Voices of Israel

In preparation for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, Metro Chicago Hillel recently hosted one of its most popular series called “Voices of Israel.” The three-session learning cohort, held in March, focused on social, political, religious, and economic factors impacting Israeli society. Hearing directly from those living in, and with ties to, Israel allows students to better understand the nuances and complexities of the region. These types of conversations help shape how students decide what Israel learning should look like in their own lives.

For students, conversations about Israel and the region bring up a wide range of emotions, questions, and opinions. As Hillel professionals, we have a responsibility to provide opportunities for our students to dig deeply into these emotions and questions by introducing them to new information and perspectives. We hope that students leave Israel programs with a renewed curiosity and a desire to keep learning.

Throughout March, Metro Chicago Hillel staff hosted the series. Students heard from Muhammad Zoabi, a queer Arab Israeli activist and writer, and Amy Albertson, a former Portland State Hillel student leader, a Jewish advocate, and the creator of “The Asian Israeli”–a social media account highlighting her experiences as a Chinese-American Jewish woman living in Israel.

As part of the series, students were also assigned “pre-work,” including podcasts and articles, related to each session, which staff wove into Q & As with speakers and group reflections. Voices culminated in an opportunity for students to reflect on the course, in which they were able to identify connections between what they heard, experiences in their own lives, and how they can each continue their own learning.

Over the course of series, sponsored by Hillel International and the Maccabee Task Force, students explored topic the history of Zionism, how to grow their skills as Israel advocates on campuses, the intersections of gender identity and queerness in Israeli society, and the current political climate in the region.

This kick-off program demonstrates Metro Chicago Hillel’s commitment to providing students with opportunities throughout the academic year that offer diverse perspectives and match participants’ interests. Participants ranged from students joining Hillel for their first Israel program, to those preparing for Loyola’s interfaith delegation to Israel and those getting ready for a summer internship in Tel Aviv with Onward Israel. Many students who participate in the Voices series become frequent attendees of other Israel programs throughout the remainder of the academic year. These students often become leaders in Metro Chicago Hillel’s pro-Israel community, modeling to other students what a commitment to Israel learning in Jewish spaces can look like.

Following the “Voices of Israel” series, Metro Chicago Hillel staff hosted Israel Fest, a week of programs around the time of Yom Ha’atzmaut, related to Israel’s independence. The series culminated with “Mega Israel Shabbat,” hosted by Rav Ezra Balser and Laura Elkayam at Base Loop, which brings together dozens of students for a joyous night of Israeli food, Shabbat rituals, learning, and lively conversations.

Lizzie Mintz is a Jewish Life Associate at Metro Chicago Hillel.