Israel Young Leaders Program 2023/2024

The Israel Young Leaders Program (IYLP) is a highly competitive experiential learning initiative that provides Canadian student leaders with a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about Israel through first-hand experience in a holistic and intellectually honest fashion. 

Participants spend 7 days on the ground learning about Israeli history, society, politics, culture and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Program description

IYLP is comprised of the following core elements:

• 5 pre-travel educational sessions, including required readings, video-conference discussions, and interactive webinars. 
• 7-day travel program in Israel, which normally takes place during winter break in December.
• Opportunities to participate in post-travel discussions/events. 

Highlights

• Meetings with Israeli and Palestinian academics, political figures, and experts. 
• Programs at Israeli universities both discussing academic issues, and providing students with a view into life in Israel.
• Travelling to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and the Golan Heights. 
• Visiting holy sites, historical sites, museums, and kibbutzim. 
• Exploring areas of high security and/or strategic prominence including Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and the security barrier.
• Experiencing Israeli culture through cuisine and nightlife. 

Requirements

• Open to Canadian citizens, with a valid passport (valid for 6 months from date of return). 
• Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time university program (undergraduate, graduate, or professional). 
• Applicants must have experience in either Canadian politics (federal, provincial, or municipal), student government or be proven change makers. 
• Demonstrated leadership in political advocacy, activism and/or journalism is considered an asset. 
• Acceptance will be based on an application process, interview and commitment to pre-travel education, Israel program participation and post-travel follow up. 
• Students eligible for programs through Taglit/Birthright/Canada-Israel Experience are not eligible for this program. 

Cost

$850 CDN + $100 USD (this includes: Toronto-Tel Aviv flights, accommodations, all meals, transportation, educational programs in Israel, and all gratuities). 

Students are responsible for travel to/from Toronto (pre-arranged by CIJA), spending money, and mandatory travel medical insurance. 

Application process

Please read the program requirements above carefully before completing your application. Participants must be willing to participate in all aspects of the program. Due to the highly competitive nature of this program, incomplete applications will not be considered. 

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] no later than September 29th, by email with subject line: Application for IYLP 2023-2024 

• A copy of your CV. 
• Statement of interest in the program (maximum 500 words). 
• 2 Letters of reference. Letters should be emailed directly by referees to [email protected]. 

All documents are due September 29th, 2023. 

Due to the highly competitive nature of the program, incomplete applications will not be considered. 

For additional questions, please contact: 
 
Emmanuelle Amar, LL. M. 
Director, Policy and Research (Quebec) 
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs 
[email protected]