Support Harvard College Israel Trek

Dear fellow member of Harvard’s Jewish community,

Since October 7th, antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment have surged on Harvard’s campus. Jewish students and supporters of Israel have become increasingly politicized, facing hostility and isolation that, even when not vocally present, is deeply felt throughout our community.

But we believe there is a path forward—one that equips student leaders with firsthand experience, human connection, and nuanced understanding of Israel’s reality. Together, we can combat misinformation and support the next generation of informed voices.

Meeting with a Survivor at the Nova Festival Site

“I felt a personal connection to the places and people affected, and I mourned for them. Now I truly understand why Israelis constantly feel in danger.”

— Trek 2025 Participant

Our Vision

At Harvard, misinformation about Israel has fueled division and hostility, where students often form opinions without encountering the human stories behind the headlines. The Harvard College Israel Trek is an initiative led by Israeli undergraduates at Harvard, designed to bring 100 non-Jewish student leaders to Israel each Spring break.

We aim to foster empathy and thoughtful connections on campus through hands-on engagement with Israel and Israelis. Over the past decade, participants have engaged with prominent Israeli leaders, including President Herzog and former PM Bennett, leading journalists, Kfar Aza residents, and Nova survivors. The Trek immerses students in Israel’s complexities and beauty, cultivating informed leaders.

Meeting with MK Yair Golan at Knesset Israel

Support Our Vision

The Trek is fully funded through philanthropy, allowing us to bring the best Harvard student leaders regardless of their financial situation.

The cost is approximately $6,000 per participant, which covers:

Round-trip flights from Boston to Tel Aviv
Accommodation throughout the nine-day trip
All meals and transportation within Israel
Security and insurance
Speaker honorariums and site visits

Your contribution enables once-in-a-lifetime experiences that shape the next generation of informed leaders.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Donate Now

Please note: Online donations incur a 3% processing fee — We encourage other methods to maximize your gift’s impact.

Additional Ways to Contribute:

Check: Payable to “Harvard Hillel” | Harvard Hillel c/o Development, 52 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Donor-Advised Fund: Hillel’s tax ID: 04-2620801
Wire/Stock Transfer: Contact us for instructions

Trek 2025 Highlights

53 students from 20 countries
Nine days of immersive programming
18 speakers including former MK Yair Golan, Prof. Udi Sommer, Amos Yadlin, Tal Becker, and more
Visits to the Gaza Envelope, including Kfar Aza, Nova Festival site, and meetings with survivors
Tour of Yad Vashem and testimony from a Holocaust survivor
Meeting with Members of Knesset to understand Israeli political tensions
Visit to Temple Mount and the West Bank with speakers sharing diverse perspectives
Engagement with Israeli startup ecosystem in Tel Aviv

The Impact

We carefully select influential campus leaders from key positions across diverse communities who demonstrate critical thinking, openness, and leadership potential during and post college. Previous participants include presidents of several Harvard affinity groups, pre-professional clubs, the international community, and captains of varsity teams.

Holocaust Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem

Student Feedback:

94% rated their overall experience as excellent
97% said the trip fulfilled their expectations
91% reported a deepened understanding of Israel’s culture, history, and society

“Israel trek has exposed me to this beautiful, diverse, strong country and people. I am so impressed by what this trek has brought me and how much I’ve grown through it. Trek was one of the best decisions I have ever made and this is an experience I think so many more people should have as it truly opens up one’s mind to Israel.”

— Trek 2025 Participant

“I finally have an opinion on the conflict that is not based on social media and I think that’s beautiful.”

— Trek 2025 Participant

“Dear donors, thank you very much for supporting our trip in Israel. It changed my and all of my friends’ perspectives tremendously. This experience would not have been possible without your generous contributions.”

— Trek 2025 Participant

Join Us

We would be honored to speak with anyone interested in learning more about the Trek, our participants, or the impact we’re making on campus. If you would like last year’s summary deck or have any questions, we would be glad to arrange a brief call at your convenience.