By Caren Leven
In response to the alarming rise of antisemitism globally, the Baltimore Zionist District is proud to announce the launch of its newest initiative, the BMore Israeli Program.
This dynamic, year-long leadership program is specifically designed for Jewish teens entering 10th grade in the Baltimore area. The program aims to equip our youth with the tools and experiences necessary to develop a resilient Jewish identity by fostering a strong connection to Jewish heritage and the State of Israel.
The BMore Israeli Program offers a unique blend of adventure, leadership and cultural immersion. Throughout the year, participants will attend monthly meetings featuring interactive lectures, fun activities, and trips.
These sessions are designed to be both engaging and educational, covering various topics related to Israel and Judaism. Additionally, the program emphasizes building lifelong friendships among Jewish teens from Baltimore and Israel through collaborative projects and shared experiences.
One of the most empowering components of the BMore Israeli Program is hands-on volunteering. Participants will complete 15 hours of community service, practicing social action and leadership in real-world settings. This aspect of the program not only allows teens to make a positive impact in their communities but also helps them fulfill school requirements while developing important leadership skills.
The highlight of the BMore Israeli Program is an incredible, life-changing, three-week trip to Israel at the end of the year. This adventure includes visits to historic sites, immersive cultural experiences and the unforgettable Maccabiah opening ceremony. Witnessing the strength and unity of Jewish athletes from around the globe will be a powerful and inspiring experience for all participants.
The program features content delivered by BZD’s shlicha, or community Israel emissary, who provides invaluable insights into Israeli culture. This unique perspective enriches the program, offering participants authentic and inspiring learning experiences that deepen their understanding of Israel.
The BZD is uniquely positioned to lead the BMore Israeli Program. With a long-standing commitment to fighting antisemitism and promoting Jewish education, BZD has the experience and resources to connect our teens with Israel in a meaningful way.
In recent years, BZD has led major campaigns to combat antisemitism, reaching nearly 20,000 individuals via social media, WhatsApp and email. Our extensive network and expertise ensure the success of the BMore Israeli Program.
We invite all rising 10th graders in the Baltimore Jewish community to apply for this exciting program. The cost is $1,999 per participant (plus a $199 nonrefundable deposit fee), with each participant receiving an $8,000 subsidy from both the Baltimore Zionist District and RootOne. We want to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder anyone from joining us, so we have made financial aid and payment plans available to all.
To apply or learn more about the BMore Israeli Program, visit bzdisrael.org or contact our office at 410-484-4510 or shlichut@bzdisrael.org. Let’s empower our youth to become the next generation of Zionists and Jewish leaders, and strengthen their connection to Israel in these challenging times.
The BZD continues demonstrating its dedication to nurturing strong, resilient Jewish identities in the face of adversity by launching the BMore Israeli Program. Join us in this mission and help shape future Jewish leaders in our community.
Caren Leven serves as executive director of the Baltimore Zionist District.
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