Piloted for the first time, Mitbachon Young Adults Leadership Trip aims to provide Jewish young professionals from Former Soviet Union in their twenties and thirties with an opportunity to experience modern Israel up close and personally. The purpose of the trip is to get some illuminations about the past and the present Jewish life in Israel and the Former Soviet Union. The program aims to inspire young Jewish professionals to become involved in their local Jewish communal life, with Israel at its heart.

During the 9-day program in Israel, participants will encounter Tel-Aviv’s cultural life, Jerusalem’s spiritual soul, visit Haifa and Galilee as well as experience other key historical sites and cultural venues. Distinguished guest speakers, representatives of grass root movements and eccentric personalities will engage participants in discussions about the creation of Israel, its challenges today and Israel’s relationship with Jews who live in Diaspora.

During 3 days in Kiev, we will revisit our common Russian Jewish heritage through its folklore and contemporary reality. Participants will flip through pages of Jewish history alongside ancient Kiev streets and visit Babiy Yar memorial. They will meet opinion-makers, students and activists of the Jewish community.

You can find a more detailed schedule here.

The Russian Jewish common identity and its future will be explored in transatlantic journey between our past and present.  The content would be paired with best of Israeli wines and night long informal conversations.

The trip is organized by Jewish Agency for Israel, with the support of UJA Federation of NY and of San Francisco Jewish Community Federation.

General Information:

• Dates of the seminar: 12/16/08 – 12/28/08.
• Israel - December 16-26, 2008
  
• Kiev - December 26-28, 2008
• Number of Participants: 30 altogether (15 from NY and 15 from San Francisco Bay Area)
• Language of the Seminar: Russian and English
• Participation fee for New Yorkers: 1200$, airfare included.
• Participation fee for San Francisco : 1500 $, airfare included.
• Cost includes: Hotel accommodations in a double occupancy room, flight ticket, most meals, transportation within Israel and Kiev, entrance fees and events tickets.

Participation Criteria:

• Age: 25-35
• Jewish, Emigrated to the U.S. from Former Soviet Union
• Residents of NY  and San Francisco Bay Area only  
• Academic Degree
• Enthusiastic and inspired to continue developing various fields of Jewish life and Israel involvement in local community.
• Due to the limited number of available places, priority will be given to people who haven’t been on a peer educational trip to Israel and to participants in Mitbachon educational retreats.

Registration process:

• Please fill in the application form and send it together with your resume to info@mitbachon.org
• Personal interviews will be scheduled once your application is submitted.
• The deadline for the registration process is November 9^th, 2008.