Michael Reidler '09 Honoree Profile

MICHAEL REIDLER ‘09

RECIPIENT OF THE ALUMNI MENSCHLICHKEIT AWARD

BY ALEX GOLDSTEIN For Michael Reidler ‘09, taking care of the most vulnerable people in our society, wherever they may be, has always been of paramount importance. His parents instilled this value in him while he grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, and it was further reinforced at the Ramaz Upper School, where he was involved with numerous chesed projects, including weekly visits to an elder care facility on the Upper West Side.

But it was Michael’s summer experience at an Emunah children’s home in Israel, after his junior year at Ramaz, that would inspire him to start an organization that has changed his life and the lives of so many others.

“I was responsible for teenagers who couldn’t live with their parents because of poverty, abandonment, or physical and emotional abuse,” said Michael. “By simply providing friendship, I was able to show the kids that I believed in them, that they could be successful in all aspects of life. It was transformative for me.”

Upon returning to Ramaz for his senior year, Michael began seriously thinking about his future— and how he could make a real difference to the kids he helped during the summer as well as others who have similar life challenges. He had considered applying to seven-year medical programs, but after graduating in 2009, decided to attend the Stern School of Business at New York University.

In Michael’s spare time, he started Kol HaNearim (Voice of the Youth), which cares for orphans and at-risk children by organizing summer camps and providing year-long programming. From the outset, Michael was driven by the belief that surrounding the children with positive role models who believe in them will help them believe in themselves.

During Kol HaNearim’s first year, Michael focused on developing summer programming for the same Israeli foster home he previously worked in. He planned sports competitions, music lessons, computer classes, and overnight trips.

Because most foster homes in Israel didn’t have organized activities during the summer months, Kol HaNearim’s programs filled an important void. Then, Michael persuaded 35 rising high school seniors from various Jewish day schools to spend four weeks completely dedicated to giving the children the best summer of their lives.

Since then, Kol HaNearim has rapidly expanded thanks to positive word of mouth recommendations and numerous returning student volunteers (almost 40 percent). During the past summer, 275 students and 40 staff worked with a total of 1,600 kids in eight homes throughout Israel and one in Ukraine. For 2019, Michael is planning programming for 2,000 children, which means 350 students will volunteer in 10 homes across Israel, one in Ukraine and two in South Africa.

Most remarkably, Michael has managed Kol HaNearim’s growth over the past eight years while working long hours at two demanding finance industry jobs. Currently he is studying for an MBA at Harvard Business School.

Michael credits Ramaz for teaching him how to set high goals and take responsibility for fellow Jews.

“Ramaz has always emphasized chesed, giving, and social responsibility,” said Michael. “I also learned the value of hard work and that there are no shortcuts to success.”

“Michael’s extraordinary accomplishments in creating and growing Kol HaNearim are a testament to what we teach at Ramaz,” said DeeDee Benel, Ramaz’s Director of Community Outreach and Programming.

“When someone calls out for help, Hineni, he is there.”

Needless to say, Kol HaNearim has been a huge success for the Israeli children who participate in the program and the American high school students who volunteer.

Alex Agus ‘15, a junior at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, is a Kol HaNearim veteran who volunteered for three successive summers. “In many ways, Michael exemplifies the Ramaz ideals of “Torah With Derech Eretz,” said Alex.

“He is so passionate about Kol HaNearim and its mission, and I have learned so much from him.”

“Michael is probably the most inspiring person I’ve ever met,” said Harry Shams ‘19, a Ramaz senior who participated in Kol HaNearim during the summer of 2018. “Anyone who meets him can instantly sense his unwavering drive to change the lives of other people for the better.”

Marilyn Adler, whose daughter Melissa ‘18 has spent the last two summers working at foster homes in Afula and Neve Landy and is planning to return for a

third time, said that the Kol HaNearim experience has had a big impact on Melissa.

“The more she gives to these children the more she gets back; she feels like she is making a difference in each of these child’s lives. I am so proud of Michael and the whole Kol HaNearim organization that he has built.

He is a role model and an inspiration for all high school and college students by taking a dream and making it a reality.”

“Michael and Kol HaNearim have transformed Ramaz students from receivers to givers,” added Gabriel Low ‘15, who was inspired to enlist in the IDF after serving as a Kol HaNearim volunteer. “The summer program allows Ramaz students to make a difference in someone’s life while receiving so much more in return.”

Michael is most proud of the lasting relationships forged between the volunteers and children, which he views as a key component of Kol HaNearim. Many students communicate with their children they mentored throughout the year, offering support, advice and, of course, friendship.

Michael’s immediate goal, besides finishing his studies at Harvard Business School, is to establish summer programs at every foster home in Israel. After that, he’ll focus on doing the same thing at foster homes around the world.

“I believe that it’s my responsibility to do as much good as I can,” said Michael. “The Alumni Menschlichkeit Award is a checkmark that I’m on the right path.”