For Rabeen, 23, his younger age and having not completed university yet were small obstacles he was determined to overcome in order to serve as a Jewish Agency Campus Israel Fellow. Born and raised in a Zionist family in Kfar Kisra-Sumei, a small Druze village in the north of Israel, Rabeen’s previous experience as a Summer Camp Shaliach (Israeli emissary) allowed him to meet and work with American Jews, which strengthened his desire to support and empower Jewish students on campus.
Every year, The Jewish Agency, in partnership with Hillel, brings Israeli young adults who have completed their IDF army service and university to college campuses worldwide to serve as Israel Fellows. These Fellows help substitute education for ignorance when it comes to student opinions about Israel, creating safe spaces for tolerance and diversity, and give students a chance to develop lasting connections with an Israeli. They also help support student efforts to counter antisemitism on campus.
Rabeen was working at a pre-army preparatory program in Israel during the October 7 attacks, an experience that deepened his Israeli identity and strengthened his connection to Israel in ways he hadn’t anticipated. It became clear to him that he should continue in the field of education and outreach, particularly to instill values that were important to him, such as a love for Israel and a commitment to Zionism. Once the program was over, he applied and was accepted to The Jewish Agency’s Shlichut program, undergoing training to become an Israel Fellow.
“I am grateful to be an Israel Fellow so I can connect with diverse individuals, foster meaningful dialogue, and contribute to a greater understanding of our shared experiences,” stated Rabeen. “Israel Fellows play a crucial role in providing support and community for students, serving as cultural bridges, and exposing students to Israeli culture, history, and diverse perspectives, which fosters engaging discussions on complex issues. I truly believe that through education and open conversations, we can build bridges and promote unity, even in challenging times, and I’m excited about the path I’m taking and the positive impact I’m making.”
Today, Rabeen is in his first year of serving as an Israel Fellow at a Wisconsin university. He has organized events and activities ranging from Challah-making to Hebrew study groups to open conversations about the Israel-Palestine situation and more.
“I am the kind of person who sees a need for something and then gets up and takes action, and I felt compelled to do so, especially after October 7,” explained Rabeen. “Now as an Israel Fellow on campus, I’ve created safe spaces for Jewish students and offered emotional support and a listening ear to those who may feel overwhelmed or isolated, and also allowed myself to be vulnerable during this time, showing students that they are not alone in this. Ultimately, my goal was to ensure Jewish students feel supported, connected and empowered to express their identities, even in the face of adversity.”
As an Israeli Druze Fellow close in age to the students, Rabeen is creating personal connections that encourage open sharing of experiences and enriching students’ understanding of his unique culture, sparking curiosity about Druze traditions and the diversity in Israel.
“I aim to present the fascinating history of the Druze in Israel – how we manage to maintain our identity while integrating into Israeli society – as well as the challenges we face. Through workshops, open discussions, and community events, I want to create a platform where students can learn about and engage with Druze culture and understand its role in Israel,” said Rabeen. “In this way, I hope to not only present my culture but also stimulate meaningful discussions on issues of identity, community, and intercultural dialogue, connecting all of this to the complexities of life in Israel.”
