Fellowship

Basic Information- 2012-2013 Fellowship

Application form for 2012-2013 Fellowship

Updates from Keren Simons

The William Frankel Fellowship is a once in a lifetime experience. The programme aims to integrate the participants within Israeli society, focusing on areas of Social Justice. This opportunity enables an elite cadre of post-university Jewish professionals to spend 10 months immersed in the movement for social change in Israel.  These Fellowships, which include a modest stipend, place young Jewish activists in Israeli NGOs for a year of in-depth contribution and learning.

This programme, which honours the life of the late Jewish Chronicle editor, William Frankel, seeks to nurture and secure the future generation of social change leaders from outside Israel, through an internship in Israel. As William Frankel revolutionised The Jewish Chronicle, so could our fellows transform the landscape of their communities - reflecting his dynamic personality and his desire to challenge the status quo.

NIF International has a 14-year history in Fellowship programming. In 1997, the Nomi Fein Social Justice Fellowship was established by Nomi's family after her sudden death at the age of 30.  Four years later, a second Social Justice fellowship was created to honour the life and memory of Rabbi Richard J. Israel.  In 2008, thanks to the generosity of NIF donors, the NIF/SHATIL Social Justice Fellowship was again expanded to its current size of five Fellows annually. Similarly, The William Frankel Fellows, who are the first UK envoys, will act as agents of social change, actively pursuing social justice to contribute to a just, democratic, and equitable society in Israel.

London Launch of Second Year of UK Fellowship

More than 40 people attended a Reception at Middle Temple to launch the 2nd year of the NIF/William Frankel Fellowship to Israel.

NIF Vice Chair Lord Beecham announced this year’s fellow, 25 year old Elinor Tamir who will spend 10 months working on social action projects in Israel. A former JFS student, and Noam youth leader, she has worked for the Three Faiths Forum and this summer volunteered with a youth project in Buenos Aires. She is passionate about working towards achieving tolerance and acceptance between communities.

NIF inaugural fellow Keren Simons and Claire Frankel, with NIF Chairman Nicholas Saphir and NIF Chief Executive Adam Ognall

Inaugural fellow Keren Simons spoke with enthusiasm about all she had learnt during her year in Israel working with Bedouin NGO Alnuhud which promotes education for Bedouin women in the Negev.

“Change from within is an important aspect of activism as outside influence can be unwelcome and resented," she explained. "I try to limit it as much as possible by listening to what people want for themselves and supporting that, rather than making the classic mistake of projecting my own background and desires onto them."

She continued: “Not many Jewish-led opportunities exist in the UK for young Jewish people who are supportive of Israel but uncomfortable with the status quo. I am ecstatic to have had this opportunity.” She plans to return to continue this challenging work.

This year, we are happy to announce funding secured for two UK Fellows. Keren Simons is back for a second Fellowship year, working with SHATIL in the Negev. Elinor Tamir is currently working with the Bereaved Families Forum, an NIF Grantee in Israel.