Students and Teens

Coming August 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.: Starting College With Confidence: Practical Prep for Academic, Social and Jewish Success. The Center for Israel Education and our partners invite high school juniors and seniors to join us for three hours of discussion with high school and college experts and with college students for insights on navigating admissions, enjoying campus life, staying safe, and understanding and appreciating your connections to Israel. Plus, we’ll have pizza.

What?

Discover Israel’s story and your role within it through interactive workshops and sessions designed for Jewish high school students worldwide.

Why?

Preparing for a positive Jewish experience college? Deepen your nuanced connection to Israel. Become an informed Israel advocate with substantive Israel learning. Earn a prestigious Israel certificate from our center.

How?

Join innovative sessions led by experienced Israel educators. Explore Israel’s domestic diversity and foreign policy priorities. Prerequisites: curiosity and eagerness for reliable learning.

“I wanted to thank you for leading the program last weekend. My son truly enjoyed the experience. He said it was one of the best Jewish/Israel leadership programs he has attended — and he has attended many. (He also enjoyed visiting Emory, which he now wants to apply to for college next year.) Thanks again for all your hard work in putting together this very special teen program.”

Tina F. (Parent), Philadelphia, PA, December 2019

“The program was just awesome. I learned more in those six hours about Israel than in the past year at my private Jewish school. All of the professors and facilitators involved were enthusiastic about the lessons and eager to answer everyone’s questions. I’m so glad I attended, and now that I’m aided with this new knowledge, I look forward to spreading awareness and effecting good change now and far into the future.”

Samantha C., West Bloomfield, MI, February 2022

“It was amazing seeing all these people who came here dedicated to teaching and help support teenagers like me about everything Jews and Israelis are facing. I learned so much about the true history of the matter, the other points of view, how to fight back, and just heard about other experiences related to the matter. I am glad this is how I spent my Sunday.”

Nevo K., Atlanta, November 2024

“I learned a lot about Israel and strategies to combat antisemitism. It was incredibly informative and eye-opening, providing me with new perspectives and tools. The speakers were passionate and knowledgeable, which made the sessions engaging and impactful.”

Yonatan B., Atlanta, November 2024

“I learned about the relationship between being Jewish and Zionism. I especially enjoyed learning the lies and myths about Jews being colonizers and white settlers.”

Maya, Raleigh, February 2025

“I learned about the complexities surrounding the modern state of Israel. I also learned the ways antisemitism and Israel’s protesters use misinformation and hate to further their own agenda. I hope to educate my peers and others who do not know or understand. I especially enjoyed the dialogue with people at my table.”

Ethan, Raleigh, February 2025

“This experience helped me reflect on what’s happening in Israel and my role in it. One main takeaway for me is the idea that Judaism and your commitment to Israel looks different for each individual, and no one way is correct.”

Anna K., Atlanta, November 2023

“I learned a lot about the history of why Jews are hated. After this, I learned that I need to do more within my community to educate people. I also need to show pride in order to combat the antisemitism.”

Aiden C., Atlanta, November 2023

“This session made me proud to be Jewish.”

Avner B., Atlanta, November 2023

“My experience today reinforced my commitment to learning about and gaining more tools to fight for Israel. I learned about the power of antisemitism and the careful and complicated ways by which to approach it. I plan to use this knowledge as a stepping-stool to my goals of Israeli advocacy.”

Matan F., Atlanta, November 2024

These testimonials and many more are collected here.

Supporting teens to deepen their Israel connection

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 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.

CIE’s Jewish Teen Israel Learning — Participant Responses

Teen Israel Leadership Institute Events

Upcoming Events

Title	Description	Date(s)
Starting College With Confidence: Practical Prep for Academic, Social and Jewish Success	College is a crucial step. Choosing the right school, finding the best courses and making the most of the years on campus are vital opportunities that are more challenging at a time of rising antisemitism in many places. The Center for Israel Education and our partners invite high school juniors and seniors to join us for three hours of discussion with high school and college experts and with college students for insights on navigating admissions, enjoying campus life, staying safe, and understanding and appreciating your connections to Israel. Plus, we’ll have pizza. More details to come. Location provided to registrants. Register free: https://israeled.org/precollege-program	1788105600 August 30, 2026, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Past 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 info@israeled.org.	1754834400 August 10, 2025, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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.	1738499400 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	1731241800 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	1714915800 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	1711047600 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.	1699792200 November 12, 2023, 12:30 pm
Teen Israel Leadership Institute February 2023	Teen Israel Leadership Institute February 2023 Session. A Survey of Israel@75.	1676205000 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.	1632052800 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.	1604840400 November 8, 2020, 1:00 pm November 15, 2020, 1:00 pm