NESTO stands for Native English Speaking Teen Olim. The program reaches out to young Anglo olim who face the challenges of a new country, culture and language. 

Our Mission
NESTO’s mission is to create a comfortable social framework for English speaking teen olim in order to ease the aliyah absorpotion process. Through that framework, NESTO seeks to empower its youth and strengthen their Jewish and Israeli identity.

NESTO’s Teens
The challenges of aliyah are manifold for a young teenager. A new country means new social norms, new friends, new schools and new expectations. When a teen is forced to make aliyah, even the family unit can feel unstable. At NESTO, Anglo teenagers find a warm, accepting social environment. Programs are geared to help them feel at home in Israeli society, to feel better about themselves and empowered to succeed.

Programs
NESTO’s programs includes weekly activities, Shabbatonim, chessed activities, tiyulim, and concerts to provide a positive social framework and offer a sense of belonging. In addition, NESTO offers leadership training, mentorship programs, tutoring and counseling when necessary. Overall, NESTO’s programs promote a sense of belonging, self confidence, responsibility, and pride in Jewish and Zionist heritage.

Integration
Increasing numbers of NESTO graduates serve in the IDF and Sherut Leumi, attend pre-army programs or Hesder yeshivot. A large number of graduates also become advisors in NESTO, giving back to new olim as they feel prepared to take their place in Israeli society.