ENGAGING A GENERATION

2017 ANNUAL REPORT “Y2i is helping build participation in Israel based experiential programs for Year 10 students. Through a successful and strategic campaign, there has been a 114% increase in participation rates between 2014 and 2017.”

Contents

Board Chair Report 2

Thank You to Our Donors 4

Operations Report 5

Operational Successes 8

Donor Representatives Report 10

Current Donor Representatives 12

Board 12

Youth Leadership Board 12

Highlights 13 336 life-changing journeys to Israel in 2017

1 Board Chair Report

The Youth 2 Israel brand really began to resonate in the community in 2016/17, helping deliver a significant shift in the number of participants. Our projections have been exceeded as record numbers of students responded to concerted efforts to promote Israel programs and attend information nights. Y2i is making an impact on the expectation of students to be part of a Year 10 educational trip.

Foundations Expanding reach

The past year saw Y2i capitalise on our efforts to In the Jewish Day Schools, students are now talking establish a presence in the broader community. It about the Year 10 programs two or three years moved from just trying to educate organisations and earlier, as they hear from siblings and friends about people about Y2i, to also collaborating with communal the experience. Upwards of 87% of students are now organisations to reach more people. Their cooperation participating at Emanuel School, has been instrumental in building the momentum now and . In 2017, will being experienced. operate their first biennial program for Year 9 and 10 students. The programs are seen by the Jewish Day Those who have participated in previous years have Schools as a vital element in their educational programs. also played a key role in cementing the foundations for ongoing growth. Whether it be as an active Outside of the Jewish Day Schools, there has been a member of the Youth Board, delivering speeches to the notable jump in participants, with student numbers community (such as in shules or at information nights) increasing by 154% since 2014. or by continuing discussions on social media, they have embraced the concept of ambassadors. What is The numbers attending information nights, responding important to note is the messages they bring back from to our emails, calls and dedicated web page, were their trip; a sense of belonging to a local community, fantastic to witness. The energy in the room at the the importance of Jewish continuity and a desire to information nights did a lot to help eradicate any return to Israel. nerves, particularly for those who knew few if any others. The success of Y2i stems from our dedicated staff. There were more public and private They have raised awareness, schools represented than ever communicating regularly with “…it’s not easy before, an important indicator of our expanding reach. In fact, the venue the community. A highlight being Jewish, of their efforts was the Y2i needed to be shifted to the much Community Day held in Israel and there are larger hall provided by Maroubra for all students from all the Synagogue to accommodate many reasons everyone. programs to come together. to turn your I would like to take this Speaking to students and their opportunity to thank each of back, but it is parents, they saw this as an the staff for all they have done, who we are in opportunity to engage with their helping engage a generation in a our soul and it Judaism, which in many cases is not a way which will have a long-term part of their daily lives. The feedback positive impact. binds us all.” from them on the $5,000 vouchers is that it is a game changer.

2 Strategies moving forward as influencers on how they interact with their Judaism and the community, including when they return from a While the numbers now are exciting, the focus is on program. At a time where those identifying themselves continuing to grow them in the coming years. It is as Jewish has dropped according to the latest census important to build on the momentum, which means data, Y2i can play a role in reversing that trend. The goal maintaining the strategies that have been so is to make sure, through the students, that parents also effective to date. These include building the Y2i feel a greater attachment to the community and can database by encouraging online registrations from learn from their children’s experience. It is important Year 6 onwards, activity on social media, producing for Y2i not to slow down, but to continue to build its videos designed to engage people to connect with brand and increase its reach because the impact these their Judaism and community, running events, strategies are having is clearly evident through the making calls and sending emails. growth in participation rates across the board.

