The work we do...

Today we had our first site visit to a Jewish agency for Israel site called nativ which is a program for soldiers who are new olim as well as those who have come on Aliyah who are not halachically Jewish. We met four soldiers-one from Miami, one from south Africa, one from Philadelphia and one from uzbekhastan. Since the Jewish agency allows anyone with a Jewish grandparent to come on Aliyah, these non halachically Jewish kids are now serving in the army and getting married. Nativ, through federation support in cooperation with the army provides the opportunity to learn about Judaism and leaves these young individuals with the opportunity to convert and live as Jewish Israelis. Although they were from different backgrounds they felt the army was a great equalizer, all fighting for the same cause. In addition to those who may possibly choose to convert, the olim who are jewish may also participate in this program as a way to strengthen their connection.