Aliyah Committee, Amton Newsletter — Spring 2000

Israel Programs for Everyone

Following is a variety of short-term programs in Israel, many for students & generation-X'ers, but some are for people of every age and stage in life. In addition to the programs below, informational meetings are held frequently throughout the year in various North American cities, sponsored by the Israel Aliyah Center together with Tnuat AM, re. varied aspects of aliyah (i.e. orientation, housing, education, employment, customs, shipping).

For information about these activities or additional Israel Experience Programs, call Hezi Nir, Tnuat AM / Israel Aliyah Center Shaliach, 212-533-7800, ext. 2021 or 212-339-6920, or e-mail: shlicha@mercazusa.org.

Panim El Panim (Literally "Face to Face") Family Adventure Program: Participants tour the land and also meet Israelis in their own towns, villages, moshavim, kibbutzim, and Masorti (Conservative) congregations. This is an exceptional program for grandparents, parents, and kids.

Panim El Panim Ulpan for Seniors: In this two week program, participants study Hebrew, tour Israel, and meet Israeli seniors in their towns, homes, moshavim, kibbutzim and Masorti congregations.

Panim El Panim for Singles: Participants tour Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, with Israeli singles.

"STAGERIM" - THE PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN ISRAEL: Designed for the independent student and/or working professional who has completed one year of university study, and has spent an extensive amount of time in Israel. It is a unique opportunity to live and work in Israel while earning a modest stipend. Internships are designed individually according to the interests of the participant and may last anywhere from two to six months.

Tse V'Lamed (Go Out & Teach): Designed for students and/or working professionals who have completed at least one year of university study and have experience working with children. Participants are placed in development towns in the north and will assist Israeli students to reach a basic level of understanding in English and computers. There is a six-month minimum required commitment. Participants will receive a monthly stipend.

Sherut La'am: Designed for professionals who hold a bachelor's degree from a college or university. The program is a unique volunteer and educational experience that allows the participants to obtain an insider's knowledge of Israel through a comprehensive living and working adventure and gaining useful work experience while providing valuable services to the community.

Sherut La'am also offers a new six month program which consists of five tracks (Education/Social Work, Women's Issues, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Progressive Judaism, Environmental Issues). Ulpan (Hebrew course) is optional for each participant before the program begins. Accommodations are provided in an absorption center. Participants will receive a monthly stipend during the work period of the program. Begins September 2000.

WUJS INSTITUTE (World Union of Jewish Students): Designed for Jewish graduates and professionals from all over the world to partake in seven months of intensive Hebrew language instruction as well as a wide range of courses in Jewish history, Judaism, modern Israel, the Middle East, contemporary Jewry, and Hebrew and Jewish Literature. The program includes extensive hiking, mobile seminars and a three-week volunteer experience. Also available are: The Arad Arts Project, Intel at WUJS, and WUJS Environmental Track.

The Green Team: Sponsored by Tnuat Aliyah & The Jewish National Fund. It is open to energetic, college or graduate students, between the ages of 19 - 28, who are interested in volunteering as "Madrichim" (youth counselors) for a summer period of 2 1/2 months, working with high school students from abroad. The program begins with a two-week training period orienting volunteers to the ideology and ecology of Jewish National Fund. Accommodations are provided
in an absorption center in Jerusalem. Volunteers will receive a modest stipend for the time period, and transportation is covered to and from the work site.

Master Your Future: A new unique program designed for college
graduates thinking about graduate school and a future in Israel. Spend 7 days meeting with top faculty and administrative staff at all Israeli Universities. Visit universities all over the country: Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Be'er Sheva, Haifa. Meet experts in your field who can advise you in choosing the right program. Learn about the absorption process. Begins July 2000.

Summer Ulpan in Beit Rottenberg, Haifa: A new program designed for young adults. Mingle with your Israeli peers. Embark on a unique and enriching experience for one month: learn basic Hebrew and meet with young adults from Israel and all over the world. July 23 - August 20, 2000.

Israel's Adventure: An outdoor summer adventure program for students who like hiking, climbing, and other sports, sponsored by the Israel Aliyah Program Center & Volunteers For Israel. This four week program includes 2 1/2 weeks living and working alongside the young men and women of the Israel Defense Forces followed by 10 exciting days of touring, climbing, and other sports. July 16 - August 11, 2000.

Kibbutz Programs: A variety of kibbutz programs are available for individuals and families, offering study, work, and travel.

The Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem: From two months summer program to one year program. "Limud L'shem Limud"/Learning Torah and Judaism just for the sake of learning.

The Ultimate Program: Aliyah Today! Start by calling the shaliach and following in the footsteps of the oleh below.