“Why do you need Nativ? Endless shawarma, beautiful mountains, constant adventure, living in the best cities in the world, the chance to learn and to teach, learn a new language, meet the most incredible people, be woken up every day by the Prime Minister, and live history. Did I mention endless shawarma? Asking why you need Nativ is kind of like asking why you need oxygen.”

“During my year on Nativ I met some of the best friends that I will ever have. We spent our second semester in Yerucham volunteering, hiking, camping, cleaning, cooking, and having the time of our lives. Without Nativ, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.”

“Nativ not only gave me the chance to build relationships with Judaism and my friends, it gave me the opportunity to build a lasting relationship with the country that I love.”

“I am so grateful for the ways in which the Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel helped us cultivate friendships through meaningful Jewish experiences and encouraged us to continuously explore our relationship with Judaism.”

“Nativ allowed me to see Israel from a local’s perspective and truly engage with Israel in ways that no other gap year opportunity provides… Nativ was my opportunity to gain independence both socially and Jewishly that better prepared me to enter college the following year.”