Introducing Israel Forever Interns - Summer of 2022

Vanessa Dwek

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

I’m from London and am currently studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Birmingham. Israel is a place that is close to my heart and I love to explore all that it has to offer to further my connection with it. I enjoy drawing as I find it an easy way to unwind. My favourite thing about Judaism is the community, everyone has such a strong connection to each other and whether you’re religious or not, there is always a community out there that would suit you. Within all these different communities, the majority of people support Israel as a Jewish state and I think it’s amazing to see that instant connection that Israel creates between Jewish people.

Joey Reed

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

Hello all, my name is Joey and I am from Los Angeles. By this December, I am due to graduate from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt. My curriculum consists of two majors: Political Science, with an emphasis on Law and Policy, and Economics. I have always been proud of my Jewish heritage, and this was demonstrated in my childhood and adolescence. This pride started when I joined the B’nai Brith Youth Organization at age 14. During 12th grade, I participated in the March of the Living, where I had a hands-on learning experience pertaining to the Holocaust and Israel’s ancient history. I am excited that I can utilize this pride and make extraordinary contributions to the Israel Forever Foundation.

I strive to encourage peers, friends, and family to self-educate on ancient Israeli-history, To inspire in them a sense of wonder and curiosity to see how an ancient land became a modern home for Jews. I hope to help Israel Forever discover new investors that can help this small grassroots organization become a household name for Jewish families everywhere.

Jack Loeffler

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

Hey everyone! I’m Jack and I’m from Westchester NY, I’m currently a junior studying economics at the University of Michigan. I have held executive board positions for both my fraternity and an international consulting club. I love to go out and explore, as well as simply relax and sleep the day away. I have never been very religious, and am agnostic, but have always considered myself a very “cultural Jew”. I am very proud of my heritage and am excited to help others connect with their own, in a way that can only be done through a connection with Israel.

Garrett Ritholtz

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

I plan on building stronger connections with the state and people of Israel, but more importantly with myself. I believe that coming here to the country of my people and forefathers would help me develop as a person and help me align my values to those of the workplace. Israel is such a unique place, and with that comes various different cultures and ideals. I want to help others just as this organization strives to help students, on a personal and social level. This is my first time in Israel, and with the privilege of being here for 2 months, I feel that this organization can truly help me make my mark on society and for myself and my family.

I am inspired by the people of Israel, who are all so incredibly cultured and diverse. I believe that people of any culture and ideals can translate their unique identity into other cultures and beliefs. Being open minded plays a very big part in that. I’m hoping to take away from that so I can possibly align my values differently or have a different look on issues or daily dilemmas.

The mission of Israel Forever is so clearly distinct from other organizations. Although it strives to become a strong company with its presence, it also has a clear goal of helping students achieve their goals as well, something many companies worldwide fail to achieve.I want to reach out to disaffected Jews and I want to use my voice and social presence to help people come learn about what it means to them to be a part of the Jewish nation.

Manon Dean

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

I’m Manon and I am studying International History and Politics at the University of Leeds. As a committee member as the journalist for the Jewish Society at my university, I constantly try to connect Jews on campus to their identity and to Israel. I love to learn about history so would want to understand more about Israeli history and how it shapes the country today.

Noah

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

Hi! I am a junior studying aviation management at Purdue University. I am active on my campus being a supervisor for our orientation program for new students as well as holding leadership positions in my fraternity. My passions include flying, skiing, and adventuring among some others. I am looking forward to helping this foundation connect other Jews like me to a new place they could call home.

My Birthright trip really cemented my pride in being Jewish and having that connection to a homeland. From Birthright to Onward, I am inspired to explore Israel. I hope that, as an Ambassador of Israel Forever, I can help grow an audience of people wanting to go deeper and find something they’re interested in. I hope to encourage others to follow what I did and experience the life and culture of Israel by seeing it with their own eyes, and to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity to see how an ancient land became a modern home for Jews.