Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful day-event during one of Israel Connect's recent delegation trips to Israel.  While there I met up with the lovely Karoline who kindly agreed to an interview...

Leadel (L): Hi, Karoline.
Karoline (K): Hi, Leadel.

Leadel: Karoline, can you please tell us a bit about Israel Connect?

Karoline: Sure! Israel Connect is a leadership programme and social network for young people from all over Europe.

Organized by the Zionist Federation (ZF) in London, they coordinate seminars and conferences throughout the year focused on networking and updates. In other words, post-Israel Connect (IC) conferences, you will know exactly what goes on in all the other European countries - what are their struggles, what are their successes, and you can share your own community's experiences.

The seminars are more focused on skill-building and empowering young leaders in the communities, whether they are 'professional Jews' that work in some of the Jewish organizations, or simply passionate volunteers. The over all goal of IC is to keep young people connected to Israel. Hence the name...

L: Wow, that sounds great! Can you tell us more about your background? How did YOU become involved??

K: I'm from Denmark and got involved years ago when I first started taking on various projects in the Jewish Community. I then did both a full year of leadership seminars, as well as participated in lots of conferences. Now, I am actually part of starting a new branch of Israel Connect, based in Israel. We call ourselves 'Israel Connect Israel' for the time being and are a network of European Olim and Israelis who want to continue our involvement with the ZF and who knows that moving to Israel doesn't mean that the need to be active ends.

L: Do you have a title and/or hold a position at IC?

K: Haha, my title? I hold an MA in Comparative Religious Studies and an Honor's Degree in Jewish Culture and Civilization. I am the official chair woman of Israel Connect Israel.

L: Sounds like you're a pretty important lady. OK, so what kinds of events do you do (if any) that people can feel 'connected' to?

K: During the year, the many members of Israel Connect organize local projects which might be really relevant for others to participate in via the internet. The classical example is \election night\ where everybody tries to figure out how the votes for the Knesset are distributed.

During the IC Seminars, the participants often get to meet great capacities on Israel and Israeli politics, such as ambassadors and scholars and I imagine it would be popular if these talks were broadcast-ed....

L: Ooh, broadcast! Like, WEBCAST? We'll have to remember that and be in touch next time elections come around :)

You recently had a delegation come to Israel, correct? Why types of people came?

K: Yes we did, and in true IC-spirit every type of activist was represented. I don't believe in labeling people, so i can only tell you that what ever you were looking for - someone would fit your description...more or less

Programme-wise, it was very varied yet focused on 'Israel of today'. There were exclusive visits to Google in Haifa, the Knesset in Jerusalem, meetings with HE the British Ambassador in Tel Aviv and driving the new electrical car at Better Place. The social component is also very important, so in between all the information and briefings there were trips to the beach and some beer.

L: That was very PC of you, but it also sounds like a lot of fun is added into these events.

OK - Last Q: Who is eligible for Israel Connect and how can they become involved?

K: If you are under 35 and want to be involved - email Gary Sakol: Gary@zfuk.org. He is the programme director, so he will be the one who can tell which city close to you IC is visiting next. And if you live in Israel, then you should contact me at israelconnectisrael@gmail.com and come for our next event!

L: Great! Thanks for joining us Karoline and good luck to you and all your Israel Connectors, sounds like you're doing amazing things. Cheers!

K: Thanks, Leadel. It was my pleasure.