New Israel Fund (NIF) Australia today launched applications for its Naomi Chazan Fellowship. The prestigious program includes a 10 day trip (July 13-22) to Israel and the Palestinian Territories as well as skills building, personal and professional development, and building networks with an international cohort of leaders.

“The trip is aimed at deepening people’s connection with Israel. It’s a unique opportunity to meet first-hand with leading activists across a variety of social and political causes,” explained NIF Australia Executive Director Liam Getreu. The trip is targeted at young people in their 20s and 30s and is ideal for those who have already visited Israel.

The program is in its third year but for the first time will be expanding to include young Jewish leaders from both the UK and the US.

One of this year’s fellows, Yuli Dar, was initially reluctant to apply as she felt burnt out from her youth movement involvement and formal Jewish education. In the end she was glad she decided to go: “The trip left me with a sense of awe and wonder for the amount of passion and hope that still exists in Israel, a country so challenging and intense to live in, yet with so much potential to capitalise on.”

Dar said she was touched by the activists she met, who asked the fellows to share their stories. She added: “It was also great to meet like minded people both in Israel and around the Jewish world that I can continue to engage with. A true global network of young professionals who love Israel, and care about its future.”

The Fellowship is subsidised by our donors in the NIF community. Applicants are required to pay $1,900 which covers all their accommodation, international and domestic flights, and most meals. In return fellows are expected to create four events upon their return to Australia.

“It is an amazing opportunity not only to experience Israel in a unique way, but to return to Australia and be part of expanding the Jewish community’s discourse about Israel. Fellows will be part of building new conversations in Australia that spread the message that we love and care about Israel and we do so with our eyes open,” added Getreu.

Applications are now open for the 2017-2018 Naomi Chazan Fellowship. The deadline for applications is Sunday March 19. For more details and to apply:  http://www.nif.org.au/fellowship

For more information please contact Sharon Berger at [email protected] or 0438-262120.