Support My Work in Jerusalem

Maya Garfinkel Start Date: Dec 2, 2024 - End Date: Apr 1, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Palestine
  • Israel

My Travel Story

by: Maya Garfinkel Start Date: Dec 2, 2024 - End Date: Apr 1, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Volunteer Trip
Overview: 

Hi, I’m Maya, and for as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about doing social justice work connecting my Judaism, passion for land and nature, and peace work. Born in Israel, raised in the U.S, and educated in Canada, I’ve spent my life navigating a mix of cultural, religious and political identities. I grew up in Chicago with roots in both Israel and the States, the granddaughter of 3rd-generation Americans on my mother’s side and 1st-generation Israelis Holocaust survivors on my father’s side. As an Israeli-American, I've sought out opportunities to meaningfully engage in a way that encompasses different parts of my background, especially on issues most important to me. In the past, this has included community organizing with refugees in Quebec, spearheading Jewish spiritual life in Montreal, working with interfaith campus efforts, leading youth climate justice advocacy in the US/Canada and connecting with family in the US and Israel. This spring, I have the incredible opportunity to continue this work in Jerusalem by participating in Achvat Amim, a 4 month framework for learning and work with educational, community, and human rights organizations, enabling me to do grassroots work with experienced Israeli and Palestinian organizers while also deepening my engagement with peace-building, social movements, and Jewish identity. 


Why this program? 

The framework of Achvat Amim will enable me - and other cohort members - to support inspiring Israeli nonprofits, dedicated Israeli and Palestinian organizers, and those whom they serve. These organizations include Standing Together, Hand in Hand, The Israel Religious Action Center, and many other transformative organizations working with Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers, educators, students and many others. Throughout the program, I hope to contribute to their work, strengthen my Jewish identity and gain confidence in educating about the issues I will be working on. Achvat Amim will also provide me with the amazing opportunity to explore conflict resolution within a Jewish spiritual framework. Returning from my participation in Achvat Amim, I plan to channel the experiences and insights I gain into educating about all that I learn and organizing opportunities that will encourage others to engage with the themes of Jewish community, conflict resolution, and movement-building.


Why This Matters to Me?

After years of involvement in grassroots Jewish communities and social justice organizing in the US and Canada, I’ve come to understand that my Jewish identity and activism are inseparable. In contrast with many of the either-or scenarios that dominate the headlines and today’s polarized dynamics, I see this program as a unique opportunity to explore the nuances and intersection of these passions and issues, study and learn, deepen community-building skills, and strengthen my commitment to justice in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I believe in the work they are doing, especially during these particularly hard times - it feels like they are succeeding in holding multiple truths about people’s realities while also working to carve out new paths forward. This program will enable me to support their important work while also developing the tools and community to explore these dynamics and grow both personally and professionally through lived experiences that I couldn't make possible on my own.


Why do I need financial support? 

Achvat Amim empowers young Diaspora Jews like me to support inspiring Israeli nonprofits while studying and living together in Jerusalem. The program is supported by a network of local and international partners, with scholarships covering most costs of room and board, etc. Participants also contribute as much as possible, and as the program grows, more scholarships become available to a broader range of participants. I’m grateful for the over $3000 worth of scholarships I’ve already received, as well as for the early support from friends, family, and clergy. After two years of full-time work, I’m proud to fund a significant portion of the program myself. However, I’m reaching out now to potential supporters to help cover the remaining costs, whether through grassroots, community, synagogue, or foundation funding. I believe deeply in the value of Achvat Amim and am committed to making a meaningful impact. I’m asking for any level of support, and I’d be honored if you could share this opportunity with others who care about these issues. In particular, please let me know if you have any suggestions regarding foundations, rabbis or other community donors who may be interested. At the program’s conclusion, I look forward to connecting with supporters for an overview and Q&A. For rabbis, educators, and community leaders, I’m happy to share more about Achvat Amim and its work in various group settings as well.


Grassroots Support: All levels are greatly appreciated! Thanks to a generous matching grant, donations up to $500 will be doubled. Click the "Donate" button on this page to contribute!

Tax-Deductible: Achvat Amim, 501c3, is tax-deductible. Click here for tax-deductible details. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or want to speak directly. Thank you for your potential interest and support!
  • Palestine
  • Israel