IDF soldier Hen (center, with beard) visited with students in the Staples High School Israeli Culture Club last month. Also on hand were Israeli Young Emissaries Afik Harel (4th from left) and Lital Rasovsky (2nd from right).

Last month, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier named Hen visited with students at Staples High School in Westport and Greenwich High School, as well as students at UConn in Storrs, hosted by the StandWithUs-MZ Teen Internship program.

“I think Hen did a good job of informing students without pushing an opinion or agenda. He helped me understand the different perspectives of the conflict. He reaffirmed that Israel is committed to helping the Palestinians,” said Staples High teen, Marla Friedson.

“Hen’s explanation of the humanitarian work that he was a part of was very interesting,” said Sarah Herbsman, a StandWithUs-MZ Teen Intern. “I think he connected with the students and they were very engaged.”

Inaugurated in 2012, the StandWithUs-MZ Teens Internship program is a high school leadership program that prepares students for the challenges they may face regarding Israel in college and in their communities. Students participate in a yearlong program that includes two national conferences, and an ongoing educational online workshop. They also receive guidance and funding to run programming in their high schools and youth groups. Students are encouraged to participate in positive campaigns that inspire their peers and educate people about Israel. Upon completion of the program, participants are prepared to take the reins of leadership the moment they start college and automatically become a part of the StandWithUs-MZ Alumni Program. The program will keep the students on track to continue their Israel advocacy efforts, provide them with new and exciting opportunities for advanced Israel advocacy, and funnel them into our college-level Israel advocacy program upon their entrance into college.

For more information about the MZ Teens Internship Program, contact its director Miri Kornfeld at MiriK@standwithus.com.