Two scholarships for 2023 Shnat participants
The Australian Zionist Youth Council have announced two Shnat scholarships available to 2023 Shnat participants affiliated with the AZYC.
Daphne Boroda
The scholarships, funded by two families in memory of two stalwarts of the Jewish community will financially assist two young people to go on long-term Israel programs through their youth movement.
The Daphne Boroda Scholarship, which will contribute $5000 for one female Victorian participant. This scholarship places an emphasis on empowering female Jewish leadership in the community.
The Israel Charak Scholarship, available to all Australian and New Zealand participants and will grant $10,000 to one participant. This scholarship places an emphasis on connection to Israel and Zionism and a desire be an active part of the community post-Shnat.
Deputy Chairperson of the AZYC Jaydon Benn said: “For so many youth movement participants, Shnat is an integral step in their movement experience. But as gap year programs to Israel are getting increasingly more expensive, it makes it ever more difficult for families to send their children. In light of this, we are so pleased to be continuing the facilitation of two Shnat Scholarships established by two beautiful families. The Boroda and Charak families have founded a wonderful and meaningful way to inspire young people with the values that Israel Charak and Daphne Boroda held so dearly. The AZYC would like to thank both families for their open-hearts and generosity, for it is these acts of kindness that will help form the next generation of Australiasian Zionist leaders.”
Zofi Rubenstein-Slessenger was the 2022 recipient of the Daphne Boroda Shnat Scholarship, and travelled to Israel on the Hineni Shnat program. She said, “Being surrounded by so many like minded young people, I’ve built so many beautiful connections around the globe. These people have not only helped challenge my opinions through extensive discussions, but have also played a significant role in cementing my character. Although it’s difficult to part ways, I return to Australia overwhelmed with gratitude for the experience I’ve gained, thanks to the help of the Boroda scholarship.”
Isi Charak
Meanwhile, Jade Alexander from Habonim Dror received the Israel Charak Shnat Scholarship in 2022. Her year-long gap-year experience saw her visit places all over Israel, learn Hebrew, live on Kibbutz, and so much more. One of her lasting memories was volunteering with Russian and Ukrainian refugees – running activities for children, an experience which was incredibly rewarding. She notes that “The Israel Charak Scholarship has allowed me to have all of these amazing experiences. It has enabled me to explore my connection to my Judaism, identity, perspectives, values and Hadracha. (Leading).”
It is clear that the families of Daphne Boroda and Israel Charak are also pleased with the way this contribution to someone’s Shnat experience will honour the memory of their loved one.
Daphne Boroda’s grandson Eli Boroda said, “Going on Shnat was one of the most important experiences for my personal development and growth into an engaged Zionist and Jewish leader. It was not easy for me financially to go on Shnat, and I am so glad that I can now help make the decision to go on Shnat easier for one more leader in our community. My grandmother was a strong and passionate woman, who made sure she was always empowering women around her. It is so special to support a female to go on the leadership experience of a lifetime in my grandmother’s name.”
Danielle Charak’s daughter Annette Charak echoed these sentiments saying “I’m thrilled our family can help a future leader of our community enjoy the magic of a shnat year in a place our dad loved so much.”
Israel Charak’s grandson Nathan got to the essence of the true meaning of these scholarships when he said, “For Saba, Israel was always at the centre of his world and he would be proud to see three of his grandchildren living in the Jewish state. Knowing that this scholarship will help an emerging Jewish leader deepen their relationship with Israel is a source of tremendous pride.”
Applications open 1 September 2022 and will remain open until 1 November 2022. Application forms are available via the youth movements. Applicants can reach out to their youth movement Shnat representatives or the AZYC if they have more questions.
