Dear Friends,
After several years away, the Philadelphia Diller Teen Fellows were thrilled to return to Israel for the Israel Summer Seminar! Over two unforgettable weeks, our Fellows explored Israel’s history, culture, and diversity, built lasting friendships with Israeli and Jewish teens from around the world, and challenged themselves through meaningful conversations and leadership experiences. From Community Week in Herzliya to International Shabbaton and Global Congress, the trip was filled with learning, laughter, and memories that will stay with our Fellows for years to come. It was an incredible way to conclude another outstanding year of Diller.
During their time in Israel, Fellows experienced the many layers of the country through visits to Jerusalem, the Old City, Yad Vashem, and communities near the Gaza Envelope. They volunteered with organizations supporting local communities, connected with Israeli teens through the Philadelphia-Herzliya partnership, and joined hundreds of Jewish teens from around the world for International Shabbaton and Global Congress. Each experience offered opportunities for reflection, friendship, and growth.
The trip also included moments of deep reflection and connection. During their visit to communities impacted by the October 7 attacks, Fellows took time to honor those who were lost and reflect together on the resilience of the people and communities they met. Eli shared, “Despite the weight of the day, we left with an even stronger sense of community and a shared commitment to honoring the memories of those who were killed.”
The final days of the trip were spent in Herzliya, where Fellows stayed with host families, explored the city, volunteered, and strengthened the bonds they had built with their Israeli peers. As Sydney reflected, “I love being treated as part of the Israeli family.”
Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible. We are incredibly proud of our Diller Teen Fellows and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as Jewish leaders and make an impact in our community.
If you are feeling as inspired as we are by the incredible journey of this year’s Fellows, we invite you to learn more about the Diller Teen Fellows experience. Applications for this year’s cohort are now closed, but if you know a teen who may be a great fit for this leadership opportunity, we encourage you to connect with us to learn more about the program and future opportunities to get involved!
Shabbat Shalom,
Darren
Recent Comments