One Summer Fund - VR 2

ONE SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Summer

"Summertime is always the best of what might be."

Dear Community Member, The Orthodox Union (OU) engages more Jews in more places through more summer activities than any other single organization.

Last Summer we reached 5,200 Jews, in 9 countries through 38 distinct programs from Kindergarten through College.

However, we are only scratching the surface.

For all who participate, far more do not.

Some are missing for financial reasons; others are unaware and still more simply unaffiliated.

We need to do better.

And that is why we launched The OU One Summer Fund.

In the ensuing pages you will see The OU One Summer Fund's vast impact. That impact is a reflection of trusted partnerships with generous philanthropists, Jewish Federations and Foundations.

Finally, our impact is shared as an invitation to join us, so we may all reach farther, and strengthen Jewish identity for generations to come.

Sincerely Mitch Aeder President, OU

Populations Served Through OU Summer Programs 5,200 Families

38 Programs

7 Countries

The OU's significant investment in summer programs through financial aid, program subsidies and infrastructure helps extend opportunities for personal growth and community involvement. Scholarships, will reduce the barriers to these programs adding value to the broader community, strengthening connections and fostering a shared sense of identity.

Grades 5 Through High School 32 Programs

2,300 Participants

From sports to corporate internships to work with Israeli first responders, OU summer programs provide a panorama of experiences unbounded by geography and activity.

Individuals With Disabilities 25 Programs

800 Participants

Inclusive summer programs, accommodates the needs of the disabled community, and facilitates understanding, acceptance, and more opportunities.

College Students 18-24 12 Programs

32 Programs

300 Participants

Israel campus and Birthright programs, allow students to experience Israel while working in Jerusalem. Campus programs show students that professional life and Torah values go hand in hand.

Students are also able to explore greater Israel Ages 23with and theover possibility of making Aliyah.

Sarah attended OU Israel's Camp Dror Program. Born to a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, Sarah had limited exposure to her Jewish heritage.

OU SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS Grade 5 through High School

Sarah, a once-reserved fifth-grader, was hesitant about attending OU Israel's Camp Dror Program.

Born to a Jewish mother

CHILDREN AND TEENS SCHOLARSHIP FUND Scholarship Cost & Impact $1,200,000 Fund $6,000 Per Family 200 additional Families

and a non-Jewish father, Sarah had limited exposure to her Jewish heritage. In our program,

Current Program Participation 2,600 Families 32 Programs

she discovered a welcoming community that helped her embrace her Jewish identity.

Underserved Population Low to middle-income families Unaffiliated Jewish families

Sarah's newfound confidence and connection to her roots continue to enrich her life and the lives of her family members.

Sarah OU Israel's Camp Dror

7

Seeing the World "JOLT Europe summer trip is a truly enriching experience, combining Jewish learning, leadership skills, and the exploration of Europe's rich history and culture. It's an extraordinary journey of personal growth and global awareness, creating unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships."

"My summer with NCSY Kollel Mechina was an eye-opening adventure. It felt like stepping into a whole new world of knowledge.

The learning was fascinating, and the sports and trips around Israel kept things fun and engaging. It was a place where I could grow intellectually and personally.

This experience gave me an appreciation for my heritage and broadened my perspectives. " Abigail - Woodmere NY

Public School Summer Trips The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) enables public school students to explore Israel while learning about their Jewish heritage. While in Israel, unaffiliated Jewish teens discover an array of communities and traditions, broadening and enriching their Jewish identity.

Giving Back GIVE (Girls Israel Volunteer Experience) is a chesed program in Israel focused on giving back to the land and people of Israel. Along with daily learning, touring and awesome night activities, girls on GIVE grow in their love of Judaism and personal connection to Israel.

Leadership and Empathy JOLT Israel is for teens who want to become leaders and for teen leaders who are looking to enhance their leadership skills. The highlight of the program is running a camp for siblings of children with chronic illnesses for 10-days.

