The United Synagogue

Tribe Close The Gap For UK Students In Israel

PRESS RELEASE

London,
12th May 2009

TRIBE CLOSE THE GAP FOR UK STUDENTS IN ISRAEL

130 British gap year students currently in Israel on a host of different programmes were given an insight into campus life this week by Tribe Israel. 'Closing the Gap' was held at the Reich Hotel in Jerusalem and was designed to prepare the students for life back in the UK and the new challenges they will meet on campus.

Keynote speaker Rabbi Andrew Shaw, Tribe Executive Director, spoke about the importance of involvement in Jewish student life and the role Jewish students play within the US community. Sessions were also run by Rabbi Gideon Sylvester, Tribe Israel's Rabbi, about how to stay connected to Israel; UJS and CST about campaigns on Campus; and Rabbi Yoni Sherizen, Chief Executive of University Jewish Chaplaincy about the roles of Chaplains on campus and the support they can provide to new students.

The event was held in conjunction with University Jewish Chaplaincy, UJS, CST and Phone and Learn.

Participant Emma Lewis from FZY year programme commented: Closing the Gap was the perfect way to end our year. Although sad to leave Israel, the event has made me excited to get involved in Jewish Life when I return to England and I am grateful to Tribe for introducing me to other students I will be spending the next few years with."

Rabbi Andrew Shaw, Tribe Executive Director, commented: "This event was a fantastic example of the excellent partnerships Tribe has created on campus with UJS, University Jewish Chaplaincy and CST which benefits our 2500 tribe campus members across the UK."

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