OU ISRAEL
A PLACE WE CALL HOME Since 1979, OU Israel has been making a difference in Israel, enriching the lives of children and adults, immigrants and native Israelis, visitors and residents, soldiers and civilians. OU Israel's five-story building in central Jerusalem is home to classrooms, event halls, and more than 80 weekly programs that attract Jews of all affiliations. Through social connection and spiritual inspiration, OU Israel's goal is to maintain and invigorate each individual's Jewish heritage while fostering Jewish pride and unity.
ZULA: SUPPORTING AT-RISK YOUTH Since 2000, when it opened with five kids and a guitar, The Pearl and Harold Jacobs Zula Outreach Center—“the Zula”—has been a home for thousands of troubled teens, most from religious homes. Counselors and social workers create a safe space, building trust and encouraging kids to get in touch with their spiritual side and to reconnect with their Jewish roots and Jewish pride.
CHAIM’S STORY: SAVED BY ZULA AND MUSIC For Chaim, music has been an anchor in his often conflicted and tumultuous life. Now living in Israel, Chaim grew up in an ultra-religious family in New York. When he broke from his community, Chaim had no formal education or professional training, making it difficult to find gainful employment. At his lowest point, when Chaim was living on the streets with no place to go, he became connected to the Zula. There he found acceptance—and music. Chaim was quick to make use of the Zula’s music room and its equipment to mix tracks, jam with the Zula band, and even learn the violin, an experience that left him recharged and rejuvenated. “When I play music all my worries seem to fade away,” he said. “I have profound gratitude to the Zula for giving people like me the chance to come together, doing something we love.”
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