited about the trip and we were disappointed when we thought it might not happen,” Engel recalls. “We agreed that if it proceeded, she would go, no matter what—even if the itinerary would be altered a bit to accommodate the changing situation. There was no hesitation when it came to deciding to send Maayan on JOLT once the trip was confirmed. Having sent two other children on NCSY summer programs in the past, I knew that the leadership would do whatever was necessary to ensure that she would have a great time while staying safe.”

Maayan was one of 1,072 teens who spent a transformative summer in Israel with NCSY—whether on JOLT; TJJ (The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey) for public school students; Kollel and Michlelet learning tracks; GIVE chesed program for girls; Hatzalah Rescue; Next Step – Israel Internships; or touring trips like Israel ID, Derech for boys, and Israel Discovery.

“Our staff are truly heroes, including the hundreds who adjusted their summer plans and who smoothly rolled with the punches,” says NCSY International Director Rabbi Micah Greenland. “The leadership of our NCSY Summer team was particularly extraordinary; they juggled multiple contingencies simultaneously, and drew on years of experience and protocols that helped keep decision-making and communication as smooth as possible under the circumstances. All told, it’s an exceptional group of dedicated, mission-focused people who made this summer’s programs possible.”

He adds that NCSY’s Israel summer programs are integral to adolescents’ Jewish growth. “They expose teens to a legacy and to sites in which Jewish heritage and a Jewish present come alive and inspire,” he says. “They introduce teens to role models who exemplify inspired Jewish living and empower them to take ownership of their Jewish experience. When we pair all of those with ongoing NCSY involvement after the trip, the multiplier effect is magnificent.”

Rabbi Greenland notes that while security is a concern every summer, NCSY and other major Israel programs adjust itineraries and coordinate movements based on daily intelligence from a dedicated agency. Tour providers receive these briefings, and programs are planned with full confidence in their guidance.

“This summer became much more precarious when things heated up between Israel and Iran, especially when Ben Gurion Airport closed to air traffic just weeks before our trips were due to launch,” he reflects. “It was truly extraordinary that things calmed down as quickly as they did, which reopened the realistic possibility of running our trips more-or-less as originally planned.”

Beyond NCSY, JLIC Director of Summer Programs Yonina Rosenthal worked diligently to save JLIC’s popular Summer in Jerusalem internship and beit midrash program for college students.

“Five programs were originally scheduled,” she recalls. “When all flights to and from Israel were grounded, we were devastated. Once things calmed down, we opened a slightly shortened version of the Summer in Jerusalem program for those still interested in going to Israel and were thrilled to welcome 45 participants.”

While the OU’s Emerging Career Professionals (ECP) Israel volunteer trip in late June was canceled due to the war, ECP Director Sarah Proops is thrilled that the second mission will be taking place as scheduled. Next week, 34 yeshiva and Bais Yaakov-oriented singles ages 30 to 35 will participate in a unique chesed-based trip to Israel, run in collaboration with Birthright Israel Volunteer, Israel Free Spirit, and Tzipora Grodko, host of Meaningful Minute’s “Stories of Hope” podcast.

“We are so grateful that this mission is able to go ahead, because it’s the first of its kind for people to get to know each other organically through chesed and meaningful experiences,” Proops says. “We are hoping that our upcoming trip is the first of many; the next one will be in December for marriage-minded singles ages 26 to 33.”

Alongside JLIC and ECP, Israel Free Spirit partnered with several other departments—including NCSY, TJJ, and Yachad—to bring teens and adults to Israel this summer.

Originally, 2,000 North Americans and about 250 Israelis were slated to join Israel Free Spirit’s classic Birthright and volunteer trips. But when the Iran war erupted, several groups were forced to cancel.

“When the war broke out, 140 of our participants, including our Yachad-partnered group, were stranded in Israel,” recalls Israel Free Spirit/Taglit Birthright Director Yael Tamari. “Birthright Israel worked with our Israel Free Spirit team in-office and on the ground to swiftly evacuate them home safely.”

