Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s Simon Family Passport to Israel Fund, which provides grants for trips for teens to Israel, is accepting applications for the program until March 15, 2021.
The program provides funds to enable and encourage Jewish students to participate in a trip to Israel. Trips that are funded include educational and peer group experiences.
“Without this generous scholarship from Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s Simon Family Passport to Israel Program, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see the ruach (spirit) that fills everyday life in a place where Judaism is found in every aspect of everyday society,” says Sophie Waldman, a past Simon Family Passport grant recipient.
Marvin Simon established the fund because he believed it was important for young people to experience Israel for themselves.
“He felt students had to get involved beyond the books and beyond the weekly synagogue visits and experience Israel and worldwide Jewry first hand,” says Simon’s daughter, Kim Simon Fink. “He wanted to afford an opportunity for everyone to get that personal experience.”
Qualifying trips are organized by a non-profit organization, educational, or religious institution, are staffed by appropriate personnel, and have a structured itinerary. Jewish students between the ages of 13 and 18 may apply, and those students over 18 may apply as long as they indicate why a Birthright Israel trip will not meet their current needs. Trips will be funded up to 30% of the eligible expenses, with a maximum of $6,000 per student.
To apply or for more information, visit jewishva.org/passport or contact Ann Swindell at aswindell@ujft.org or 757-965-6106. Applications are due March 15, 2021.
– Thomas Mills