This past year, Israel events took place on an almost weekly basis, covering all aspects of the country – educational, cultural, social and political. Small events such as lectures from an Israeli Bedouin and an Israeli military doctor were interspersed with larger gatherings such as a charity concert for Israel and a question and answer session with Israeli Minister Natan Sharansky. Penn students traveled to Israel with Taglit-birthright israel, experiencing the country for the first time. Most recently, students listened to Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Dr. Charles Krauthammer talk about the emergence of democracy in the Middle East. New ideas, energy and groups are welcomed.
For more information, contact Rebecca Bootin
Israel Sector Groups
Taglit-birthright israel: Hillel Garin Aliyah Israel Cultural Committee Penn Israel Coalition
Taglit-birthright israel: Hillel is an opportunity not to be missed! The trip is free; the experience is “priceless!” If you are Jewish—aged 18 to 26—and have never been on a peer-organized trip to Israel, join Taglit-birthright israel’s Hillel Trip. It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore Jewish heritage in Israel for 10 days over the winter or summer breaks. Along with fellow Penn students, you’ll get rocked around in jeep tours and inspired on hikes and by peer discussions. You’ll get to meet young, hip Israelis, take part in meaningful community service projects like tree-planting and visit historical sites.
For more information, contact Rabbi Janice Elster or go to freeisraeltrip.org
Garin Aliyah works to develop and solidify pro-aliyah sentiment among interested students. Thinking of moving to Israel? The group meets regularly to discuss important issues related to aliyah and life in Israel. Garin also chats openly about Israeli culture and contemporary Israeli issues. Apart from meetings, Garin is deeply involved in all Israel programs on campus including Israel Day and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.
For more information, contact Daniel Schoenbrun
The Israel Cultural Committee (ICC) stresses the cultural aspects of Israel rather than all those political issues. The ICC sponsors numerous educational, social and cultural events throughout the year. This past year, the ICC brought Idan Raichel, one of Israel’s most entertainingly popular musicians to a filled-to-the-brim audience of students and community members. The largest event of the year is Israel Week, a celebration during the spring semester, which serves as the culminating Israel experience as the ICC turns College Green into “Little Israel.”
For more information, contact Alex Levy, Thalia Shamash or Rebecca Bootin
The Penn Israel Coalition (PIC) is an umbrella organization for all pro-Israel student groups on campus. PIC is a non-partisan, student-run organization, packed full with Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, Jews and non-Jews. All are united in support of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state within safe and secure borders. As an Israel advocacy group, PIC aims to thoroughly promote awareness of Israel, increase the effectiveness of pro-Israel efforts on campus and educate the wider public about the strength of U.S.-Israel relations. PIC’s regular activities include notable speakers such as Israeli Minister Natan Sharansky, fun and important lobbying trips to Washington, D.C., and frequent visits from the Israeli Consul General. Programs deal with international and Middle Eastern issues, as well as internal Israeli issues.
For more information, contact Alex Leavey or see their website
MISSION: Israel Dialogue seeks to bring people with different viewpoints about the Middle East together for enlightening and knowledge-building discussion. Do controversial speakers and ideas get under your skin? Do you want your voice heard? Let's talk.
For more information, contact Orly May or Sam Adelsburg