Hundreds of families attended the Israel Gap Year Fair at Shalhevet High School to learn about programs and opportunities. (photo courtesy of the American Israel Gap Year Association)

Approximately 400 parents, students and educators recently came together at the Israel Gap Year Fair at Shalhevet High School on Fairfax Avenue.

The event was held by the American Israel Gap Year Association and provided information about many options for the gap year, which is the period between high school and higher education. Forty programs from across the denominational spectrum participated in the fair, offering information on travel programs, religious study, academic pursuits, community and army service and Israel advocacy. The event is the largest Israel gap year fair and the only cross-denominational event in the country.

“[There was] a real change in the character of the fair, where the cross section of families attending were already excited about the opportunity that these programs represented. They wanted to explore all the possibilities and were engaged in thoughtful conversations with each other,” said Gitty Meyers, sister of a gap year participant. “Originally, my sister didn’t want go on a gap year, but the fair not only encouraged her exploration, but convinced her to participate. She became a believer in the importance of the opportunity. Her experience to date is one of awe of Israel and appreciation of the country’s strengths and challenges.”

AIGYA’s founder and executive director Phyllis Folb said the gap year has benefits for students deciding to take a year off before college.

“While gap year has long been associated with greater academic success, the gap year in Israel has proven to be a life-changing experience for Jewish youth,” Folb said. “We are finding that gap year alumni are more knowledgeable and confident students when they return home. They are more engaged in the Jewish life on campus and better able to speak to issues that have been arising on college campus. Their eyewitness accounts of the challenges that Israel faces makes them better global citizens, able to engage in conversations that could provide more insight and lower the rhetoric.”

For information, email info@aigya.org or visit aigya.org.