Getting to Israel to study can be expensive.
I’m sorry to bug you about something so small, but I was wondering if you knew of any funding opportunities I may be able to take advantage of for a fellowship I’m trying to take part in in Israel. I’ve been accepted to the Israel Government Fellow program (igf.org.il). The program is $15,000 and I’ve secured $11,000 from MASA and the program. I’ve sent e-mails to the [names redacted], and just about every other place I could think of. I either didn’t receive responses or was told no funding was available. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do the program unless I get a bit more funding.. Do you know of a place I may have not thought of, even something that could help me pay for my ticket? At this point, anything would help..
Every spring I get inundated with requests from students and recent grads who wan want to pursue a semester in Israel, or a graduate program. They are contacting me because after calling every Jewish organization, their synagogues, their JCCs and their Federations most still cannot find enough funding.
Thanks to MASA – there is now significant funding in situ to help cover tuition costs. But that doesn’t cover it all.
Does anyone have any ideas for this young woman – and the others that are bound to email and call me? Put your comments below or you can msg me at Facebook.com/rabbiyonah – Thanks for your help!
I’m going to second the first poster. $11,000 is a pretty generous gift. Someone had to work hard for that money somewhere along the line, donors, Israeli taxpayers. It would be nice to express some gratitude by putting some sweat into the remaining $4,000.
We tend to value things more when we have to actually give something for it.
If you’re a member of a temple, most have discretionary spending funds. They are often used for humanitarian purposes. However, depending upon your specific synagogue and the needs of the congregation, the temple/rabbi may be able to provide some funds from the fund
I’ll give a quick shout out to Free Loan. Not scholarships, but loans. Depending on where you live you should check your local free loan at this website… http://www.freeloan.org/
Each is different, but for instance for Southern Californians Jewish Free Loan offers interest free loans of $4000. http://www.jfla.org
Before I went to take my (mandatory) stay abroad during my studies, I worked my tush off to save up for my trip.
Just an idea…