28 | MARCH 14 • 2024 
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oung members of Metro Detroit’s Jewish community have an opportunity 
to gain professional work experience and live in Israel this summer 
through the Onward Israel Program. Thirty individuals, age 18 to 30, 
will work and live in Tel Aviv for eight weeks. Participants will work alongside 
Israelis, gaining valuable cross-cultural experience. 
“It’s a way to jumpstart their careers and experience living somewhere else. 
They will be able to spend more time in Israel than with the Birthright Program,” 
says Olivia Berlin, senior associate, Overseas and Israel Department, Jewish 
Federation of Detroit. 
A key goal is to strengthen each participant’s connection with Israel and the 
Jewish people. 
Job interviews will help place them in appropriate businesses and 
non-governmental organizations (nonprofits). Berlin said that one 
internship site is Hadal Sheli (My Wave), which teaches at-risk youth 
how to surf. 
Onward Israel is sponsored by Birthright Israel, the government 
of Israel and the Jewish Agency, as well as multiple North American 
foundations. Local sponsors include the Jewish Federation of Detroit 
and the William Davidson Foundation. Authentic Israel, part of the 
Tlalim Group, is the Israeli organizer.
Through philanthropic support, the cost is $999 per person, including housing 
in Tel Aviv apartments, educational programs, local staff, basic medical insurance 
and transportation within the city of residence. Airfare, food and phone service 
are not included. Berlin said that some scholarships may be available to offset 
costs.
“So many opportunities come with this program,” she explained. 
Participants will live in the heart of Tel Aviv with other 
Detroiters and will visit Detroit’s Partnership Region in the 
Central Galilee region. The program will be held from 
June 3 through July 28 and participants must be able to 
stay for the entire duration.
The Onward Israel program has been offered in 
Detroit for several years, Berlin said. Other Jewish 
communities and college Hillel organizations 
also sponsor trips. Approximately 3,200 young 
people have participated in Onward Israel since its 
inception in 2012.
Participants must be Jewish, not currently enrolled 
in high school and permanent residents of Metro 
Detroit. In addition, applicants must not have spent 
three or more consecutive months in Israel after high 
school. Application and other information is available at 
https://onwardisrael.org/programs/Detroit. Berlin can be 
reached at Oberlin@jfmd.org. 

Federation’s summer internship offers young 
Detroiters work experience and Israel immersion.
Onward Israel!

Olivia 
Berlin

SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY

Ensuring Security 
for Onward Israel 
Participants

On Onward Israel’s website (https: 
Onwardisrael.org/programs/Detroit) 
there are detailed responses 
to frequently asked questions, 
including security concerns. An 
initial statement addresses safety: 
 “Since Oct. 7, Israel has been 
engaged in an ongoing conflict. At 
the same time, large sections of the 
country have also reestablished a 
degree of normalcy alongside the 
conflict. After careful consideration, 
we believe that we can responsibly 
offer the Birthright Israel Onward 
experience for the summer of 
2024, adjusted, of course, to 
enable participants to engage with 
Israel and Israelis in the current 
context. Please be assured that 
Birthright Israel Onward programs 
will proceed only if we are 
confident that we can provide a 
safe and meaningful experience.”
According to information 
provided on the website, 
security guards 
will accompany 
participants on 
group trips 
— tours and 
Shabbatons 
— and local 
program staff 
will coordinate 
with Israeli 
security 
authorities to 
ensure safety 
and security. 

