(Jerusalem, 7 November 2011) A special summit called ‘Think Israel’ geared for Jewish students and young professionals will take place at the UJA-Federation of New York in Manhattan on Sunday, November 20th.
By NEFESH B NEFESHNefesh_081111_A(photo credit: Nefesh BeNefesh)
Addressing future trends of Israel and Aliyah. Nefesh B’Nefesh, which works in close cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, has teamed up with a wide range of Jewish organizations to produce this event, as part of its ongoing Aliyah programming in North America. The summit follows a recent week-long “Innovation Israel: Shaping Israel’s Future Today” road trip that Nefesh B’Nefesh organized together with PresenTense in order to engage Israel-conscious members of the Diaspora community in discussion about social change in Israel through innovative entrepreneurship.The ‘Think Israel’ summit (www.nbn.org.il/thinkisrael), which is expected to draw hundreds of attendees, will open with a special panel entitled ‘Our Visions for Nefesh BeNefeshIsrael’ with Vice-Chairman of the World Zionist Organization David Breakstone, and Vice President for Public Policy Jewish Federations of North America, William Daroff. It will also feature interactive workshops, panels and presentations designed to engage participants in discussion about Israeli identity, Aliyah and trends in Jewish Peoplehood. Topics to be addressed in the various breakout sessions will include social justice, Israel advocacy, careers in Israel and Aliyah.“This is a wonderful opportunity to create dialogue among young North American Jewish professionals by fostering and cultivating Israel-related social ideas and initiatives,” said Marc Rosenberg, Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s One Aliyah Department. “We believe that this will help maintain awareness of Israel identity and Jewish Peoplehood among the Diaspora communities.”
A wide array of organizations are working together with Nefesh B’Nefesh to create and promote the initiative, including: the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the American Zionist Movement, the World Zionist Organization, MASA, The Israel Project, Stand with Us, Yeshiva University, the Torah Activities Council, Bnei Akiva, ROI, JLIC and Habonim Dror of North America.The event can be followed on Twitter at #thinkIsrael and will be streamed live for viewing at www.nbn.org.il/thinkisrael.
Program Schedule:
*Tentative schedule, actual sessions subject to change.1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Registration and Refreshments
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM - Opening Panel - Our Visions for Israel David Breakstone, Vice-Chairman, World Zionist OrganizationWilliam Daroff, Vice President for Public Policy at Jewish Federations of North America2:30 PM - 3:15 PM - Breakout Sessions #1 • Israel Advocacy on Campus & in the Community; Avi Posnick, StandWithUs • Israel Social Action, Activism and Jewish Service Learning; Shuki Taylor, Center for the Jewish Future, Yeshiva University • Aliyah 101; Sharon Millendorf, Nefesh B'Nefesh3:15 PM - 3:45 PM - Break:Networking, Refreshments and Israel Speed Meetings 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM - Breakout Sessions #2• Israel Engagement Opportunities; Avi Rubel, Masa; Raina Goldberg, Hillel International• Messaging Media and Public Opinion; Nathan Klein, The Israel Project• Career Opportunities in Israel; Rachel Berger, Nefesh B'Nefesh4:45 PM - 5:30 PM - Breakout Sessions #3• Social Media and Israel; William Daroff, Jewish Federations of North America 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM - Break:Networking, Refreshments and Israel Speed Meetings 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM - Breakout Sessions #2• Israel Engagement Opportunities; Avi Rubel, Masa; Raina Goldberg, Hillel International• Messaging Media and Public Opinion; Nathan Klein, The Israel Project• Career Opportunities in Israel; Rachel Berger, Nefesh B'Nefesh<>Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel, is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah. The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B'Nefesh to its 29,000 newcomers, has ensured that 97% of its Olim have remained in Israel. www.nbn.org.ilThis is a sponsored article. The article should not be considered as advice.
