Jewish Portal of Teacher Education

Source: Onward Israel 

Onward Israel has begun its second year of operation this month, bringing over 500 students on 22 programs from around the world to Israel, with the goal of eventually reaching thousands annually. The ultimate purpose of Onward Israel is to exponentially increase the number of Taglit and teen programs alumni who return to Israel for a transformative identity-building second visit, eventually reaching a stage where such experiences are available to all who want them and become a rite of passage for Jewish young adults throughout the Jewish world.

Onward Israel offers a competitive and attractive venue for young people seeking such experiences at affordable prices, and for time periods ranging from six to ten weeks. While meeting the individual needs of the participants and allowing them to advance their resumes, Onward Israel programs will also feature inspiring educational modules, with special attention dedicated to activism opportunities within local communities and institutions after program completion and to the development of a deeper understanding of Israel and enhanced Jewish identity and commitment.

Who is Onward Israel for?

Onward Israel is designed as a second peer experience in Israel and a Birthright follow-up program. It is intended for Jewish undergraduate and graduate University students (including those who have graduated within 1 year of program start date), between the ages of 19-27, who have previously participated in a peer program in Israel. Participants are:

• Birthright Israel alumni who have not yet returned to Israel on a peer program;
• Or teen travel programs alumni (who are ineligible for Birthright because of their teen travel participation), unless they have:

1.     returned to Israel on a MASA program
2.     spent more than three months total in Israel after their teen program
3.     graduated from a Jewish day school at the high school level

Preference will be given to those who are currently less involved in Jewish life. Onward Israel serves as an attractive connector to less-engaged young adult and student populations, showing them the tangible value of wider communal involvement. Some spots will be aimed for more engaged Jewish young adults, who can serve to strengthen the identity and commitment of all program participants.

Preference will be given to those who will maintain affiliation with their cohort group for at least 1 year after the program (in order to conduct a post program).

For more information see the Onward Israel website.