Picture this: A cozy living room in Ariel, warm with anticipation, filled with bright-eyed JLIC members leaning forward, hanging on every word of Dr. Itzik Nagel’s aliyah story. On January 22nd, 2025, our JLIC at Ariel University transformed an ordinary Wednesday evening into an extraordinary moment of connection and possibility.
Hosted by our local JLIC directors Rav Assaf and Shlomit Olshitsky, the gathering felt more like an intimate family conversation than a formal event. Roughly a dozen of our JLIC students packed the room, their questions tumbling out faster than Dr. Nagel could answer. A psychiatrist who had made aliyah himself, he became an instant rock star in the eyes of these young, aspiring Israel enthusiasts.
Our Ariel University campus, one of JLIC’s newest locations, isn’t just another college – it’s a launchpad for dreams. Take the pre-med English degree program, for instance. It’s not just about hitting the books; it’s about building bridges between Anglo students and the vibrant Israeli community. Imagine studying medicine while simultaneously learning to navigate Israeli culture – that’s the kind of immersive experience we’re talking about.
This was more than just another campus event. JLIC has mastered the art of transformative programming. We’re not just supporting students; we’re nurturing future Israeli professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Dr. Nagel’s stories weren’t just anecdotes – they were roadmaps, showing our students that the leap to aliyah isn’t a wild dream, but a tangible reality.
The room crackled with energy as our students peppered Dr. Nagel with questions. “How did you adapt?” “What challenges did you face?” “What advice would you give us?” Each question peeled back another layer of the aliyah experience, revealing both its challenges and its incredible rewards.
Integration was the evening’s secret sauce. These aren’t just Anglo students studying in Israel; they’re future contributors to Israeli society. JLIC is helping them break down cultural barriers, one conversation at a time. Dr. Nagel’s personal journey – from making aliyah to establishing a successful psychiatric practice – was living proof that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.
As the evening wound down, you could feel the shift in the room. What started as curious students had transformed into potential olim, their horizons expanded, their understanding deepened. Our Ariel University campus and JLIC aren’t just educational institutions – they’re dreamweavers, possibility makers.
For our students, aliyah is no longer a distant concept. It’s a journey waiting to be embraced, a story waiting to be written.
Stay tuned, because these students? They’re just getting started.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about JLIC and to support our programming.
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