One strategy which has continued to work well is the presentation of certificates in synagogues to Funding Bar and Bat Mitzvah students outlining the details of What has been critical to the success Y2i has the voucher. Not only does this speak to the occasion experienced is the funding afforded by the generosity by offering to help continue their Jewish learning, but it of donors. Thank you again for your support. When attracts the attention of all those attending the service. the organisation first became a reality, it took a leap of Early in the year we released a video, inspired by a faith from a variety of people in the community to share discussion amongst donors, asking the question the vision. The impact is not just now for participants, “Why Be Jewish?”. The video reached over 10,000 but it will be felt for years to come at a much broader people on Facebook and the Y2i website with many level. There is a number of elements which the funding more having viewed it through other channels. The supports; helping the message of what is on offer video was designed to appeal to anyone with a Jewish connect with more people, supporting the vouchers background and proved to be a very powerful way to themselves and offering further assistance to those introduce why community is so important, and how in need outside of the Jewish Day Schools. It is worth Israel programs play an important role. As was so noting that the extra assistance has helped dozens of eloquently stated by a donor, it’s not easy to be Jewish families, who could not otherwise have afforded the and there are many reasons to turn your back, but it is remaining costs, to go on a program. who we are in our soul and it binds us all.

The Youth Leadership Board, which is made up of Year Thank you 11 students, will also build on its role, with a platform Y2i enjoys the support of a Board who continue to now in place for them to come up with activities contribute greatly to its success. They have helped designed to reunite steer the organisation into a strong position for which their peers, as well I am truly grateful. In particular I would like to thank as encouraging the Peter Philippsohn whose support has been vital and is incoming Year 10 group. greatly appreciated. I would also like to acknowledge Overarching this is a JCA who have allowed Y2i to operate within its offices. sense of belonging to a community which The most important thank you I can give is to the goes beyond school participants, past and future, who along with their boundaries with families, have invested emotionally in the Israel friendships that run programs. As they recognise and share the value of much deeper. their experiences, they amplify our goal, of engaging Even though the a generation. What we build today goes towards students themselves building a stronger tomorrow for our community. are the focus, parents play a major role both Jeremy Dunkel as decision makers and

3 Thank you to Our Donors

Mervyn and Lorraine Basserabie Bernard and Lynne Berson Boyarsky Family Stephen and Lucy Chipkin Coppel Family Education Heritage Foundation Simon and Rebecca Ehrlich Bruce and Lauren Fink Gerry and Eva Fischl David and Ariane Fuchs Brian and Susie Gold Newton and Jan Goldman Nancye Goldstein Daniel Goulburn Graf Family Phillip and Vivien Green Stephen and Sharon Green Gary and Sharon Hendler IJJAV Endowment Peter and Sharon Ivany Lance and Loren Kalish Howard and Hayley Kantor Dan and Nicole Katz Aron Kleinlehrer Aubrey and Dorit Krawitz Ian and Josie Lacey Gus and Nanna Lehrer Gary and Roz Levin Alex and Rosemary Linden Alan and Susan Lipman Lowy Family Robert and Ruth Magid Colin and Robyn Manoy Gary and Daniela Munitz Naumburger and Midalia Families Pelerman Holdings Peter and Sheila Philippsohn Justin Phillips and Louise Thurgood-Phillips Robert and Judy Phillips Millie Phillips Jonny and Jacki Pillemer Russel and Carole Pillemer Jonathan and Renee Pinshaw Lance and Julie Rosenberg Stanley and Charmaine Roth Brian and Arlene Schwartz and Family Ilan and Shira Sebban Diane Shteinman and Family “The minute I stepped on the Barry and Sandra Smorgon Ezekiel Solomon plane I felt already so connected Bruce and Barbara Solomon Danny and Dannielle Taibel to everybody. There is such a Mildred Teitler strong sense of community, it was Jonathan and Sherna Teperson Vidor Family very easy to click with people.” Isaac and Susan Wakil Glenn Wein and Julie Tylman Talia - St George High School Daniel and Virginia Weinberg Peter and Jenny Wohl The Wolanski Foundation Frank and Karen Wolf

