Jewish Agency Set to Send Out Top Cadre of Young Israeli Emissaries

Published: 
January 8, 2012

Source: eJewish Philanthropy

 

Abigail Pickus writes that the Israeli Government has tapped the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) to expand the number of young shlichim (emissaries) it sends abroad as a way to strengthen Diaspora Jewry’s connection to Israel and to counteract rising anti-Israel sentiment. A hundred and fifty young emissaries – up from the usual 75 – will be sent around the world to live and work within Jewish communities and on university campuses.

 

The Jewish Agency is offering interested university students an attractive bonus – a scholarship for their final year of their first degree. The intention is for shlichut, with a commitment of at least one year, to become an established route within Israeli society after the completion of a B.A. and before embarking on a second academic degree.

 

The call has already been put out for applicants and so far, hundreds of young people have applied. The final 150 to be chosen will receive special training in Jewish life in the Diaspora, how to run hasbara outside of Israel, how to counter organizations that delegitimize Israel and other content that will be useful for their future shlichut. The emissaries will be sent abroad over the summer and will begin their postings in the Fall, to coincide with the beginning of the school year.

 

See the entire post at eJewish Philanthropy.

Updated: Jan. 10, 2012
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