In the months following the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, BBYO and its travel arm, BBYO Passport, have pivoted their summer 2024 program offerings to create new experiences for Jewish teens at this difficult time.
In addition to running its flagship Israel Journey travel program and the Israel-based leadership experience, ILSI, BBYO is unveiling Volunteer Israel, a 10-day service-based trip designed to empower teens to make a difference in the lives of displaced border communities while creating deeper connections with the land and people of Israel.
Unlike traditional Israel travel programs, Volunteer Israel prioritizes direct engagement with communities affected by the Oct. 7 attacks. Participants will spend the majority of their time immersed in service projects, dedicating four to six hours each day to hands-on volunteer work. Whether it’s packaging food and clothing for displaced communities in partnership with organizations like Latet, preparing special meals for active-duty IDF soldiers through initiatives like Pantry Packers, or assisting in the harvest and distribution of crops at food banks such as Leket, participants will play a vital role in supporting restoration and rebuilding efforts.
Marni Heller, associate vice president of BBYO Passport, reflected on the importance of this program after traveling to Israel in January on a unique mission with BBYO’s trip provider. The eye-opening experience and impact of the horrific attacks made it clear that support and camaraderie from the global Jewish community were needed.
“Spending time in Israel volunteering to help displaced communities across the country, talking with local community leaders, and hearing from those who were most affected moved me profoundly,” Heller said. “Once I returned home, my team and I worked to restructure our summer 2024 program offerings in Israel so that we can continue to bring impactful experiences to Jewish teens at this challenging time.”
In addition to service work, participants will witness the resilience of Israelis from border communities, engage in discussions with political experts, and gain insight into Israel’s healthcare system through visits to institutions like Magen David Adom’s national blood bank. While in Israel, teens will be immersed in the rich tapestry of Israeli culture and heritage with a moving Shabbat celebration in Jerusalem, a visit to experience the vibrancy of Tel Aviv and travel to the Negev Desert, where ancient landscapes offer a serene backdrop for reflection and discovery.
“In the days since Oct. 7, I think it’s become more and more apparent that Israel is our homeland, and our brothers and sisters are in need of our help. In times like these, we all need to do our part. This is my way of doing mine,” said Ike Diamond of BBYO’s Lonestar Region, who will be participating in Volunteer Israel this summer. “I hope this volunteer experience gives me the platform to make change, hear people’s stories, and connect to my homeland in a new and unique way.”
BBYO Passport has long been known for offering elevated summer experiences in Israel, Europe, Africa and the Americas, emphasizing adventure, community service and meaningful Jewish experiences. Seeking to meet teens’ needs at a time when connection and community are of utmost importance, teens in grades nine to 12 now have an opportunity to join this brand-new journey that goes beyond borders to ignite passion and purpose.
With two travel dates available (June 25-July 4 or July 9-8), Volunteer Israel promises an unforgettable week of service and solidarity at a time when global Jewry needs it most.
Through BBYO’s partnership with RootOne, any teen who signs up for Volunteer Israel is eligible to receive a $1,000 travel voucher towards the cost of their trip. If a teen has previously received a RootOne voucher, they are still eligible, and this will not affect their eligibility in the future.
Since Oct. 7, BBYO members have continued to make their voices heard advocating for Israel. From organizing fundraisers in their communities to supporting affected families, hospitals, and the Israel Defense Forces, to penning letters to members of Congress urging support for Israel and proudly participating in the March for Israel in November, teens are actively working to support their siblings in Israel.
For more information on Volunteer Israel and BBYO Passport’s safety protocols, visit: BBYOSummer.org.
*Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization but rather as “BBYO.”
