About This Program
In partnership with Reichman University (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel (15 minutes from Tel Aviv), the Storytellers Fellowship is a month-long immersive incubator, bringing together a handpicked global cohort of 40 Jewish creatives, changemakers, community-organizers and policy activists across fields who are building influence using digital mediums.
This first of its kind active fellowship blends an immersive exploration of Israel’s geopolitics and Jewish history with expert-led learning and hands-on skill building in storytelling, content creation, and brand building. You will explore the question, “How can I expand my influence while embracing my Jewish identity?”
Collaborate and experiment with visionary peers, push creative boundaries, take calculated risks and implement what you learn from day one. As a fellow, you will advance your career as you gain tools to amplify your impact, craft authentic narratives, and have the opportunity to lead a session sharing your expertise.
This moment - a mirror to our past, present and future - calls forth fearless, creative and bold leaders. If you are ready to join this movement, you are invited to apply to our inaugural Storytellers journey.
What to Expect
Fellows will live together in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, with most of the course taking place in Herzliya, on Reichman University’s campus (IDC). The program is designed to generate the following outcomes:
- Embrace a greater understanding of your history as a Jewish person and Israel’s geopolitical realities
- Mastery in how to build influence using digital mediums
- Practice your thought-leadership by designing and leading a 60 minute session on your topic of choice, and creating content to promote your session
- Join a visionary network of global changemakers and creatives
- Experiment with weaving your Jewish story into your platform and gain techniques to better navigate backlash and opposition online
Fellowship Outline
The program is divided into three modules and will have two academic tracks. There will be guided expeditions throughout Israel to discover ancient Jewish wisdom and modern culture.
Weeks 1-2: “What is my history as a Jew and what does it mean to me?” Dive into Israel’s geopolitics, Jewish history, and counter-terrorism efforts.
- Week 3: “What is my Why?” Refine your personal brand and storytelling abilities, master new digital mediums, tools and strategies to amplify your voice, including access to Reichman’s computer editing labs and podcast studio.
- Week 4: “How do I build a platform?” Develop a project. Choose between incubating a digital medium like a social media campaign or podcast or immersion in policy research with professors from Reichman’s Institute for Counter-Terrorism.
- Week 4+: Mentorship is offered for three months following the Fellowship.
- Week 4+: Mentorship is offered for three months following the Fellowship.
Specific Requirements and Eligibility
We are building a select cohort of 40 aspiring and established creatives, changemakers and activists across all fields for this exclusive training, networking, and community-building opportunity. This group will shape how the world sees the Jewish people and Israel, and inspire others to embrace and amplify their Jewish voices.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline to apply is April 1. The sooner you apply, the better your chance to be selected.
- Applicants between 18-35 years old
- Participants MUST be available to participate for the entire length of the program
- Birthright Israel Onward alumni are not eligible
- Applicants are eligible if they went on the classic Birthright trip
- Identify as Jewish
- Fluent in English
- Have a valid Passport for at least 6 months after the program end date.
To contact us with any questions, please email jacqueline.korren@birthrightisrael.com
Program Cost
$499
Flights are included.
Participants are responsible for most of their own meals and discretionary spending money in Israel, including phone plans.
Participants will also be required to submit a $400 security deposit in cash upon arrival. Deposits will be refunded at the end of the program pending good standing.
The program cost includes flight, housing, educational programming, program staff, basic medical insurance, and ground transportation within the city of residence.
To learn about this and other Birthright Israel Onward program details, please visit our FAQ.
Accomodations
Apartment, hostel, or dorm-style housing in Tel-Aviv.
The number of participants to an apartment or room is dependent on the size of the accommodations and number of participants on the program. Though Birthright Israel Onward housing can vary from program to program, all housing units meet Birthright Israel Onward standards. To learn more about this and other Birthright Israel Onward housing details, please visit our housing FAQ.