Inside The Fellowship
- Two sessions following acceptance in the Fellowship and before departure. These sessions will provide an opportunity for the Fellows to connect with each other and participate in an enhanced send-off event.
- In partnership with Masa, four sessions in Israel are focused on expanding Fellows’ knowledge of Jewish peoplehood and the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora. These will include:
- Participation in the new two-day leadership program supported by the Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Legacy program
- Shabbaton in Yokneam-Megiddo (2 days, 1 night) that will focus on Jewish Peoplehood
- Thanksgiving celebration with Atlanta lone soldiers and Israeli dignitaries from different fields
- Participation in the Masa NextStep Conference, with special sessions for Atlanta Fellows, focusing on leadership on campus, as well as additional strategies for Fellows to engage with and participate in Israel activities, courses, and organizations on campus.
- Upon return, Fellows will participate in two additional sessions to reflect on their year in Israel and strategies for recruiting future Fellows, in partnership with Hillels of Georgia. A commencement program held during winter break focuses on additional opportunities for Israel engagement including Onward, other Masa programs, and volunteer experiences with Israel.
Diverse Gap Year Options
Offers a variety of gap year experiences, including:
- Volunteering: Engage in meaningful social action projects.
- Internships: Gain experience working with Israeli NGOs and high-tech startups.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore Israel’s rich history and diverse society.
“Israel is no longer a far-off place to me—it’s a space in my heart. I developed a level of fluency in Hebrew I never thought possible and began to understand Israel beyond what I learned in day school. It wasn’t just a cause to advocate for anymore—it became my home. I immersed myself in the current political landscape, spoke with Israelis across the aisle, and gained a deeper love for its people. I established roots and made promises to return.”
2023 Post-Program Participant
“Through exploring different areas of the country, I was able to see the diversity of the land and find out where I would feel most comfortable settling down. Seeing the difference between Jerusalem, the Gush, Tel Aviv, and Haifa displayed to me the number of different cultures within the country. Politically, it was incredible to go at a time where so much was going on with the protests.”
2023 Post-Program Participant
“My Gap Year has made me more appreciative of a Jewish society where keeping Judaism is easier. For me, it was so much easier keeping Shabbat and Kosher in Israel than it is in the US. Coming back here has been a difficult transition in terms of what I got used to in Israel. However, the fundamentals of what I learned and connected to in Israel are the same.”
2023 Post-Program Participant
Interested in Applying?
We will notify you when the next application window is open. Please contact Rich Walter at rwalter@jewishatlanta.org to get on the notification list.
Want to connect with current gap year students and parents to hear about their experience?
There are currently 28 Atlanta students on gap year programs in Israel who received this scholarship last year. We know that this process can be overwhelming and speaking with these students can help you figure out which program is best for you. Please let us know if you would like to connect with current students and/or their parents.
Hear from Emily Gavrielov, a 2021 Atlanta Jewish Academy graduate, who is a past participant on Israel XP at Bar Ilan University.
The eligible participating gap year programs span a range of focus areas, cities, and religious affiliations. There’s an Israel gap year experience for everyone and we will help you identify the one that’s right for you.
For personalized assistance and more information about the Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship, please reach out to: Rich Walter at rwalter@jewishatlanta.org
Follow the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta on Facebook for the latest news and fellowship opportunities.