Israel Relations

The Jewish Federation is Michiana’s central resource for all things Israeli. From Israel travel information to cultural programs, community dialogues and innovative Michiana-Israel Partnerships, the Jewish Federation works to facilitate the dialogue between Israel and the Michiana Jewish Community with an emphasis on mutual respect and the belief that the future of the Jewish people is based on its ability to establish a direct relationship between its various communities around the world.

Partnership with Israel

Partnership with Israel concentrates on Israel's peripheral areas, like the Negev and Galilee, which hold more than two-thirds of Israel's land reserves, yet houses only 17% of the population. The regions' potential for development and immigrant absorption remains largely untapped because of high unemployment rates and weak educational infrastructure.  Partnership with Israel is working to change that.

Today, 27 regions have been matched with 550 Diaspora communities. Nearly every region combines urban centers with neighboring rural peripheries. The principal categories for intervention are immigrant absorption and population growth, job creation and human needs. Its goal is to partner Jewish communities worldwide with regions in Israel to create people-to-people relationships between Israeli and Diaspora Jews.

Since its inception in 2000, countless children, teenagers and adults in Michiana have enjoyed the benefits of shared arts programs and joint American-Israeli classroom projects through Partnership with Israel. The Michiana community has helped with the mitzvah of developing the regional security and state-of-the-art hospital and medical facilities, and has also been able to send local medical professionals to the region for Emergency Medical training. Partnership with Israel also is dedicated to helping Michiana teenagers visit Israel and the Partnership Region.

Partnership2Gether

Website: p2g.jewishagency.org

The Jewish Agency’s Partnership2Gether platform (P2G, previously known as Partnership 2000) has become the paradigm for successfully partnering global Jewish communities directly with Israeli communities—the majority of which are in national priority areas. More than 300,000 participants from Israel and the overseas communities take part in some 500 programs each year, with P2G’s annual budget at $25 million.

 
Western Galilee Consortium

The Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley's personal connection with Israel is with the Western Galilee Consortium. If you are planning a trip to Israel with your family, let us know and we can help arrange a visit with our friends in Western Galilee.

Shlichim / Israeli Emissary Program

The mission and goal of the Shlichim Project is to intensify ties between the Michiana community, especially its youth and students, to the Jewish People and to Israel.  Our shlicha / shaliach​ accomplishes this goal by introducing/coordinating programs which strengthen Jewish identity and which enhance an awareness of the significance of Israel in the life of the modern Jew.

The shlicha / shaliach​ acts as the Program Coordinator for youth and Israel related programming, director of SaBaBaH, the Jewish Community's youth group as well as Hebrew/Israel teacher for the Reform and Conservative Hebrew Schools and Religious Schools. Our shlicha / shaliach also coordinates and teaches Ulpans, which are Hebrew language classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Our shlicha / shaliach is eager to offer Israel Education at our Jewish and non-Jewish schools throughout the community. During the summer, our shlicha / shaliach serves as Assistant Director for Camp Ideal, our Summer Day Camp.

As the Israel Advocate to the Media and non-Jewish institutions, our shlicha / shaliach is equipped to provide a global perspective to the local media and religious organizations. Please contact Bob Feferman to schedule a speaking engagement.