Program Overview
ISC: Community Involvement offers an amazing five-month program. It provides you the unbeatable opportunity to be exposed to and get to know the Israeli society from an insider's perspective and to make a difference. ISC: Community Involvement organizes frequent excursions throughout Israel, meetings with Israeli young adults; learn about Israeli culture, society, history, and politics, as well as, the opportunity to improve your Hebrew and so much more!
Community Involvement includes the following...
Community Based Residence - All participants live within Israeli neighborhoods - not on isolated campuses. We believe that only through direct contact with Israelis, can participants be in a position to know Israel and help meet current challenges. ISC: Community Involvement will arrange for Israeli Host families with whom participants will be able to enjoy Holidays, Shabbat dinners, life-long friendships and integrate into the community.
Living Arrangements - Participants should feel right at home in Israel. That's why we equip each ISC: Community Involvement with apartment-style villas including comfortable furnishings, wireless high-speed Internet connection, and cable television. Participants are divided into small groups (of about 10) per villa; two roommates per room.
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Meaningful Service Opportunities - ISC: Community Involvement works with local leaders in each community to identify the most pressing needs. Participants will choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities according to their skills, background and interests. Placements options may include: At-risk youth, elderly, environment, arts', sports, social work, education and more.
ISC GREEN: Environmental Work - As a group, participants will contribute in improving Israel's environment by working in nature reserves, along shorelines, and in national parks. Jacqueline, a former ISC-4 Tiberias participant, best describes the importance of preserving Israel's beauty when she said "Israel fought so hard for this land, the least we can do in return is maintain it!"
Trips & Special Excursions - Participants will enjoy educational excursions throughout Israel - from North to South, East to West! Special time will be spent exploring Israel's truly unique cities including the City of Gold, Jerusalem, and Israel's Mediterranean metropolis, Tel Aviv, and surrounding areas. ISC: Community Involvement also partners with other similar long-term programs and organizes specialty group trips. This way, volunteers get the opportunity to involve, interact, and engage with others from around the world who support and share similar interests. Furthermore, several times per month, selected volunteers get the opportunity to attend seminars, forums, and Shabbatons alongside other MASA participants from around the world.
Learn and Use Hebrew - The key to forging strong connections in Israel is through the language. That's why all Community Involvement participants will undergo intensive Hebrew training. No prior experience is necessary, just a desire to learn and use Hebrew while you are here!
Leadership Opportunities - Community Involvement participants represent the future leaders of the Jewish People. As such, participants will have the chance to partake in leadership training, meet with Israeli influencers in business, culture, and politics.
Judaism in Israel - Learn about Jewish life, philosophy, and observances from Jewish leaders in an open and non-denominational environment.
Israel Studies - Experts will deliver frequent lectures on a wide variety of topics relating to Israel, including politics, history, culture, and society.
