Reimagining Israel Engagement for the Next Generation

Israel is at a pivotal moment—not only as it grapples with the aftermath of the Swords of Iron War, but in its relationship with American Jewry. Since October 7th, educational trips that once served as a cornerstone of Jewish identity-building are scarce. With the lingering impact of COVID-19 and rising political tensions, we are at risk of losing a generation of young Jews who may never experience Israel firsthand. If we want to foster enduring connections, we need a new model—one rooted in authenticity, genuine relationships, and ongoing engagement.

In truth, Jewish education has long grappled with the challenge of making Israel relevant to new generations. Traditional models, while valuable, are no longer sufficient in our current tumultuous reality. We need to meet young Jews where they are and provide them with interactive, meaningful, and empowering ways to connect with Israel in a way that feels personal and reciprocal.

This is exactly what SparkIL is offering. Through our peer-to-peer micro-lending platform that aids struggling small businesses in Israel, we are pioneering a fresh approach to Israel engagement, one that doesn’t rely on in-person visits but instead, allows young Jews to forge personal connections with Israelis in need. This isn’t the Israel of curated itineraries or diplomatic talking points. This is the Israel of everyday people: a plumber in Sderot rebuilding his business after war-related destruction, a falafel shop owner in Netanya struggling to keep the doors open, or a family-owned gym in Gadera trying to stay afloat amid an economic downturn.

But what makes SparkIL truly transformative is that it’s not a one-way street. Lenders don’t just contribute funds and move on; they build real relationships with the Israeli entrepreneurs they support. They stay in touch, receive updates on how their loans are making a difference, and follow the personal journeys of the business owners. Some even meet their loan recipients in person when they visit Israel. And after the loan is paid back, they can keep the money or choose to help another business in need.

Last year, for example, students from Gann Academy’s Israel trip met Moti, a small business owner in Sderot, whom they had previously supported through SparkIL. The connection was so meaningful that this year’s group is already planning to meet him again. It’s a modern-day version of pen-pals, but with real economic impact.

Through SparkIL’s micro-lending model, young Jews don’t just learn about Israel—they actively contribute to its resilience. By selecting Israeli small businesses to support for as little as $36 per loan, they gain a tangible sense of agency, an understanding of economic impact, and a lifelong bond with the people they help. Every dollar loaned has a direct and measurable effect, providing a much-needed boost to businesses that form the backbone of Israeli society. More importantly, the experience fosters a deep sense of personal investment—not just financially, but emotionally.

I recently had the opportunity to witness the transformative potential of SparkIL at the Prizmah Conference, where I met with Jewish educators from across North America and beyond. Their enthusiasm was palpable. They recognized that SparkIL offers something different—a hands-on, values-driven approach that integrates philanthropy, financial literacy, and real-world impact into Israel education. The excitement was contagious, with teachers eager to bring this innovative model to their students.

A particularly inspiring example of how SparkIL can provide a transformative experience to students was evident at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) in Rockville, Maryland. In December 2024, 300 students participated in a school-wide initiative to support small businesses in Israel through SparkIL. Working in advisory groups, students explored business profiles on the SparkIL website, deliberated over which businesses to fund, and ultimately made impact loans using $36 gift cards provided by SparkIL’s NextGen Fund. 

They didn’t stop there. Because SparkIL facilitates ongoing interaction, many students remained engaged beyond the initial loan, tracking the businesses’ progress, exchanging messages, and even encouraging their families to contribute additional funds. Some individual contributions reached $200, reflecting how deeply they connected with the entrepreneurs they supported.

The response from educators was overwhelmingly positive. Rabbi Mitchel Malkus, head of school at CESJDS, noted how seamlessly SparkIL aligned with the school’s mission, reinforcing values of Ahavat Yisrael and Tikkun Olam. Meanwhile, faculty members described the students’ enthusiasm as electric, emphasizing that their connection to Israeli entrepreneurs was immediate and deeply personal. And the best part? They could do all of this from the comfort of their classrooms, homes, or synagogues. The accessibility of this model removes logistical barriers while still providing a deeply immersive experience.

This is what true engagement looks like: young Jews who feel ownership over their relationship with Israel, who see themselves as active participants rather than passive observers. The impact is profound—not only for the Israeli businesses receiving support but also for the students, who gain a lasting and personal stake in Israel’s future. SparkIL is not just another program; it is a paradigm shift, offering a blueprint for engagement that is both scalable and deeply personal.

In a time of immense uncertainty, one thing remains clear: If we want young Jews to care about Israel, we must show them why it matters in their lives. We must offer them the tools to build real relationships, to make a tangible impact, and to see themselves as integral to Israel’s story. And we must do so in a way that feels accessible, authentic, and deeply meaningful.

The next generation isn’t disengaged—they are simply looking for a new kind of connection. Let’s give them one that lasts.