Yachad Welcomes Jonathan Zar as the New York Director

Dedicated Leader to Enhance Community Engagement and Programming across the Region

Yachad is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jonathan Zar as the new Regional Director of New York. Zar joins Yachad after a successful decade serving as the Great Neck Director for NCSY, where he cultivated meaningful connections and impactful programming. In his new role, Zar aims to facilitate the region’s growth through community engagement, diverse programming, and support for advisors and staff.

Yachad, an international organization under the auspices of the Orthodox Union, is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities and their families. The organization offers a variety of social, recreational, educational, and vocational programs across ten regions,  in the United States, Israel, and Canada.

“Yachad focuses on the full integration of its members into the greater communities they call home—and that’s an ideal that deeply resonates with me,” shares Zar. “I would like to see more in terms of quantity and diversity in the types of programming we’re offering.”

Recognizing the unique needs of different communities, Zar emphasizes the importance of tailoring Yachad’s initiatives to the various cultural micro-communities within regions like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island. “There is a clear separation between these areas, and we want to respect that while also meeting each community’s distinctive wants and needs,” he explains.

Zar is committed to fostering a family-oriented atmosphere among Yachad staff and enhancing professional development opportunities. Zar will be working alongside a dedicated team, including Hillary Zimmern, Director, Yachad Long Island, Ilana Leggiere, Program Director, Yachad Long Island, Avi Kirshtein, City Director, Yachad Brooklyn, Shaina Gross, Program Director, Lauren Berman, Program Director, Yachad Manhattan & Monsey and Neima Fine, Program Director of School Engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jon to the Yachad team, where he will bring his unique talents and passion for the Jewish community,” says Chani Hermann, Associate Director of Yachad. “Jon and his team will be focusing on engaging new Yachad families and partnering with schools and shuls to fulfill Yachad’s mission of belonging. With Jon’s experience in youth engagement, we look forward to him bringing new ideas to fruition, expanding our teen volunteer and college age advisor connections.”

“It’s a tremendous honor for me to continue to serve the Jewish community,” says Zar.