A New York Background, A Jerusalem Present
Zack Moskowitz grew up on the Upper East Side, surrounded by a strong Jewish community, and attended Frisch for high school. Israel was always part of the atmosphere he grew up with, not necessarily as a concrete plan, but as something meaningful in the background. Summers at Camp Moshava and the values he absorbed along the way shaped the way he thought about Jewish life and identity early on.
Today, Zack lives in Baka and studies Business and Jewish Studies at Hebrew University. That combination reflects a lot of what he’s looking for: something practical and future-oriented, while still staying connected to learning and to the bigger questions of Jewish life.
Before starting college, Zack spent time at Yeshivat Lev Hatorah, and drafted through Lev LaChayal, which became an important part of his journey.
It gave him space to grow, adjust, give back and build a deeper connection to Israel. That experience also made the idea of staying in Israel feel less abstract and much more real.
Choosing Israel During a Defining Moment
Zack’s decision to study in Israel wasn’t automatic. For a while, the plan looked very different. Like many students, he applied to a wide range of universities in America and was accepted to top schools, including Columbia. At one point, he was even enrolled there.
But as the war unfolded, the question of where he wanted to be became much more than an academic decision. It wasn’t just about rankings or career paths, it was about environment, values, and what kind of Jewish life he wanted to build.
“I realized it wasn’t the best Jewish decision for me,” Zack explained. “Hebrew University felt like the right place to be, especially during a moment when being here mattered.” Choosing Israel meant stepping into something more challenging, but also something that felt more aligned with who he wanted to become.
Life in Israel Right Now
What Zack appreciates most about living in Israel is the shared experience he has with other olim. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who are going through similar struggles, navigating language, culture, and the emotional weight of building a life far from home.
“It makes you feel unified,” he said. “Everyone is dealing with the same things, and that creates a bond.” That sense of togetherness has been especially strong this year, when so many students including myself have been in and out of miluim, and the reality of living through these historic moments.
For Zack, Israel doesn’t feel like a temporary adventure. It feels like real life, intense, meaningful, sometimes difficult, but deeply grounding. Being here has made him feel part of something bigger than himself.
Why Hebrew University?
Although Zack explored several options, Hebrew University became the right fit for both academic and personal reasons. He knew he wanted to live in Jerusalem, and Hebrew University allowed him to do that while also being part of a serious and diverse university environment.
The JLIC community was also a major factor. Having that kind of support system — especially as an oleh — made the decision feel much more sustainable. It wasn’t just about choosing a school, but choosing a place where he could build a life.
One of the things Zack enjoys most about Hebrew University is the diversity of the student body. “It’s very international,” he shared. “People are older, more mature, and come with real-world experience.” Being surrounded by students from so many backgrounds has pushed him to think differently and grow beyond what a more typical college environment might offer.
Academic Growth and Looking Forward
Zack feels that his degree is preparing him in a very practical way. There’s a strong emphasis on vocational training and building real skills, not just theory. That has helped him feel like his time in school is directly connected to what comes next.
He’s also learning from being in an environment where students are serious and focused, many of them with life experience before university. That maturity has shaped the tone of the program and the conversations he’s having both inside and outside the classroom.
Looking ahead, Zack is still figuring out the details. Graduate school in America is a possibility, but his long-term vision remains rooted in Israel. “I might go back for grad school,” he said, “but long term, my goal is to be here.” The decision to stay isn’t something he takes lightly, it’s something he’s building toward step by step.
Finding Community Through JLIC
JLIC Jerusalem has become one of the most meaningful parts of Zack’s college experience. Between weekly Beit Midrash, Shabbat meals, and social events, it has provided the structure and warmth that makes his experience in college feel meaningful and enhanced.
JLIC Jerusalem in particular is a community for students living in the Baka area, a neighborhood that has increasingly become a hub for young olim building their lives in Israel. For Zack, being surrounded by other students in the same stage of life, many of whom are navigating similar transitions, has made a huge difference.
“It really helped me meet friends and build a support system,” he explained. For olim especially, having that kind of support can completely change the experience of adjusting to life here.
For Zack, JLIC isn’t just an add-on to college life. It’s part of what makes living in Jerusalem feel grounded, connected, and sustainable, not just as a student, but as someone truly building a future here.
Advice for Future Students
For students considering staying in Israel after a gap year, Zack’s advice is simple but important: don’t rush into it without building support.
“Make sure you take time to build a network,” he said. “Go on a program, meet people, find your community. That’s what makes the transition possible.”
Zack’s journey reflects something many students feel: what starts as an uncertain decision becomes, over time, a real commitment. And what began in New York has turned into a meaningful life being built right here in Jerusalem.
To learn more about programs at Hebrew University and life in Jerusalem, visit us here.