"NU Perspectives challenged me to develop a nuanced view of a complex region and conflict through mindful engagement, cohort discussions, and a thoughtfully planned journey. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of this learning experience and to have gained a greater understanding of empathy and the people living in the conflict." -Cindy Shou '23
“I feel so fortunate to have been selected for this year’s NU Perspectives cohort. Our group of five Jewish and 16 non-Jewish NU students spent an incredible, thought-provoking ten days traveling throughout Israel and the Palestinian Territories, meeting with community leaders and deepening our understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I’m so grateful that Hillel makes transformative experiences like NU Perspectives a reality for me and my peers.” -Maya Waldman '23
NU Perspectives is Northwestern Hillel’s leadership journey to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The purpose of this program is to educate emerging and current Northwestern undergraduate student leaders about Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shining an intentional light on the complexities and nuances in an immersive and experiential way.
This highly selective program seeks students who are greatly motivated to gain a deeper understanding of Israel and Palestine and to share what they learn with the broader Northwestern community. Throughout the journey, participants will be expected to ask challenging questions, engage in group discussions and reflection, and to practice resilient listening.
We know that this is a challenging moment in the Israel-Palestine conflict, and our itinerary and plans are still in flux. Still, we believe that we can make a safe, secure, and meaningful journey happen, and we are hoping to bring together a wonderful cohort for that experience.
Participants in NU Perspectives will form a learning community to further one another’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Israel and Palestine. All participants will be required to participate in intensive pre-trip orientation sessions during the spring quarter of 2024. The cohort will reconvene after the trip for follow-up programming during the 2024-25 academic year.
What you can expect on the summer journey to Israel and the Palestinian Territories:
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Explore the multi-ethnic, religious, and national diversity of the Old City of Jerusalem and other parts of Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
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Tour the separation barrier/security wall that divides Israel and the West Bank.
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Gain a close-up understanding of the geopolitical challenges on Israel's border in the south and the border in the north (conditions permitting).
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Visit Tel Aviv and Jaffa, Jerusalem, and key sites of interest throughout Israel.
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Visit Ramallah, the current capital of the Palestinian Authority, and other areas of the Palestinian Territories to hear from Palestinian leaders and locals (conditions permitting).
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Learn from, and engage with, a variety of voices and perspectives from the religious, secular, Druze, Christian, Jewish-Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim, and other communities.
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Meet journalists, politicians, artists, intellectuals, activists, and other leaders.
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Enjoy delicious cuisine, hike in the beautiful desert, and enjoy the nightlife of Tel Aviv.
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Build community with a diverse group of fellow Northwestern students.
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Click here to see summer 2022 itinerary.
Who?
This highly-selective program seeks students who are greatly motivated to gain a deeper understanding of Israel and the Palestinian Territories and to share what they learn with the broader Northwestern community. Throughout the journey, participants will be expected to ask challenging questions, engage in group discussions and reflection, and to practice resilient listening.
When?
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Interviews will take place in April 2024.
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Pre-trip orientation sessions will take place in May 2024.
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Dates for our journey to Israel and the Palestinian Territories will be in late August - early September 2024.
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Post-trip programming will take place in the 2024-25 academic year.
How?
To apply and for further information, please go to this link.
Applications are due Friday, April 5th, 2024, and interviews will take place in April.
Additional Information:
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Students selected for this initiative will participate on a very highly-subsidized 10-day educational journey to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. NU Perspectives will cover all flights, hotels, and travel throughout the trip as well as two meals per day.
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If you have questions about NU Perspectives or would like further information, please contact Executive Director Michael Simon (michael-simon@northwestern.edu).
*Important Safety and Health Notice regarding NU Perspectives*
Northwestern Hillel is following all Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, and United States safety and security guidelines. Currently, a summer 2024 trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories is possible, and we plan to select a group of participants for our trip. Please be advised that the trip may be postponed or canceled due to changing security conditions. We will do our utmost to inform participants as quickly as possible about any trip changes and to minimize schedule disruptions or out-of-pocket costs for participants. If the trip is canceled, all participant deposits will be refunded.
