Guide to Jewish Life > Keeping Kosher

Guide to Jewish Life > Community Resources > Israel

  • ISRAEL

  • Alexander Muss High School in Israel
  • See Youth section

  • American Associates Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
  • 6900 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 601
  • Bethesda, MD 20815
  • 301-654-6700
  • fax 301-654-7975
  • www.aabgu.org
  • debalt@aabgu.org
  • Washington/ Baltimore
  • Regional Dir.: Martin S. Neier
  • American arm of BGU. To expand the network of AABGU friends in the United States.

  • American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
  • 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 730
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 240-223-1190
  • fax 240-223-1195
  • www.weizmann-usa.org
  • DC@acwis.org
  • Chair: Deborah Ratner Salzberg
  • Incoming Chair: George Abraham
  • Promotes the work of the Weizmann Institute of Science and raises support for basic scientific research.

  • American Friends of Hebrew University - Mid-Atlantic Region
  • 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440
  • Washington, DC 20015
  • 202 478-9698
  • fax 202-478-9675
  • www.afhu.org
  • midatlantic@afhu.org
  • Exec. Dir.: Jill Moskowitz
  • Regional office of the national, not-for-profit organization that provides programs, events and fund-raising activities in support of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one of Israel's foremost centers of higher education, scholarship and scientific research.

  • American Friends of Magen David Adom (ARMDI) -
  • Capital Chapter
  • 1131 University Blvd., W., Apt 2114
  • Silver Spring, MD 20902
  • 301-649-6553
  • 866-632-2763
  • Pres.: Celia Ellenberg Schur
  • Raises funds for Magen David Adom Medical Disaster and Ambulance Services and the National Blood and Fractionation Center. MDA trains volunteers for emergency paramedic duties. Supplies 100 percent of the blood needed by the IDF and 95 percent of the blood requirements of all the hospitals throughout Israel. Urgent support needed now for rebuilding Sderot MDA Emergency Medical Station. AFMDA/ARMDI is the only authorized tax-exempt fund-raising organization in the United States for Magen David Adom in Israel and, since 1940, ARMDI has helped save lives through MDA.

  • American Friends of Tel Aviv University- Mid-Atlantic Region
  • 50 W. Edmonston Dr., Suite 404
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-762-2860
  • Contact: Ralph Rothstein
  • Ben Williamowsky
  • To raise money for educational needs and scholarship for Tel Aviv University.

  • American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
  • 440 First St., N.W., Suite 600
  • Washington, DC 20001
  • 202-583-4689
  • fax 410-223-4199
  • www.aipac.org
  • Exec. Dir.: Howard A. Kohr
  • Organization lobbies to maintain and improve friendly relations between Israel and the United States.

  • The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE)
  • 2810 Blaine Dr.
  • Chevy Chase, MD 20815
  • 301-565-3918
  • fax 301-587-9056
  • mgbard@aol.com
  • www.JewishVirtualLibrary.org
  • Dir.: Mitchell G. Bard
  • Provides educational materials on Jewish history and culture. Maintains the Jewish Virtual Library, a comprehensive online Jewish encyclopedia. Offers Israel advocacy training. Promotes scholarship in the field of Israel studies by offering grants to universities to hire visiting Israeli scholars and holds a competition that awards stipends to students pursuing graduate degrees in Israel-related fields. Publications include Myths and Facts: A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict.

  • American Society for Technion - Greater Washington DC Region
  • 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 705E
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 301-654-4773
  • fax 301-654-0754
  • irv@ats.org
  • Regional Dir.: Irv Elenberg
  • Fund-raising arm of the Technion in Israel. Providing information regarding the Technion and related work.

  • American Zionist Movement Greater Washington Chapter
  • 9701 Brunett Ave.
  • Silver Spring, MD 20901
  • 301-585-8191
  • fax 301-585-4898
  • www.azm.org
  • azmwash@aol.com
  • Pres.: Bob Chertock
  • A coalition of people committed to Zionism encouraging cooperation between Jewish American and Israeli organizations.

  • Americans For a Safe Israel Washington Chapter
  • 301-279-7642
  • Co-chairs: Leo Samet
  • Richard Hellman
  • Fosters U.S. understanding and support of policies that enable Israel to live in peace, security and prosperity, resisting demands for unwise dangerous separation of Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem.

  • Americans for Peace Now
  • 1101 14th St., N. W., 6th floor
  • Washington, DC 20005
  • 202-728-1893
  • fax 202-728-1895
  • www.peacenow.org
  • An American Jewish organization working with Israel's Shalom Achshav movement. APN is committed to achieving a comprehensive political settlement of the Arab/Israeli conflict consistent with Israel's long-term security needs and its Jewish and democratic values.

