During the 2013-14 program year, the Jewish Federation sent more than 1,900 Jewish Philadelphians to Israel.
Missions to Israel aren’t just about highlighting Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s work; they’re also about connecting people with the Jewish homeland. Jewish Federation’s Center for Israel and Overseas connects the local community with Jews in Israel and around the world, and advocates and provides high-impact support for Israel and for Jews worldwide.
One of the ways this is accomplished is by providing travel opportunities to Israel, especially for young adults. “The experience of a trip to Israel is a building block of Jewish identity, which strengthens the bond with the land and people of Israel as well as with the local Jewish community,” says Pam Pearlmutter, Jewish Federation’s Philadelphia Israel Experience Manager.
During the 2013-14 program year, the Jewish Federation sent more than 1,900 Jewish Philadelphians to Israel. Many of them were between the ages of 18 to 35 and participated in young adult programs funded by the Jewish Federation, including Taglit-Birthright Israel, Israel360 and the Chevra’s Israel Road Trip.
Israel360 is a 10-day mission for young professionals ages 27 to 35, supported by Jewish Federation’s Center for Israel and Overseas and Renaissance Group. Israel360 participants experience Israel’s history, culture, politics, food, music, religion and deep connection to the Jewish community here in Philadelphia. In addition, participants visit Jewish Federation funded programs in Israel, meet recipients and do hands-on volunteer work.
The Jewish Federation also offers two need-based scholarships for other programs in Israel: the Israel Programs Scholarship Aid Fund for Greater Philadelphia residents participating in educational and volunteer programs, and the Morton Stein Scholarship Fund for Orthodox Yeshivot for Greater Philadelphia residents to attend study programs in Orthodox Yeshivot in Israel.
For more information about young adult programs in Israel and scholarships, visit www.jewishphilly.org/israel or contact Pam Pearlmutter at 215-832-0837 or email ppearlmutter@jfgp.org.
