Gesher Leadership Program for the Diaspora

The Gesher Leadership Institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Ami, runs the “Gesher for the Diaspora” courses aimed at deepening the knowledge and connection between Israeli opinion leaders and the Jewish Diaspora. The program is founded on the belief that the State of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora are one nation, committed to the physical and spiritual survival of the Jewish people worldwide. It offers Israeli leaders and influential figures a unique opportunity to connect with the Jewish Diaspora through dialogue and an in-depth encounter with a Jewish community abroad as part of a meaningful course.

Why is this needed?

Public discourse in Israel rarely focuses on the Jewish Diaspora. The prevailing view is that world Jewry must support and invest in the State of Israel. We often remember our brothers and sisters abroad in times of crisis, but our knowledge of the values and challenges faced by Diaspora communities is limited. Moreover, Israel’s approach to the Diaspora has shifted in recent years.

These courses aim to provide participants with knowledge about current trends in the Jewish Diaspora and the challenges in Israel-Diaspora relations, strengthen the sense of Jewish peoplehood, and offer tools and guidance for possible actions by opinion leaders to connect Israeli society to the Jewish Diaspora or to strengthen ties with world Jewry.

As part of the course, participants will undergo a significant group process, engage in dialogue, and visit a Jewish community abroad as part of a delegation. The course also provides a supportive platform for participants’ initiatives in Israel-Diaspora relations.

Course Structure:

The course lasts about two months and includes the following components:

– Five regular six-hour sessions, held once a week.
– An in-depth visit as part of a delegation to a Jewish community abroad. The visit will last about seven days.
– Fostering leadership and social initiatives.
– A unique network among course participants.

Course Topics:

– The Jewish Diaspora during the “Swords of Iron” war.
– The Jewish people and its mosaic of identities.
– The relationship between the Diaspora and Israel.
– Challenges in Israel-Diaspora relations.
– Practical tools for leading projects in the Diaspora sector.

The visit to a Jewish community abroad is the highlight of the course and includes:

– Visits to important community organizations and meetings with leaders.
– A meeting with a senior Israeli figure, such as the Israeli Ambassador or Consul.
– A visit to a local educational institution.
– Meetings with key rabbis, community media figures, and prominent business leaders.

Participants:

The course is designed for 20-25 Israeli opinion leaders, holding senior positions across various fields (e.g., military, public sector, third sector, business, law, academia, media, etc.), coming from diverse segments of Israeli society (secular, Haredi, religious, traditional, new immigrants, central and peripheral regions, men and women). This group will engage in peer discussions, dialogue, and mutual respect throughout the course.

Admission Process:

Registration for the Gesher for the Diaspora course is closed.

The admission process includes completing an application form and a personal interview with the Institute’s management to assess suitability.

Participation in the course is free of charge!

* A commitment to attend all sessions and the delegation is required.
* Signing a conflict of interest form is mandatory.