Support My Activism in Israel-Palestine

Leah Pearlstein Start Date: Apr 6, 2023 - End Date: Aug 3, 2023
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Palestine
  • Israel

My Travel Story

by: Leah Pearlstein Start Date: Apr 6, 2023 - End Date: Aug 3, 2023
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
About
My name is Leah and since 2020, I have been passionately involved in social justice work where Judaism, feminism, racial justice, and solidarity intersect. This summer, I have an incredible opportunity to attend Achvat Amim’s Summer Solidarity program. Through this program, I will spend five weeks living in Jerusalem engaging in meaningful partnerships with Israelis and Palestinians in the movement for justice and liberation. In order to attend the program, I need to raise $3,000 of the $5,000 program tuition. I am writing to ask you to support me in pursuing this amazing opportunity by contributing anything you can towards my program tuition. 

What is the program? 
Achvat Amim's (Solidarity of Nations) Summer Solidarity program is a program committed to “self determination for all people in the place they call home” and combines critical education and solidarity work to equip activists with the skills and relationships they need to build the movement for justice and freedom for all in Israel-Palestine. Over the summer, I will be joining a dynamic learning community, exploring and shaping Jewish culture, identity, and activism as well as gaining critical frameworks for understanding power, change-making, and movement-building. I will be living communally in the heart of Jerusalem, building and taking part in a critical and democratic learning process, volunteering with prominent human rights organizations, and engaging in spiritual learning and growth. As a community we will directly partake in solidarity work together on the ground with Palestinian partners.

Why am I passionate about this project?
As a Jew, this work is deeply important to me. My connection to my Jewish identity stems from my understanding of authentic Judaism as a religion of love, compassion and inclusivity. I also understand the influence and power I have as a Jew in Israel-Palestine and I feel that it is my responsibility to use my privilege to help others. Additionally, as a Jewish woman and the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, I feel that it is my duty to help those who are suffering and amplify their voices. 

How will I benefit?
I believe the program will provide me with the amazing opportunity to build connections in Israel-Palestine and explore Jerusalem within a progressive Jewish spiritual framework. It will also enable me to develop crucial community-building skills and give me the chance to work with and learn from fantastic organizations and individuals! Throughout the program, I hope to strengthen my Jewish identity and gain confidence in educating others about life and activism in Israel-Palestine.
  • Palestine
  • Israel

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