A scholarship scheme for those taking a year out in Israel has been launched to support the “most promising young leaders in the Jewish community”.

The UJIA Gap Year Scholars Initiative will see 10 gap-year participants benefit from having up to 50 per cent of their costs covered, as well as professional coaching and monthly mentoring.

The scholars will also be invited to join Shabbaton and seminars and continue to belong to a cohort on their return to the UK.

To be eligible for the scheme, which is being funded by a donation of £100,000 from UJIA and the Wohl Legacy, applicants must be UK residents, participants on a Masa-approved gap-year programme of at least four months, intend to return to the UK and be active members of the UK Jewish community.

UJIA Chair Zvi Noé said: “Long-term experiences in Israel are highly impactful for Israel engagement and Jewish identity development. These experiences are crucial for sustaining the leadership pipeline within the Jewish community. They are an opportunity for young leaders to not only develop a strong relationship with Israel but also to develop personally.”

Successful applicants will have demonstrated strong leadership skills and that Israel and Zionism are “cornerstones of their Jewish identity”, said a spokesperson for the programme.

Applications open on August 15 for programmes starting in January 2025 and Autumn 2025. Students who are starting a gap-year in August and continuing with the scheme in January are also eligible to apply.

For more information and to apply, please visit: ujia.org/gap-year-scholars