About Us

5 February 2012 / 12 Shevat 5772

History

The Israel Center was founded in 1978 by George and Ilse Falk who dreamt of a “home away from home” for NCSY yeshiva students in studying in Israel. Over the last twenty years, the Center has developed into a national outreach center and Jerusalem’s foremost community service for adults and youth.

In the late 1970’s and early ‘80’s, the Israel Center focused primarily on the English speaking population in Jerusalem. It offered shiurim, concerts and community services such as a second Seder for tourists. As enthusiasm and demand grew, the center expanded its offering of shiurim, and added a range of new programs, including: tiyulim, lectures, the weekly Torah Tidbits publication, Shabbatons, and special programs.

By 1991, 800 people crowded into the Israel Center to prepare physically and spiritually for the impending Gulf War. By then, the Israel Center was not reserved for English speakers alone, and Russian olim continued to attend Ulpan at the center throughout the war.

Israel Center initiatives began to take on a national scope, and in 2000, the center moved to larger facilities at the Seymour J. Abrams OU Jerusalem World Center in central Jerusalem. From its new location, the Israel center tripled its youth activities and spread its reach to Gush Dan, the Jordan Valley and the Golan Heights.

Today, the Israel Center continues to serve the English speaking population through its programs and services. Its activities also extend beyond the Anglo community, reaching out to native Israeli youth and communities throughout the country.

What We Do

OU Israel reaches out to Jews throughout Israel to embrace, support and inspire. We bolster those in need and encourage Jews across the spectrum of religious observance to invigorate their commitment to Jewish heritage and homeland.

Our efforts cover a broad spectrum. We work with Israeli youth to instill a sense of pride, purpose and commitment to the Jewish People and the Land of Israel. Within secular native-Israel communities we spread awareness and renewed understanding of Jewish heritage. And we provide a spiritual and social outlet for Anglo olim in order to encourage and facilitate aliyah. 

About The Programs

Our programs aim to create Jewish environments which welcome and accept each individual. The programs continuously evolve with the spiritual and physical needs of the people we work with.

OU Israel Center

OU Israel Center

A center where Jews can connect, explore and revitalize their relationship with Torah, Israel and the Jewish people. Find out More

Makom Balev

Makom Balev

A youth group with a mission to embrace, empower and inspire Israel’s youth. Find out More

Mashiv HaRuach - Soldiers

Mashiv HaRuach - Soldiers

Connecting Israel’s soldiers with land of Israel to instill pride and passion for our nation and our country. Find out More

Oraita

Oraita

A unique hangout encouraging Jewish identity and social responsibility in Israeli teens. Find out More

The Zula

The Zula

Finding the light within youth at risk in Israel. Find out More

News

Women's Mission to Israel

OU Israel is proud to present a fabulous Women’s Mission to Israel

Radio show hosted by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Rabbi Avi Berman and Yisroel Goren.

Radio show hosted by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Rabbi Avi Berman and Yisroel Goren. Listen to an inspiring discussion regarding important issues that affect today’s youth living in Israel. (In Hebrew)
http://www.ouisrael.org/audio/detail/radio-show-hosted-by-rabbi-shmuel-eliyahu-rabbi-avi-berman-and-yisroel-gore/