The Latrun Tank Museum on the outskirts of Jerusalem rocked with live musical performances, American barbeque and greetings from distinguished guests recently at the Orthodox Union’s (OU) Yom NCSY, a record event with 2,500 summer program participants. Participants hailed from 32 states, Canada, United Kingdom and Israel and represented the full Jewish religious spectrum.

The evening featured a special opportunity for participants to meet newly installed Jewish Agency Chairman Yitzchak Herzog and entertainment from New York-based DJZJ, singers Eitan and Shlomo Katz and performances from Israeli singers.

“Yom NCSY represents the very essence of what NCSY Summer is all about. At the event it doesn’t matter what your religious background is, it’s about a united non-judgmental, encouraging environment celebrating our shared connections in the home of the Jewish people,” said NCSY Summer Director David Cutler. “The palpable energy, cheering, singing and dancing has made this the highlight of the summer.”

In addition to the festivities, the event highlighted the 20th anniversary of The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), NCSY’s premier touring program for public school students. Now in its 20th year, the program has also recently created two additional programs for participants hoping to spend an additional summer within the umbrella of TJJ. The TJJ Ambassadors and TJJ Ambassadors Poland programs are geared towards leadership development within the program’s national alumni community. To mark this landmark year, NCSY is establishing the TJJ Founders Scholarship in honor of Rabbi Barry Goldfischer, the beloved TJJ educator known for his warm and engaging personality. Rabbi Goldfischer is the current director of TJJ and has been involved with the program since its inception.

“The energy and enthusiasm of these young people was contagious. It was wonderful to see them all come together – from all parts of the world and from many different religious backgrounds – to celebrate their summer together, sharing in a love of Torah and Israel,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin.

“The Orthodox Union takes enormous pride in NCSY’s summer programs,” said Moishe Bane, President of the Orthodox Union. “The incredible array of styles and approaches reflects the OU approach to Judaism – that religious, Jewish growth must be made accessible and engaging for every Jew, regardless of educational, religious or cultural background. God has blessed the OU with NCSY staff that has the passion, commitment and brilliance to advance that aspiration.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)