New York Jewish Community Stepping Up Israel Education
New York, NY (PRWEB) October 22, 2013 -- Jerusalem U’s Step Up For Israel New York campaign kicks off in November, with two major events designed to inspire and engage teens and adults – and keep them coming back for more.
The events, called “Stand-Up For Israel,” will have participants laughing – and learning – about Israel. Ze’ev Ben Shachar, noted Israel educator will host the programs, which use humor to present ways to support and step up for Israel. The events will take place on November 3rd at Congregation Rodeph Sholom on the Upper West Side, and on November 4th at Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains.
Tirza Arad, Director of Religious School and Youth at Rodeph Sholom, is enthusiastic about the upcoming events. Arad says, “Rodeph Sholom has been using Jerusalem U’s Israel film education for our high school students and it’s a well-balanced, engaging curriculum that instills a sense of pride in our Jewish Nation. We are thrilled to host the Stand-Up event.”
The Step Up For Israel campaign has deep roots in New York’s Jewish communities since it was officially launched in 2011 at the Park Avenue Synagogue by renowned Israel advocate Alan Dershowitz.
Step Up For Israel and Jerusalem U programs educate Jews and non-Jews around the world, engaging audiences and creating proud supporters of Israel. Dershowitz, who wants to prepare students for the avalanche of criticism many will face on their college campuses, continues to co-chair the program, along with former Israel Ambassador Dore Gold. Step Up For Israel enjoys support from some of the most innovative and visionary leaders of the Jewish community, including Birthright Israel founder Michael Steinhardt.
The documentary film “Israel Inside: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference” is at the heart of the Step Up For Israel campaign. The film itself, which highlights key positive aspects of Israeli society and its contributions to the world, has been screened in 27 countries across six continents, has been widely available on PBS and Comcast networks, and has been viewed by more than 2 million people. “Israel Inside” is shown on cross-Atlantic El Al flights, and has been screened in seven acclaimed film festivals across North America. High schools across the United States use Step Up For Israel and “Israel Inside” to educate and engage their students.
UJA-Federation of New York has awarded Jerusalem U a major grant to sponsor its Step Up For Israel campaign in New York. All New York schools and synagogues supported by UJA-Federation will have free access to Step Up For Israel’s films and supporting curriculum, which are designed to combat the pervasive and severe effects of anti-Israel propaganda in communities and on college campuses. “UJA-Federation of New York is committed to engaging the next generation and promoting Israel education,” said John S. Ruskay, Executive Vice President and CEO of UJA-Federation. “By supporting Jerusalem U’s Step Up For Israel campaign, we are sparking a passion for Jewish life and learning and enabling students and adults to feel a deeper connection to Israel. We believe this program will become an invaluable resource for all schools and synagogues in our community.”
Step Up For Israel’s educational program is also being used by communities in Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, MetroWest, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Atlanta, and Houston.
To order the program for your organization or for more details on the upcoming events, contact Lior Krinsky, New York Regional Director, at lior[at]jerusalemu[dot]org.
Batsheva Gross, Jerusalem U, http://www.jerusalemonlineu.com, +1 323-395-2850, [email protected]
Share this article