Israeli startup Belong is offering support services to help 500 Jewish students on U.S. campuses disrupted by anti-Israel protests, mostly supporters of terrorist organizations, study abroad in Israel instead. announced that it would provide.
Belong began operations in March and provides a wide range of support services to Diaspora Jews making aliyah and those seeking temporary Israeli experiences, such as studying abroad or pursuing a graduate degree.
Its services range from free online resources to private personal assistance. Belong’s website also includes a list of all study abroad programs based in Israel.
Belong is offering two months of free service to students on U.S. campuses where anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment are prevalent. This includes assisting with completing program registration forms, identifying and enrolling in programs, providing advice on different course tracks and potential credits, connecting with the United States, and more. Students work with Israeli students and student organizations, providing mentorship, networking, and guidance on finding housing and securing student and resident visas.
To receive these free services, students must apply by May 31 through Belong’s website.
“A very strong wave of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel.”
“We are witnessing a very strong wave of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel, expressed in horrific ways across American academic institutions. Students need to know that there are top-notch academic options in Israel, and we will support students who wish to transfer,” said Gilad Ramot, Founder and Chairman of Belong. A man holds a placard across from the Columbia University campus, where there is an encampment for student movements supporting Palestinians during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, on April 25, 2024 in New York City, USA. Demonstrators. (Created by: Mike Seeger/Reuters)
“It is everyone’s right to study in a safe and supportive environment, and we are committed to helping Jewish students achieve personal and academic development,” said Belong CEO Eilon Gilad. I will work hard to ensure that I can pursue this.” We call on all Israeli universities to respond quickly to these demands and provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition into Israeli academia. ”
Amid rising anti-Semitism, Israeli universities are encouraging overseas Jewish students to enroll. The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology issued a statement Friday inviting Jewish undergraduates, graduate students, and academic faculty from abroad to come to its Haifa campus to continue their research, teaching, and learning.
“Unfortunately, faculty from many Western universities joined this wave, as did student organizations and professional associations,” said Technion Rector Professor Uli Sivan. , in Australia, many Jewish and Israeli students and researchers currently face physical and verbal threats that are forcing them to rethink everything they do and prevent them from participating in academic activities at these institutions. ing. ”
She said: “Given this situation and considering the Technion’s important role in Jewish history over the past 100 years, we are seeking new talent to quickly integrate students and faculty from around the world. We have announced the program,” he concluded. It is an academic refuge during these difficult times. ”
