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Live and Work in Jerusalem
Please join us on February 15, 2022 for an info-session to learn more about our programs in Haifa and Jerusalem. Click here to register.
Not only is this vivacious city the capital of Israel, but it is also the religious and spiritual epicenter of the world – drawing in millions of Jews, Christians and Muslims every year. Though this ancient city is steeped in history – home to numerous historical sites, religious relics, museums and ancient ruins – it is also a vibrant, modern metropolis filled with world class markets, amazing restaurants, and an energetic nightlife scene. Jerusalem always has something special offer to those who call the city home and it’s unique charm makes it hard for those to ever leave it. Ready to call this city home? As the saying goes, next year in Jerusalem!
Cultural Sites
Western Wall
Though this Wall goes by many names (Wailing Wall, Buraq Wall, Kotel, etc) it’s significance as one of the holiest/most sacred sites for the Jewish people remains the same. Thousands of people journey from near and far every year to visit and pray at the wall. Some prayers are spoken while others are written down and placed in the cracks of the wall. Below the wall are a series of ancient tunnels that snake underneath the entire city – a must see when visiting the Kotel
Jewish Quarter
From the Western Wall, it’s just a short walk to the main areas of the Jewish Quarter. This quarter of Jerusalem is home to tens of synagogues and yeshivas and has been the home to Jews since 8 BCE. Today, the Jewish Quarter is a fascinating blend of museums, synagogues (Hurva Synagogue is the crown jewel of Jerusalem and its main Ashkenazi synagogue) for Jerusalem, and of course, the Western Wall its main attractions. As well as these, however, just walking through the alleyways and watching the religious inhabitants go about their daily lives is just as fascinating
Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock
When the name Jerusalem is mentioned, one often thinks of the image of the Dome of the Rock. This area is considered the 3rd holiest prayer site for Sunni Muslims, right behind Saudi Arabia’s Mecca and Medina. According to the Koran, Muhammad made a night journey here, and then ascended to heaven. This area, known in Judaism as Mount Moriah, is also the same place Abraham bound his son Isaac for sacrifice, then interceded by the angel Gabriel
Ramparts Walk
Hard to find, the Ramparts Walk is one of the most rewarding activities in terms of history, beauty and a greater sense of the Old City as a whole. The Walk is divided into two separate courses, just under two miles: the north side walk and the south side walk. The north side is the longer of the two and covers from the Jaffa Gate to the Lions Gate. The south side walk is shorter but ends at a more convenient location, the Western Wall
Machane Yehuda Market
The Machane Yehuda Market or Shuk is the largest market in Jerusalem – with over 250 vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables to specialty foods, clothing to Judaica. Just a ten-minute walk from the city center, this market is a fascinating place to stroll through, whether you are interested just in observing the magnificent sculpted displays of spices, mouthwatering array of foods, and stunning energy of the place, or if you want to get involved in some buying and tasting of your own
Biblical Zoo
The Biblical Zoo covers over 62 acres of stunning terrain in the south of Jerusalem. The park centers on a vast man-made lake complete with waterfalls and side pools, surrounded by spacious lawns and shaded beauty spots. The park includes a wildlife savannah with free-roaming animals and a visitor’s train that provides transportation throughout the park with several stations along the route
Davidson Center - Archaeological Park
Located in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, this center offers an in-depth, three-dimensional reconstruction of the Temple, based on excavations and ancient writings. The park also contains artifacts from different periods: the First and Second Temple periods, the Byzantine Muslim period, the ancient Crusades period, as well as others. The most exciting findings are: the walls of the city from the First Temple period, the steps leading up to the Temple, the original street from the time of the Second Temple period, shops, ritual baths and more
Museums
Tower of David
The Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem is located in the restored ancient Citadel of the Old City near the Jaffa Gate, the historic main entrance to the city. The museum tells the long and fascinating history of Jerusalem starting from the second millennium BCE and ending with the modern city you see today. The Night Spectacular, a musical lights display, also takes place after dark in the castle courtyard among the archeological remains at the Tower of David Museum
Yad Vashem - Holocaust Museum
Yad Vashem, Israel’s largest Holocaust memorial is set on the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance on the edge of Jerusalem. The new expansion opened in 2005 and its nine chilling galleries of interactive historical displays present the Holocaust using a range of multimedia including photographs, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos. Though difficult to get through at times, this memorial museum is a powerful must-see
The Israel Museum
Arguably Israel’s most magnificent cultural asset, the Israel Museum is consistently ranked among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. Housing encyclopedic collections with works dating from prehistory to the present day in archaeology, fine art, and Jewish art, this is the place to get schooled on Israel’s 5,000-year history
Friends of Zion Museum
A museum commemorating the deeds of non-Jews who helped the State of Israel and the Jewish people over recent generations. Cutting-edge exhibitions pay special attention to light and shadow, frontal lighting, three-dimensional structuring of maps and displays of unique lighting effects. A remarkable experience for all the senses
The Museum for Islamic Art
In addition to showcasing one of the world’s most comprehensive collection of Islamic art and antique timepieces, this museum is dedicated to closing the cultural divide between Israel’s Jewish and Muslim populations. Especially worth seeing are the samples of Persian tiling, Indian Moghul miniatures, and an informative section on Arabic calligraphy
The Museum of Underground Prisoners
The Museum of Underground Prisoners is dedicated to describing the struggle for the Jewish people in establishing the State of Israel. The museum shows prison cells, the escape room, the synagogue cell, solitary confinement cells and the execution chamber. It tells the sacrifice story of Meir Feinstein and Moshe Barazani. Guided tours are available, which includes a film following a new prisoner at the prison
Museum on the Seam
Museum on the Seam is a socio-political contemporary art museum in Jerusalem. Its focus is to allow art to raise discussions about controversial ideas tied to national, ethnic and economic issues. The museum has held multiple exhibitions including themes related to human rights, slavery, and the right to protest
Food
Manou Ba Shouk
You know that feeling when you just want something home-cooked after a long day out and about? Stop into this local eatery to taste comforting kosher Lebanese food in a lively setting. The dishes range from shakshuka with merguez sausage in the morning, to“kubba,”stuffed bulgur croquettes filled with meat in the afternoons. Try creamy hummus, crispy-fried falafel, stuffed cigars, roasted eggplant and so much more. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available
Ish Tabach
This restaurant in the alleys of Machane Yehuda Market rose to fame because of its shamborek, a fluffy Kurdish-Syrian pastry with hearty fillings: Syrian kebab, chicken satay, tongue or a vegetable-stuffed vegan version. This is not the only thing that makes this spot so busy; everything is cooked in-house, including the roasted meat soup, brisket, shakshuka and more. The clay oven known as the tabun seals the deal, making everything that comes out of it excellent
Khatchapuri
Start with the acharuli, a huge boat-shaped pastry filled with a runny egg and soft cheese. Use your fork to spread the egg and get a really colorful bite of everything melting together. Come in and patiently watch as they make the pastries right in front of you and pop them into the tabun (clay oven), first toasting them with the cheese and then adding the egg to finish. Also on the menu is the megruli pastry, a pizza-like pastry where layers of cheese come together in harmonious unison on this soft and decadent dough
Dwiny Pita Bar
One of the hottest spots in town – this pita joint has become a hub for hip people seeking a good vibe and a hearty meal. Local seasonal ingredients take center stage alongside nostalgic dishes and new ones, all in a fluffy pita pocket. You’ll find “chraime” (a spicy North African fish), fried red mullet, plump vegetables and endless fillings. Don’t miss the iconic 3-step fries that locals are drooling over
Uzi-Eli The Etrog Man