  • AMIT (Americans for Israel and Torah) National Office
  • 817 Broadway
  • New York, NY 10003
  • 800-989-AMIT
  • www.amitchildren.org
  • info@amitchildren.org
  • Since 1925, has nurtured and educated Israeli children to become productive, contributing members of society. Its more than 60 educational facilities, youth villages, surrogate family residences and other programs are located in 21 cities and communities throughout Israel and constitute the nation's only government-recognized network of religious Jewish education incorporating academic and technolgical studies. Majority of AMIT's almost 17,000 children are from economically disadvantaged and/or troubled families. Supported by membership of more than 40,000 families in the United States and hundreds of volunteers in Israel.

  • B'nai B'rith International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy
  • 2020 K St., N.W., 7th floor
  • Washington, DC 20006
  • 202-857-6545
  • fax 202-857-6689
  • www.bnaibrith.org
  • Advocates for Israel and Jewish concerns in the U.S. and around the world.

  • B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO)
  • Israel Programs
  • 5185 MacArthur Blvd., No. 640
  • Washington, D.C. 20016
  • 800-698-1002
  • fax 202-315-3908
  • www.passport2israel.org
  • Passport to Israel (P2I) summer Israel travel program.

  • CHAI (Concern for Helping Animals in Israel)
  • P.O. Box 3341
  • Alexandria, VA 22302
  • 703-370-0333
  • 703-658-9650
  • fax 703-370-1314
  • www.chai-online.org
  • chai.usa@verizon.net
  • Pres.: Nina Natelson
  • To improve the condition and treatment of animals in Israel through education, legislation and direct support of programs helping animals.

  • Embassy of Israel
  • 3514 International Dr., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20008
  • 202-364-5500
  • 202-364-5542 (Public Affairs)
  • fax 202-364-5423
  • www.embassyofisrael.org
  • Ambassador: Sallai Meridor

  • Habonim Dror Youth Movement
  • 410-259-7540
  • Shlicha: Einat Refaeli
  • einatrefaeli@yahoo.com
  • www.habonimdror.org
  • Zionist-labor youth movement; summer before junior year in high school program in Israel; year course after senior year (workshop) in Israel.

  • Hadassah-Greater Washington Chapter
  • See Community Organizations section

  • Israel Aliyah and Programs Center
  • Mid-Atlantic Region
  • 11821 Parklawn Dr., Suite 250
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-881-4407
  • fax 301-881-4408
  • dcaliyah@jafi.org.
  • www.jewishagency.org
  • Regional Dir.: Neil Gillman
  • Information and assistance about aliyah, living and working in Israel; aliyah applications process, Israel programs, including: free high school, B.A. and M.A. in Israel, volunteer opportunities, Magen David Adom, internships, kibbutz ulpan, Marva program and WUJS program.

  • Israel and Overseas Committee
  • The Jewish Federation
  • of Greater Washington
  • 6101 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852-4816
  • 301-230-7283
  • TTY 301-230-7260
  • fax 301-230-7265
  • www.shalomdc.org
  • Dir.: Ina Lerman
  • Shaliah: Gilad Golani
  • Communication link between the local community, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Acts as an advocate for allocation to JAFI and JDC, educates local leadership on relevant issues and nurtures direct relationships with the people of Israel.

  • Israel Bonds - Development Corporation for Israel
  • 6900 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 307
  • Bethesda, MD 20815
  • 301-654-6575
  • fax 301-951-0036
  • www.israelbonds.com
  • Dir.: Frandee R. Woolf
  • washington@israelbonds.com
  • State of Israel Bonds has provided Israel with more than $25 billion in development capital that has helped build every aspect of Israel's economy. Current projects include communities and industrial parks in the Galilee and Negev, modern transportation networks and expanded port facilities to increase export potential.

  • Israel Policy Forum (IPF)
  • 122 C St., Suite 820
  • Washington, D.C. 20001
  • 202-347-3811
  • fax 202-347-6130
  • www.israelpolicyforum.org
  • Independent leadership institution, its mission is to create greater awareness of the security and economic benefits of the Mideast peace process, and to support an active U.S. role in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. IPF generates support by involving leaders from the business, political, entertainment, academic and philanthropic communities in the effort, and by fostering a deeper understanding of the peace process among the American public.

