Young Kiwis to experience Israel
A new international initiative allowing young New Zealanders the opportunity to stay for an extended period in Israel has been established.
Stephen Goodman
The New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme, or WHS, will see up to 200 Kiwis welcomed to Israel each year for up to 12 months.
The scheme, which is the first of its kind for Israel, will be administered in New Zealand by the Embassy of Israel in Wellington.
A similar arrangement has been put in place for young Israelis wishing to stay in New Zealand.
The arrangement is part of an agreement concluded in 2010 between the governments of both countries to encourage their young people to experience a new culture.
Participants will have the opportunity to work for three-month periods during their extended holiday.
Stephen Goodman, president of the New Zealand Jewish Council, told J-Wire: “The New Zealand Jewish Council welcomes the establishment of reciprocal working holiday schemes with Israel. This initiative has taken some time to finalise from the initial agreement in 2010. While the WHS is limited to 200 people now we hope to see this number grow as it benefit both countries. Having young people experience another culture and way of life brings a personal relationship and understanding that can only foster closer relationships. The New Zealand Jewish Council is encouraged that both governments so strongly support this process.”
