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Samuel and Evelyn Linden Scholarship Fund The Samuel and Evelyn Linden Scholarship Fund is a program for Jewish youth from the Charlottesville area. Its purpose is to promote peace and social justice among Jews, Arabs and Palestinians. It does this by providing financial support to young Jewish students ages 16-24 who want to go to Israel and learn about the needs and aspirations of Israelis and their neighbors. Scholarships will be in the range of $1,000-$3,000.
Encouraging dialogue among Jewish, Arab and Palestinian youth is an important aspect of the Fund. There are many programs open to Americans that involve such dialogue. Those applying for a Linden Scholarship may use it for a summer program in Israel, or to study in Israel for one-two semesters. In addition, recipients may use the money to support them in a program outside of Israel that helps Jewish and Arab/Palestinian youth learn about each others' cultures (such as Seeds of Peace). Those who would like assistance in identifying possible programs in Israel may contact Rabbi Ron Kronish, director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel. Rabbi Kronish is willing to work with recipients of Linden Scholarships to find an internship that is tailored to the students' interests and skills.
Interested youth should complete an application form and write a 1-2 page essay that explains their interest in going to Israel, how they believe their trip will help them, how they can "give something back" on their return, and which program they want to attend. In addition to this website, application forms and a list of some programs to consider are available at Congregation Beth Israel: (434) 295-6382. Application deadline is April 30. Decisions will be made by May 15.
Scholarship recipients will be asked to give something back on their return by finding ways to communicate with others about their experience. They could do this by giving a talk to a high school or college class, writing an article for a school paper, participating on a panel discussion, etc.
For more information, contact Russ Linden (o) 434.979.6421 (h) 434.978.7775
Learn about the previous scholarship recipients!
If you do not wish to apply online, there is a PDF version you can print, complete and mail to: Russ Linden, 336 Parkway St., Charlottesville, VA 22902
Examples of Programs that Foster Interfaith Dialogue in Israel and Elsewhere:
Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel (ICCI) - For help finding a meaningful internship, contact Rabbi Ron Kronish at ICCI. The ICCI is an umbrella organization of over 70 Jewish, Muslim, and Christian institutions that work toward interreligious and intercultural understanding in Israel and the Middle East. Its programs help people of different religions to shatter stereotypes and build confidence and trust.
Seeds of Peace - Its purpose is "to equip the next generation with the tools to end violence and become the leaders of tomorrow by teaching teens to develop trust and empathy for one another." Seeds of Peace sponsors a summer camp in Maine, at which over 450 teenagers from various countries live and work together. The participants are from Israel and surrounding Arab countries, Greece and Turkey, Cyprus, the Balkans, India and Pakistan. It also includes some youth from the U.S. Program includes recreation, creative arts, and facilitated discussions to develop deeper understanding of each other and build trust. There is a defined role for American youth, who learn and practice mediation and conflict negotiation skills with other "Seeds" participants. Seeds of Peace also has year-'round events and conferences, including school presentations by teams of Israeli and Arab Seeds graduates.
Encounter - Encounter is an Israeli program that gives Jews a structured way to meet Palestinians in their own communities, and learn about their perspectives on the Palestinian-Israeli situation. It offers one- and two-day programs that bring Jews to Bethlehem and Hebron where they stay in a Palestinian’s home, learn the personal stories of Palestinians in the area, meet Palestinian activists, talk with a member of the Palestinian Authority, go to a social with Palestinians and Jews, take a tour, and engage in an open dialogue with those they meet.
Face to Face/Faith to Faith - A summer program targeted to 16-18 year olds from the Middle East, Northern Ireland, South Africa, and the U.S. Takes place in the U.S, and creates a safe setting in which participants hear each others' stories, live together, do activities together. The program teaches communications skills that help participants to confront their fears, break down stereotypes, and collaborate across religious, cultural, class and ethnic lines. The program also provides a year-long follow up in the participants' communities.
Building Bridges for Peace - A summer communications program for young women from Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and the U.S. The participants learn to deal with differences and conflict. When they return to their home communities, they participate in a year-long follow-up program.
Both Face to Face/Faith to Faith, and Building Bridges for Peace, are sponsored by Seeking Common Ground.
