The History of JH Israel

The History of

JH Israel

In 2010, Heather Johnston, in partnership with former Ariel Mayor Ron Nachman, built and established the National Leadership Center (NLC). Today, the NLC hosts groundbreaking programs that have given more than 100,000 Israeli and Arab youth the opportunity to meet and participate in an unparalleled experiential learning adventure.

Heather Johnston

Founder of JH Israel

1997

Bruce and Heather Johnston visit Israel, where they meet and form a friendship with the Mayor of Ariel, Ron Nachman

1998

Students from Ariel begin visiting JH Ranch through a cultural exchange program

2006

Heather Johnston casts the vision for a Leadership Center to impact Israel's next generation

2007

Mayor Nachman agrees to partner with JH Ranch in building a Leadership Center in Ariel

2008

Israel's Ministry of Education partners with JH Israel to write a Bible-based curriculum for students

2009

Israel's Defense Minister grants exemption, allowing the necessary permits for Leadership Center construction

2010

Leadership Center holds a grand opening and begins operation

2011

Ministry of Education and Israel Defense Forces begin using the Leadership Center for training

2012

Big Top Conference Center is built

2013

Prime Minister Netanyahu endorses the facility in Ariel as the National Leadership Center

2015

The “Take 5: Becoming a Leader” curriculum is completed and implemented in NLC programs

2016

Eran Glazer becomes NLC Managing Director, and a registered Israeli nonprofit (Amutah) is formed

2017

NLC reaches a milestone of 50,000 participants

2018

The Ministry of Education signs an agreement to fund and send students to the NLC, and U.S. Ambassador David Friedman makes a historic visit to the NLC— becoming the first U.S. Ambassador to visit the West Bank in 40 years

2019

NLC launches an in-school program for students in local high schools throughout the nation

2020

NLC expansion increases the facility capacity to host 24,000 students annually

2021

NLC hosts the first national education conference for students, educators, and government officials, and the Israel Virtual House of Prayer launches 24/7 prayer coverage

2022

NLC reaches milestone of 100,000 participants and launches parent-teen program

2023

Following the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023, the NLC remained open, serving as a beacon of hope for a nation in the midst of war

2024

The NLC welcomed groups of orphans, widows, and soldiers (on both active duty and reserve) to participate in programming promoting empowerment and resilience

Questions?

OUR VISION

Our vision is to inspire and equip Israel's rising leaders to step into their biblical identity and shape the future of their nation.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to facilitate experiential learning initiatives that strengthen spiritual identity, foster national healing, and inspire a global understanding of Israel’s role in biblical history.

402 Office Park Drive, Suite 215

Birmingham, AL 35223

205-578-0200

[email protected]

© Copyright 2025 JH Israel

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

OUR VISION

Our vision is to inspire and equip Israel's rising leaders to step into their biblical identity and shape the future of their nation.

OUR MISSION

Through partnerships with the Ministry of Education and the Israel Defense Forces, we facilitate experiential learning initiatives that strengthen spiritual identity and inspire global understanding of Israel’s role in biblical history. 

402 Office Park Drive, Suite 215

Birmingham, AL 35223

205-578-0200

[email protected]

© Copyright 2025 JH Israel | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service