Students pursue summer internships in Israel
Since we haven’t been able to run a Birthright Israel trip since December 2019 due to Covid-19, we are extra excited to hear from our students currently taking part in Onward Israel, an eight-week summer internship in Israel.
From left: Andrew K. (UNC ‘22), Tai G. (UNC ‘24), Rabbi Melissa (Senior Jewish Educator at UNC), and Rebecca W. (UNC ‘22). Andrew and Rebecca are on the NC Hillel Onward Israel program and Tai is visiting family in Israel.
“I wanted to go on Onward Israel for a myriad of reasons - to experience Israeli culture, form connections with other Jewish students, and find meaningful work experience. I can say with confidence that I have done all that and more this summer. Living in Israel has been the most incredible experience! I worked for Grungras Consultancy, doing research on various projects to help LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. Some of my favorite memories are exploring Rothschild Boulevard, swimming in the Red Sea in Eilat, visiting the UNHCR with my work, and dining at Old Man and the Sea with my entire program. This has definitely been one of the best summers of my life. I would highly recommend Onward for any Jewish students looking for a summer of adventure.”
- Rebecca W., UNC ‘22
Zoe Y. (NC State ‘22)
“My experience in Israel has been one of a kind and has created a life’s worth of memories. The opportunities I had interning at the Israeli Wildlife Hospital gave me more experience than I ever thought I would get. From treating hedgehogs with scabies and a ton of birds to foxes and gazelles, I was able to work with animals I would never have the chance to work with at home. The people who I were with for the summer have become a second family to me and we bonded in a way like no other. I will forever cherish this summer, both the experiences and the memories.”
- Zoe Y., NC State ‘22
Sophia R. (UNC ‘22) and Zeke M. (UNC ‘22) during their 2019 NC Hillel Onward Israel program.
“I’m living in Tel Aviv and interning at a cultivated meat company called MeaTech 3D as a marketing intern. I lived here for Onward Israel with NC Hillel two summers ago and fell in love with Tel Aviv, so I promised myself I’d be back by the time college ends!”
- Sophia R., UNC ‘22
Abby M. (UNC ‘23)
“I have absolutely loved my experience with Onward Israel. The people on my program are such genuine, passionate, kindhearted humans, and I have felt so lucky to get to know them throughout the summer. I have never been to Israel before and this opportunity has definitely exceeded my high expectations! I was able to work at Ben Yehuda School of Special Education, where the teachers and students have the biggest hearts. I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and my Judaism throughout the learning and internship aspects of the program, and I would absolutely recommend it! Israel is simply amazing!”
- Abby M., UNC ‘23
Members of the NC Hillel 2021 Onward cohort at the Western Wall in Jerusalem
If you may be interested in pursuing a summer internship in Israel next summer (2022) with NC Hillel’s Onward Israel cohort, please check out our Israel Travel information page.