Some may associate smoothies and health drinks as a hip and trendy fad, but Uzi-Eli a.k.a. the Etrog Man, has been making fresh juices with the vitamin-packed Etrog (yes that fruit during Sukkot), for many years. Uncover the power of this potent little fruit in any of the fresh drinks, or try out “khat”, a herbal stimulant known for the little high you get when you eat it. Alternatively, try any of the healing Etrog creams and cosmetics to take home
Burekas Musa
This 60-year-old eatery has mastered phyllo bourekas. Enjoy the incredible flakiness and crunchiness of this doughy pastry as each bite melts in your mouth. A must-have choice is the version that includes salty cheese, a hardboiled egg and Pini’s homemade tahini alongside oversized pickles
Piccolino
Situated in an ancient building, this kosher mehadrin Italian eatery offers a tasty menu of dairy and fish dishes. Enjoy freshly baked focaccia and pizzas from their ‘tabun’ (clay oven), antipasto, and decadent desserts. The warm Jerusalem atmosphere is not only due to the tabun, but the family oriented owners are personal, friendly and inviting
Rooftop
On the roof of the luxurious Mamilla Hotel, you’ll find breathtaking views of the Old City and an extensive bistro menu with dishes straight from the ‘tabun’ (clay oven). Expect dishes like fresh handmade pastas, grouper shawarma, and a multitude of vegetables made from the best produce of the season. Come for the breathtaking rooftop views, stay for the food
Nightlife
Yellow Submarine
Ranked as one of the best nightclubs in Jerusalem by TimeOut! Whatever genre of music tickles your fancy, or your ears, or your feet – Yellow Submarine is the place to indulge in all of those musical pleasures. From jazz to funk to rock or folk, Yellow Submarine offers a performance stage, a sitting and standing area and a fully equipped bar. The sound is sublime too
Gatsby
Set foot inside Gatsby and let the sounds of jazz, swing, and bubbly conversations enlighten your senses. Aromatic herbs swirl around you as you slip into the era of flappers and dappers. Cocktails at this 1920s speakeasy are brewed to perfection, justifying the bar’s slightly higher than normal prices
Toy Bar
Located next to the old neighborhood of Nahalat Shiva, the Toy Bar is a fantastic place for experiencing the Jerusalem scene and rubbing shoulder with some of Jerusalem’s locals. The bar regularly hosts parties for the student crowd too, luring them in with its vibrant atmosphere, comfy sofas and a wide variety of beverages
Sira
A tiny bar … a landmark institution … Sira Bar is hard to define. It’s frequented by students, so don’t be put off by its exterior either. The mini dance floor, DJs and drinks will lure you into its magical world. If you’re a lover of Electronic beats and eclectic tunes, then Sira will thrill you right to the core and keep you coming back for more
Blaze Bar
What used to be Jerusalem’s arcade and games den, has now been transformed into a grungy-yet-cool biker-bar music venue. Blaze bar fires up their venue by hosting live bands on a nightly basis; talented musicians funnel in by the dozens for spontaneous jams and unforgettable collaborations
Mike's Place
American-style hamburgers, a myriad of international beers and a super friendly staff means anyone stumbling into Mike’s Place for the first time will automatically feel welcomed. Extended across two floors, the lower level offers live bands and open-mic nights, billiard tables and a huge comfortable bar
Testimonials
Hear what our past participants had to say about their summer experience!
Stephanie W.
“After spending a relaxing Shabbat in Jerusalem, I felt refreshed and ready to take on the assignments I had at my internship this week. Working at the Jerusalem Post, you usually don’t know what kind of day you’ll have until you get to the office. In the past several weeks, I’ve spontaneously hopped on busses to Tel Aviv, met Israeli politicians, interviewed Chabad rabbis, and have done everything in between. But this week, I had a few large assignments to finish, including a hotel review and longer analysis piece, both for the newspaper and the Jerusalem Report magazine. Working to get them done in time was stressful, but finally finishing and seeing them in the next day’s paper felt so rewarding.Of course, balancing work with fun is an important aspect of Onward. This past week, I’ve tried new restaurants, explored new neighborhoods of Jerusalem, and bought my fair share of souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. On Tuesday night, my friends and I decided to try Ethiopian food at a restaurant located near our hotel. It was definitely unlike anything I’ve had before, and I’m glad I got to try it at an authentic restaurant.
