Jewish Link
Susan R. Eisenstein
November 12, 2020
Teens and young adults have many stressors today. Parents of teens and young adults also have many stressors. A huge stressor that both groups share revolves around preparing for and shaping the college experience, and this is often compounded for Jewish parents.
Jewish parents want to help keep Jewish life, growth and vibrancy front and center for their children during the college years. They want to help their children understand that being Jewish is exciting, challenging, fun and something to be proud of. Some want to help their children build a Jewish career path. And many want to foster and build their children’s connection to Israel and to other Jewish peers from around the world.
It is difficult for parents to know where to turn to accomplish these goals. For families looking for financial assistance or students seeking professional opportunities during or after their college years, there are many Jewish-centered college internships and scholarships out there, and many resources available.
StandWithUs was founded in 2001 and is an international and nonpartisan Israel education organization that inspires and educates people of all ages and backgrounds, challenges misinformation and fights anti-Semitism. One of its many programs is the prestigious StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship. Founded in 2007, the program selects, trains and mentors student leaders on campuses throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Brazil to educate about Israel and confront anti-Semitism. Throughout the year, Emerson fellows organize impactful Israel programs designed to engage and educate their peers, including bringing in speakers and creating educational and cultural events. They also monitor and respond to anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activity on their campuses. Emerson fellows attend two conferences, an intensive training one in August, which was virtual this year; and StandWithUs’ annual “Israel in Focus” International Conference, planned for January 30-31, 2021.
Link for the fellowship: https://standwithus.com/emerson-fellowship
Link for the conference: https://standwithus.com/swuconf2021
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