Young Judaea will launch as an independent organization under an initiative announced today by Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, which has supported the program for more than 70 years.

A group of former Young Judaea leaders, avid Young Judaea supporters, and Hadassah leaders has been asked to serve on the founding board of the newly independent organization. Hadassah will continue to provide financial support, have board representation, and work collaboratively with the 102-year-old movement.

The immediate goals of the revitalized pluralistic youth movement include:

• Creating a cohesive summer camp network and broadening the scope of its Israel offerings, including Year Course in Israel, its preeminent college gap-year program;
• Providing new energy for Young Judaea as a vibrant brand with relevant peer-led opportunities for connecting American youth to Israel and the Jewish people; and
• Reaching out to its vast alumni network and Jewish community leaders worldwide to participate in the re-envisioning process and serve on the new Young Judaea board.

Hadassah is committed to remaining an important partner, providing transition funding, and continuing to raise scholarships to make Young Judaea’s five summer camps, year-round activities and Israel programs increasingly available to all Jewish youth.