There is no better way to help a teenager feel connected to their Jewish roots than with a hands-on trip, whether that’s to the Jewish homeland or marching in the once-vibrant Jewish communities of Poland.
The Jewish Federation of Broward County is offering two opportunities to do just that. Both programs take place in the spring 2026, but enrollment and information sessions are happening now.
IsraelNow: This program is designed specifically for eighth-graders in Broward County public schools (or any non-Jewish private schools) who want to experience Israel before entering high school. The program takes place from March 15-24, 2026, and leads students through Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, takes them to historical sites and museums, engages them in social justice projects, introduces them to Israelis their same age, and gets them outdoors, whether it’s hiking or swimming in the Dead Sea. The IsraelNow 2026 trip information session will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 24, with a second session from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17. According to the website, IsraelNow will continue to monitor the current situation in Israel to ensure safety. If it is not possible to travel to Israel at the time of the trip, participants will receive a full refund. For more information, visit israelnowtrip.org.
March of the Living Broward County: Broward County is offering the popular program to local high school juniors and seniors. The purpose of the March of the Living is to teach students about the Holocaust and strengthen Jewish identity. The next trip is set for April 12-24, 2026, and recruitment is happening now. Students travel to Poland to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau. To attend the trip, teens are required to participate in a weekly study session held on Sundays from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Katz Federation Building on the JCC Posnack campus. For more information, visit molbroward.org/teens2 or contact Galit Alboukrek at 954-660-2077.