What is JGEN?

In Israel, environmental issues such as air pollution, water scarcity, poor water quality, desertification, and hazardous waste are threatening both the health and security of Israeli residents. Israel needs to address its environmental issues successfully for the sake of present and future generations of Israelis. The Israeli government – pressured by a growing Israeli environmental movement – is starting to take some action, but much more needs to be done. In particular, the Israeli environmental movement needs help in developing the leadership and expertise to address these issues as effectively as possible. International cooperation is also needed to marshal resources and technical expertise from around the world to help Israel tackle these urgent environmental problems.

COEJL, the Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership, and the Jewish Agency for Israel founded the Jewish Global Environmental Network (JGEN) in 2003. Together, we have conducted two trips of senior North American Jewish environmental professionals to Israel. Our delegations received a first-hand look at Israel’s environmental challenges. They met with Israel government officials and nonprofit leaders, and made plans for several joint environmental projects. The participants discovered that concern for Israel’s environment resonates with professionals, activists, students, and funders, and that it offers a new way for Jews in the disapora to connect with Israel.

Projects

Environmental Professionals
JGEN’s first project was a week-long seminar in Israel in November, 2003, for 15 Jewish North Americans and 15 Israelis who play a leadership role in environmental protection. The group is now developing collaborative projects through which Israelis and Jews in North America (and around the world) can work together to address environmental challenges in Israel.
December, 2004 Environmental Leadership Seminar
November, 2003 Environmental Leadership Seminar

Young Environmentalists
In the spring of 2004, JGEN also sponsored an Israel trip for Environmental Students and Young Professionals to learn about the Israeli environmental situation and incorporate their ideas and experience into a framework for student outreach and partnerships for young environmentalists (in North America and in Israel). This trip was hosted by Green Course: Students for the Environment in Israel , enabling young Jewish environmentalists to most engage deeply with the dynamics of the environmental movement and meet their Israeli counterparts.

Click here for the JGEN website!