Y2i (Youth 2 Israel) was established in 2014 to maximise the number of Year 10 students who go on a transformational Israel education program. Responding to the Gen08-inspired JCA TouchPoints Report in 2011, which found Year 10 Israel trips to be pivotal in shaping Jewish identity, the JCA Planning Committee sought to increase program participation in these important “touch points” for the development of strong Jewish identity. These insights, combined with international research, made clear that Israel-based educational programs of five weeks or more, play a significant role in determining Jewish continuity. This provided the catalyst for Y2i which was launched as an Endowment Fund of JCA in 2015.

Whether from Jewish day schools or non-Jewish day schools, Y2i provides an opportunity for all Jewish students to experience Israel at the pinnacle of their high school education.

Y2i provides discretionary subsidies of up to $5,000 to eligible Year 10 students from NSW, ACT and QLD with at least one Jewish parent, making participation in an approved Israel education program more affordable. These Israel experiences of four weeks or longer are a life changing journey of Jewish identity, that support Jewish continuity in our local community.

Year 10 Israel programs are only the beginning of their Jewish journey, both at an individual and communal level. They are stepping stones to a greater understanding of self, our religion, connection, and the broader Jewish community.