Hillel@Home – “From Neo-Nazi to Jewish”

Former neo-Nazi Yonatan Langer was born in the small German village of Erlabrunn, eventually assuming a leadership role in an East Berlin neo-Nazi group. Even though he was a national karate champion and an educated professional of business administration, he realized he was unhappy. Sensing a deep need for change, Yonatan embarked on a journey in search of wisdom that would lead to converting to Judaism and making his home in Israel.

A local introductory class in Kabbalah left Yonatan with a spark of light and a sense of connection, and he continued to take classes to enrich his spiritual awareness. Through his studies and volunteering with The Kabbalah Centre, Yonatan transformed, embracing a path of tolerance, human dignity, and respect for people from all walks of life. This was no easy journey, because it included the recognition of past negative beliefs and behaviors and the work required to question, challenge, and rethink everything Yonatan previously believed in.

Through this arduous process, Yonatan found his way toward self-realization, a process he believes is a continuing journey.
A student of Kabbalah for over eleven years Yonatan now shares his story with others in hopes of inspiring them to make positive changes in their lives, as well. He believes to his core that we all have the power to overcome challenges and make a difference in the world. In his spare time, Yonatan enjoys traveling, being in nature, practicing yoga, meditation, dance, and music. He hopes to build his own Jewish family and continues to strengthen his connection with G-d.