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Welcoming Israeli Fellows

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Dear Friends,

Our Philly Diller Teen Fellows are about to embark on an unforgettable journey—one that bridges cultures, fosters friendships, and celebrates the spirit of unity.

Diller Teen Fellows is a prestigious international program that brings together exceptional Jewish teens from various corners of the globe. These young leaders engage in immersive experiences, fostering deep friendships and understanding. Through a combination of leadership development, community service, and cultural exchange, Diller Teen Fellows learn to navigate the complexities of our world with empathy, resilience, and open hearts. This coming week, we will welcome 19 Diller Teens from Israel for a 9-day stay. Given the current climate in Israel, this exchange takes on even greater importance. It’s a chance for our teens to connect, learn, and grow together, transcending borders and building lasting bonds. As we welcome our Israeli counterparts from Herzliya, werecognize the power of shared experiences and the impact we can have on shaping each others’ worlds.

Sophie, one of our Philly Diller Teen Fellows, has already penned her thoughts in our blog. Her excitement is contagious, and her words capture the essence of what awaits us:
This year I have been lucky enough to be given the opportunity of being a Diller Teen Fellow. Though the list of exciting Diller moments goes on and on, I have to say that hosting my Israeli fellow, Shachar, is something I have been looking forward to for a long time now. I’ve been keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that despite all the uncertainties, we’d still be able to come together and make unforgettable memories. As her arrival approaches, I’ve set myself one primary goal: to makeher feel like a part of my family here and provide her with themost amazing experience possible. I’ve been creating theperfect plan for her visit, and have been counting down thedays until she arrives.

Sophie’s blog post sets the tone for the adventure ahead. You can read her full entry here. During their time together, our Philly and Israeli teens will be sharing their experiences through this joint blog. From exploring iconic landmarks to engaging in meaningful conversations, these recaps promise to be insightful and heartwarming. Keep an eye out for updates as we dive into this incredible experience.

Thank you to The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, our partners in Herzliya, TheHelen Diller Foundation, and to everyone who played a role in helping to make this trip a reality. Let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate. Our Diller Teen Fellows are leading the way, and we’re thrilled to be part of their journey.

Shabbat Shalom,

Darren