The ATID student leadership program is uniquely designed for students able to think outside-the-box when confronting the current crises facing the State of Israel and broader Jewish world. ATID tackles some of the most pressing issues in an intellectually stimulating environment that compels participants to take the lead in finding solutions to Israel’s current challenges. In a generation for which conversations about Israel, Jews, and Palestinians have been reduced to shallow generic soundbites, ATID provides a much-needed forum for in-depth analysis and discussion relating to some of the most pressing issues currently facing the Jewish people.
The program is specifically designed for students interested in exploring new perspectives and arriving at fresh solutions rooted in the Jewish people’s ancient values and collective aspirations. It includes:
- Leadership workshops
- Panel discussions
- Field trips
- Weekend retreats
- Lectures from renowned public figures
- Facilitated meetings with Palestinian activists and other representatives of minority communities
Exceptional graduates of the program may be offered a fellowship position on campus.
Please note: due to Covid-19, field trips and weekend retreats will be subject to the Israeli Health Ministry’s regulations.
Who can attend the ATID program?
Any college-aged student in Israel for at least a semester is encouraged to apply. We cap our program at 20 participants and accept only those applicants deemed capable of handling the content of the program.
How do I know if this is the right program for me?
We understand that this program isn’t for everyone. It requires dedication, critical thinking, and an ability to struggle with difficult ideas. If you’re deeply interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, identity politics, and formulating new ideas that reconcile ostensibly rival narratives, this is probably the right program for you!
What can I expect from ATID?
You’ll be hearing Jewish and Palestinian speakers from every imaginable perspective. You’ll meet people and visit places you’ve likely never encountered before. You’ll confront new information and will be taken out of your comfort zone. You’ll finish the program with the ability to formulate original ideas that transcend the generic either/or narratives dominating the conversations surrounding the conflict. You’ll also go deeper into issues related to Jewish identity, learn to examine that identity within the context of the contemporary political discourse and explore how it can influence and inform your activism.
How much does this program cost?
The program is free of charge but students are asked to cover their expenses for the Shabbat components (any participant unable to do so should inquire about a full scholarship).
What kind of commitment is expected from students of the ATID program?
There are six Friday sessions and 1-2 Shabbat programs each semester: attendance at all of the Friday sessions and Shabbat programs is mandatory. In addition, students are expected to complete all the assigned readings and to write reflections on the speakers and readings. Because we only accept 20 students each year, any student who fails to complete the homework and attend sessions without an excused absence will be asked to leave the program in order to allow space for a more committed student.
What is the application process?
Applications for ATID 5782 are open! You can apply online here. Once you have completed the application, you will be contacted via email to set up an interview, which may take place in person or via Skype/Google Hangouts.
When will I hear back regarding my status?
Acceptance letters and the program schedule should be e-mailed by Monday, Rosh Ḥodesh Shvat (January 3, 2022).
Is the ATID schedule coordinated with gap-year program schedules?
In order to minimize conflicts with your gap-year program’s schedule, we plan our events on Fridays (9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) and Shabbat, when most students are officially off. Occasionally, your institution might have a trip planned during a scheduled ATID session or Shabbat program. If that event is optional, we would expect you to attend ATID. If that event is mandatory and we are unable to work out a way for you to attend both the ATID session and your school’s program, you will receive an excused absence. In general, we make it a point to coordinate our schedule with relevant gap-year programs before beginning the fall semester.
What if my parents or siblings are visiting from overseas when there is a scheduled ATID session?
Parents and siblings over the age of 15 are more than welcome to participate in the session! We’re almost positive that the types of discussions we have on the program will be new and interesting to them. If you’ll be traveling with your family during this time, excused absences may be offered on a case-by-case basis.
ATID provides the means for honest dialogue with people with whom I never would have interacted otherwise. The program has powerfully shifted the way I view others, and done a top-notch job of gathering speakers from every sector of the conflict. This visionary program is the most compelling channel for activism that I have ever heard of or encountered.
