Staff 2026 (Under Construction)

Founder/ Director

With two decades as a professional educator, Rabbi Harari is known far and wide in putting his students and soldiers first. Rabbi Harari has been involved with staffing camps since 1998. From Camp Gan Israel in Montreal, Canada and NY,  to leading backpacking trips through the treacherous Carpathian Mountains, as well as head counselor of Camp Gan Israel in Yekaterinoslav, Ukraine.  As a Wilderness EMT Rabbi Harari has volunteered on teams from Mountain Search & Rescue to Hatzalah (HSF), and is currently a chaplain in the US Army. Rabbi Harari has continued to stand out as an extraordinary figure and pioneer of Jewish wilderness education.

Manu has been part of the YOA family for four years, each summer more vibrant and unique than the last – two years as a camper, sailing the Exy Johnson around the Channel Islands and climbing Mt. Rainier in Washington, one year as a junior staff member building a log cabin on an Idaho ranch, and most recently as a senior counselor and bus driver in Los Angeles. He’s also a former lifeguard, trained in first aid, and a member of the Magen Am security team.
Outside of camp, you'll find him on the trails with his wife and daughter. His love of the outdoors and genuine investment in creating amazing experiences makes Manu the kind of counselor that shows up for every camper, every time, and a natural fit for the YOA team.

 Laivi is joining YOA again this year he is excited to share his lifelong love of nature and his passion for wilderness education. Currently working as a survival instructor for the US Air Force, he challenges his students in every environmental biome, building their confidence through decision-making and endurance while exposed to austere elements. He is certified as a Wilderness EMT and keeps up-to-date providing medical care by picking up 911 shifts near his base. As a volunteer supporting youth programing with the Civil Air Patrol, he has been awarded for his personalized approach in mentoring young leaders with a focus on personal growth and moral values. Laivi brings a wealth of knowledge to our adventuring!  

 Yossi is thrilled to return to YOA this summer, transitioning from a beloved former YOA'er to an impactful staff member. Having experienced firsthand the program's profound impact on students, Yossi is eager to provide that same transformative experience for the next group, only better).

Hailing from Pomona, New York, Yossi brings years of hands-on experience in outdoor camping, specializing in wilderness programming, trip management, and camper engagement. Known for his high energy and deep sense of responsibility, Yossi combines a genuine love for nature with a dedication to ensuring every camper has a meaningful, safe, and unforgettable summer.

Nisan is a world traveler that brings Chassidus alive wherever he goes, especially in the back country,  making him a walking inspiration.  He has served as an IDF special forces combat medic and is currently a  licensed  Wilderness Guide.  Nissan is an experienced outdoors-man and possesses the unique ability to make any situation uplifting and motivating.  Nisan was awarded the Above and Beyond commendation as a student in YOA 2009.

Yankel grew up in Antwerp, Belgium, and from a young age, he loved exploring the backcountry—whether it was hiking through the Swiss Alps, wandering the trails in Italy, or just being out in nature. He’s always been drawn to the peaceful yet challenging environment of the wilderness, where he’s constantly reminded of the greatness of Hashem’s creation.

Yankel is passionate about sharing these powerful experiences with others, as he’s done many times before. He finds that being in nature is the perfect setting to deepen one's connection to Hashem—through chassidus, niggunim, and especially by working together as a team, both spiritually and physically.

He can’t wait to adventure with Yoa and start an unforgettable journey!