DJ Schneeweiss, Consul General of Israel for Toronto and Western Canada, and Mrs. Jo Schneeweiss recently hosted a gathering in their home of supporters of NCSY Canada, saluting the exceptional work it has done building connections between Jewish teens and Israel.

Speakers included Michlelet (NCSY Israel Summer Program) participant Adira Shiff, Orna Serruya, Chair of NCSY Women’s Division and mother of TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey, NCSY Israel Summer Program) participant Clara Serruya,  and the Consul General spoke to the guests about the importance of NCSY experiences, and the hard work ahead.

This past summer, NCSY sent almost 150 Canadian teens on Israel Summer programs; We have already surpassed last year’s numbers for next year’s Israel programs and NCSY sponsored gap year study programs, and Israel is a regular focus of weekly Jewish Student Union clubs in 10 public high schools in the GTA.

“We’re proud to have the Consul General and the State of Israel as partners – we celebrate the unbreakable bond between Israel and the Jewish people, and we emphasize the importance of a strong, safe Israel as a pillar of Jewish identity to our participants.” noted Rabbi Glenn Black, Chief Executive Officer of NCSY Canada.