Staff 2025 (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.

Meir grew on shlichus in San Diego, CA. he  an avid hiker and off-trail adventurer, Meir passionate about exploring the backcountry and discovering the hidden gems of nature. In seeing Hashem wonders he will bring a true appreciation for all of the gifts He has given us.

This summer he will share his love for the outdoors with our talented Bochurim while inspiring them to deepen their connection with Torah and Chassidus. 

Meir is well known for his care and attention for each student,he is a powerhouse of inspiration. and will be an incredible asset to the team.

 Laivi is joining YOA this year for the first time and 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 and can’t wait to be a part of this team!  

Raised in Monsey, NY., Melech has always felt at home where the trails begin and the views stretch for miles. Whether it’s pushing through some tough climbs or watching the sunrises, he thrives in the kind of raw, real environments that challenge both body and soul.

Melech brings a deep sense of discipline and determination to every adventure. For him, the backcountry is more than just a setting, it’s where one can experience Hashem’s greatness and personal growth becomes unavoidable.

This summer, he’s bringing,  drive, fire, and good vibes. Whether it’s crushing a trail or chilling by the fire with a niggun. Melech is all in and  ready for a legendary 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!