I am excited to be participating in the Dream Israel Teen Initiative and raising funds for important projects in Israel. Jewish National Fund is supporting Israel and Israelis in a number of different ways, including the initiative that I am raising money for: the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (arava.org), Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (aicat-arava.com) and Center for Creative Ecology at Kibbutz Lotan. As JNF explains these programs are "preparing future leaders from Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and around the world to cooperatively solve the regional and global challenges of our time. They study the latest cutting-edge agricultural techniques for farmers growing in arid climates including organic farming, permaculture, natural architecture, alternative energy, community and peace building strategies." I have family who live in the Negev, and I enjoy environmental science and studies, so I feel close to this cause.

If I meet my fundraising goal, JNF will provide me with a grant toward my own Israel experience. I am hoping to be a student on Ramah Israel's Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY). TRY (ramah.org.il/try) uses Israel as its classroom for 10th-12th grade students from North America. By combining the academic structure of a school with the values of Camp Ramah, students explore their Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people. I have several close friends that have gone on the program and all have loved it.

Please consider supporting the Arava Institute and my efforts to meet my fundraising goal for TRY.

Thank you so much,
Gil