4 Operations Report

Our people In 2013, before Y2i, 91 Moriah and Masada Year 10 students went on IST. In addition, 26 students from Rachel Swartz and Jessica Inbari are employed to outside the Jewish Day Schools, participated in ensure the smooth running and day to day operations the NSW Board of Jewish Education’s Emet Israel of Y2i. Rachel and Jessica are each employed three program. Total 119. days per week and operate from the JCA offices. They are also supported by Amy Marshall. Their roles In 2014, to test the assumption that cost is a include communal engagement and awareness, and significant barrier to greater adoption, a donor collaboration with key organisations, schools and committed $500,000 - available through Y2i - providing partners. A key element of their job responsibilities is 100 non-means tested vouchers of $5,000 for any to ensure that each program meets its CJES, legal and prospective applicant. It resulted in a 39% participation Y2i requirements. Y2i provides BJE with marketing and increase from the preceding year, including the creation program support to ensure the number of Non-Jewish of Emanuel’s Chavayah program, which sent 26 students Day School students participating in the program in its first year. Total 165. increases annually. In 2015, with the formal establishment of Y2i, the $5,000 voucher was made available to every Year 10 student in Program report NSW/ACT/QLD with at least one Jewish parent. Total 226.

Y2i currently provides funding for the following Year 10 In 2016, participation rates continued to grow, with a Israel programs. It is important to note the inclusion of notably strong 65% increase in participants from Kesser Torah College this year, who for the first time, Non-Jewish Day Schools from 2014 – 2016. Total 276. have introduced a pilot program for their students. In 2017, Kesser Toah College established its first • Emet Israel Program (NSW Board of Jewish Education) Pilot Israel program, combining both Years 9 and 10; • Chavayah (Emanuel School) 36 students will be participating. Kesser Torah College • IST (Masada College) will continue to run a Year 9/10 Israel program, every second year. • IST (Moriah College) • KTC: Israel Experience (Pilot) (Kesser Torah College) Participation rates outside of the Jewish Day Schools have risen again by 56%. Total 336.

2013 2014 2015 2016

Year Participation Year Participation Year Participation Year Participation School Actual Actual Actual Actual Size % Size % Size % Size %

BJE 242 27 11% 245 26 11% 210 32 15% 221 43 19%

Emanuel 65 0 0% 66 26 39% 63 56 89% 80 75 94%

KTC 25 0 0% 34 8 24% 8 0 0% 15 0 0%

Masada 51 7 14% 36 14 39% 49 36 73% 50 40 80%

Moriah 158 85 54% 129 91 71% 129 102 79% 132 118 89%

Total 541 119 22% 510 165 32% 459 226 49% 498 276 55%

Participation rates continue to increase 2017 Estimates annually. In 2016, over half of all eligible Participants Eligible Estimate Participation Rates Year 10 students participated in a five

week Israel experience. 34% BJE 197 67 Based on current estimates, 2017 will see 158% increase from 2014-17 336 students participating in one of five Emanuel 83 72 87% approved programs. KTC 40 36 90% Participation rates for this year are Masada 36 33 92% expected to hit 68%. Moriah 138 130 92%

Total 494 336 68%

5 Projected participants (2015 – 2020) Y2i continues to develop strong collaborative relationships with all Synagogues, communal While participation numbers continue to increase in the organisations, private and public schools as the key to Jewish Day Schools, it is expected that these numbers locating, engaging and encouraging Non-Jewish Day will plateau in the coming years. School student participation.

The number of participants from Non-Jewish Day Y2i recognises the need to engage students from Schools continues to rise, and it is expected this outside the Jewish Day Schools before Year 10, with trend will continue as the number of Jewish students, marketing efforts now focusing on encouraging families particularly in Public High Schools increases. to register their children from Year 6 onwards.

Y2i will continue to use a broad range of collateral and Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 media to engage and inform the larger community. Total cohort These media will include social media, digital (NSW/ACT/ 526 550 539 508 559 621 QLD) marketing, print media, and advertising.

Projected 226 267 274 310 375 335 Queensland and ACT

Actual 226 276 336 As Y2i funding is available to families in both Queensland and the ACT, penetration and awareness into these At the start of last year, we revised our original communities is paramount. While both communities projections for 2016 and 2017, based on the initial are small, with approximately 3,000 Jews throughout achievements of 2015. In 2017 we have exceeded our Queensland, and a further 1,000 in ACT, there are original projections for participation by 23%. We have opportunities for Y2i engagement. now revised our projections for the next three years. The ACT, through the community centre and The fluctuation in 2019 also reflects the inclusion of synagogue, is working closely with Y2i in identifying the KTC program which will run every two years. and communicating with eligible families. They are also participating in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Initiative.