Seeing the World

NCSY Thailand is an eye-opening, coed program that travels throughout Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), and Israel (Golan, Eilat, Jerusalem, and more!) On NCSY Thailand, you have the opportunity to explore bucket-list destinations, have fun and grow, and make friendships of a lifetime.

"Going on The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) was like walking into a whole new world. We got to check out all sorts of places in Israel, and it wasn't just sightseeing – we were connecting with different communities, traditions, and bits of our Jewish heritage I never knew about before.

Every day felt like a new discovery about myself and where I come from. If you ask me, TJJ is way more than a summer trip – it's a deep-dive into your roots, and it's pretty awesome." ou.org/onesummer for all summer programs

Honing Basketball Skills Jumpshot Israel is an Israel-based overnight basketball camp for high school boys with a focus on cultivating excellence in basketball while instilling an a personal connection to Torah & Israel through athletics and leadership skills.

"Joining the LEAD summer program was truly life-changing. I found myself growing each day, not just through our daily activities, but mostly by spending time with the wonderful kids at the orphanage.

Saving Lives

Hatzalah Rescue is a co-ed program for teens.

On Hatzalah Rescue teens get certified as EMR’s, volunteer on an ambulance and assist in the Hatzalah logistics center.

We learned, we laughed, and we explored Afula together. It wasn't just about having a fun summer; it was about making a real difference.

It's an experience that's now a part of who I am, and I couldn't recommend it enough for anyone looking to have a meaningful summer."

OU One Summer Data GRADES 5 THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL TOTAL CAMPERS 2023 2,600

GROWTH Population Served

Population Unserved

2020 2021 2022 2023 0

1,000

2,000

3,000

GENDER

70% FEMALE I 30 % MALE

LOCATIONS

4,000

From Spectator to Participant: Yael's Transformation Through NCSY's GIVE Program Background Yael, a 16-year-old high school student, came from a financially

Over a decade ago, Rivky Potestio and her family began their extraordinary journey from being deeply involved program in throughout her high school yearswhere had placed a burden of a small Spanish-speaking church, her father isolation served and embarrassment onconversion her. as pastor, toward to Orthodox This feeling of exclusion impacted her self-image and participation in Judaism.

But for Rivky, the transition was socially and academically difficult.

“None of my new classmates had the school and Jewish community. ever encountered anyone with my kind of background, and I don’t think they knew how to relate,” she explains.

constrained family. The inability to afford the NCSY's GIVE summer

Yael's struggle didn't go unnoticed. Yael's school's guidance counselor, recognizing the significance of Yael's situation, coordinated with her In tenth grade, Rivky attended NCSY's Latte 'n Learn

family, the local Jewish community, and the OU'sI scholarship classes, which she enjoyed. “Soon enough, was

committee.

Together, they managed to secure the necessary funding attending Shabbatons and Regionals.

From NCSY, I got this feeling for the first timeininIsrael. a long time, for Yael to participate inthat, the GIVE program I belonged.”

The Experience

NCSY became a safe place in which Rivky could grow and thrive in her Judaism without the pressure. “NCSY not Engagingonly in community service more and exploring historical landmarks in helped me become comfortable with myself, Israel, shebut was noI’m longer a spectator buttoan The now confident and proud tellactive peopleparticipant.

I’m says. program Jewish,” helped Rivky her connect with her Jewish heritage more deeply and

The GIVE program turned out to be a life-altering experience for Yael.

boosted her confidence through hands-on community contributions.

Before her junior year, Rivky was invited to join the board and coordinated chessed projects for NCSYers.

Life Post-Program The following year, Rivky went on NCSY’s GIVE program, When Yael returned to school after the summer, she wasthat noticeably which immerses teen girls in volunteer experiences more self-assured. able toland share her experiences from Israel. give back toShe the was people and of Israel.

