Young Jews from around the world to rebuild north
Some 500 Jewish students from across globe will arrive in Israel to work side by side in northern communities. Project will include clearing and replanting forests and repairing and painting bomb shelters
Leading Up North, one of the largest short-term service programs in Israel for young Diaspora Jews ever convened, will take place December 25, 2006 through January 11, 2007. Philanthropist Lynn Schusterman is providing the funding necessary to enable CLI to implement this global initiative.
Leading Up North will offer Jews from North America, the former Soviet Union, Latin America, Europe, Australia, India and Israel the opportunity to demonstrate solidarity, leadership and connection to the people of Israel through a range of service programs in ten communities across the north, including Haifa, Hatzor Haglilit, Horfesh, Kiryat Shmona, Maalot, Tarshiha, Metulla, Pekiin, Rosh Pina and Shlomi.
“This program is an opportunity for young Jewish leaders from around the world to demonstrate - with their hands and with their hearts - their solidarity and support for our brothers and sisters in Israel, as well as their commitment to the Jewish values of tikkun olam and tzedek,” said Lynn Schusterman.
“I hope the experience will make a meaningful impact both on the communities of the north and on the participants who are giving up ten days of their time to serve there.”
Day of service
Working side-by-side with Israelis from the north and across the country, volunteers on Leading Up North will clear and replant forests and repair and paint bomb shelters in communities damaged during last summer’s conflict.
On January 3, the 500 LUN participants, their Israeli peers, and residents of the north will converge in Kiryat Shmona for a day of service, culminating in a major festival for the residents of the north who were so deeply affected by the war.
Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres and top Israeli performers, including Hadag Nachash, Din Din Aviv and Fortisacharoff are scheduled to participate.
Program partners for this new initiative include the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, the Israel on Campus Coalition, the Jewish Coalition for Service, and the Schusterman Foundation-Israel.
The Kibbutz Movement Volunteer Corps is arranging the volunteer placements, and Tlalim Tours is coordinating the program and logistics in Israel.
