Since Oct. 7, Jewish teens around the world have faced profound challenges, from facing antisemitism, to grappling with how to have open conversations about Israel and the war, to struggling with ignorance and misinformation on social media. Jewish teens today are navigating their hope to see the hostages released; their concern for innocent civilians in Gaza; and their yearning for Israel’s safety.

Over the past months, the URJ Teen Israel Organizing Immersive has been a haven for Jewish teens. Complexity is nurtured, empathy is not finite, and teens can ask questions and express themselves freely. The Teen Israel Organizing Immersive is a four-month program based in the U.S. where high schoolers can delve into learning about current events, social justice, and community organizing. Fellows will convene in October at The Collab NFTY gathering for an in-person opening seminar, after which they will work with a mentor to develop organizing projects centered on Israel.

The 2023-2024 Teen Israel Organizing Immersive cohort’s impact within their communities has already been remarkable. Fellows led their communities in thoughtful, empathetic, and public conversations about the war in Israel and Gaza. By leading these discussions, Teen Israel Organizing Immersive fellows nurtured a culture of compassion and humility that answers the demands of this complex moment in history.

Fellows also collaborated to invite thought leaders to speak at our teen-led webinar series, Teen Israel Organizers Talk. These discussions addressed the differences between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, misinformation about the current war in Israel, and the Reform Movement’s updated Israel work. Guests included The Forward’s editor-in-chief, Jodi Rudoren; author Etgar Keret; Jewish studies scholar Dr. Marc Dollinger; and URJ president Rabbi Rick Jacobs.

Last year’s Teen Israel Organizing Immersive fellows developed creative organizing projects, including:

  • Lobbying school boards to increase schools’ focus on Jewish history and its role in current events.
  • Creating websites, music, and documentaries to shed light on the war and attitudes about Israel in North America.
  • Speaking in their communities and sharing nuanced information about the conflict in Gaza.
  • Hosting panel discussions with Jewish college students to speak about current discourse on college campuses, including student protests and encampments.
  • Facilitating interfaith dialogues to build relationships and understanding.

Throughout the Teen Israel Organizing Immersive, we ask: “What do you want to be a torchbearer for?” In other words, what issues inspire our teens to act?

Teen Israel Organizing fellow Josh Jury reflected on what being a torchbearer means to him: “For me, the flame that the torchbearer holds symbolizes light that emerges in dark times and is a testament to a brighter future…I am deeply inspired by the work we’re doing and the hope it instills in the future.”

As we transition to our second year of the Teen Israel Organizing Immersive, we are looking for the next torchbearers, future fellows who want to add empathy and understanding to the conversation about Israel.

Does this sound like a teen you know? Nominate them today for the Teen Israel Organizing Immersive! Applications are due Sept. 1, 2024, and space is limited.

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