  • Israel Quest™
  • See Camps to Campus section

  • Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington
  • See Community Organizations section

  • The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Missions Department
  • 6101 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852-4816
  • 301-230-7264
  • TTY 301-230-7260
  • fax 301-230-7265
  • www.ShalomDC.org
  • Dir.: Ida Singelenberg
  • Plans single, family and community missions to Israel and other Jewish communities around the world. Personalized missions available.

  • Jewish Information and Referral Service
  • 6101 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-770-4848
  • 703-978-3910
  • fax 301-230-7260
  • www.jirs.org
  • jirs@shalomdc.org
  • Dir.: Sharon M. Doner
  • Provides information about programs in Israel for teens, adults, families and seniors.

  • Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
  • 1779 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
  • Suite 515
  • Washington, DC 20036
  • 202-667-3900
  • fax 202-667-0601
  • www.jinsa.org
  • Exec. Dir.: Thomas Neumann
  • Dual purpose - to educate the American Jewish community about the vital importance of a strong U.S. defense posture for the security of Israel and for our safety here at home; and to educate the American defense community about the key role Israel can and does play in defense of U.S. interests.

  • Jewish National Fund of Greater Washington
  • P.O. Box 8183
  • Silver Spring, MD 20907
  • 301-589-8565
  • 800-345-8565
  • fax 301-589-2127
  • Regional Dir.: Stuart Diamant-Cohen
  • Reclamation of the land Israel, water reservoirs; provides educational materials to all institutions, pro-Zionist campaigns on university campuses; JNF water and tree certificates; missions to Israel; basic infrastructure projects all over Israel, especially in the Negev.

  • Jewish Peace Lobby
  • Mailing address:
  • 817 Silver Spring Ave., Suite 301
  • Silver Spring, MD 20910
  • 301-589-8764
  • jplhome@peacelobby.org
  • Pres.: Jerome Segal
  • Founded in 1989, seeks to promote a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Works on issues such as on-the-ground Israeli-Palestinian cooperation and with Israeli, Palestinian and American policy makers.

  • Kulanu, Inc.
  • 11603 Gilsan St.
  • Silver Spring, MD 20902
  • 301-681-5679
  • fax 301-593-1911
  • www.kulanu.org
  • Pres.: Jack Zeller
  • Helps to bring back dispersed Jews of the world to their Jewish religion.

  • Ma'aleh Adumim Friends of Israel - DC
  • 301-340-9021
  • fax 301-279-7314
  • sarahlang@aol.com
  • Vice Pres.: Sarah Dekelbaum
  • Supports people who live/work in Ma'aleh Adumim with health, education and cultural matters.

  • Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel Washington Chapter
  • 215-561-6900 (National)
  • www.maccabiusa.com
  • maccabi@maccabiusa.com
  • Promote sports and physical education programs in Israel and the development of total fitness of Israeli and American Jewish youth; sponsors U.S. participation in the Pan American and Maccabiah Games in Israel.

  • Na'amat USA - Greater Washington Council
  • 1370 Lamberton Dr.
  • Silver Spring, MD 20902
  • 301-649-4901
  • fax 301-649-4902
  • www.naamat.org
  • Presidium: Ruth Reid, Gail Shirazi, Adele Traurig
  • To help Na'amat, its sister organization in Israel, provides training, education and social services for women, youth and children in Israel; to aid in the absorption of new settlers; to raise the status of women in Israel and in the U.S.; to promote the cause of Zionism in the United States.

  • The National PAC (NatPAC)
  • P.O. Box 15316
  • Washington, DC 20316
  • 202-879-7710
  • wohearn@hotmail.com
  • Supports candidates for federal, state and local office who support strong
  • U.S. - Israel relations.

  • New Israel Fund
  • 1101 14th St., N.W., 6th floor
  • Washington, DC 20005
  • 202-842-0900
  • fax 202-842-0991
  • www.nif.org
  • Exec. Dir.: Larry Garber
  • Social-action philanthropy at the forefront of progressive change in Israel; provides grants, technical support and training to more than 800 organizations working to safeguard civil rights, bridge social and economic gaps, and foster tolerance and religious pluralism in Israel.

  • Otzma
  • Partnership for
  • Jewish Life & Learning
  • 12230 Wilkins Ave.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 240-283-6225
  • fax 240-283-6001
  • www.pjll.org
  • www.otzma.org
  • Contact: Allison Buchman
  • abuchman@pjll.org
  • Yearlong community service program funded by the United Jewish Endowment Fund and administered by the Partnership. Offers motivated young college graduates, ages 20-26, the opportunity to live, work and study in Israel for a year.

