YJ Impact!, formerly known as "Hamagshimim" fosters Zionist leadership and activism among college students and young adults. It emphasizes personal engagement with the real Israel through multi-faceted programs and opportunities in Israel and North America. YJ Impact! embodies the pluralistic, non-partisan approach of its sponsor, Hadassah.
YJ Impact! offers many opportunities to today’s students:
Become a Leader
- YJ Impact! Israel Fellowship is a six-week leadership-training seminar where students get to decide on their own curricula and manage their own budget. Following the fall semester, students assume leadership roles that will influence the way Israel is perceived on campus.
Each winter fellows are invited to attend Mesamnei Shvilim – a 10 days highly subsidized delegation tour to Israel.
Each spring, YJ Impact! fellows and students from the UK, and invited guests gather in New York City to brainstorm creative ways to bring a positive view of Israel to the college campuses and to network with each other, while being exposed to leading Israeli artists, academics and politicians.
Make a Difference: Go to Israel with a Goal
- Birthright Israel: Through our special partnership with Hillel and Taglit-birthright israel, we organize free trips to Israel for hundreds of students each year.
- Mesamnei Shvilim is YJ Impact! 10 days Leadership Delegation to Israel during winter break. YJ Impcat!'s fellows and invited guests on this highly subsidized explore Israel from an insider’s perspective Israel exploration opportunity.
- Amirim (“Peaks”) is YJ Impact!'s summer volunteering program in Israel. While living in rented apartments in the Tel Aviv area and experiencing genuine Israeli life, college students and young adults get to give back to the community through professional volunteering in various organizations dealing with issues ranging from human rights and the promotion of coexistence to health, education and environmental matters. While participants enjoy sufficient free time for personal exploration, we provide extra curricular activities such as: tours, cultural events, educational seminars and hikes.
- Hadassah - WUJS Institute in Arad is the MASA recognized long term Israel immersion program of YJ Impact!. WUJS offers three specialized tracks to choose from: Land, Language, and Society – focusing on an intensive Hebrew Ulpan and studies; Arts; and Peace and Social Justice. The Institute also offers hikes, seminars, and community volunteer service for young Jewish Adults from around the world ages 21-35. According to personal interest, WUJS participants pursue volunteer, study, and career opportunities.
- Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah is a combination absorption center and community center for English speaking immigrants, tourists and native Israelis, ages 19-35. Based in the German Colony in Jerusalem, the Merkaz offers Aliyah and tourist services, educational social and cultural activities, activism and community involvement and housing. Programs are also offered in Tel Aviv.
- B’derech, (“On the way”), puts students in direct contact with the YJ Impact! shalichim, or Israeli emissaries, who offer advice on how to get to Israel and can assist with programs, internships, ulpanim and aliyah.
For more information:
Mijal Ben-Dori
National Shlicha & Director
Phone: (212) 303-4581
Fax: (212) 303-4572
E-mail: mbendori@youngjudaea.org
Web site: http://www.yjimpact.org