The Toronto Onward Israel Service Learning Program in Bat-Yam is a 6 week hands-on service learning program for Toronto-based young adults (18-27), focusing on youth and community action.

Gain hands-on experience meeting real community needs while working in collaboration with local activists through this six-week Jewish service-learning program in Bat Yam. Through direct service opportunities and immersion, contribute to the Bat Yam community and engage with Israel through the lens of social change. Service work  is complemented by learning that will deepen your understanding of the context of your work and challenge you to think about the relationship between Judaism and social change and the wider implications of this work after returning home.

Trip Dates:
June 4, 2012 - July 15, 2012

Cost:
$400 per participant (including full board, accommodations, insurance and all program expenses). Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights.

How to Apply:
Click here to apply online. Applications and acceptances are rolling, and applications are due no later than March 30, 2012.

Acceptance Criteria: The trip is open to all students and young adults from the greatert Toronto area.

Questions? Contact:
Tamara Caplan

tcaplan@ujafed.org

Program Highlights:

Service: 

About 25 hours a week will be dedicated to service, mostly in the Nitzana and Amidar neighborhoods in Bat Yam. These neighborhoods in Bat Yam have a diverse population that includes Ethiopian immigrants, a religious population and many elderly residents.

A few examples of service projects include:

 Geulim Matnas (community center) – taking part in summer camp activities

 Local renewal and community garden projects as identified by youth in the neighborhood

“Meir’s Kitchen” – nonprofit soup kitchen providing meals for the needy

Learning:

The learning component will include contextual learning (about Bat Yam and the area, the different populations in the city, community organizing efforts in the neighborhood and more), ethical discussions using Jewish texts,  leadership development and group work.

Partnerships:

A core piece of the program is the collaboration with our Israeli partners. Bat Yam is home to a new and innovative Youth action initiative started by the Dror Israel movement. This initiative (called “HaReshet” – the network) seeks to organize youth and young adults in the city, educate them about their rights, engage them through social action and offer them a variety of services.

Yahel participants will partner with members of these groups, collaborating with young Israelis who have chosen to be civically engaged and improve the situation in Bat Yam. Toronto-Bat Yam program participants will volunteer side-by-side with Israeli young adults who are also interested in social change, providing a unique and dynamic platform to be immersed in and build relationships with the local community and its members. 

Touring: 

Extensive travel will include an in-depth exploration of Bat Yam and its surrounding area as well as day and weekend trips around the country. These trips combine hiking and fun together with meetings that allow participants to experience Israel through the lens of social change.

Walk away from this program with: 

An understanding of multiculturalism and diversity in Israel

An understanding of community organizing work 

Connections to individuals in Israel that are involved in social and environmental change efforts

A deeper relationship with Israel based on understanding its complexities

Inspiration to be an active change maker