Aish UK young professionals strengthen international bonds in NYC

One of the leading Jewish educational charities in the UK connected 150 international young professionals during an inspiring trip to New York. 

The Aish UK weekend for the British group of 10 was filled with inspiring Jewish experiences, fun activities, and exploring the city. With the company and guidance of Rabbi Yoni Abadi, the group met up with young professionals from Olami, a worldwide community of Jewish outreach organisations which offers educational programmes for university students and young professionals.

Prior to the Shabbaton with the young orthodox New Yorkers from Olami’s educational hub in Manhattan, the group enjoyed a bike ride around Central Park, a trip to Times Square, a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and shopping on Fifth Avenue.

Aish brought the group to New York to encourage their growth in Judaism. The Shabbaton took place in Five Towns, Long Island, an area that prides itself for being the neighborhood of many Jewish families, with an incredible amount of organisations within it that support the Jewish community.

The group enjoyed inspirational sessions in Shaar Yeshiva, live music, day trips and during Shabbat, together shared meals, a Friday night tisch, and inspirational classes.

The trip finished with an eventful trip to Brooklyn, where they spent the day touring around the borough.

Rabbi Yoni Abadi, Aish director of young professionals said: “We are very grateful to Olami for hosting this incredible weekend in New York. I felt very fortunate to accompany this group of young professionals to connect with 150 other like-minded individuals from all over the world for an incredible experience. Each and every person who joined Aish on this trip left feeling profoundly motivated to continue their personal growth in Judaism far beyond the trips end.”

One of the young professionals who joined Aish on this trip said: “I just wanted to express a huge thank you to all of you. We started this trip as strangers, and I know it sounds cliché, but I genuinely feel like we’ve become a family. I have so much love for each and every one of you, and I’m hopeful for a long-lasting friendship ahead. This trip was truly special, and I’m looking forward to many more adventures together.”

Another participant said: “A special shout-out to Yoni and Aish—thank you so much for bringing us together. You’re an incredibly exceptional human being with a bright future ahead. Your ability to unite us has had a tremendous impact on our lives, and for that, I can’t thank you enough.”

There are currently 320 member organisations of Olami, of which Aish is one of.

• For more information about Aish UK and their programmes, click here.