Blog - Aardvark Israel Gap Year Program

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Sukkot: Unity, Tradition, and the Aardvark Israel Experience

October 16, 2024 Weekly Updates

Sukkot is a time when we celebrate not only the harvest but also the deeper connections between people, traditions, and the land of Israel. The holiday’s rituals and symbols, like the Arbaat Haminim (four species), remind us of the unity and diversity of the Jewish people—an idea that resonates deeply ...

Student of the week – Maya

October 6, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi, my name is Maya, and I’m from Atlanta, GA. I chose to join Aardvark Israel to spend time in Israel while also pursuing my education in web development through the Tech Track. The opportunity to intern in tech was what really convinced me, and so far, I’ve been having ...

Rosh Hashanah by Meital Dyett

September 30, 2024 Student Blog

Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, celebration, and hope for a sweet new year. It has reminded me of celebrating with my family and friends over the years in England.In England, my Rosh Hashanah was always a whirlwind of activity, lasting two days, with the busiest day always being ...

Opening Ceremony Speech- Challenges and Opportunities, Parashat Re’eh

September 9, 2024 Parashat Hashavua

by Yifat Nadler, Aardvark Israel Program Director. This year at Aardvark Israel we are privileged to welcome nearly 100 new students from 17 different countries around the world to Israel, a land that is a center of history, culture, and spiritual significance for the Jewish people. Dear students, Your arrival ...

Orientation Week Recap

September 2, 2024 Weekly Updates

On August 26th, 100 students from 17 different countries began their Aardvark Israel journey, kicking off our Fall 2024 semester. We are thrilled to see that even in these challenging times, young Jewish people continue to seek a deep connection with the land and people of Israel. What Have Our ...

Student of the week – Shane

September 1, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi, my name is Shane, and I’m from Los Angeles, California. I decided to join Aardvark Israel because I wanted to take a year to understand myself, grow as a person, reconnect with my Jewish roots, and have fun. I chose Aardvark Israel because of the freedom and opportunities they ...

My Year in Israel – Daniel Sabo (Tikva)

August 22, 2024 Student Blog

Hi, my name is Daniel Sabo. I’m originally from Israel but moved to California when I was five. I came to Aardvark to volunteer and reconnect with my family. Initially, I volunteered as a nurse’s assistant at Ichilov Hospital with Sky, later moving to Jerusalem after the war to volunteer ...

End of Summer and New Beginnings at Aardvark Israel!

August 22, 2024 Weekly Updates

The summer is almost over, and do you know what that means? Yup, you guessed it—the Aardvark Israel programs are about to start! These past few months have been incredibly busy, both for our dedicated staff and our Plus USA summer camp program! Throughout the summer, some of our students ...

Beating the Heat: How to Make the Most of an Israeli Summer

July 15, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

The Israeli summer is a scorcher, with temperatures regularly exceeding 38°C (100°F). But don’t let the heat deter you! Israel thrives in the sunshine, offering a vibrant blend of activities that keep you cool and entertained. For water lovers, the Mediterranean and Red Seas provide the perfect escape. The Tel ...

Falling in Love with Israel

July 11, 2024 Student Blog

A Journey Through the Land of Diversity Israel, a land of remarkable diversity and rich history, captivates the hearts of those who visit. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant cultures, Israel offers a unique blend of experiences that make it a destination like no other. This post takes you ...

Planning on coming to Israel for the summer?

June 2, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Here are some summer opportunities you can take part in! In partnership with Sachlav Israel on the house, we offer several summer opportunities. Geopolitics and Public Diplomacy Fellowship: Immerse yourself in the intricacies of Israel advocacy, geopolitics, and public diplomacy while living like a local in Tel Aviv. Our one-month ...

Living Like A Local In Israel After October 7th: Experiences From Aardvark Israel’s Students

June 2, 2024 Student Blog

When we say that our students “live like a local,” we don’t just mean seeing Israel through rose-colored glasses. Aardvark Israel runs four different gap year and semester programs for Diaspora Jews aged 17-21. We aim to foster personal growth in each of our students, strengthen their Jewish identity, and ...

Pride month 2024

June 2, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Every year, here in Israel, we have one of the biggest pride parades in the world. This year, in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community members who are still being held hostage in Gaza, those serving in reserve duty, and community members who lost their lives during these terrible times, Israel ...

Hot Summer in Israel

May 27, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

When the mercury soars and the sun beats down relentlessly, Israelis know it’s summertime. With temperatures often reaching over 100°F (38°C), the summer months in this Middle Eastern country are nothing short of scorching. But Israelis have perfected the art of staying cool and embracing the heat. No summer day ...

Passover in Israel

April 22, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Passover in Israel is a big deal, and let’s be real – it’s not just about the cleaning! Sure, getting the house spotless is part of the tradition, but let’s talk about the real star of the show – the food! During Passover in Israel, the Seder plate plays a ...

The Aardvark Monthly – March 2024

April 22, 2024 Aardvark Israel Monthly

Shalom Parents, Students, Partners, and Staff, What a busy month we had, with celebrating Purim, a Shabbaton, and exploring Israel and abroad! Our students are truly living like locals in Israel, immersing themselves into Israeli society. It’s hard to believe that the semester is halfway through. Here are some March ...

The Aardvark Monthly – February 2024

March 20, 2024 Aardvark Israel Monthly

Shalom Parents, Students, Partners, and Staff, The second month of our spring semester is over! We had some very exciting programs and Tiyulim (Trips) in February, during which our students learned about diversity within Israeli culture, how to become strong leaders, connect with their Jewish identities, and, of course, they ...

Purim in Israel

March 18, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Purim in Israel is a vibrant and joyous celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. For those on a gap year in Israel, experiencing Purim can be an unforgettable highlight of their time spent volunteering in this beautiful country. One of the most ...

Student of the Week – Talia

March 17, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi my name is Talia and I’m from Massachusetts. I chose Aardvark because of the opportunities it has to offer. I spent 3 semesters in Israel during high school and then started college this past fall at Virginia Tech University. I loved college but after October 7, I did not ...

How to Make the Most of Your Internship

March 14, 2024 Spotlight! Internships and Volunteering

So, you’ve kicked off your internship, but feeling like you’re not quite hitting your stride? Don’t sweat it! Anna and Zach have your back with some tips on how to thrive during your internship. Set Clear Goals! Take a moment to envision what you hope to gain from this experience. ...