Safe & Welcoming
Safety protocols and vetted advisors ensure a secure environment.
OUR REGION
A Welcoming Home in the Israel
NCSY connects Jewish teens to their heritage through meaningful programs, dedicated advisors, and a vibrant community that feels like home.
OUR HISTORY
WHY: THE CHALLENGE
The teenage years are challenging at the best of times. Add being a recent immigrant to the mix, and the challenge is even greater. Anglo teens are confronting questions of who they are and how they can have an impact on their new surroundings. They have left the communities and familiarity they grew up with, and they are not yet comfortable in their new environments. They struggle with cultural differences, social limitations, the language barrier and even a desire to contribute to society without a framework in which they can do so.
WHAT: OUR MISSION
NCSY Israel is the premier youth movement in Israel dedicated to connecting, inspiring and empowering English-speaking teens through the values of Zionism, Torah and Tradition. Since 2015, we have enhanced Anglo teen’s religious and national connection to Israel, positively impacted their attitude towards National Service, and have provided integration support to acclimate into Israeli Society.
The advisors you know. The learning you’ll love.
We don’t just build programs.
We build Jewish leaders
OUR MISSION
Role Models & Relationship Building
Relationships are a core element of our mission. Through our programming 9th-12th grade teens are provided with college-age madrichim and madrichot, a model different than any other youth movement in Israel. Each chapter is headed by a male and female Chapter Director couple so teen participants always have someone they can turn to. Additionally, over 90% of our advising staff have completed the army or national service, an important element in guiding teens on their next steps post high school. Teens develop close connections with the dedicated and experienced staff who are available for support and guidance in the teens’ life journeys and decisions in Israel.
Teens are also exposed to a network of friends and peers, both within their communities and throughout Israel. In fact, NCSY Israel is the only Israel youth movement that regularly brings together youth from different chapters across the country, which teens report they really appreciate. Close friendships are made through NCSY Israel which often continue well after teens have graduated and moved on to different places.
OUR VISION
What NCSY Looks Like Here
Community
Local events, Shabbatons, and social programs give teens a warm place to belong and connect with friends.
Growth
Informal Jewish education and mentorship help teens explore Judaism in a way that feels relevant and alive.
Leadership
Teens are invited to take responsibility, guide their peers, and make a positive impact in their community.
Our Programs
OUR STAFF
Meet Our Team
See how Israel NCSY staff is your daily source of inspiration.
Rabbi Michael Kahn
Executive Director, NCSY Israel
Rabbi Michael Kahn
Executive Director, NCSY Israel
Rabbi Yosef Ginsberg
Regional Director
Rabbi Yosef Ginsberg
Regional Director
Rabbi Yosef Ginsberg was born in Long Island, NY, and made Aliyah after studying at Yeshivat Hakotel and serving in an urban combat unit in the IDF. Together with his wife, he lived in the Old City of Jerusalem for eight transformative years, immersed in Torah, education, and community building. He holds a degree in Education from Michlelet Lifschitz and received rabbinic ordination from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg zt”l.
Rabbi Ginsberg has taught in numerous yeshivot and seminaries across Israel and serves on the educational staff of the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem, where he combines depth of Torah learning with historical perspective and meaning.
As the co-founder and Regional Director of NCSY Israel, Rabbi Ginsberg leads the premier movement dedicated to inspiring and empowering teen olim to embrace a passionate Judaism, deeply connected to Torah, tradition, and the Land of Israel. He lives in Neria with his wife and five children, where their home reflects the same warmth and vibrancy he brings to his students and community.
Emily Stemp
Senior Program Director
Emily Stemp
Senior Program Director
Emily, originally from Queens, NY, made Aliyah after learning at Midreshet HaRova for two years. Following her years in seminary she completed Sherut Leumi at Bikur Cholim Hospital and subsequently began her degree at Bar Ilan University in psychology and biology. Emily joined NCSY Israel as a madricha in 2021 and was one of two madrichot launching the NCSY Chai Girls summer program in 2023.
Eliav and Tamara Saban
Jerusalem Chapter Directors
Eliav and Tamara Saban
Jerusalem Chapter Directors
Eliav is originally from Toronto, Canada. He made Aliyah after his first year at Yeshivat Hakotel and then went on to serve as a Mifaked in Shiryon (tank commander). Eliav then returned to Yeshiva to finish Hesder and is now joining the Kollel to continue his studies in Yeshivat Hakotel.
Tamara grew up in Manchester, England and came for a year in Midreshet Harova where she decided this is the place she wants to be. After completing her Marketing Management in University she made Aliyah to Jerusalem in 2024. Tamara currently works in Midreshet Harova.
Eliav Saban
eliav.saban@ncsy.org
053-346-2470
Tamara Saban
tamara.saban@ncsy.org
052-728-3660
CONNECT WITH OUR REGION
Where to Find Us
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How You Can Help
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