"We’ve made the best of it by spending lots of time together,” says Hannah Adams, referring to the new friends she's made during her gap year in Israel through Young Judaea’s Year Course program, despite COVID-19.
As one of 215 American teens participating in Year Course’s 2020-2021 academic year, Hannah says she feels at home in Israel with her fellow Young Judaeans, who she finds "welcoming, funny, smart, interesting." As the largest gap-year program in Israel, supported in part by Hadassah scholarships, Year Course gives young adults like Hannah a chance to earn college credits while experiencing the rich culture and history of Israel.
This year isn't like past years, and Young Judaeans are staying positive and – most importantly – safe, thanks to Year Course staff's adherence to Ministry of Health guidelines.
When lockdowns ease, Young Judaeans can do what they do best: explore Israel.
Learn more:
Find out how Young Judaea summer camps and Israel programs help thousands of American youth foster a deep love of Jewish life.
Young Judaea student volunteering at a farm.
Young Judaea students help a farmer get his crops ready.
Students celebrating Sukkot.
Students praying at the Western Wall.
Year Course staff welcome students to Israel.
Students vote in US elections for the first time.