English-speaking teenagers who immigrated to Israel have discovered a transformative path to integration through a specialized youth movement that addresses their unique challenges and cultural needs. NCSY Israel, operating under the OU Israel umbrella, has supported over 1,800 adolescents during its ten-year existence, with 800 young people participating in current programs.
The organization functions as a distinctive youth movement designed specifically for English-speaking teens who have made aliyah, establishing five regional branches across Israel's major Anglo communities. These branches create a comprehensive geographic coverage for families who have relocated from English-speaking countries.
The movement recently conducted a major Shabbaton (a Shabbat retreat) gathering that attracted more than 200 teenagers for a weekend spiritual experience, demonstrating the program's growing influence among young immigrants. The organization's broader parent entity, OU Israel, extends its mission beyond youth programming to support English-speaking immigrants across all age demographics through religious study sessions, community events, and targeted assistance programs.
Integrating after years of struggle
Effy Levy, a 25-year-old who immigrated from New Jersey at age four, experienced significant integration difficulties despite his early arrival in Israel. "I couldn't connect with other youth movements, and I felt like no one understood me. At NCSY Israel, I found a warm environment with people who spoke my language and shared similar experiences and challenges. I felt like I belonged," Levy explained.
The young man joined the movement during high school and subsequently transitioned from participant to advisor through the organization's mentorship structure. "They saw me as a human being. When I made aliyah, other children laughed at me. At NCSY Israel, for the first time, they laughed with me," Levy stated.
Following his high school graduation, Levy attended an NCSY Israel-organized event where program alumni discussed their experiences in various military and national service positions. "I was going through a confusing time, socially, academically, and religiously, and they helped me choose a pre-army yeshiva program and figure out which military role would suit me best," he recalled.
After completing his service in the IDF logistics corps, Levy maintained his volunteer involvement with NCSY Israel. In November 2023, one month after the current conflict began, he received a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. "My friends and staff from NCSY Israel came to visit and showed me such amazing support. It meant so much to me, and in my opinion, was part of what helped me recover," Levy shared.
"This movement changed me"
Yoni Mugrabi, a 21-year-old Modi'in resident currently serving as a combat aircraft technician in the Israeli Air Force, initially struggled with social connections within the movement. "At first, I didn't feel connected, but when the advisors shared their own experiences, I felt like I belonged. This movement changed me – I used to be the kind of kid who sat at the corner and didn't talk to others. Suddenly, I started opening up and connecting," Mugrabi recounted.
The young serviceman evolved into an NCSY Israel advisor and now provides guidance to current participants regarding their military service decisions. "I wanted to be a combat soldier, but NCSY Israel helped me understand what really fit me best. Now participants reach out to me themselves for advice," Mugrabi noted.
Leadership development builds confidence
Adira Marcus, a 19-year-old who immigrated at age ten, encountered placement difficulties in traditional Israeli educational and youth frameworks. "I couldn't find my place, not in my school nor in other Israeli youth movements. NCSY Israel was the first place where I felt comfortable, where they really understood me. Even now, when I'm no longer in the movement, I still feel seen and valued, thanks to the skills I developed there," Marcus explained.
Currently serving in her inaugural year of national service, Marcus credits her career inspiration to alumni connections made through the movement. "The leadership training I received at NCSY Israel helped me learn how to communicate with people, speak publicly, and believe in myself," she stated.
"After October 7th, I knew I had to serve this country"
Sarina Price, a 17-year-old who immigrated independently at the age of 15 two years ago, resides in boarding school accommodations while attending high school. "At first, I knew nothing – not even how to use public transportation or navigate life in Israel. Today, I know this is my home," Price reflected.
Price joined NCSY Israel following her immigration and credits the organization with maintaining her religious observance. "Being a new immigrant in boarding school is tough. I wanted to be with friends going through the same experiences. NCSY Shabbatons have helped me stay religious," she explained.
The teenager's service commitment crystallized following the October 7th attacks. "After October 7th, I knew I had to serve this country. It's not just a right, it's an obligation. They guided me through the decision process. When alumni came to speak with us, I talked with a girl who had taken a similar path to what I was aiming for, and she helped me register and decide when I was still confused," Price shared.
As NCSY Israel commemorates its tenth anniversary, program graduates continue demonstrating that immigrant youth can successfully integrate and contribute meaningfully to Israeli society. Despite facing substantial challenges, these young people have embraced their new homeland and actively participate in shaping its future development.
Rabbi Yosef Ginsberg, NCSY Israel's Regional Director, expressed organizational pride regarding alumni achievements. "Our pride as an organization is seeing our alumni fulfill an eternal dream – building the Holy Land with dedication and faith, even when it's challenging. With ten years of NCSY in Israel, we've been privileged to raise a generation that believes in their mission, loves their people, and remains faithful to both the Land and Torah," Ginsberg concluded.
