HomeOCTOBER 2024Building Community, Building Relationships

Building Community, Building Relationships

The Heart of IAC Orange County

At IAC Orange County, our mission is to foster meaningful connections within the Jewish and Israeli-American communities, while actively engaging the next generation—our teens and young children—in leadership and cultural programs. Our work is driven by hands-on activism, education, and a deep commitment to building bridges across diverse communities, including Christian, Hindu, and Native American groups, to cultivate unity and mutual respect.
    We proactively participate in local school board meetings, whether to speak, listen, or offer support, ensuring that our community’s voice is heard. Through rallies and public demonstrations, we stand up for Israel, while programs such as Keshet, Eitanim, and our leadership initiatives empower our youth to lead with purpose and stay connected to their heritage.
    IAC Orange County offers events that bring people together to connect, learn, and strengthen their sense of belonging. We’re also expanding our outreach initiatives to further engage our community.
    We are a community-based organization, and we need your support to continue making an impact. Please reach out to join us in this important work. Together, we can make a difference.
IAC Orange County Delegation Shines at National Summit in Washington, D.C.
    The IAC National Summit in Washington, D.C. was an unforgettable experience for our Orange County delegation, with around 60 members proudly representing our community. The summit offered us the chance to connect deeply, gain valuable knowledge, and strengthen our bonds with each other and with Israel.
    Our presence in D.C. just before the election was a powerful statement of our commitment to making a difference. We returned feeling proud, united, and equipped to continue advocating for our community and for Israel.
IAC Orange County: Empowering the Next Generation Through Education and Culture
    At IAC Orange County, we are proud to offer dynamic programs for children and teens that foster a deep connection to Israeli culture and values.
    Our **Keshet Program**, designed for children ages 4-8, provides a fun and engaging environment where young kids can experience Israeli culture through non-formal education. With a focus on traditions, games, stories, and interactive activities, children have the opportunity to bond, learn, and embrace the vibrancy of Israeli life from an early age—all guided by professional staff and high-quality materials.
    For middle and high school students, we offer the **Eitanim Leadership Program**, where teens engage in project-based learning in a fun and supportive setting. Participants work on real-world projects, developing skills in problem-solving, ideation, and presentation—all while building a strong connection to Israel as a nation of innovation. Our program is enriched by mentors from the local business community, offering teens unique insights into leadership and entrepreneurship.
    If you have business experience and a passion for mentoring the next generation, we invite you to join us as a mentor and make a lasting impact!  

Ilene Schneider has been chronicling Jewish life in Orange County for five publications since 1978. She has served as a communications consultant for a number of Jewish organizations. She is a contributing writer to Jlife Magazine.

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