Rosh Hashanah by Meital Dyett
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 the first. We’d begin the […]
Opening Ceremony Speech- Challenges and Opportunities, Parashat Re’eh
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 in Israel comes during a […]
Orientation Week Recap
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 Students Been Up To? During […]
My Year in Israel – Daniel Sabo (Tikva)
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 at a mixed Arab-Israeli school. […]
End of Summer and New Beginnings at Aardvark Israel!
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 worked as camp counselors for […]
Swords of Steel
When Israel was attacked on October 7th, we, along with the entire nation, were caught by surprise. national trauma, we were concerned for the safety of our students, while some of our staff members were called to army reserve duty and others were dealing with the loss of loved ones. Despite the initial shock, our […]
Beating the Heat: How to Make the Most of an Israeli Summer
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 Aviv coastline is a haven […]
Falling in Love with Israel
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 on a journey through the […]
Planning on coming to Israel for the summer?
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 course, led by experts, combines […]
Living Like A Local In Israel After October 7th: Experiences From Aardvark Israel’s Students
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 solidify a connection to Israel […]