IBC brings together young Jewish adults from around the world to experience Israel. The program offe
IBC is for students aged 18-20 who are not currently affiliated with a youth movement, but are interested in a long term gap year program in Israel. Participants come from Australia, America, New Zealand and South Africa. IBC is open to participants of all levels of religious background, political belief and community involvement. The program observes all laws of Shabbat and Kashrut to allow those
wishing to observe these customs the opportunity to do so, and to establish mutual respect between participants. IBC educates and introduces participants to a wide range of political and religious personalities and beliefs to allow each participant to explore and gain an understanding of the complexities of modern Israeli society. The program name, “Israel By Choice’ originates from the basis of the program concerning pluralism, personal expression and empowerment, as participants contribute to the design and progress of their gap year. Participants choose where and how they will spend their time, and are involved in decision-making processes regarding aspects of the program. This is done within a well-structured and supportive framework, flexible enough to meet the desires of each class of participants. We are committed to presenting Israel as a “home for Jews all over the world”. We encourage participants to develop and maintain a connection and commitment to the State of Israel, and their local communities on their return home. We establish networks to facilitate graduate involvement in home communities, to employ the principles they discovered on IBC and make a difference to the world around them.