“Participating But the GIVE program ignited somethingforelse within her - a strong on GIVE helpedhad grow my appreciation Judaism and and ittocemented my decision to apply for president desire to NCSY, give back her community. of the board for my senior year,” said Rivky. It’s a position she won handily and at which she excelled.

During her senior year, Yael started a fundraising campaign aimed at

helping other students like her afford the GIVE program ensuring that “Being involved in NCSY and being Jewish showed me other students wouldn't facepurpose the same barriers sheRivky. once did. that I have a greater in life,” declared

“Whereas I once looked at Judaism as burdensome, I now think of it as a privilege be a part of something so big.

Yael's journey underscores theto significant impact that programs like And that’s thanks to NCSY.” OU's GIVE can have on a young person's life when financial barriers are

removed. From feeling alienated to becoming an integral part of her community, Yael's story emphasizes the need to ensure their accessibility for all students.

YACHAD

A family affair: Brothers Joshua, Gabriel, and Judah experiencing Israel on Yad B’Yad together.

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Aaron and Sarah Trauring have three wonderful sons, who have been part of the Yachad family for

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES SCHOLARSHIP FUND

more than five years.

It all started in the summer of 2017, when Joshua, now 21, attended Yad B’Yad as a high school participant.

Joshua’s younger brother Judah began attending the Marilyn and

Scholarship Cost & Impact $1,000,000 fund $2,500 per family 400 additional families

Sheldon David IVDU High School after that summer.

In back-to-back summers of 2018 and 2019, Joshua and Judah

Current Program Participation 1,500 Families 26 programs

attended Camp Morasha Yachad, Joshua as a fellow and then counselor, and Judah as a camper.

In the summer of 2021, Judah’s twin brother, Gabriel, joined in on the

Underserved Population Low to middle-income families

action and the three brothers attended Yad B’Yad together, Joshua as a counselor and Judah and Gabriel as participants, marking the first time where three brothers were together.

Judah is still thriving at IVDU and went back to Yad B’Yad this past summer to relive the experience, and to help teach the meaning of belonging to those attending for the first time.

Camp Within Camp Integrated within various sleepaway camps, OU-Yachad campers enjoy a separate bunk with its own support system, joining mainstream peers for many daily activities.

19

Friendship for Life Yad B'Yad creates an environment where everyone belongs and feels a part of something greater. The unity within the group is palpable and lifelong relationships are cultivated. From participants to staff, over 100 individuals become one family.

Vocational Summer Dear Yachad Team,

The Yachad Vocational Program offers participants the opportunity to join a

I can't thank you enough for the respite your Family Getaway program gave us. The serene location, great facilities, and thoughtful staff provided a much-needed break. This vacation wasn't just enjoyable but truly tailored to our family's unique needs, allowing us all to unwind and rejuvenate. We can't wait for our next trip with you.

Warmly, Ellen

mainstream camp as a specialty staff member. Fun camp activities balance their day, along with opportunities to build relationships with peers.id ent it y.

BirthRight Israel Through its dedicated and experienced staff and tour guides, great activities, and stateof-the-art specialized bus, the trip is designed for participants to have a comfortable and incredible journey.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity you've given my child through the Yachad Vocational Program. The experience of joining a mainstream camp as a specialty staff member has been incredibly enriching for them.

They've not only enjoyed fun camp activities but also learned valuable skills and built wonderful friendships along the way and gave him a priceless sense of belonging. We're deeply grateful for your commitment to inclusivity and growth."

Jacob - Parent

I just wanted to express how grateful I am for the chance to be part of Yad B'Yad this summer. Working with such a diverse group and making a real difference was truly a lifealtering experience.

I learned so much about empathy, understanding, and the power of community. This program has genuinely touched my heart and changed the way I see the world.

Thank you for this incredible opportunity!

