Gabe Axler

After graduating from the Academy, Axler spent a year studying in Israel at HaKotel, before attending Binghamton University in upstate New York. When he graduated college with a B.A. in history he felt that moving to Israel was the next step.

 “As a person who wants to live in Israel, joining the army allows you to become a part of the communal national experience. Without my involvement in the army I would have felt like an outsider, as everyone is required to serve,” noted Axler, who participated in the Mahal Program, which allows non-citizens to volunteer in the army.

For Axler, one of the most meaningful experiences was the swearing in ceremony upon joining the army. At this ceremony, “along with your gun, you receive a tanach, which for me symbolized that you are protecting more than just the land – you are protecting the history and beliefs of your people.”

When Axler looks back on his experiences in Israel he feels a deep sense of pride in his Jewish roots, particularly in his Jewish education. Many ICJA alumni, like Axler, actively make the decision year after year to defend Israel or establish their future lives there. “What this shows is the commitment and love for Israel that the Academy instills in its students.” 

With five levels of Hebrew language courses, four years of Israel programming, and over 80% of Academy students studying at yeshivot and seminaries in Israel upon graduation, what makes ICJA unique is its continuing focus on Medinat Yisrael.

“When I think of being Jewish a big part of that is my connection to Israel,” said Axler. Since Israel became a State in 1948, one of the central messages is to make Israel an integral part of the Jewish persona. For ICJA students, the opportunities to learn about Israel and participate in special programming are endless.

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