Dear Aardvark Israel Family,
These past few months have been far from ordinary.
Between national days of remembrance, holidays, and an ongoing complex reality, it would have been easy to pause, slow down, or simply “get through it.”
But in reality, something very different has taken place:
our students have not only moved through this time – they have grown from it.
Here are some of this month’s highlights.
A Weekend with Mechinat Aderet - Community That Continues to Grow
Throughout the semester, our students connected with participants from Mechinat Aderet as part of a meaningful and ongoing collaboration.
We recently brought this shared experience to a close with a memorable Shabbat weekend and a special concluding day – filled with joint activities, personal connections, and moments of joy.
“For me, this Shabbaton was one of the highlights of the semester. In the program, I meet many friends from all over the world, and I’m constantly interacting and speaking with Israelis. As someone who is only in Israel for a semester, it was super interesting to spend an entire Shabbat together with young people who grew up in Israel and are my age.” – Gabriella, Barak Community
We’re Excited to Announce Our New StandWithUs Mini Track
We recently launched the first cohort of a new mini track in collaboration with StandWithUs.
At a time when antisemitism is being felt more strongly than ever, we are choosing to deepen our efforts – equipping our students with practical tools for leadership, resilience, and meaningful engagement. We are proud to announce that we will have a full StandWithUs track for the 2026-2027 year.
A Living Reminder of Why We Are Here - Marking National Days
Throughout this period, we came together to mark Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut.
These moments carried an especially deep meaning this year –
from hearing firsthand testimony from Holocaust survivors, to standing still during the siren as an entire country pauses and reflects.
Our students chose to be present, to take part, and to truly experience these moments here, in Israel.
“One of the experiences that impacted me most was the memory rooms the staff created. Each room focused on a different theme – the Nova festival, lone soldiers, and more. It felt like stepping into a world – not just hearing about it, but truly being part of it.”– Daniel, Eitan Community
One Month Left - And So Much Behind Us
As we enter the final month of the spring semester, it’s hard not to reflect on just how unusual this year has been.
And yet, in many ways, it has been one of the most meaningful.
“Being in Hostage Square when the living hostages returned, and then going down to Eilat for a week – one of the only places where the war with Iran was barely felt – it’s just been an incredible year.
“I have friends who did this program before me, and friends who will do it after me – but it’s amazing how each group experiences something completely different. This year has been complex, but wow – how meaningful it has been.”- Adi, Barak Community
Within uncertainty, change, and challenge, our students have continued to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of belonging.
We’re in Australia & New Zealand
We’ve already met so many students excited about coming to Israel for a gap year, and we’re looking forward to continuing to meet more of you, answer your questions, and share the Aardvark Israel experience in person.
This period has reminded us of something important:
Growth does not only happen in easy moments.
Sometimes, it happens precisely in times of uncertainty.
And this is exactly what we are seeing every single day.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
The Aardvark Israel Team