Josh - NCSY Teen Participant

A SUCCESSFUL ALIYAH

Finding Our Place in Israel: A Family's Journey with Yachad's Summer Program Five years ago, my wife and I embarked on our journey of aliyah, bringing our two youngest children, Mendy (23) and Suri (27) with us. Both Mendy and Suri were born with Down syndrome, and as we prepared to move to a new country, we were deeply concerned about their ability to adjust socially and stay safe.

It was during this time we discovered Yachad Israel and their summer program for children with special needs. This program proved to be a lifeline for us. The dedicated staff at Yachad went above and beyond to ensure not just the safety, but also the success of all participants. They cultivated an environment that was fun, inclusive, and unforgettable.

Our home now bears the mark of these cherished memories, with photos and mementos from the Yachad summer program adorning every wall.

These tokens serve as constant reminders of the joyful times we spent with our extended Yachad family.

We are profoundly grateful to Yachad Israel, not just for enriching the lives of our children, but also for extending that enrichment to their friends and families. Our aliyah journey would have been unimaginably different without the support of the Yachad team and the summer program.

-E. Goldstock, Jerusalem

OU's programs for individuals with disabilities in Israel include summer camp, relationship building, the Slice of Torah Learning Program with Yeshivat HaKotel, and a weekly buddy program in partnership with seven local schools.

23

The 489 ongoing chavrutot with students and OU-JLIC educators learn topics that include Chumash, Navi, Gemara, and Mussar.

C o l l e g e

A g e

S t u d e n t s

Rachel Landesman, a sophomore at Barnard College attended SIJW, where she got the chance to

COLLEGE AGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

intern for ITIM - The Jewish Life Advocacy Center.

“While interning at ITIM I had the amazing opportunity to deepen my understanding of

Scholarship Cost & Impact $200,000 fund $2,500 per family 80 additional families

the complex relationship between religion and state in Israel. Each week the interns learned about different religious services and met with representatives from organizations working to promote a more inclusive religious establishment within a Halakhic framework. I also completed a personal project in ITIM’s Giyur K’Halacha Center, which involved strengthening the company’s English conversion curriculum. These experiences helped me develop my own opinions on religion and state issues in Israel, and gave me an insight into future career paths.”

Current Program Participation 190 Families 12 programs Underserved Population Low to middle-income families Non OU JLIC campuses Unaffiliated families

ALL SUMMER TRIPS AND PROGRAMS CHILDREN AND TEENS GRADE 5 THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

NCSY Summer Trips Girls Trips Kollel Mechina Track Chai Euro 4G GIVE GIVE West Impact LEAD Michlelet Michlelet Mechina

Boys Trips Camp Sports Chai Impact Jumpshot Kollel Kollel Mechina Track

OU Israel Camp Dror Fagin Leasdership Program

NCSY Relief Missions Rwanda Houston Kentucky New Orleans Puerto Rico

Coed Trips Euro Israel Hatzalah Rescue Israel ID JOLT Israel Justifi Thailand Kadima Next Step: Israel Internships Passport

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Amichai Vocational Integration Chaverim Getaway Kesher Lavi Vocational Integration Lavi Yachad Integration Mesorah Camper Integration Mesorah Vocational Integration Morasha Yachad Integration Moshava Alevy Camper Integration Moshava Alevy Vocational Integration Moshava Ba’ir NJ Vocational Integration Moshava Ba’ir Toronto Vocational Integration Moshava Ennismore Camper Integration Moshava Ennismore Vocational Integration Moshava IO Camper Integration Moshava IO Vocational Integration Moshava Wild Rose Camper Integration Moshava Wild Rose Vocational Integration Nesher Yachad Integration Sephardic Adventure Camp CLE ELUM, WASHINGTON Sephardic Adventure Camp Yachad BaChutz Yad B'Yad

COLLEGE STUDENTS Ascend Summer in Jerusalem at TVA Summer In Jerusalem for Women at Nishmat Dr. Mordecai D. Katz Z'L OU-JLIC at Tel Aviv University

Birthright placeholder

Back Cover

Summer