WHY ISRAEL 2.0?

Who We Are

You already know that Israel is an incredible place. But was your last trip to Israel too short and left you wanting more? Are you interested in returning for another chance to walk the ancient hills and modern streets and learn more about the heritage that makes Israel our homeland? Then Israel 2.0 is for you.

About Us

Israel 2.0 is a registered non-profit organization that sponsors educational tours to Israel for Jewish college students and young professionals in North America. Israel 2.0 works in coordination with several Jewish organizations across college campuses and cities throughout the US and Canada and targets adults of all Jewish backgrounds, ages 18-28. Israel 2.0 features consistent, effective and dedicated follow-up programing for participants upon their return to keep alumni growing and engaged, including: follow-up trips, special conferences and pro-Israel events.

Mission Statement

Israel 2.0’s mission is to provide young Jewish adults with the opportunity to reconnect with Israel and their Jewish heritage in a deep and meaningful way.

Goals

  1. To strengthen participants' Jewish identity and their connection to Judaism
  2. To empower participants to be knowledgeable, articulate ambassadors for the state of Israel across college campuses, in work environments and elsewhere.
  3. To inspire participants to take responsibility and action regarding social issues facing their local and global communities.

Alumni Recollections

I have traveled to Israel several times to visit family. I thought I was pretty informed and knowledgeable about Israel and Judaism. However, until embarking on this trip, I didn’t realize exactly how little I knew. I not only learned about Judaism and Israel; but I also learned about myself and my identity as a Jewish woman. Whether a first time in Israel or fifth time, everyone left this trip learning and experiencing something new.

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Ariel Yadaie, Summer 2017

I had so many amazing highlights throughout the trip—from spending shabbat at the Kotel (first time for me), touring the Knesset, meeting unbelievable people at at Aish HaTorah—its really hard to narrow them down to a select few. All of our experiences taught me one major lesson: Judaism is more than a religion. We are a group of people that have been persecuted for thousands of years, yet we always find a way to unite in the most unlikely of places and make a major impact in the world.

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Alan Faidengold, Winter 2018 Winter 2018

Participating in classes about prayer while being able to look out the window and see the Western Wall is something we will all never forget. Our classes weren't lectures-- they were engaging discussions that allowed us to communicate our thoughts and questions and develop a deeper understanding of Judaism.

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Rachel Sundermier, Winter 2018

I was raised in a mixed family where my mother is Jewish and my father is not. I did not have any Jewish education growing up, so this trip was a wonderful experience for me because it helped me build upon my Jewish identity and knowledge. Israel 2.0 has strengthened my Jewish identity and I am working on finding a Jewish community at home where I live in Connecticut so that I can continue learning the Torah and giving back to others.

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Sarah Smith, Summer 2018

This trip was truly life changing for me. As I hugged my newfound friends goodbye at the airport, I realized how much I had gained from Israel 2.0. I now had a new community of Jewish peers and scholars, something that I didn’t really have growing up.

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Hannah Faiguenbaum, Summer 2017

As a group, we crossed the land, learned its history, and came to realize the suffering our ancestors went through in order that we could have a place called Israel. And with that in mind, we got to learn about the beauty of our heritage in a center literally across from where the Temple once stood. This was incredibly powerful for me. 

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Johnny Gilkarov Summer 2018