Write On for Israel…goes back to Israel

On a hot June day, Write On for Israel’s fellows landed in Tel Aviv. It was the program’s first trip back to Israel since the start of the pandemic. Despite their jetlag, the fellows began their exploration of Israel with a burst of energy.

“This trip and the Write On program made me realize what it means to be Jewish and why my Jewish identity is important to me,” said fellow Gabriela Soffer of New Trier High School.

The trip was the culmination of Write On’s year-long program for Chicagoland high-schoolers. Fellows met every month to learn about Israel and the Jewish connection to the land, gaining skills that will serve them in college–and beyond.

Fellows met leaders such as former MK Einat Wilf, Ha’aretz ; editor Amir Tibon; educator and activist Mohammad Darawshe; and scholar Rachel Korazim. In a private Knesset meeting, MK Benny Begin applauded the Write On fellows for their insightful and challenging questions.

“Meeting so many voices from Israeli and Palestinian society opened my eyes to the complexities on the ground,” said fellow Norah Kopolow from Champaign Central High School. “What we hear online and in the media is not this reality…This trip and the Write On program has taught me why it’s so important to speak out in support of Israel.”

The fellows traveled the length and breadth of the country. Braving the Golan Heights terrain, they visited the Syrian border and learned how Israel aided Syrians fleeing their conflict. In Jerusalem, they ascended the Temple Mount and learned how Judaism and Islam connect to the holy site. Along the Gaza border, the fellows walked right up to the security fence. With Gaza in front of them and bomb shelters behind them, they witnessed Israeli resilience firsthand.

While the Write On program itself has ended for these fellows, its impact has just begun.

“After exploring the issues from our classes on the trip, I understand how important the connection is between Israel and my Jewish identity, and why it is critical to know how to speak up,” said Soffer. “Write On has taught me how.”

Write On for Israel is now accepting applications for its 2022-2023 cohort. The program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. To learn more, or apply to become a fellow, please visit juf.org/write on.

Lea Speyer is the program director of JUF’s Israel Education Center and incoming director of Write On for Israel