Return to Israel: Diller Fellows Reconnect with Our Global Jewish Family
Posted on 07/31/2026 @ 06:30 AM
By Dr. Carly Orshan
Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Teen Education
This summer, something long anticipated finally became reality.
For the first time since 2023, Miami Diller Teen Fellows returned to Israel for the Diller Israel Summer Seminar (ISS), joining more than 700 Jewish teens from 32 communities across seven countries for an experience centered on leadership, Jewish peoplehood, and connection.
After two summers in which the program was unable to travel to Israel, returning felt especially meaningful.
Eleven Miami Fellows and two Junior Counselors participated in this year's seminar, accompanied by Diller Coordinator Bari Lutz and Teen Department Operations Manager Claudine Ackerman, who guided and supported the delegation throughout the nearly three-week experience.
Together, they explored Israel, connected with peers from around the world, and strengthened relationships with their Israeli counterparts from Yerucham, Miami's Partnership community.
Guided by the theme “The Many Faces of Israel,” Fellows encountered Israel through its people, cultures, histories, and communities.
From traveling throughout the country to engaging in conversations about identity, leadership, and responsibility, participants were encouraged to explore both the complexity of Israel and their own place within the larger Jewish story.
One of the highlights of the experience was the International Shabbaton, where Fellows from Diller communities around the world gathered to celebrate Shabbat and explore what it means to be part of a global Jewish community.
"Meeting Fellows from other countries was one of the most meaningful parts of ISS. Learning about both our similarities and differences and hearing how other Jewish teens are responding to antisemitism and anti-Zionism in their communities, inspired me to make an even greater impact back home in Miami. Knowing there are Jewish teens around the world who share my values and are standing up for the same things is both inspiring and comforting."
Leo Krislav, rising12th grader at Gulliver Prep and Miami Diller Cohort 13 Fellow.
The seminar also included visits to communities in the Gaza Envelope, providing Fellows with an opportunity to learn firsthand about the impact of October 7 and to reflect on the responsibilities of bearing witness, listening to personal stories, and carrying those stories home.
At Diller Global Congress, more than 700 Jewish teens gathered for workshops, leadership experiences, social action initiatives, and conversations about the future of Jewish life.
Throughout the week, Fellows were challenged to see themselves not only as participants, but as leaders with the ability and responsibility to strengthen their local communities and the global Jewish people through action.
A particularly meaningful portion of the seminar took place during Community Week in Yerucham.
After spending the year building relationships with their Israeli partners, Miami Fellows deepened those connections through shared experiences, hosted family visits, and community programming.
"This week allowed me to thoroughly immerse myself in Israeli culture. By taking part in a hosting experience in Yerucham, I really felt as though I belonged, and it has made my connection to the country stronger than ever."
Tamar Grobman, rising 12th grader at Scheck Hillel Community Day School and Miami Diller Cohort 13 Fellow.
In Jerusalem, Fellows gathered at the Kotel to reflect, offer personal prayers, and place notes on behalf of members of the Miami cohort who were unable to travel this summer.
"I always knew that Israel had a strong sense of community, but actually experiencing it was completely different. Even though I was over 6,000 miles away from Miami, I truly felt at home."
Alexis Lang, rising 12th grader at Dr. Michael Krop Senior High School and Miami Diller Cohort 13 Fellow.
While not every Fellow traveled to Israel this summer, the entire Miami Cohort remains an integral part of the Diller experience and will continue the Diller journey together, completing the program in September.
As they return home, Miami's Diller Fellows bring with them new friendships, deeper connections to Israel, and a renewed understanding that they have both a place and a responsibility within the global Jewish family.
Know a Jewish teen ready to grow as a leader?
Applications are now open for the next cohort of Miami Diller Teen Fellows for rising 10th and 11th graders.
Diller brings together exceptional Jewish teens from across Miami for a year of leadership development, meaningful friendships, global Jewish connection, and transformative experiences in Israel and beyond.
Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with the teens and families in your life. Learn more and apply at Dillermiami.org.
Kol Hakavod to Bari Lutz, Diller Coordinator, and Claudine Ackerman, Teen Department Operations Manager, whose steady leadership, care, and tireless work behind the scenes helped make this meaningful experience possible while ensuring the safety and well-being of our Miami delegation throughout the three-week journey!
