Yahel is pleased to partner with Hillels and other university groups to offer alternative break programs that connect participants to Israel through the lens of social change.

 

Each alternative break program takes place in one of our partner communities and is run in partnership with a local, grassroots organization. These collaborations are a huge part of what makes Yahel’s alternative break programs so unique, and so impactful!

 

Yahel works closely with Hillel staff members pre-trip, during the program and post-trip to design and implement all components of the program. We are committed to creating an experience that is relevant to each individual school and has a lasting impact both on participants and on our partner communities in Israel.

 

What does an alternative break program with Yahel include?

• 10-14 days of immersive service and learning in an Israeli community.

• Service projects which are meaningful, helpful for the community and appropriate to the age and expertise of the participants.

• A rich educational curriculum tailored to the program participants, the service project and the partner community.

• Educational tours designed to complement the service learning experience.

• Meals and accommodations in apartments, dormitories, youth hostels or home stays throughout the program.

• Orientation materials and support in designing pre-program educational sessions.

• 2 Staff members:

  • A Yahel program facilitator

  • A local coordinator from the host community

• Health insurance for all participants and staff.

• Outside speakers for educational enrichment.

• Support in planning post-trip programming.

 

 

Past Programs Include:

University of Maryland Hillel Alternative Break Program, 2014

Community: Kiryat Gat

Partner Organization: Hineni

Service Project: Planting and building benches in a community garden at a local synagogue

 

University of Massachusetts Hillel Alternative Break Program, 2014

Community: Maghar

Partner Organization: Horizons for the Future

Service Project: Creating a community garden

 

American University Alternative Break Program, 2013

Community: Arad

Partner Organization: African Refugee Development Center

Service Project: Working with refugee children and mapping refugee and visa status of refugees.

 

Hillel of Greater Philadelphia Alternative Break Program, 2013

Community: Netivot

Partner Organization: Magshimim B’Yachad Netivot

Service Project: Community garden in youth center

 

University of Maryland Hillel Alternative Break Program, 2013

Community: Rishon LeZion, Ramat Eliyahu Neighborhood

Partner Organization: Friends by Nature

Service Project: Painting Ethiopian absorption center, planting and building raised beds in a community garden

 

University of Maryland Hillel Alternative Break Program, 2012

Community: Rishon LeZion, Ramat Eliyahu Neighborhood

Partner Organization: Friends by Nature

 

 

 

“I am walking away with a closer connection to the Ethiopian Jewish community, a closer relationship to Israel, and inspiration to continue working toward social justice.”

- Program Participant

 

“Yahel taught me the importance of an intentional community and translated my short-term experiences into my long-term desire to be a part of a larger social change.“

- Dana K., UMD Alternative Break Participant

 

“My experiences with this program have benefited me in ways that I'm sure I'm not even aware of yet. Not only do I feel more thoughtful in my actions in every aspect of my life, I have a renewed energy in the social activism that I am involved with daily.”

- Jessie, American University Alternative Break Participant

 

“This program changed my life in so many ways. It helped me see a whole new side to Israel and helped me connect with a group of people I never would have thought to learn about. I hope to teach so many other people about my experience and how it is so important to learn about different cultures and communities because, while we do have differences, we also have so many similarities.”

- Diana W, UMass Alternative Break Participant

 

“This program was a meaningful experience for me in changing the way I think about Israel. For the first time, I am thinking about Israel as more than a home for the Jews. Learning about the Druze community and connecting to individuals within it has given me a new lens to which to see Israel when I hear about current events. I am also walking away thinking about the importance of national, religious, and cultural identity. Finally, this program has furthered my thinking on what a reciprocal, sustainable community partnership looks like.”

- Hannah W, UMass Alternative Break Participant

 

 

Safety and Security

The safety and security of participants of the Yahel Social Change Program is of great importance to us. Yahel is registered with the Society for the Protection of Nature control center (Moked Teva), who operate 24/7 and give us security directives. Additionally, we receive all security alerts posted by the Security Department of Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and its subsidiary company The Israel Experience in real time. The security situation is closely monitored throughout the program and Yahel reserves the right to cancel or change itineraries due to security concerns. Participants should follow safety instructions from Yahel staff at all times. Yahel is not responsible for the safety of the participants during their free weekends.