Instead of heading to the local water park to cool off this summer, some University students will be taking a dip in the Dead Sea.
Hillel, the foundation for Jewish life on campus, is offering 40 Jewish students a free, 10-day trip to Israel this summer.
As the largest Jewish organization in the world, with foundations and affiliates on 500 campuses around the globe, Hillel is offering this intense program to those college students who have never been to Israel before on a peer group trip.
Approximately 1,000 students internationally will have the chance to go. Students will come from Great Britain, South America and the former Soviet Union to participate in this exciting tour, along with students from colleges across the United States.
The trip itinerary includes exploring the ancient city of Jerusalem, experiencing the nightlife in Tel Aviv, a swim in the Dead Sea, scaling the heights of Masada and hiking in the Galilee region.
The trip is funded by a combination of two sponsors, who are each contributing $9 million to support Israel 2000. The first sponsor is the co-chairman of Hillel, Michael Steinhartd. The second donation is from Charles Bronfman who is also an international board member.
“The trip is a gift meant to connect students to their Jewishness as well as the campus community and the State of Israel, ” said Jeff Klein, director of Hillel’s student activities at the University.
Hillel’s Israel 2000 trip, underwritten by Taglit/Birthright Israel, offers college students the chance to tour the country’s most contemporary and historic sites, Klein said. Taglit/Birthright Israel, a partnership of philanthropists, Jewish communities and citizens of Israel, is a worldwide initiative to provide this learning experience to students.
“The trip is a way for students not involved with Hillel to build a bridge between Jewish students on campus,” Hillel President Jessica Elkan said.
The sponsors pointed out that neither Hillel nor Taglit/Birthright Israel is affiliated with a political party or a religious movement. Students will meet with Israeli students, as well as business and political leaders while learning about their Jewish identity.
“This trip is an opportunity for me to explore my roots,” senior journalism major Josh Frankel said. “I heard that when you step off the plane, it’s mesmerizing. You fall into a different world.”
He registered for the trip because a friend who had previously attended in January described it as a life-transforming trip. Klein and Elkan further recommended the trip to him.
The winter trip in January successfully allowed 3,000 students internationally to visit Israel. Frankel said he is looking forward to seeing Tel Aviv in Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and the Western Wall.
The deadline for registration to attend the trip is Friday, although that could be extended due to spring break. Students can contact Hillel at 343-8920 or register on-line at www.israel2000.org.
Summer trip offers connection to Jewish heritage
Daily Emerald
March 28, 2000
0
More to Discover