Applications Open: A Weekend of Israel and Leadership for Teens

The Center for Israel Education and the Emory Institute for the Study of Modern Israel invite Jewish 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders to apply to attend the next Teen Israel Leadership Institute in Atlanta during the weekend of Dec. 6 to 8.

The institute features a series of engaging learning activities to expand students’ knowledge and understanding of Israel and Zionism while they sample Jewish life on the Emory University campus and forge friendships with peers from across the country.

CIE and ISMI launched the teen institute with spring and fall sessions in Atlanta in 2018, then took the weekend experience on the road to Newark, New Jersey, in January 2019 and to Seattle in May 2019.

The roughly two dozen participants in each Atlanta institute learned about Israeli history, politics, innovation and culture, the Israeli-Arab conflict, and Zionism. They participated in Shabbat services and had Friday dinner at Emory Hillel, a partner in the program along with the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Network (JTEEN) and JumpSpark. They simulated a Knesset debate, competed at making “Chopped”-style hummus and discussed what Israel means to them.

The institute is part of a CIE initiative to provide Jewish teens more impactful education on Israel.

The cost of $100 for the three-day program includes double-occupancy lodging and kosher food. Travel subsidies of up to $200 are available.

Space is limited, so students are encouraged to apply online through israeled.org/teens as soon as possible. The application requires a description of a proposed Israel learning project and a letter of support from a rabbi, a cantor, an educator or someone else who can explain why the student would be good for the program.

Find comments from institute participants and their parents at israeled.org/educators/youth-and-teen-israel-enrichment-programs/youth-program-comments, or see teens describe their experiences at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj4JZ7pX1x4.

For more information, contact Walter at rich.walter@israeled.org or 404-727-2921.