The National Leadership Center (NLC) in Ariel plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of Israeli leadership. It emphasizes historical memory, strengthens national identity, and confronts contemporary challenges. The NLC offers challenging activities that cultivate personal and group resilience, especially for soldiers, widows, and orphans who have experienced trauma due to wars.

Fifteen years ago, Heather Johnston, together with the late mayor Ron Nachman, established the NLC in Ariel. No one could have predicted that it would one day become a place where people come to heal from the national trauma that struck the State of Israel on October 7.

“A nation that does not know its past, its present is poor and its future is shrouded in fog.” (Yigal Allon)

Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers, and Independence Day represent three pivotal junctions in the Israeli consciousness. Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the murder of six million Jews, Memorial Day honours the fallen who defended the land in Israel's wars, and Independence Day celebrates our life and independence in the state. Together, they link past, present, and future.

The Jewish people’s past is a crucial foundation for building the future—this is our belief. That is why we focus on strengthening the Jewish-Israeli identity of the participants in our programs.

Like most families in Israel, my family also took part in the Holocaust and in the rebirth of the nation. My grandfather, a Holocaust survivor from the death camps, fell in battle defending the young State of Israel. My father fought in Israel’s wars, and today my two sons fought in the Iron Swords War, defending the nation’s security with their own bodies. They are part of the generational chain of the Jewish people—attacked for being Jews—and like their grandfather, they too will be partners in building this land. They all believed in the divine command:

“Go forth from your country, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

This divine promise is the working plan of our generational chain.

My family represents many among the Jewish people. It is our duty to carry on our shoulders the memory of the fallen, and no less, of those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the state and the continued existence of the Jewish people.

My son, who was wounded in the war, told me that this year we will stand at my grandfather’s grave and salute him. Now, after the war, he understands the meaning of the word “sacrifice,” which is the foundation of rebirth.

The memory of the Holocaust is a key pillar of the NLC’s work, connecting the lessons of history to the commitment to secure the existence of the State of Israel. The link between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Israel’s Independence Day underscores the transition from destruction to renewal—from a shared fate of suffering to a collective consciousness of rebuilding and revival.

Every day when we open the gates of the National Leadership Center and welcome young people, we are committed to reminding them of the great miracles that happened to the Jewish people. At the Exodus facility, we tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt and the entrance into modern-day Israel, through the story of the Exodus ship that brought Holocaust survivors to these shores. It became the foundation for the building of the modern State of Israel—a connection between past and future.

The State of Israel in 2025 is a visible miracle of growth and prosperity, despite the continued desire to destroy the Jewish people.

Strengthening youth's connection to their roots, to the biblical narrative, and to finding purpose in life enhances their understanding that the Jewish people depend on one another. Faith in the righteousness of our path is directly tied to the deep hardships we’ve experienced throughout history. This connection is the key to building resilience: “If one falls, the other can help him up...” (Ecclesiastes 4:10). 

This year, during the national days of remembrance, we will stand together as a nation, with tears in our eyes, honoring the memory of those who gave all they had, saluting them. Then, transitioning immediately into Independence Day, we will gather our strength and focus on the renewed building of the Jewish people. This rapid shift from grief to joy symbolizes our duty to the next generations.

The events of October 7 were a painful reminder that our enemies will continue to pursue and strike us, but we will prevail.

The vision of renewal is also reflected in Isaiah 58:12: “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations.” This verse expresses the rebuilding of the nation and the land after hardship.

The National Leadership Center in Ariel continues to bridge the past and the present, strengthen Israeli resilience, and provide support for victims of war to help them build a better future.

The next generation of leaders of the State of Israel begins its journey here, in the hills of Ephraim. We stand in awe of the future leadership of the State of Israel. The connection to Jewish roots is stronger now than ever, and we will continue our mission to ensure the continuation of the promise made to Abraham.

My brothers and sisters, you are partners in ensuring the destiny and strength of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. You are the ones who will be able to say: “We stood by our Jewish brothers and sisters in their darkest hour and merited seeing their renewed rebirth.”

And for this, you and your families shall be blessed.

Am Yisrael Chai!
The People of Israel Live!