Y2i Current and future priorities Y2i has made contact with over 25 Synagogues, communal bodies, , schools and Jewish lifestyle groups, across Non- participation Queensland and Northern NSW. All have expressed strong Increased participation by students attending support of Y2i and the opportunities it will provide to their Non-Jewish Day Schools remains a key priority for communities. Y2i will continue to create awareness and Y2i. To support and grow the NSW Board of Jewish encourage participation in an Israel program, as well as Education (BJE) Emet Israel program, we have investing time in engagement and promotion. implemented an extensive marketing campaign including advertising, social media, electronic direct Longitudinal data mail, phone calls and information nights. Y2i has developed a comprehensive database of Over 5,000 emails were sent to families with students current and past participants. This information in Years 9 and 10 through the databases of JCA, allows for continued and longitudinal follow-up with Maccabi, BJE, ten Synagogues, six non-Jewish private participants and is a key to measuring the impact Israel schools, JEMS, and the Zionist Youth Movements. programs have on our community.

Furthermore, 249 families with children in Year 10 were Working with communal demographer, Dr David contacted by phone over two weeks, to complement Graham, Y2i has developed a set of survey questions the email distribution. These conversations yielded which will follow the short and long term trajectory strong results, with 110 families registering for the of participants, and their ongoing participation and initial BJE information evening. To date 67 families commitment to their Jewish identity, community will be sending their children on the BJE Emet Israel and Israel. Program in 2017. Elements of the Y2i survey interrelate with the Gen17 Anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of communal survey. Current and past participants receive Jewish students at NSW public high schools is on pre and post trip surveys and this data is currently the increase. With this in mind, it is imperative Y2i being collated and analysed. works closely with school principals and communal organisations to ensure awareness and engagement in Year 10 Israel programs for this cohort.

6 “The friendships I’ve formed with people on the program are much deeper and definitely more sincere than most friendships from school.”

Simone - Killara High School

7 “In 2017 we have exceeded our original projections for participation by 23%.”

Operational Successes Increased participation from Non-Jewish Stronger focus on pre/post engagement Day Schools Over the past year, Y2i has been working closely with our service providers and past participants to strengthen 2017 has seen a 56% increase in participation compared both pre and post program communal engagement. to 2016 from Non-Jewish Day Schools, with 67 students participating. Given the cross section of Jewish values and varied experiences of our participants, Y2i has placed a This trend is expected to continue, as student stronger emphasis on individualising pre and post enrolments at Non-Jewish Day Schools increase while program engagement. word of mouth and momentum build. BJE, as well as each of the Jewish Day Schools, is Increased penetration rates in Jewish responsible for ensuring that students of their programs Day Schools are actively engaged in school initiatives, communal life and opportunities for Jewish social and educational With the introduction of the Kesser Torah College pilot development, post participation. Israel program, all Jewish Day Schools are participating in a Year 10 Israel experience. This brings penetration Pre-program engagement aims to prepare students for within the Jewish Day Schools to a staggering 91%. their upcoming experience in Israel. These programs expose them to important Jewish values, elements of Continued gap year program participation Israeli culture, facilitate socialisation, and initiate the NSW, ACT and Queensland Israel gap year (post HSC) process of personal introspection and development. participation has remained steady over the past 4 years. Post program engagement focuses on further To increase engagement and awareness in the post strengthening their Jewish identity and connection, and school Israel programs, Y2i provides a showcase of gap encouraging communal participation, through a variety year programs at the Y2i Communal Day in Israel. of engagement methods.

Gap year Israel programs are also a focus for Y2i. Closer The types of engagement supported by Y2i ranges relationships with providers are being built to drive from communal volunteering, educational seminars increased participation. and youth organisation participation such as youth movements and local synagogue initiatives. Previous post school programs have been similar to the current Year 10 offerings, prompting AUJS, and other providers, to reassess their current programs, to ensure a varied and worthwhile extension to the Year 10 programs.

