At 18, Jacob Ryan left his community in Rochester, New York to pursue his dream of studying counterrorism at IDC Herzliya. Having grown up in a Zionist home, Jacob had traveled to Israel in the past. But he knew that it would take time to acclimate to living in Israel.

“I came here knowing nobody, and because most Israelis begin university after the army, I was one of the younger students,” said Jacob. “There was a lot to get used to at once.”

During orientation week, Jacob found that he kept running into AEPi brothers. They were friendly and encouraged him to rush. “I really took to the camaraderie and brotherhood,” said Jacob.

After Jacob pledged and became an active brother, he realized that not only did being part of AEPi suddenly give him a strong support system. He also appreciated that he was no longer confined to the international school’s bubble. With half of its brothers native Israeli and the other half North American, Jacob was able to immerse himself in both worlds.

Through informal Shabbat dinners, bar nights and philanthropic events, Jacob became comfortable in his new community and in his new life. By second semester of his first year, he already knew that he wanted to take on a leadership role.

“It was exciting to me that I could help mold the organization,” said Jacob. “I wanted to help bring other people to AEPi who had come to campus in a situation that was similar to mine, and were also looking to forge strong bonds.”

In his second-year, Jacob became the elected Brother-At-Large, which meant that he was a representative and decision maker on the fraternity’s executive board. In his last year, Jacob became the chapter’s president.

“As president, my goal is to continue the strong sense of brotherhood, and to empower everyone to see their visions come to fruition–whether they’re in a leadership position or not,” said Jacob.

This year, Jacob and a few brothers attended Europe’s AEPi Conclave in England. At the conference, which brought together AEPi brothers in the UK and Austria, the international brothers quickly became comfortable, brainstorming ideas and sharing their past experiences. “If you’re a brother, you’re a brother anywhere,” said Jacob.

On the night before Jacob and his chapter’s brothers headed back to Israel, they sat in a pub in London, watching a soccer game and answering Jacob’s questions about the army. Some had been in the army, while others had been in the navy and airforce. Their perspectives were vital to Jacob, who was thinking about enlisting after university.

“Most of all, they kept telling me, ‘If you need any recommendations, help with your Hebrew, or with your interviews, we’re here for you,’” said Jacob. “They also told me that I was going to do great, which was really nice to hear.”

Thanks to this solid support system in Israel that helped Jacob feel at home, Jacob made Aliyah two years after living in Israel. He also decided to join the army. Jacob knows that even once he isn’t an active member, he will be able to rely on his brothers.

“If a brother is in a pinch, or needs help in any way, we’re always there for each other,” Jacob said.

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