For as long as he can remember, Israel has been a significant part of Sammy’s life.
“Growing up in a Modern Orthodox, Religious Zionist community in London, my connection to Israel was instilled in me from a young age. I attended a religious high school, participated in the local Bnei Akiva youth movement and spent time visiting Israel, and I always imagined that one day I would make aliyah—I just wasn’t sure when.”
A Gap Year That Changed Everything
When the time came to take a gap year, Sammy knew he wanted to spend it in Israel. He wanted to experience what life was really like beyond just vacationing. He chose a pre-army mechina program—Mechina Olamit in Migdal Oz—rather than a traditional yeshiva program, which provided a different kind of immersive experience. The program was rigorous and eye-opening, offering a unique perspective on Israeli culture and society. Since then, it has also become an increasingly popular path among his peers back home in England.
“That year, I improved my Hebrew, navigated life in a new environment, and explored parts of Israel I had never seen before while on holiday. My parents wanted me to return home after October 7, and I returned home for five weeks, until I came back to Israel. It was a challenging time, but I felt a newfound sense of appreciation for our Jewish homeland.”
A New Chapter: Choosing University in Israel
Originally, his plan was to return to England for his degree, but things started shifting. Near the end of the mechina program, he met his girlfriend, a South African who had made aliyah with her family three years prior. While this wasn’t the sole reason for his decision to stay, it certainly influenced his timeline.
“My parents were adamant that I complete a degree before anything else, and I began exploring my options to study in Israel. I had been accepted to study maths at the University of Leeds, and I discovered that maths degrees in English weren’t available in Israel.
I came across a bilingual computer science program at Bar-Ilan University designed specifically for olim. This program felt like the perfect fit—it combined maths with practical application, offered extensive support, and allowed for gradual integration into Hebrew-language studies.”
Making Aliyah and Navigating the System
At this point, Sammy started researching what it would take to stay in Israel long-term. He learned that he could make aliyah and defer his army service until after his studies. As an oleh attending this program, the Ministry of Aliyah’s Israel Student Authority would cover ulpan, tuition, and even part of his living expenses. Suddenly, studying in Israel became financially viable—especially compared to the cost of university in London.
After creating a budget and presenting it to his parents, he realized that even without a job, his expenses would be far lower than if he had studied in the UK. That realization solidified his decision—he enrolled in Bar-Ilan’s program and made aliyah.
Student Life and Finding Community
Adjusting to university life in Israel has been both exciting and challenging. The workload as a computer science student is intense, leaving little time to work on the side. The program, in its first year, provides extensive academic and language support, aiming to help students succeed in a very challenging program.
One of the best aspects of his university experience has been his involvement with JLIC at Bar-Ilan University.
“I love JLIC. When I moved into the Bar-Ilan dorms, JLIC was the first welcoming community I encountered. I first met with Rav Tzvi over katzefet (ice cream near campus) and we chatted. A few weeks later, I attended newcomer Shabbat meals hosted by the Newmans. I immediately felt at home. JLIC events—like Pizza and Torah twice a week—bring together olim with similar backgrounds, making campus life feel less isolating. I love Torah and I love free food, so what could be better?!”
Sammy found a community with like-minded people in the dorms at Bar-Ilan University.
“There are so many types of people and tons of olim here that you are guaranteed to find your people. I have met students my age over the course of the year here, and we have spent Shabbatot together. Keren and Uriel Tahover run wonderful JLIC programming in their apartment in the dorms. There is also Friday night tefilla together in the synagogue in the dorms and eat Friday night dinner together every month at the campus restaurant. Overall, it’s a lovely atmosphere.”
Looking Ahead: The Army and Beyond
While Sammy is focused on his studies now, his next step is the army. As a 20-year-old oleh, he had the option to delay his draft in order to pursue his studies first. He hopes to eventually use his skills in the army, but nothing is guaranteed—he will see where things take him.
Advice for Future Students
“For anyone considering studying in Israel after a gap year, my biggest piece of advice is to do thorough research. Understand your options, weigh the pros and cons, and most importantly, make sure the decision is truly yours. If you aren’t making the decision for yourself, you won’t be fully invested in what you’re doing. If you’re fully invested in your choice, you are more likely to succeed.
Looking back, the journey hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. “Now, Israel isn’t just where I study; it’s my home.”
To learn more about our JLIC communities in ten locations across Israel, visit us here.