Via: www.jewocity.com
Los Angeles, August 26 – The Israeli-American Council (IAC) has partnered with the successful Taglit Birthright Israel program to launch a special Hebrew track called IAC Shelanu. The new program offers a 10-day trip to Israel designed specifically for Israeli-American young adults, ages 18-26. IAC Shelanu, in partnership with Taglit Birthright Israel and Israel Experience, will be conducted in Hebrew, aiming to engage this unique group of young leaders and create future Jewish-Israeli community influencers. Registration opens September 9 for the December 2014 program.
According to a recent study commissioned by IAC and conducted by leading Israeli polling company Midgam, about 17% of second generation Israeli-Americans are married to non-Jews and Hebrew fluency drops from 53% to 19% for those living in the U.S. more than ten years. To view the full results, please click here.
IAC Shelanu aims to provide an authentic Israel experience that will help these young Israeli-Americans and other Hebrew speakers to connect on a deeper level with their Jewish-Israeli identity and expand their knowledge of and acquaintance with the State of Israel, its history and culture.
IAC Shelanu provides the experience of a lifetime for its participants, including a recruitment process by the IAC that focuses on identifying, selecting, and encouraging potential leaders. IAC Shelanu will then follow up with participants upon their return to ensure an enduring impact on their lives and further involvement in pro-Israel advocacy. Participants will be encouraged to participate in an IAC Shelanu alumni program, which will develop their connections to one another and the State of Israel while fortifying them with the network and skills needed to be ambassadors for Israel.
“The Israeli-American Community is excited to be able to provide this wonderful opportunity to our futureleaders. There is no better way to inspire our young generation, ignite their spirit, and connect them to their Jewish-Israeli heritage and the State of Israel, than to bring them to Israel with IAC Shelanu and let them see with their own eyes the history, land, and miracles of our start-up nation.” said IAC National Board MemberAdam Milstein. “IAC Shelanu will develop our future leaders, strengthen and build the connection between Jewish and Israeli life, and greatly impact our community for the future.”
For more information about IAC Shelanu, please visit: http://www.freejourneytoisrael.org/iacbirthrightisrael/
