UJIA, supported by Wohl Legacy, is proud to announce the launch of the UJIA Gap Year Scholars initiative, committing up to £100,000 for 2024-2025
This groundbreaking programme aims to identify and support the most promising young leaders in the Jewish community, and encourage their participation in a crucial gap year experience in Israel. Together, UJIA and Wohl Legacy will be providing substantial financial assistance – covering up to 50% of the ‘gap year’ programme costs – for a select group of young future leaders. In 2024-2025 up to 10 young leaders will receive financial support up to £10,000 each to invest in themselves and their connection to Israel through a ‘gap year’ programme in Israel.
This initiative embodies the philosophy – shared by UJIA and Wohl Legacy – that as a community we must ensure that for the next generation of leaders Israel plays a central role in their strong sense of belonging to the Jewish people. Research shows us that immersive gap year experiences in Israel are one of the best ways to do this.
UJIA and Wohl Legacy’s commitment goes well beyond just financial support: each Scholar will have access to a range of professional coaching and personal mentoring opportunities, participate in exclusive Shabbatonim and seminars, and continue to engage as a cohort on their return to the UK.
UJIA Chair Zvi Noé said:
“Long-term experiences in Israel are highly impactful for Israel engagement and Jewish identity development. These experiences are crucial for sustaining the leadership pipeline within the Jewish community. They are an opportunity for young leaders to not only develop a strong relationship with Israel but also to develop personally.”
These merit-based scholarships are designed for young leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to Israel and Zionism as cornerstones of their Jewish identity and excel in the following areas:
- Leadership skills
- Activism
- Personal qualities and traits
- Vision and future plans
To apply you must be a UK resident, a participant on a Masa approved gap-year programme of 4 months or more, have an intention to return to the UK and be an active member of the UK Jewish community.
By reducing the financial burden of gap year programmes by up to half, the UJIA Gap Year Scholars initiative will enable future leaders to partake in these transformative experiences, nurturing a new generation of leaders with a strong Jewish identity and commitment to Israel.
Applications open on 15th August for programmes starting in January 2025 and Autumn 2025. For more information and to apply, please visit: ujia.org/gap-year-scholars
UJIA will continue to offer means-tested bursaries for all eligible gap year participants, including successful Scholars, to ensure that finance is not a barrier to participation. More information is available on the UJIA website.
