Natan Naydis grew up in a Jewish home in Odessa. He lived next door to the Jewish Agency’s Youth Club, but it wasn’t until his cousin invited him to a Jewish Agency Summer Camp at the age of thirteen that he became involved in Jewish activities and began attending the youth club.

By the time he was 17, Natan was a youth club and summer camp counselor. He ran different Israel-centered Jewish activities for Odessa’s youth that strengthened their Jewish awareness, identity and connection to Israel. “As I became more involved as a leader, my own Jewish identity deepened and I began thinking of building my future in Israel.”

Natan began his university studies in economics and banking in Odessa, but after two and a half years he decided to leave his studies and make aliyah. Although his parents were not thrilled with Natan’s decision, they supported him.

Upon arriving in Israel, Natan went to a Jewish Agency kibbutz ulpan, where he studied Hebrew for five months. He was then drafted into the army, where he eventually served in an undercover unit. As a lone soldier, Natan received assistance from the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Lone Immigrant Soldiers and Students and after completing his mandatory two-year service, he signed up for an additional year.

Today, Natan has come full circle. He has returned to his studies — this time at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, majoring in international relations and economics. As an immigrant student, Natan receives a Jewish Agency-supported Student Authority Scholarship, and works both for the Student Authority and as a security guard for the Jewish Agency.

“I feel great in Israel and don’t have any complaints,” says Natan. “I am satisfied with the decisions I have made and the direction my life is taking. And I am grateful for the tremendous support that I have received from the Jewish Agency. They are my true partner.”