Write On for Israel

Changing the way Jewish students address Israel on campus

Are you ready to make a difference for Israel on America’s college campuses? As you plan for your junior year, you’re already thinking about the college years to come. You’re preparing for the academic and social challenges you’ll face. But are you prepared to advocate for Israel when you get to campus?  

Write On for Israel can give you the tools to get that job done – and sends you to college with new and positive voice in support of Israel.

What is Write On for Israel? This intensive, two-year program, sponsored jointly by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish United Fund, JUF News, and the Community Foundation for Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago, combines history and politics with hands-on training in writing and public speaking. It is open to exceptional high school juniors who love Israel; who write and speak well, can commit to a 2-year extracurricular program in Israel and advocacy; and are ready for an extraordinary trip to Israel that goes beyond tourism to active engagement in the issues.

Here’s what Write On Fellows say about the program:

“The best place for Jewish high school students to further their ability to advocate for Israel…This program has opened my eyes to the reality of the situation and has empowered me to take my love for Zionism and Israel to the next level."

“As a result of Write On, I am more likely to become an active Israel advocate on campus because now … I not only have the pride, but also the knowledge to accurately and persuasively express my opinions and relay the facts."

How much does it cost? The AVI CHAI Foundation underwrites Write On, so there is little or no charge for this exciting program. HOWEVER, applicants accepted to the program are required to sign a completion contract and post a $500 completion deposit. Failure to complete the program can result in forfeiture of the deposition and/or incurring the cost of the Israel trip. Accommodations can be made for families for whom the deposit represents a hardship.

When does Write On for Israel begin? Write On Fellows will begin the program in December 2010 and conclude in June 2012. The Israel trip will occur in summer 2011.

What does the program require? As a Write On Fellow, you will:

• Attend seven mandatory Sunday seminars from December 2010 to June 2011, on history, media, journalism and advocacy, taught by professionals on the front lines of the issues.
• Complete required homework assignments, including reading and writing assignments that build skills and broaden understanding of the issues.
• Travel to Israel in summer 2011 for a two-week educational program that introduces you to Israeli media, political leaders, and policy-makers.
• Participate in community advocacy projects, including preparing a special supplement to JUF News during academic year 2011-12.
• Receive professional-level mentoring that builds skills and confidence.

Who qualifies? Write On is designed for the very brightest and most committed Jewish teens – but any high school junior who is serious about Israel advocacy can qualify, regardless of where they go to school, how much they know about Israel, or if they’ve traveled to the Jewish State. Fellows are expected to make this program the number one priority – after academics. Write On Fellows receive a certificate of completion from the program and can count themselves among an elite group of students invited to participate..

When can you apply to Write On for Israel? Write On for Israel is not yet accepting applications for the 2010-12 academic years. But interested students are invited to notify us of your interest by sending an e-mail with full contact information to writeonforisrael@juf.org.