November 25, 2007 / 15 Kislev 5768
The Jewish Agency Naaleh program offers high school students an opportunity to start building a life in Israel. For Rafael Ouzen, the winner of the Intel-Israel Ninth Annual Young Scientist Contest, that life has been one of striving for excellence.
The oldest of four children, Raphael Ouzan (19) was born and grew up in Reims, France. His father, a cardiologist, and mother, a historian, raised their children in a traditional Jewish home.
At the age of 16, Raphael left his family and friends and went to Israel on the Jewish Agency’s Naaleh program. He chose to study at the Boys Town Jerusalem High School in Jerusalem, and passed all of his high school matriculation exams in Hebrew. “I didn’t know Hebrew when I came,” says Raphael. “I could have taken my exams in French, but I knew that if I took the easy path I would never become truly Israeli.”
In his short time as an Israeli, Raphael has made great strides in the country. He was the first prize winner in the Intel-Israel Ninth Annual Young Scientist Contest for the trail-blazing computer-based video surveillance system that he developed as a school science project.
The award ceremony was held at the residence of the President of the State of Israel.
Raphael went on to represent Israel at the 2006 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in Indianapolis, the world’s largest pre-college science competition. He proudly took second place among 1,300 students from more than 30 countries.
Two years ago, Raphael traveled to France as part of the Jewish Agency’s Zionist Caravan. He visited Jewish communities throughout France “telling my story and trying to relay to people my own age what I feel about Israel. Although I had a good life and lots of friends in France, I always knew that I would build my future in Israel. There is something indescribable that a Jew feels living in this country, and it has only gotten stronger since I came.”
Today, Raphael is serving in an elite combat unit. His family made aliyah, and is now living in Jerusalem. “I am happy and proud to be in Israel and to serve in the Israeli army,” says Raphael. “I think that a Jewish person can only be fulfilled in Israel.”
There are many high school students who join the Jewish Agency Naale program and become productive Israeli citizens, giving back to the country that has already given them so much. A student who joins Naale joins a school where each class has an educational team working with it, consisting of the class teacher, housemother and social instructor. In addition, another professional team is available for both social and moral support. To contribute to Naale, click here.