Bar-Lev has served as volunteer chair of acharai since its inception.

For 13 years Omer Bar-Lev has served as Chair of the Aharai ("Follow me!") youth organization on a totally volunteer basis. 

Under Bar-Lev's leadership, Aharai has worked in a number of commendable directions:  Narrowing gaps in Israeli society, developing leadership in Israel's geographic and social periphery, connecting at-risk youth with contemporary Israeli life, assisting new immigrants, helping youths from fragmented homes, etc.  Bar-Lev began working in Acharai in 1997 when he accompanied a group of youths from the Hatikva neighborhood in south Tel Aviv.  He helped connect them with Israeli society by preparing them for IDF recruitment and meaningful army service. 

Today the organization he heads consists of over 160 hubs of activity across Israel, from Kiryat Shemona in the north to Mitzpe Ramon in the south.  In addition to Acharai's IDF preparation project the organization also operates a project for preparing youths at risk of dropping out for matriculation exams, a Year of Service program, Learning Centers, and an organization of Acharai graduates who accompany youths on their first steps as civilians.

Omer Bar-Lev, son of Israel's eighth Chief of Staff Haim Bar-Lev, grew up in the Neve Magen neighborhood in Ramat Hasharon.  He attended Chadash High School and in 1971 enlisted in the IDF.  Bar-Lev opted to volunteer for the elite IDF General Staff Reconnaissance unit, which he commanded for three years (1984-1987).  He participated in the Yom Kippur War and in the Battle of Mt. Hermon in 1974.  He was among the commanders that stormed the Savoy Hotel in an anti-terrorist operation in 1975 and commanded one of the General Staff units in Operation Yonatan (the Entebbe raid).  Through his IDF reserve service, Bar-Lev filled senior command posts; furthermore he commanded a reserve force of the General Staff Reconnaissance unit in the First Lebanon War.

In 1992 he was called to return to IDF service by then Chief of Staff Ehud Barak.  Promoted to the rank of colonel, Bar-Lev commanded the Territorial Brigade in the Jordan Valley.  This was followed by transferring to the Planning Branch GHQ and participating as an advisor in peace talks with Jordan and the Palestinians.  In 1994, Bar-Lev retired from the army and entered the hi-tech field.

Omer Bar-Lev exemplifies, in who he is and in his endeavors, an admirable leader in Israeli society. 

Through each stage of his life, one witnesses his dedication and vigorous efforts for the good of the country and of Israeli society.  It started with his decision to volunteer for the IDF General Staff Reconnaissance unit, take command of the unit and follow through with years of service to the country-working to develop and contribute to the medical field and serving 13 years on a totally volunteer basis as Acharai Chair.  The organization, as mentioned, seeks to narrow societal gaps and create a better society to live in. 

Mutual concern is an important value that has been in evidence through each step of Bar-Lev's life.  And there is no one more worthy of receiving the honor of lighting the torch that represents this ideal.