“I had the absolute pleasure of being a student on the ATID program; and what a program it was. ATID, both in terms of its curriculum and its leaders, dares students to change their preconceived notions, and question what they think they know. Through intriguing intellectual discussions and unparalleled exposure to the main characters fighting for Jewish history today, ATID fosters a keen sense of Zionism unlike anything I have ever experienced, while also cultivating a deep understanding of the rights and history of the Palestinians living both inside and outside of the green line. It is with utter appreciation that I would like to say that without ATID I would not be staying a second year in Israel.”
“I was fortunate to participate in the ATID student leadership program while spending a year in Jerusalem. The program brought speakers from across the political spectrum, and the sessions were filled with critical discussions and analytical activities to enhance our understanding of the information being taught. There were field trips throughout the year that perfectly connected the intellectual discussions of the classroom to actual life experiences. I had an overall incredible experience learning about the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There were unlimited lessons to be learned from discussions with a group of students coming from a variety of backgrounds, yet all bonded through the passion to learn about the challenges facing Israel and discover our individual paths in being part of a solution. I gained a lot from speaking with and listening to people who dedicate their lives to understanding and striving to make change in this area. I believe that ATID has provided me with the tools to search for elements of truth in arguments, as well as the ability to empathize and understand the perspectives of different collectives and individuals.
ATID has given me a language with which to engage in productive discourse with individuals from seemingly incompatible backgrounds to my own about the nuances of the conflict. The exposures I’ve had this year to the existence of multiple viewpoints gives me hope for future advancements that I am sure will be spearheaded by leaders like those in ATID, impassioned to change the world around them. I hope to continue to be involved in this exciting process mainly by educating other people.
ATID offered me a fresh perspective on the conflict, and provided me with the tools and confidence to critically engage new ideas. The broad range of ideas I was exposed to was invaluable in reaching my own conclusions regarding the conflict, strengthened my connection to Jewish history and identity, and taught me to see the truth in seemingly conflicting ideas and narratives.
ATID gave me firsthand experiences that helped me clarify and strengthen my own ideological positions. These encounters provided me with the necessary credibility to engage in authentic and honest discussions on my campus. The program also created a dynamic community of like-minded students to collaborate and share challenges with as we continue to grow and develop our ideas.
ATID had a tremendous impact on my growth over this past year. The program made me question my default assumptions as well as challenge the status quo. I learned that no question is off the table, no solution is impossible, and no bonds are forever broken. I spoke with people I wouldn’t have otherwise encountered and heard valuable perspectives from a diverse range of speakers. All of this helped to instill a feeling of responsibility and a sense of my own role within Jewish history. I now feel inspired to truly embrace my roots – roots that extends back thousands of years. I am a continuation of a conversation that continues to this day, and I hope to meaningfully contribute to the story of my people.
The status quo, by definition, doesn’t move forward, doesn’t change anything. The exposure and experiences I underwent through ATID have empowered within me a new sense of purpose and hope, and awakened an old identity our people have let lay dormant for 2000 years. The program has truly altered my perspective, consequently my life, and, with HaShem’s help, will change the lives of countless others for the better.
ATID opened the door to a whole new world for me; I was exposed to ideas I would never otherwise have been exposed to, and while on the field trips experienced my native culture in the heartland of Israel in a way I wouldn’t have been able to experience anywhere else. I was introduced to a new, holistic approach to Torah and heard from speakers and activists across the entire political spectrum. The program encouraged me to develop my own opinions and think critically, and my Jewish identity and connection to the land of Israel were strengthened a hundredfold. ATID became an integral part of my year in Israel and subsequent self-development, and has truly transformed my life. I hope to be continually involved with the organisation in the future.
ATID completely changed the way I view Israel as a country, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and myself as a Jew. It made me think about new ideas and in new ways, consider existing ideas from new angles, and challenge ideas I had grown up with. It has started me on a path of learning much more about Israel and Judaism, as well as understanding people from different walks of life. It significantly enriched my Israel experience and allowed me to grow in my understanding of the world, and because of ATID I feel prepared to deal with anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment on campus.