Israel is part of the eternal story of the Jewish people. Make it an integral part of your JCC.

The JCC Association Center for Israel Engagement connects your JCC to Israel and helps you infuse Israel in everything you do. The way you incorporate Israel can make a difference in such diverse areas as early childhood, teen and senior offerings. There is no area of the JCC that can’t benefit from a little ta’am, or taste, of Israel.

Our JCC Association Center for Israel Engagement staff can tailor Boarding Pass trips, staff seminars and teen summer journeys for your JCC, that focus on the specific interests and connections that your JCC wants to make. Whether you seek engagement for novices who have never traveled to the Jewish homeland, or want in-depth, off-the-beaten trail experiences for those who have been dozens of times, our staff can make it happen. Whether you want an arts and culture slant, a family-friendly visit or a relaxed visit just for seniors, our staff has the connections and ties to the Israelis who can make it happen.

From our offices, our team creates exciting educational materials for JCCs, oversees a vibrant program of placing shlichim, or Israeli emissaries, in JCCs, and most importantly, continues a strong Israel connection in all JCCs. Since 1986, close to 400 groups have traveled under the auspices of the JCC Association Center for Israel Engagement bringing more than 5,000 JCC participants, board members, professionals and teens to the Jewish homeland. Our goal it to make Israel vibrant, meaningful and relevant to those who connect with the JCC—and to in turn see that connection strengthen your JCC.

JCC Association Center for Israel Engagement History

• Our two-story JCC Association Center for Israel Engagement office is a former residence, built by an Arab-Christian cleric who purchased the 999-year lease from the Vatican.
• Over time, it has served as offices for the French Consulate, the Polish Red Cross and eventually a residence for the director of the International YMCA, located nearby.
• In 1977, the Jewish Welfare Board (now JCC Association) purchased the building at the urging of Sol Litt, Mort Mandel, Dan Rose and Herbert Milman following their visit to Israel for the founding conference of the World Confederation of JCCs.
• In addition to housing our professional team, JCC Global occupies an office within the building, which has been declared a historical landmark.