OU Israel, the Israeli branch of the Orthodox Union, is expanding from its traditional base in Jerusalem to serve English-speaking immigrants across the country. Originally established in 1979 as a Jerusalem hub, the organization has provided study programs, lectures, holiday events, tours, youth activities and community services, along with support for at-risk youth, NCSY programs and its Torah Tidbits publication.
The organization has relocated its headquarters from Jerusalem's Keren Hayesod Street to Har Hotzvim, marking a shift toward nationwide operations. OU Israel now targets English-speaking communities from Nahariya in the north to Yeruham in the south.
Rabbi Avi Berman, executive director of OU Israel, said the organization aims "to provide opportunities for meaningful religious learning and practice for English-speaking olim," Including spaces and initiatives that help integration into Israeli society.
Berman noted that English-speaking immigrants often arrive with significant professional backgrounds but struggle to find community and contribute fully upon arrival. "When you see the quality of people who are making aliyah from Anglo communities, you realize they are the crème de la crème. They have sat on boards and committees, are professionals, but when they come to Israel, they may not find their community and are often unable to contribute as much as they can."
He emphasized that supporting this population benefits the country. "The more empowered they feel, the more the State of Israel stands to benefit from this community. It will ultimately have an impact on the entire country and make Israel a much greater place." Successful English-speaking communities, Berman added, also encourage further immigration.
OU Israel has reorganized into two divisions - Torah Initiatives and the Women's Division - operating programs nationwide. The Mother-Daughter Program, which began in Jerusalem, now operates in nine locations.
The organization runs multiple programs including Torah study, youth outreach, professional networking and soldier support. These include the Avrom Silver Jerusalem College for Adults, outreach centers for at-risk teens, teen centers for youth from Israel's socioeconomic periphery, and Camp Dror, a three-week English-language summer camp. NCSY Israel chapters operate in multiple communities, and specialized programs serve soldiers, reservists, university students and professionals.
Frontline Support, established for English-speaking soldiers including lone soldiers, provides emotional and spiritual support through Torah learning and Shabbat programs. One soldier's father described attending an Ashkelon Shabbaton: "My son attended the Shabbaton in Ashkelon and you have no idea how important it was for his healing."
The organization recently launched the OU Israel Business and Professionals Network, connecting English-speaking professionals through networking events. Programming has also expanded to include prominent speakers visiting communities nationwide.
Berman stated the goal is not to preserve American identity but to help immigrants integrate while providing linguistic comfort. "We are not looking to keep Americans 'American' but to offer opportunities for all Anglo olim to revert to their native language and embrace their mamaloshen. This enables deeper engagement without the constant mental strain of translation. This comfort zone is crucial for helping olim, especially those who made aliyah as adults, to acclimate more smoothly, and ultimately it strengthens their Israeli identity."