The Israeli environmental movement has grown exponentially in the last decade. Although security issues grab national and international headlines, social-environmental concerns are no less complex or urgent. Israel is one of the few countries in which the consumption rates of the 'developed world' exist side-by- side with the population growth rates of the 'developing world'. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, leading to a myriad of social and environmental stresses, including:
Water quality and availability, both acute problems in Israel
Urban sprawl, as more Israelis opt for single-family homes further from population centers.
Public Health, particularly concerning air pollution which, according to a recent epidemiological study, is responsible for over 1200 deaths in the greater Tel Aviv area alone
Transportation, which is linked to air pollution, suburban sprawl and the rapid loss of open spaces.
Need for greater environmental education, both formal and informal.
The challenges facing Israeli environmentalists are new to Israel, but in many ways mirror issues that the North American environmental movement has been confronting for decades. The goal of JGEN's projects and activities is to develop a worldwide network of Jewish environmentalists committed to protecting Israel's environment, who can support the development of the Israeli environmental movement with their experience and expertise. Conversely, the unique ecosystems and biodiversity of Israel, its particular environmental problems, and the formative stage of Israeli environmentalism will provide JGEN participants from abroad with unique opportunities to learn from their Israeli colleagues. Connections built through these interactions can then serve as the base for future collaboration.
The Environmental Leaders' Seminar
The Environmental Leaders' Seminar is an annual seminar and study tour for senior environmental professionals from North America. The seminar includes twelve to eighteen North American participants and a comparable number of their Israeli colleagues and convenes in Israel each fall for approximately seven days. The Environmental Leaders' Seminar was the first step in developing a community of high-level Israeli environmentalists and Jewish environmentalists from other countries. This community has created opportunities for environmental movements to learn from one another, and foster individual and institutional bridges to help Israeli environmentalists build a sustainable future for Israel. In addition to the week-long study tour, this gathering includes a three-day retreat with Israeli environmental leaders to develop ongoing joint projects.
JGEN's Professional Environmental Internship Program
JGEN's Professional Environmental Internship Program matches college students, recent graduates and young professionals (ages 18-35) with professional internship positions in many of Israel's environmental organizations. The program is designed for those who want to gain a sense of everyday life in Israel. Interns can gain valuable work experience in environmental organizations and agencies throughout the country. The internship program runs throughout the year and placements can be made at anytime that is mutually convenient for the intern and the employer. It is run in conjunction with the Jewish Agency’s Stagerim program. In the past, JGEN interns have worked with Friends of the Earth - Middle East, Green Course, the Israeli Union for Environmental Defesne, and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.
JGEN/Birthright ("Taglit") Environmental Trip for Students and Young Professionals
In cooperation with Hillel, JGEN has created an annual 10-day trip for young people who are eligible to participate in the Birthright (Taglit) program. This young environmental leadership delegation meets in Israel with student environmental leaders. The program features a combined retreat as the centerpiece of the trip.
