Supporting teens to deepen their connection to Israel
CIE offers the Teen Israel Leadership Institute — designed for Jewish high school students worldwide — in collaboration with localities, schools, congregations and camps. Participants engage with Israel’s rich history, current events and cultural dynamics. Our sessions are interactive in-person and virtual workshops. Teen programs are led by seasoned educators who have 100-plus years of combined classroom experience, including Rhonda Povlot, Eli Sperling, Michael Jacobs, Scott Abramson and Ken Stein. We and others provide glimpses into Israel’s rich political, cultural and diplomatic mosaic. Targeted learning is easily continued through the CIE website or self-learning units.
Additionally, participants explore diverse topics associated with Israel’s international and regional relations, aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Hamas-Israel war, media portrayals of Israel, navigation of Jewish identities on college campuses, and how to choose a college and courses once there. With no prior knowledge required, the programs create a supportive environment where teens deepen their connection to Israel, strengthen their Jewish identities and connect with peers. Proven results include direction, encouragement, and affiliation with one another and Israel. Participants receive a certificate from the Center for Israel Education. Teens emerge as empowered advocates and leaders within their communities.
Teen Israel Leadership Institute Events
| Title | Description | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Being Safe, Smart and Jewish on Campus: Resilience Prep for College Students | College can be a challenging experience for anyone at any time. But for Jewish students, whether entering their first year or returning to campus, rising antisemitism and anti-Israel protests can threaten their ability to learn, thrive and even exist. With partners including Hillels of Georgia, American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s JTeen initiative, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta, RootOne and SHIELD, CIE is providing a free gathering, in person and online, from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, to help students prepare for the fall semester and beyond. From Jewish professionals working on campuses and from current students and recent graduates, engage in insightful conversations about what you can expect at college, what you need to know in the face of hatred of Israel and Jews, how to recognize and respond if your rights are violated, what support and community you’ll find, and how to make the most of your college years. It’s all free, and you’ll head to campus with an electronic resource guide customized to your school. To register for in person or Zoom, visit https://rb.gy/6kzb20. For more information, contact Rhonda Povlot at rhonda.povlot@israeled.org. | August 10, 2025, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
| Title | Description | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Teen Israel Leadership Institute in Raleigh | Jewish peoplehood, the Hamas-Israel war, Israel's responses, anti-Zionism as antisemitism, Israel in the Media, choosing a college and being Jewish on campus, and vocabulary and derogatory terms from the conflict and beyond. | February 2, 2025, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm |
| Fall Teen Israel Leadership Institute in Atlanta | Jewish peoplehood, the Hamas-Israel war, Israel's responses, Anti-Zionism is Antisemitism, Israel in the media, choosing colleges, staying Jewish on campus | November 10, 2024, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
| Teen Israel Leadership Institute for Tennessee Teens Virtual Teen Engagement | Jewish peoplehood and Zionism; Understanding the Hamas-Israel War; College students share Jewish life on campus post Oct. 7th; Navigating a world with increased antisemitism | May 5, 2024, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm |
| Teen Israel Leadership Institute Virtual Teen Engagement – Bruised But Not Broken | Get expert updates from Dr. Ken Stein and Dr. Scott Abramson about the war and its implications in Israel, the region and the US; Following her recent trip to Israel, CIE Teen Program Manager, Debbie Sasson, shares her impressions about how Israelis arer esponding to the war and its social and cultural impacts in Israel; Engage with us and your peers | March 21, 2024, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
| Teen Israel Leadership Institute Nov. 2023 – Tough Choices | Current antisemitism on campuses has made has made high school students question their future college choices. Join us to discuss this and more. | November 12, 2023, 12:30 pm |
| Teen Israel Leadership Institute February 2023 | Teen Israel Leadership Institute February 2023 Session. A Survey of Israel@75. | February 12, 2023, 12:30 pm |
| Teen Israel Leadership Institute Flyer | The CIE Teen Israel Leadership Institute will enhance Israel knowledge among Jewish teens and provide valuable skills for sharing that knowledge with others. Participants will engage in a wide variety of learning activities and have an opportunity to hear from college students. Teens with all levels of background knowledge of Israel are welcome to apply. | September 19, 2021, 12:00 pm September 26, 2021, 12:00 pm |
| Teen Israel Leadership Institute November 2020 | Presentations and content provided by CIE Founding President Ken Stein and a team of experienced teen and young adult Israel education specialists. Two virtual sessions held in November 2020. | November 8, 2020, 1:00 pm November 15, 2020, 1:00 pm |
