The Leibel Fein and Nomi Fein, Rabbi Richard J. Israel, and Jay E. Orlin Social Justice Fellowships
The NIF/Shatil Social Justice Fellowship is a 10-month immersive experience in Israel/Palestine, where fellows work on cutting-edge social justice issues alongside veteran activists. Fellows spend four days per week working on the front lines of social change at a premiere Israeli social change organization. NIF staff facilitate monthly seminars featuring NIF partners and grantees which aim to educate fellows on the breadth and depth of social justice issues in the region–from occupation and illegal annexation to Mizrahi struggles, LGBTQ+ campaigns, and beyond. Fellows can expect to make real, valuable contributions at their work placements and develop marketable skills and knowledge while immersing themselves in communities of values-aligned Palestinians and Israelis building movements for justice and equality.
Upon acceptance to the program, fellows will identify the issue they would like to spend the year working on. The fellowship program coordinator in Israel will work with each fellow to find an appropriate placement.
Living expenses are covered by a $23,300 stipend.
About the Social Justice Fellowships
Fellowship Goals and Expectations
The 2025-2026 Fellowship year runs from September 2, 2025 – July 2, 2026.
Application timeline: NIF will contact all applicants in March or early April and will offer Zoom interviews for select applicants at that time. We plan to notify applicants of final decisions regarding the fellowships by May 1.
Application Requirements and Eligibility
A completed online application must include:
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- Application form
- Resume
- Two Essays
- A letter of recommendation (academic or professional)
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Fellows on the NIF/Shatil Social Justice Fellowship will be fully integrated in Israeli NGOs so successful applicants should have strong Hebrew language skills, proficiency in Arabic, or another non-English language of Israel/Palestine. The application process includes a language level assessment. If you are unsure if your language skills are adequate, please contact [email protected].
Applicants should be at least 22 years old by the start of the fellowship year.
NIF strongly encourages individuals from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ people, Jews of color, Palestinians and people of Arab heritage, as well as women to apply.
Read more about the most recent cohorts of NIF / Shatil Social Justice Fellows
Check out our NIF / Shatil Social Justice Fellows Alumni Database