8 on programs in November. The event was hosted by 2015 program participants, to give the upcoming participants an opportunity to ask questions about their forthcoming trip and to mingle with participants across the different programs. It was a wonderful evening and a great initiative put forward by the Youth Leadership Board.

In 2017, Y2i organised an orientation day for the new 13 board member representatives who had participated in an Israel program in 2016. The day was an opportunity for board members to collaborate, set goals and, commence planning for the year. Two of the key areas are making an impact has been around motivating future participants and encouraging communal involvement amongst their peers.

It has been fantastic to see the collaboration between board members in 2017, particularly given their varied backgrounds and connections to the community. This Youth Leadership Board initiative will continue to grow in 2018 in order to build Instigated in 2016, the Y2i Youth Leadership Board upon pre and post program engagement for all Y2i provides an opportunity for selected students to program participants. develop leadership skills and work with Y2i in the development of the organisation, and the engagement Donor thank you event of Year 10 students in Israel Programs. Most importantly It is because of the tremendous contributions of it is an opportunity to increase youth engagement donors that Y2i is able to facilitate students having within our community. a life changing experience in Israel. In February 2017, The Board is made up of Year 11 students who Y2i hosted an event to recognise and thank donors for their generosity, and for participants to share some of participated in a Y2i Israel program, with representatives their experiences on the program and talk about their from both the Non-Jewish and Jewish Day Schools. future plans to give back and return to Israel. Talia from In 2016 the Y2i Youth Board organised two Masada, Adam from Moriah, Liron from Emanuel and simultaneous pre-program events on the North Shore Simone from Killara High School each shared a few and Eastern Suburbs for students who would be going moments that made their trips special and memorable.

9 Y2i Community Day in Israel A notable highlight in 2016 was the annual Y2i Community Day in Israel which, in conjunction with Keren Hayesod - UIA, provided an opportunity for program participants across all Y2i sponsored programs, to come together.

Over 300 students, teachers and madrichim were in Jerusalem for a day of fun activities, inter-program collaboration, and to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the youth within the community.

The day opened with a message of unity from Y2i’s official delegate for the event, Yair Miller, followed by a video showcasing memories and the sense of camaraderie that developed throughout the programs. Representatives from each program shared fond memories and reflected on their gratitude at having had the opportunity to experience Israel with Y2i’s assistance. Some of the speeches were live streamed on Facebook, with family and friends in watching on.

The days activities and workshops included drumming, graffiti art, juggling, outdoor training, a rock concert, and a gap year programs fair. Gap year program providers showcased ways students could build on their incredible experience and return to Israel after finishing school.

Whether they were representing Emanuel, Moriah, Masada or BJE, students put aside their program identities for a day and embraced a sense of Jewish unity. It is evident there is potential for fantastic results to be achieved in the community by utilising the combined forces of the youth from all schools.

Donor Representatives report

The establishment of an Endowment Fund is being warmly embraced by many donors. An endowment ensures that there is no need for annual appeals and funding is accessible for the long term, to offer support to the Year 10 Israel programs. In a sign of the importance the entire community has placed on the role of Youth 2 Israel in supporting Israel based programs, the three major Jewish fundraising organisations, and the two federal and State communal roof bodies, are actively enrolled as partners.

A Donor Representatives body oversees the management of the funds in the endowment. This body is made up of representatives from each of the five communal organisations. It is a privilege to have again been asked to Chair this important group. Our role is independent of the Board of Y2i Operations and requires us to follow strict governance. We aim to oversee consistent returns on any investments. (Investment Policy is set and managed by the JCA Investment Committee. Donor Representatives do not set the policy).

The endowment plays a critical role because it creates an atmosphere for the building of momentum around the expectation that an Israel program is affordable.

The success over the past 12 months of the voucher program in dramatically increasing the participation of Year 10 students in Israel programs, is a testament to the value of Y2i. I am delighted to see the growing numbers of students from all schools experiencing Israel and exploring more of the role Judaism can play in their lives. I look forward to seeing Y2i participants become the pillars of our community in the years to come.

