StandWithUs Fellowship Projects 2024

StandWithUs Israel believes that realizing the potential of young Israeli people for leadership and public diplomacy is of unparalleled value. Therefore, 15 years ago, the StandWithUs Fellowship program was established, which operates on six campuses across the country. The students participating in the program come from all social backgrounds, from all fields of study, and from across the political spectrum. What drives them are the values of Zionism, the love of the land, and a genuine desire to work for the State of Israel in the local and international arena. The program's highlight is the annual project, created by the students. On each campus, students are given the opportunity to express their personal interpretation of Israel’s story, to different audiences around the world. The annual project not only enables program participants to enrich their knowledge, but also to have a real-world impact on Israel education and Israel's image in the world, and gain hands-on entrepreneurship and innovation experience - alongside recruitment, budget management, logistical planning, project management, and more. About the Project: • Technion and Haifa University- In one of Israel’s darkest times in terms of its image, this is our time as Israelis to show our true selves. Our unity, acceptance and joint activity will help us stand united against “fake news”. We are launching a unique convention where Druze and Jewish Israeli teenagers can collaborate to create Pro-Israeli and get to know each other's cultures. This initiative will not only enhance Israeli advocacy but will create meaningful connections between communities. We are raising money to fund this event. The money will be used in order to finance content creation, Jewish and Druze lecturers, transportation and refreshments. • Tel Aviv University- Israeli advocacy has always been crucial. From singers to athletes, Israeli representatives abroad have had to navigate not only the primary reasons for their visits but also challenging questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the daily realities of our complex nation. This year, more than ever, our representatives will encounter criticism, inquiries, and many people eager to learn about our country, becoming the face of Israel on the global stage. This inspired the creation of the GamePlan project – a training program for athletes preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Through this project, we will equip them with the tools they need to be outstanding ambassadors for Israel. • Bar Ilan University - Due to the complex challenges that the State of Israel face since October 7th, the magnitude of the antisemitic events have reached the worst low point since the Holocaust. Us at StandWithUs, a public diplomacy organization that promotes ‘Hasbara’ for Israel, are working on writing a book that provides assistance to Jewish families in the diaspora in dealing with antisemitic demonstrations that they face outside Israel. In an age where exposure to antisemitic demonstrations could often happen at a young age, and even in the educational system where the kids go to, there is a need for creating a platform that would help prepare the kids to deal with these complex challenges. This is why this book is a great guide for parents on how to mediate this complex subject to kids, because sometimes even parents have a difficulty to help their kids in dealing with antisemitic demonstrations. The goal of our project is to give tools for Jewish parents to deal with this issue and provide a platform for a conversation on this topic between the parents and their kids in a light and comfortable fashion. • Reichman University- PaintWithUs- After the events of 7/10, many schools in Otef Aza remained empty for a long time. In a special project that will connect the residents of the Otef Aza with the Jews Diaspora, we will paint the school in the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council. Together with the students of the 11th grade and students of the art major at the school, and with the cooperation of members of a delegation from Birthright organization, we will return the color to the school. During the day we will hold discussion circles that will deal with the events of 7/10 and the rising anti-Semitism in the world since then, on three levels: the personal, the community and the national. The discourse circles will encourage a connection between the members of the Jewish communities in the Diaspora and the residents of Otef Aza, and create personal relationships between them. • Ben Gurion University – IsraTrek: Exploring the Heart of Israel IsraTrek invites international students on an immersive journey through Israel's diverse landscapes and rich history. The program offers a deep understanding of the multifaceted Israeli society and its challenges. Participants will connect with local communities, visit historical sites, and experience daily life in Israel. By the program's end, students will be able to share these insights in their home countries. Support IsraTrek and help empower influential students from around the world in this educational adventure, thereby improving Israel's image globally. • Hebrew University- This project was inspired by a recent rise in antisemitism and the difficulties Israelis face in confronting tough questions, which leaves young people unprepared for challenges they will face in the future. ‘ConnecTeen’ goal is to train teens to become effective Israeli ambassadors as young representatives for international engagements. We do that through a one day panel that provides the young delegations tools to engage with hard situations for Israelis.