Financial Assistance for Israel Study
The Jewish Education Center of Cleveland (JEC) administers several programs to help families save for an approved Israel Educational Experience and provide funds to make the trip a reality. These programs are A Gift of Israel and JEC Financial Aid.
In July, 1980, the Jewish Community Federation Endowment Fund approved a Comprehensive Financial Aid Program for Israel Experiences which was developed to demonstrate that an Israel learning opportunity can and should be an integral part of the Jewish education experience. The uninterrupted funding of the Program reflects our community’s commitment to make Israel experiences available to all Jewish youth.
A GIFT OF ISRAEL
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We’re excited to announce the new A Gift of Israel grant!
A Gift of Israel is now a one-time incentive grant of $1,800 that helps Cleveland students travel to Israel for meaningful Jewish educational experiences. A Gift of Israel is a grant given by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Jewish Education Center.
The new program structure offers broader access for participants in Greater Cleveland. It is no longer a savings program. The grant is available to both affiliated and unaffiliated families. There are a multitude of qualifying Israel programs that will enrich and shape your Jewish identity in a unique and powerful way! Such as:
- Day School 8th grade trips
- Camp/Teen Summer Programs
- Post High School Programs (gap year, semester abroad)
Participant Eligibility Requirements
- From a Jewish household with family currently residing in Greater Cleveland
- In 8th grade thru age 25 (up to and including their 25th birthday)
- Has been accepted to an approved Jewish educational program lasting at least 10 days
- Educational program meets the program cost requirement of $2,250 or more
- This is the only time I have received a grant from A Gift of Israel
The new A Gift of Israel grant application is tentatively scheduled to open on February 15, 2026 for programs beginning April 1, 2026. Please check our website for updates.
For more information and to be notified when the application is open, email [email protected].
MASA ISRAEL JOURNEY
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Masa Israel Journey offers over 200 study, internship and volunteer opportunities all over Israel lasting between five and twelve months.For further program information, please visit the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s I-Connect website.
For financial aid information, email [email protected].