Robert Goot AM

10 Y2i Assistance Fund In response to requests from donors, Y2i established the Y2i Assistance Fund specifically for participants at Non- Jewish Day Schools. The fund provides additional support in cases of financial hardship. Donors may choose to direct their gift to the Assistance Fund, which in 2015 resulted in $575,000 in pledges.

The anticipated annual allocation from this fund is between $50-75,000. Y2i has established an Assistance Fund Review Committee to evaluate means-tested subsidy applications and recommend additional funding accordingly. Y2i would like to thank the Financial Assistance Review Committee, Lily Maltz, Alex Di Veroli and Michael Moses for their time and consideration.

Y2i voucher ‘give backs’ Y2i is working closely with the Jewish Day Schools and BJE to encourage the ‘give back’ of vouchers by families who do not require the Y2i voucher. All proceeds from the returned vouchers remain with the school or BJE, and are used towards further means-tested assistance to families requiring extra funding. Each program assesses this individually.

2016 voucher ‘give backs’

Additional Funds Total Amount Number of Number of partial and Organisation Available for Payable by Y2i Participants total ‘Give Backs’ Means-tested Assistance Endowment Fund

BJE 43 7 $600 $215,000 Emanuel School 75 5 $11,000 $375,000 Masada College 40 3 $15,000 $200,000 Moriah College 118 17 $85,000 $590,000 Total 276 32 $111,600 $1,380,000

2017 estimated voucher ‘give backs’

Additional Funds Number of Number of partial and Amount Payable by Organisation Available for Participants total ‘Give Backs’ Endowment Fund Means-tested Assistance

BJE 67 0 $0 $335,000 Emanuel School 72 11 $42,000 $360,000 Kesser Torah College 36 0 $0 $180,000

Masada College 33 4 $20,000 $165,000 Moriah College 128 21 $117,500 $640,000 Total 336 36 $179,500 $1,680,000

11 Current Donor Youth Leadership Board Highlights

Representatives In mid-2016, Y2i established a Youth Leadership Board to involve young students in the development • Robert Goot AM (Immediate Past President, of the organisation, and the engagement of Year 10 Executive Council of Australian Jewry) – Chair students in Israel Programs. The Board is made up • Alex Abulafia (Immediate Past President, of Year 11 students who participated in a Y2i Israel participants in 2017 overall participation JNF NSW) % program at the end of 2015 and is a mix of both 336 up 22% from 2016 68 compared to 32% in 2014 • Stephen Chipkin (President, JCA) Jewish and Non-Jewish Day School Students. • Stanley Roth AM (Life President, UIA NSW) • Jeremy Spinak (President, NSW Jewish Board Cranbrook of Deputies) Max Kanuk Jayden Maisel

Board Emanuel School Romy Berson The Board of Directors reflects the broad communal Sonia Redman Ongoing support for Y2i, across key organisations. The Board Liron Smith participation across % cross-communal is responsible for overseeing the operational 91 Jewish Day Schools management of Y2i. Killara High School support Simone Conyer The current board is made up of: • Jeremy Dunkel (Chair) Masada College • Peter Philippsohn OAM Danielle Katz • Darren Chait Nathan Rogut • Ariane Fuchs Alexa Silber • Yair Miller OAM Moriah • Dr Ron Weiser AM increase in Jenna Fisher ‘give backs’ in 2017 • Les Szekely Non-Jewish Day Talia Horwitz % $179,500 an increase of • Ilan Hurwitz (Observer) Adam Marks 158 School participants $67,900 on 2016 St George Girls High School from 2014 Talia Barel

THANK YOU PARTNERS

12 13 Play your role engaging a generation

Register your children and grandchildren as future participants so they can receive a Y2i $5,000 voucher towards the journey of a lifetime.

Today, through participating in Year 10 Israel programs, we are moving towards strengthening Jewish continuity, engaging a generation for tomorrow.

www.youth2israel.org.au

Marketing by Anthony Perl from CommTogether

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