Spotlight on Ozer Katz (FYHS '97)

Graduating Year: 1997

Current Location: Bet Shemesh

Profession:  Head of Telecom Operations at RakutenViber

Tell us a little bit about your family: 

Married with 5 kids

What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

Chagim in the Yeshiva, especially Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Simchas Torah. Being there in the Beis Midrash with the entire Yeshiva was an uplifting experience. I always looked forward to that.

I also loved playing football with Rabbi Ginsparg.

We also had some interesting teachers over the years, like Mr. Hein and Mr. Peterson. I especially enjoyed having Rabbi Weiss both as a rebbe and for math class.

Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

It was a great opportunity to be there. The students and teachers were people to connect with and grow with for the rest of your lives. I'm still in touch with many classmates and staff from there. There are a lot of personal connections with various rebbeim that you take with you throughout your life.

Advice for current students:

Take advantage of everything that the Yeshiva has to offer, such as classes or opportunities to get involved in various organizations or volunteering. It was an open-minded place that allowed us to flourish in different areas. Guys from my class are still in the Yeshiva as leaders, such as Rabbis Zimmerman, Sheinfeld, and Freund and we also have had many make aliya. 

Anything else to share:

I really enjoyed my time at the Yeshiva. I was one of three members of my family to attend and my father was on the board for many years. We felt it was a positive influence on all our lives and the community as a whole.