Israel



Israel on Campus

   The American Movement for Israel (AMI) is the foremost Israel activist group on campus. Our mission is to educate the U of M community about all aspects of Israeli society, as well as to stand as a proactive body against one-sided attacks on Israel. AMI supports the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish, democratic state, and her right to defend herself within safe and secure borders in a secure region. We also support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

AMI hosts a variety of on-going programs on a regular basis, including "coffee talks" to discuss Israeli current events, committee meetings, and educational seminars. In addition, AMI organizes and sponsors other educational, political, cultural and social programs about Israel by inviting speakers and performers, holding workshops, and engaging in campus activism.

AMI provides an outlet for students to express their passion, questions, and opinions about Israel. If you have any suggestions, or questions about AMI, please contact AMI at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Union of Progressive Zionists seeks to understand both the complexity of the Middle East situation and the possibilities for a lasting two state solution through dialogue, education and social events. Contact Marnfalk@umich.edu or aglevy@umich.edu.

Taglit-Birthright: Israel

Want to see the sun rise after scaling Masada? Watch the sun set over the Mediterranean? Drop a note in the Western Wall? Celebrate with others your own age from your school or community? Ride a camel?

If you're Jewish, age 18-26, and have never been on a peer-group trip to Israel, Hillel offers the best ways for you to have the time of your life in Israel - FOR FREE!

Taglit-Birthright: Israel University of Michigan Hillel trips usually run during both winter break and the month of May, although options are available to go at other times as well. Registration for the Winter trip opens in early September and for the Summer trip in mid-February. Registration is online. Check out www.taglit.israelexperts.com

Birthright selection process
The U-M Hillel looks for a diverse group based on our applicant pool. U-M Hillel takes being previously waitlisted with us and exceptional situations into consideration but it is not a guaranteed spot. The interview is a critical part of the process. The interview gives us an indication of what are the students’ interests and we try to develop a diverse group of students based on the information we collect in the interviews. The majority of our selected participants are chosen by lottery. In accordance with Taglit-Birthright: Israel rules, past health, mental history, and Jewish observance has no bearing on our decision-making.

Israel Resources

Want to keep up on the news and events happening in Israel? Here are a few great sites to check out:
Ha'aretz
Israeli newspaper.
www.haaretz.com

Jerusalem Post
www.jpost.com

Hillel International
www.hillel.org

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
www.mfa.gov.il/mfa

Israel Tourism Ministry, North America
www.goisrael.com

Study or Work Abroad in Israel

 There are a variety of opportunities available to studying, volunteering, learning Hebrew or getting a job or internship in Israel.

For long-term program options (semester abroad, post-graduation opportunities or programs lasting 5 months or longer): Additionally, to find the best program for you or ask questions about a program you see below.

For short-term (less than 5 months) options: There are hundreds of opportunities available for short-term volunteering, studying, learning, interning, and much more. Below are a few links to programs.

Israel Travel Programs
www.israelexperience.com

Israel University Consortium
www.israelstudy.net

Kibbutz living and Ulpan programs
www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org

Scholarships for Israel Programs: Various scholarships may be available for Israel programs from national organizations, organizations in your home town, or your local Hillel.