Natan Kessler started working as the Israel Programs Director at the ZFA on 9 October 2023.

Natan came into the ZFA at an unprecedented time of high intensity and difficulty. He hit the ground running and has worked tirelessly to make Israel Programs happen during a war year, and under the shadow of October 7. While there was an approximate 50% drop-off in post-yr 12 Gaps Year attendees after October 7, Natan has managed to help send a record approximately 470 people to Israel up to 1 September 2024. He is now well on his way of increasing that uptake for 2025.

Natan has worked innumerable nights and weekends for the past 11 months to support meaningful journeys to Israel for others. Opening new program groups for large volunteer cohorts and missions. He understands that Jewish and Zionist identity is born out of a personal connection to the land of Israel, and he has made it his mission to gift that to our Australian Jewish Youth – while supporting Israel.