After 7 successful years as a Scandinavian program, the Shvilim Gap Year is going global, expanding to a worldwide audience. This move is led by the Jewish Community of Norway, directed by Rabbi Joav Melchior and The Upper Galilee Leadership Institute, in partnership with The University of Oslo, Kol ami (The Jewish Agency), Meitarim and the Anti-Defamation League.
Shvilim was founded in 2014 by the Jewish community in Oslo with the goal of providing a rich and meaningful gap year experience to young Jews in Scandinavia. With the addition of new partners, the program is now poised to become a leading provider of Jewish education and cultural engagement worldwide.
Shvilim will now offer its unique Jewish educational experience to religious and secular Jewish youth aged 18-22 from all over Europe, North America, and Israel. Over the course of ten months, primarily based in Israel, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the diverse Jewish world through an extensive curriculum of study, travel, and dialogue.
The year involves living in an Israeli gap year institution (Mechina), studying Judaism and Dialogue for Democratic Citizenship at the University of Oslo, and traveling around the Jewish world to learn about the fight against antisemitism, Jewish and non-Jewish pluralism, as well as skills for leadership and dialogue. This includes studying in Norway and trips to the US and Europe.
“We believe that Shvilim will offer an unparalleled experience for young Jews seeking to deepen their connection to their heritage and the Jewish community worldwide.” Rabbi Joav Melchior, the Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Norway. Oded Stein, Director of The Upper Galilee Leadership Institute said "we believe in the power of education to shape the future. Our partnership with Shvilim is a testament to this belief, as we work to provide young Jews with an unparalleled opportunity to explore and define their Jewish identity on their own terms. Through dialogue and hands-on learning, our participants will gain critical skills in leadership and communication, allowing them to return to their communities as agents of positive change."
“The partnership with the Anti-Defamation League adds a crucial element of advocacy and activism to the Shvilim program. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of combating hate, bigotry, and discrimination and become leaders in promoting respect and dignity for all.” Stein added.