  • NFTYMAR- North American Federation of Temple Youth - Mid-Atlantic Region
  • See Camps to Campus section

  • Operation Embrace
  • 7731 Tuckerman Ln. P.M.B. #163
  • Potomac, MD 20854
  • 301-983-8867
  • info@operationembrace.org
  • Raises funds that provide emotional and direct financial aid to injured survivors of terror in Israel. With the guidance of social workers throughout Israel and Bituach Leumi (Israel's national insurance agency), Operation Embrace offers short-term, long-term and ongoing support to the victims of violence so that they will not feel forgotten.

  • PNAI - Parents of North American Israelis - DC Metro Area Chapter
  • Contact: Rosanne Benn
  • 301 593-2192
  • SandJ525@aol.com
  • www.pnai.org
  • Addresses issues of concern to parents and other close relatives of area residents who have made aliyah; publishes a quarterly newsletter. Meetings are held about six times per school year.

  • Project Interchange
  • 1156 15th St., N.W., Suite 1201
  • Washington, DC 20005
  • 202-833-0025
  • fax 202-331-7702
  • www.projectinterchange.org
  • pi@projectinterchange.org
  • An institute of the American Jewish Committee, provides intensive educational seminars in Israel for U.S. and international political, civic, religious, academic, ethnic and student leaders.

  • Scholarships
  • See Camps to Campus section

  • Seeds of Peace
  • 1054 31st St., N.W., Suite 320
  • Washington, D.C. 20007
  • Cofounder: Bobbie Gottschalk
  • 202-337-5530
  • fax 202-337-5646
  • www.seedsofpeace.org
  • info@seedsofpeace.org
  • Brings Arab and Israeli children to the United States for a co-existence training and experience.

  • Taglit - birthright israel
  • See Camps to Campus section

  • Tehilla Chug Aliya Union for Religious Aliyah
  • Voice Mail: 301-435-0419
  • www.tehilla.com
  • Coordinator: Lawton Cooper
  • Educational group for people preparing to make aliyah.

  • United Synagogue Youth Seaboard Region (USY)
  • See Camps to Campus section

  • Volunteers for Israel
  • Mid-Atlantic Region
  • Contact:
  • Marian Sacks 301-603-9300
  • www.vfi-usa.org
  • mid-atlantic@vfi-usa.org
  • Recruits and sends volunteers to work for three weeks in all types of light maintenance at military warehouses, maintenance facilities, work in hospitals, archeology, botanical gardens, work in the JNF forests.

  • Washington Friends of Disabled Israeli
  • War Veterans
  • 301-229-6788
  • Contact: Kitty Strauss
  • Greater Washington hosts a group each year for two weeks. When the community hosts these veterans, it brings home the real cost of Israel's struggle to survive.

  • Washington Institute for Israel Health Policy Research
  • 4400 Delmont Ln.
  • Kensington, MD 20895
  • 301-942-2518
  • 202-416-0062
  • www.wiihpr.org
  • Pres.: Warren Greenberg
  • Seeks to perform collaborative research on the Israeli health-care system; serves as a seminar base for Israelis to present their health policy research and sends students, researchers and policymakers to Israel to work in health policy and research positions.

  • Women's American ORT
  • See ORT America, Community Organizations section

  • Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO)
  • Co-Pres.: Margie Blumberg
  • Annette Forseter
  • Nancy Reed
  • Admin.: Lolly Shapero
  • 301-598-6644
  • www.wizo.org.il
  • wizowashington@comcast.net
  • Supports social service agencies run by WIZO in Israel with particular emphasis on day care centers and battered women's shelters.

  • Young Judaea Israel Programs
  • 1220 East-West Hwy., Suite 109
  • Silver Spring, MD 20910
  • 240-601-0738
  • 800-725-0612
  • www.youngjudaea.org
  • www.myspace.com/youngjudaea
  • israel programs@youngjudaea.org
  • In addition to the local clubs, regional programming and summer camps, Young Judaea offers a variety of Israel programs for ages 14-35. With over 55 years of experience running Israel programs, Young Judaea is your one-stop shop for summer programs for teens and young adults, college and post-college programs in Israel.

  • Zionist Organization of America - Louis D. Brandeis District
  • 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.,
  • Suite 700
  • Washington, DC 20004
  • 202-204-2560
  • fax 202-204-2561 ext. 216
  • Potomac Region Pres.: George Bernstein
  • District Pres.: Marc Caroff
  • Works on grass-roots level to foster support for the security and territorial integrity of the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people and the spiritual and cultural center of Judaism. Promotes national ZOA programs including advocating for strong U.S.-Israel relations on Capitol Hill and supporting ZOA's Center for Law and Justice and its Campus Activism Network.