EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: In the Bronx as a secular Jew, he was known as ‘J.C. Walles’. Today, living in Eretz Yisroel, Rabbi Yosef Walles serves as the CEO of Arachim – one of the largest Kiruv organizations in the world.

Rabbi Walles was in America this week, and stopped into Lakewood, where he met with the Roshei Yeshivah, local political and community leaders and others. Rabbi Walles was also given a tour of several landmarks in Lakewood, including BMG, Lakewood’s Airport and others.

In an interview with TLS, Rabbi Walles – who served in the U.S. Marines and Israeli Army – spoke of his fascinating journey from a secular and successful businessman, to CEO of Arachim.

And it all started when he walked into a food take-out place in Israel.

Watch the video for his story.

A photo roundup will be posted at a later time. [TLS]