I’m so grateful for the opportunity to take part in the ATID program. I appreciated the different perspectives introduced to us surrounding Israelis and Palestinians and the ongoing struggle for peace. We also did some great workshops that enabled me to push myself to reflect on what I believe are the most important aspects of Jewish life, a Jewish nation, and Jewish history. Our teacher created a safe space for us to process and talk through our reactions and reflections as a group which was invaluable to my growth and development.

The ATID program led by Rav Yehuda HaKohen was illuminating for me on many levels. It renewed my sense of responsibility as a Jew in the land of Israel today, both to our land as well as to all the people living on it, whether Jew or Arab. It also deepened my connection to the Torah, the Jewish people, our traditions as well as our common humanity shared by all of humankind.

Yehuda HaKohen is one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever had. His vision of Jewish history and the Jewish future is bold and all-encompassing, presented with equal parts intellectual dynamism and moral vigor. My experience with ATID helped me to locate myself within the epic story of the Jewish people, harsh and thrilling, and continues to provide me with clarity as I seek to make the most of the one precious life I have been given. 

Generally, I am a self-learner, but ATID had me captivated from the beginning. By introducing me to differing perspectives from my own, I was able to expand my viewpoints and opinions on the conflict in the Middle East as well as the wider scope of Hebrew liberation in our generation. ATID is a must-take course for anyone eager to learn more about their background, connect to their roots, and broaden their mind. Whether a student, young professional, or even someone pursuing a career in foreign affairs, ATID is a program that will challenge your preconceived notions to help actualize your place in the Hebrew story.

As a woman who did not have the opportunity to receive a Jewish education, I can say with certainty that it is the ATID program which gave me the tools and the will to dig deeper into my identity, and join the jewish people in Israel. The program provides a space to hear and appreciate the narrative of the Palestinians which allowed me to deepen the connection and understanding I had of my own identity. I broke free from the traditional pro-Israel narrative and received a Hebrew vision, which gave me hope regarding what we are living and the willingness to play my part in our great story.

What an amazing experience! Rav Yehuda and his constituents have a real passion to further the Jewish mission to the next stage. The program really challenged me to think outside of the box in a non coercive way.

The ATID program was extremely thought provoking and interesting. I found myself challenging my own beliefs and in doing so achieving a much more nuanced view of both our narratives. This program provided a space of tremendous learning and growing where people of different view points can come together and learn a higher Truth while discovering where their ideas and leadership might take them to impact change.

I participated in ATID virtually during my senior year of university and it was an incredible academic extracurricular that allowed me to delve deep into burning questions I had about Jewish identity. The class sessions were always dynamic and the additional readings/lectures thought-provoking. As a secular Jew, I especially appreciated that discussions surrounding Jewish history and identity and Israel’s place in the world were looked at through multiple perspectives. I certainly had preconceived notions challenged, but the program maintains an air of respect that I’ve rarely found in this discourse. I highly recommend this program to anyone that wants to dissect broad topics such as the conflict, diaspora identity, and decolonization.