In the midst of the summertime encompassing July and August this year, Yeshiva University facilitated four remarkable programs in Israel, providing 84 undergraduate students with the opportunity of a lifetime.
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From immersive internships to cultural exchanges, these programs offered participants a chance to live and learn in the vibrant land of Israel.
One of the programs is the Counterpoint, an integral part of YU's Israel summer offerings since 2006, which focuses on empowering at-risk youth in the country's peripheries. Supported by the Jewish Agency for Israel, Afikim, and the World Zionist Organization, Counterpoint aims to bridge communities and inspire long-lasting positive change.
This year, after a hiatus due to COVID, the program made a powerful comeback in the southern town of Kiryat Malachi, engaging predominantly with kids from Ethiopian and Russian immigrant families. YU students volunteered their time to mentor, teach, and engage with seventh and eighth graders, utilizing activities such as sports, dancing, baking, and arts – all conducted in English. Despite the language barriers, the kids and YU students bonded on an incredible level.
The final week of the program involved volunteering across Israel, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and connection to the broader Israeli society.
"The Yeshiva University Summer Programs in Israel offer students an exceptional opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in the vibrant setting of the Jewish homeland," said Noam Wasserman, dean of the Sy Syms School of Business at YU, who is a key mentor and partner in the internship program. "Whether engaging with underprivileged youth, interning at Israeli companies, conducting research, or unearthing ancient history, each program cultivates a deep connection to Israel and leaves an indelible mark on participants' lives. These transformative experiences not only shape individual journeys but also contribute to building a stronger and more connected global Jewish community."
