American Jewish young adults, particularly college students, need connection and support now more than ever. With a name that translates to “community,” JDC Entwine’s KAHAL program connects this population to Jewish communities abroad, and Global Campus, Entwine’s latest endeavor, provides a deep and immersive experience for students to learn about Jewish life globally.
KAHAL helps those studying abroad participate in events and build relationships with locals and other students in their host cities — like Neely Kasanoff, a Texas native whose time in Paris was enhanced by her involvement with KAHAL.
“Eventually, I even rose to the position of being the one organizing events like picnics to celebrate holidays,” Kasanoff said.
Building on the success of KAHAL, Entwine’s new Global Campus program offers multi-day immersive retreats for study abroad students — linking them with other Jewish young adults and local Jewish leaders and providing insider access to JDC’s historic work in Jewish communities around the world.
Nearly 90% of participants in the inaugural Global Campus: Berlin said the experience provided a safe space to be Jewish. After Global Campus: Berlin sold out, Entwine organized two more Global Campus events, in Vienna and Rome.
In addition to playing a critical role in meeting the needs of Jewish students abroad, Entwine continues sustained growth. With more than 17,600 virtual and in-person touchpoints in 2023, Entwine remains committed to strengthening Jewish identity, developing Jewish leaders, and linking the Jewish world through the value of global Jewish responsibility.
