gap year in israel

Israel Once Again Aims for the Moon

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

In 2019, Israel’s first attempt to send a spacecraft to the moon failed when Beresheet 1 crash-landed. The crash came as a huge disappointment after the whole country and many others around the world had followed the project’s progress with baited breath. Despite this, there was immense pride, as SpaceIL became the first private organisation […]

Israel’s Castles and Fortresses

Gap year program in israel at the prague castle

You are no doubt aware that Israel is a country full of history and historical buildings. However, you may be less aware that the country is home to a number of amazing castles and fortresses. Some of them are truly ancient while others are merely old. Keep reading to learn a little about some of […]

Jerusalem’s Modern Iconic Buildings

Jerusalem is a city full of history and culture, and much of it is housed in some truly extraordinary buildings. Some of the buildings date back centuries; however, there are many buildings that are truly modern and symbolic of the country that Israel is today.  For example, if you ever visit the Israel Museum you […]

An Environmental Disaster and Moment for Reflection

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

by Josh Glucksman “A few days ago, one of Israel’s worst environmental disasters occurred when an oil tanker spilled hundreds of tons of oil along the country’s coast. For all the parents reading this email who are not a 5-minute walk from the Tel Aviv Promenade, the beaches are bad. So bad, in fact, that […]

Impact Month

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

by Harper Green When Big Idea started back in September, I was really excited to learn about web development and expand my programming skills. I wanted to take away a new skill set that could help me in my future endeavors, as well as allow me to help others. After completing the coding course during […]

Student of the Week – Ben Gottesfeld

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

My name is Ben Gottesfeld and I am from Denver, Colorado. I currently live in Jerusalem and have been here for the past month. I lived in Tel Aviv for four and a half months before arriving in the Holy City. Like many of my peers, my decision to join Aardvark Israel was a reflection […]

Student of the Week – Danya Dubrow-Compaine

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Shalom everyone! My name’s Danya, and I’m from Weston, Massachusetts (for those who know Jews in the Boston area, I live right next to Newton or “Jewton” as it’s affectionately called). Last semester, I had the amazing opportunity to live in Jerusalem right next to Shuk Machne Yehuda. A week ago, though, I moved into […]

Couch to 5K

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

by Tiffany Salzberg A large part of my life is health and fitness. This passion goes beyond working out, and is more than just a “diet.” I put great emphasis on physical activity. I do plyometric workouts six days a week. I prefer circuits and functional workouts. Through this passion, I have also gotten into […]

Israel Packing List

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Clothing  Hiking boots (broken in!!). Preferably waterproof Water shoes with firm bottoms and straps (Keens, Tevas…)  Hat for hiking (a must!!) T-shirts  Long sleeve shirts  Sweaters/Sweatshirts  Jeans/pants/leggings Shorts/skirts Underwear Socks (high, full length— a must when wearing hiking boots!) Dress shoes that are comfortable for walking Flip flops or shower shoes (Flip flops will not […]

Student of the Week – Ash Swidler

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Greetings, readers of the world. My name is Ash Swidler and, like many people on the programme, I live in New York. Shocker! However, all sarcasm aside, having spent my entire life until recently in the UK, my reasons for participating in Aardvark Israel are far from simple… My brother, Nathan, spent his 2019 fall […]