With summer approaching, Jewish teens and young adults may wonder how they can help Israel and connect with their Jewish roots.
From mission trips to fellowships to volunteer programs, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia supports a number of subsidized and free opportunities for the next generation to travel to the Jewish homeland. Through these programs, participants learn about the country’s rich history, feel their ancestral connection and provide much needed relief following the Oct. 7 attacks.
“These special volunteer and immersive Israel experiences provide teens and young adults a way to strengthen their understanding of Israel,” said the Jewish Federation’s Associate Director of Jewish Life Beth Razin. “Participants get to lend a hand where it is needed most while connecting with peers and the people of Israel.”
See below for the various ways you can visit Israel this summer.
Diller Teen
The Diller Teen Fellows is a year-long teen leadership program for grades 10 and 11. This program is designed to cultivate and connect an emerging generation of leaders in 32 communities around the world. The program is a commitment for the entire Fellowship year and includes a partnership model, which pairs each Diller community outside of Israel with a community in Israel. Most programming takes place in your local community and culminates with a three-week seminar in Israel in July for all Fellows. To learn more and apply, click here.
Volunteer Teen Mission with Jewish National Fund
Israel needs us now more than ever! High school students are invited to join Jewish National Fund USA on a week-long volunteer teen mission to provide immediate relief to the land and the people of Israel. Volunteers will take part in community service including, but not limited to re-building, planting trees, cooking, working on farms and picking vegetables. To learn more and apply, click here.
Teen Volunteering with BBYO
Stand in solidarity with Israel by helping the country renew what was lost and reminding Israelis that we are a global Jewish community. Teens in 9th through 12th grade will spend 10 days volunteering in Israel by helping the people in displaced border communities. As part of BBYO, participants will engage in a series of meaningful service opportunities. To learn more and apply, click here.
Masa Teen Journey
Masa high school programs in Israel will allow Fellows to travel, learn, and encounter Israel first-hand while focusing on leadership, personal growth, and impact volunteering. During the four week program with Masa Teen Journey, Fellows will learn about issues facing the Jewish world and how it relates to their own communities on an educational and personal level. To learn more and apply for a program, click here.
Taglit Birthright Israel
Each trip through Birthright has a variety of unique itineraries based on the participant’s travel dates and interests. From exploring beaches, trekking through deserts, touring ancient sites and enjoying mouthwatering cuisine, this 10-day opportunity offers Jewish young adults from all backgrounds and lifestyles the ability to travel to Israel. Get up-close and personal with local culture and make memories that will last a lifetime. To learn more and apply for a program, click here.
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To learn more about Israel programs and scholarship opportunities, click here. For more information about traveling with the Jewish Federation to Israel and elsewhere around the world, contact Missions Manager Erica N. Miller at erica.miller@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0629.
