Youth 2 Israel (Y2i) is an organisation supporting Israel experience programs for Year 10 participants on a life changing journey of Jewish identity, building continuity in our community.
Y2i does not conduct any programs. Instead we provide discretionary subsidies of up to $5,000 to suitable Year 10 students participating in an approved Israel program.
The aim of Y2i is to support approved Israel experience programs making discretionary subsidies of up to $5,000 available to reduce the overall cost of programs for families. Making these Israel experiences affordable will allow more students to participate, ultimately promoting Jewish continuity.
International research shows that participants of a Year 10 Israel programs have a closer connection to the Jewish Community and to Israel after participating in a programs.
Rising out of findings from the Gen08 survey, together with recommendations from 2013 Touch Points Review, Y2i was established. Y2i’s objective is to position and facilitate high school Israel programs as the pinnacle of one’s high school Jewish education.
The Y2i Committee strongly believes that increased participation in Year 10 Israel programs will have a profound impact on shaping, building and ensuring a strong Jewish identity of our future community.
Y2i wants to make Israel programs more affordable. The more students who participate, the greater the impact will be on Jewish continuity. Students return with a deeper understanding of their heritage and of Israel as well as a desire to be involved in their community.
The following organisations and schools operate programs which have been approved by Y2i; Board of Jewish Education (BJE), Emanuel School, Masada College, Moriah College, and Kesser Torah College.
Programs usually take place in Term 4 of the school year. Contact your school or organisation directly for the specific dates.
Students attending Jewish Day schools are only eligible to participate in their schools’ Israel programs. NSW, ACT and QLD students not at a Jewish Day School are eligible to participate in the NSW Board of Jewish Education’s (BJE) programs. Please see the Schools & Organisations page for more details.
All Y2i funded programs cater for every Jewish student regardless of their religious background. The programs all offer services for religious (including Kosher food) and non-religious students according to each student’s requirements.
Each programs adheres to strict security measures and protocol, in accordance with the Israeli Government’s policies and intelligence. Every programs is accompanied by multiple security guards for all outings. Furthermore, the programs are in constant contact with the Australian Government regarding possible threats and security advice.
Register your interest anytime.
The discretionary subsidy of up to $5,000 is for suitable Year 10 students, which if granted by Y2i in its discretion [and subject to the availability of funds], is paid by Y2i towards the cost of you participating in your Y2i approved Israel program of five weeks or longer.
Y2i grants are available to any Year 10 student in NSW, ACT and QLD, with at least one Jewish parent, regardless of having been to Israel previously.
The subsidy is worth up to $5,000 and is paid directly to the organisation that is providing your trip. Once you are accepted onto a program, if Y2i approves any subsidy you have applied for (such approval in its discretion [and subject to the availability of funds]), the approved subsidy amount will be offset against the total cost of your program.
No, you are not obliged to pay any subsidy you receive, back. The subsidy, if granted, is a gift from the community. The grant of any subsidy is subject to Y2i’s discretion [and the availability of funds].
The Jewish Day Schools have their own mechanisms for providing additional means-tested funding if required. For those students who attend non-Jewish day schools, Y2i has established the Y2i Assistance Fund. Families, who cannot afford some, or all of the remaining costs of the programs, can apply for further means tested support.
Those who can afford the full cost of the programs are encouraged to not apply for all or part of a subsidy. This will allow Y2i to allocate donor funds to support the maximum number of students participating, and to families who need further financial assistance. By not applying for all, or only part of a subsidy, you are assisting families who are less fortunate and need additional support.
International research shows, Israel based educational experiences have a significant long term impact on Jewish continuity, students return with a deeper understanding and appreciation of their Jewish heritage and of Israel and are more likely to maintain a Jewish identity.
Y2i is supported through the generosity of communal donors who have contributed to the Y2i Endowment Fund.