Frequently Asked Questions
What is Write On For Israel?
Write On For Israel is an Israel engagement and leadership training program that prepares high school juniors and seniors to share their views about Israel and the Jewish people on campus and beyond. The two year program explores Jewish history and current events, helping students develop informed opinions on diverse topics, and the confidence to navigate difficult conversations. Applicants commit to attending seven daylong seminars in NYC during their junior year of high school and three seminars during senior year, all on Sundays. The program culminates in an eight-day trip to Israel during Presidents Week of 12th grade.
Who can apply?
We accept students from all Jewish backgrounds who live in the greater New York area (NYC, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey and Connecticut.) Students submit an application form that includes a written essay and letters of recommendation. The application process begins in the spring of sophomore year. We accept 40-45 fellows for each Write On class.
Where is the program held?
Our venue is Hebrew Union College (HUC), 1 W. 4th St., New York City.
What high schools do students come from?
Our students come from diverse Jewish backgrounds and high schools, from public and private nonsecular schools to Jewish day schools and yeshivas. One of the strengths of the Write On program is its diversity, and the opportunity for students to meet, study and travel with fellow teens from varying Jewish backgrounds (and political views). For a complete list of high schools, click here.
What is the cost of the program?
Tuition is $2,500, which includes the cost of seminars, kosher food, reading materials and the Israel mission. Scholarships are available.
Does Write On have relationships with other Jewish organizations?
As one of the first Israel engagement programs for high school students, Write On has developed strong relationships with many Jewish organizations including Hillel International, the Israel On Campus Coalition (ICC), AIPAC, StandWithUs and others. We provide students with opportunities for internships, fellowships and letters of recommendation for college.
What are Write On alumni doing on campus?
Our corps of over 850 alumni have held positions in student government, social justice groups and pro-Israel organizations on major college campuses across the country. Write On fellows have also been writers and editors of their student newspapers and blogs, and have contributed to a special student-focused section of The New York Jewish Week called the “View From Campus.” Surveys show that Write On graduates come to campus feeling more confident and informed about Jewish history and current events, prepared to navigate the often complicated conversations they will have about Israel, whether in class or on the college green.
Does Write On endorse a particular political view or ideology?
Write On embraces critical thinking and all political views, with one condition: that students accept Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, the homeland of the Jewish people. We encourage robust and respectful debate on Israeli government policies, the future of Israeli settlements, the goals of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, the future of the two-state solution and other issues. Through rigorous thinking and debate, we hope students will strengthen their own opinions and understanding of complex issues, and be prepared to voice them with peers and professors.
Who supports Write On For Israel?
Write On is a program of 70 Faces Media and supported through a generous grant from the Paul E. Singer Foundation.
Where can I get more information?
For information, please email Linda Scherzer, Program Director, at writeon@70facesmedia.org.