Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission to Israel

December 30, 2021 – January 9, 2022 

VISIT • LEARN • TAKE ACTION

The Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission is a 10-day, fully subsidized educational program for student leaders beyond the Jewish faith who have never been to Israel before. This unique mission provides students with the opportunity to explore the Jewish and democratic country of Israel through meetings with political, cultural, and community leaders from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Ideal candidates are American students who hold leadership positions in student organizations including, but not limited to government, ethnic, and minority groups, LGBTQ groups, women’s groups, service groups, and Greek life who will be sophomores or juniors at the time of travel.

Caravan for Democracy is operated by Jewish National Fund, whose goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue about Israel and the Middle East on college campuses across America. This mission will demonstrate to participants Israel's unique contributions to the world, its vibrant democracy, and its commitment to peace in the region.

For a sample itinerary, please click  here. 

Participants are selected through a competitive application and interview process. Those selected will be required to participate in pre-mission webinars in the fall semester and facilitate follow up campus activities in the spring semester. JNF covers transportation to and from Israel, accommodations, most meals, and all excursions. Participants are responsible for their own domestic transportation to and from the New York City area. Flights will be departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Please Note: Dates are tentative and subject to change. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must NOT have visited Israel before.
• Applicants must hold quantifiable leadership roles on campus and in their community.
• Applicants must be a full-time undergraduate student for the full 2021-2022 academic year. Please do not apply if you plan on graduating in December 2021 or study abroad in the 2021-2022 academic year.
• Completed applications must include detailed answers, resume, profile picture, and two (2) reference letters.
• Reference letters may come from faculty, administrators, employers, community leaders, and student leaders.
• Finalists selected will be required to participate in a video call interview.
• Applications are due September 3, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.

For more information, please contact Nelson France at  [email protected] or 202.750.0095 x295.

Caravan for Democracy Committee Members:

World Chairman’s Council

JNF Boruchin Israel Education and Advocacy Center

Harley Feldberg, Paradise Valley, AZ

The Harvey Hertz Fund, Tampa, FL 

The David and Linda Stein Family, Jacksonville, FL 

Century Council

Bernice Friedman, Las Vegas, NV 

The Sam and Joan Ginsburg Charitable Fund, Westchester, NY 

Ellen Holtzman, Philadelphia, PA 

Amy Iles, New York, NY 

Stacy and Scott Lewin, Atlanta, GA  

The Milton and Beatrice Shapiro JNF Scholarship Fund, New York, NY 

Nancy Siegel, Englewood, CO

Geraldine Shatz (z”l) 

Susan and Barry Tatelman, Boston, MA 

President’s Society

The Fromkin Family Foundation, Morganville, NJ

Stacy and Barry Kalmanson, Orlando, FL 

Laura and Steve Salzer, Tampa, FL 

Herzl Society

Lauren and Nelson France, Fairfax, VA - JNFuture

Michael Jacobson, Atlanta, GA 

David Levitt, Longmeadow, MA 

Ben and Sally Lewensohn Foundation, Media, PA

David Pearlman, Tampa, FL 

Evelyn and David Snyder Foundation, Lakewood Ranch, FL 

Chai Society

Barbara Kalmus, Beverly Hills, CA 

Michelle Locker, Studio City, CA 

Susan Sommer, Atlanta, GA 

Roots Society

David Soloway, Los Angeles, CA - JNFuture