Despite the disruption, Israel Free Spirit Birthright trips resumed as soon as the skies reopened and ultimately brought 1,100 post-high school teens and adults to Israel, spread over 17 tour groups and 20 volunteer groups.

“Our success really speaks to the incredible work and dedication of OU leadership and staff across multiple departments,” says Tamari. “Together, we did everything possible to keep these programs running, and to give as many people as possible the chance to experience Israel to its fullest—securely, meaningfully, and with joy.”

Yachad also created safe and memorable summer experiences for about 100 North Americans, Anglo olim, and Israelis with disabilities, like Jerusalem’s Nathaniel Litvin. Litvin waits all year for Yachad Nofesh, a 15-day vacation retreat for adults with disabilities in Northern Israel. The program is the highlight of his summer—reconnecting with friends, making new ones, enjoying trips and activities, and soaking in the signature ruach OU programs are known for.

Born with developmental delays, Nathaniel, 43, leads a full life. He shares a sheltered apartment with three other men and a madrich, works full time in a supervised vocational program, and celebrates Shabbat and holidays with family. Except for last year, when he underwent surgeries that kept him home, he hasn’t missed Nofesh since he began going five years ago.

“Nofesh is Nathaniel’s favorite thing in life,” says his mom, Sharon. “It’s where he has tremendous independence and pure fun, without anyone telling him what to do. He loves every minute, especially interacting with ‘mainstream’ peers. Every year he anticipates camp with such excitement, and he returns on a high.”

Nofesh is equally precious to Sharon. “For two weeks, I can rest, stay with my daughter in Tel Aviv, and not be on call,” she explains. “I don’t have to worry about Nathaniel, because I know that he is safe and happy at camp. The OU and Yachad have made a huge difference in my son’s life. Had Nofesh been canceled, it would have been depressing for both of us.”

Yachad International Director Avromie Adler notes that in the aftermath of October 7 and the Iran war, Yachad’s Israel summer programs are even more treasured by members and their families.

“Life in Israel has been very difficult, especially for our Yachad families,” he says. “Frequent trips to shelters and program closures leave little downtime. Parents of children with disabilities are often ‘on’ around the clock, which takes a toll on their mental health, reduces attention for other children, and can leave a child with a disability frustrated and needing a break as well. Being able to run our programs has meant the world to so many families.”

Other Yachad summer Israel programs for North Americans, Anglo olim, and Israelis include Yachad at Camp Amichai, a sleepaway camp in Northern Israel; Nofesh L’Noar, a new retreat for youth with disabilities; and Yad B’Yad, a touring program for North American teens with and without disabilities. Adler notes that with clear communication, regular updates, and enhanced security reassured parents, not a single family withdrew their children over safety concerns.

This same spirit of adaptability and resilience was evident across other Israel-based programs. Over 1,200 Anglo olim and Israeli teens and young adults attended OU Israel sleepaway camps including Camp Dror and Dror Manhigut, NCSY Chai, and Teen Centers Legacy Summer Camps for teens from Sderot and northern regions.

“In 2024, we did not run Camp Dror, which is located in Northern Israel, due to missiles from Lebanon and Syria, and that was the right decision,” recalls OU Israel Executive Director Rabbi Avi Berman. “Seeing children and teens return this year with such eagerness was unforgettable. Their joy, energy, and resilience were palpable. They dove into activities, reunited with old friends, and forged new connections as if no time had passed. It was a true testament to their spirit and love of camp.”

Reflecting on the scale of OU summer programs in Israel and the unique challenges of the past two seasons, the OU’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, adds:

“We are immensely proud of the NCSY, JLIC, Yachad, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, and OU Israel teams. They worked tirelessly to bring as many participants as possible to a safe, inspiring, and successful summer in Israel. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”