On Wednesday, we had our Onward Boston event at Neve Ilan. We heard from various speakers, from foreign correspondents of the Washington Post to current MK’s, on topics such as Israeli innovation and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Our last speaker was David Horowitz, founder of Times of Israel and previous editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post.”
Austin W.
“Living in Jerusalem has been something unique. There is nowhere else to get the real culture atmosphere. So much history is in Jerusalem from the Old City to Mt. Hertzl and much more. Onward set us up in one of the best areas in Jerusalem being in Rehavia, and I think living there also gives the feel of living in a city as well. Onward as a whole has done a great job with my program. Between the day trips all throughout Israel, nighttime activities with the group, and just having us all connect on a good level, I would recommend not just Onward, but Jerusalem specifically.”Dalia S.
“This place I flew to and committed to stay in for 3 months, this place was my home even though this has only been my second time on this soil. There were simple changes in myself that I started to notice when I was here in Jerusalem. Things that would make me anxious or bothered at home suddenly started to seem so insignificant. Things that I had previously struggled with, like being alone or being spontaneous became second nature and really started to make me happy and excited. Living in Jerusalem has forced me to question my Judaism in a way that I never have before. The connection to these people, this land, and even studying the texts have given me answers to new questions I never asked before, and I now can focus on answering more about myself in years to come with a more structured and secure lens. I feel really connected here. After going on birthright with Hillel and being on Onward Israel with really amazing Jewish college students all with some connection to the Boston area along with meeting amazing Israelis have also facilitated that connection.”Jake K.
“My internship is super hands on and I am so glad that I get to interact with people living in Jerusalem. However, there is a lot more to Onward than just working. So far, even though I have been here for less than a week, we have done so much fun activities and traveling it’s incredible. Last Thursday, we were able to go on a tour of Jerusalem and our neighborhood led by our (fabulous) Madrich, Avi. Friday…we had a potluck shabbat dinner hosted by one of the apartments on our program. We went to Machene Yehuda/the shuk, explored Ben Yehuda street, and did a scavenger hunt throughout the holy (and beautiful) city of Jerusalem…Even though it has been less than a week, we have already done so much that I cannot wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store for us. My internship is incredible, my apartment is so nice, and there is nothing like living in Jerusalem.”Elaina B.
“Our second week living, working and exploring in Jerusalem has been even more exciting than the first. Though it can get difficult to balance our work responsibilities and taking advantage of all Israel has to offer (and enough sleep…), we all are finally getting into the swing of things and living by the motto: work hard, play hard. Some of us spent the weekend enjoying the beautiful beaches of Tel Aviv, while others stayed in Jerusalem and had a relaxing Shabbat. Many of us had the opportunity to visit the spectacular Light Show at the Old City as well. Most importantly, the food here is amazing! We’ve spent a lot of time perusing the Machane Yehuda Market and scouting the best fruit, olives, pita and of course, falafel… (the 10 shekel one right outside the shuk is a lifesaver).”Rebecca M.
“For years I have dreamed about spending a summer in Israel, and now it is hard to believe that this summer is coming to an end. I am sad to be leaving this beautiful country, the homeland of the Jewish people, but I will always hold on to the amazing memories and friendships I made. From visiting the beaches of Tel Aviv, to building rafts on the Jordan River, to living steps away from the Old City, and of course working at my wonderful internship with IsraelGrants. The summer was filled with excitement, adventure and personal growth. On my second to last night in Jerusalem, I visited the Kotel for one last time this summer. As I was backing away from the Wall, an old woman approached me speaking Hebrew and I instinctively smiled and said “Slicha, lo ivrit,” expecting her to walk away because I could not understand her. But instead, she paused and encouraged me to smell the fragrant herbs (besamim) that she held in her hands, slowly reciting the Hebrew prayers with me before wishing me well with a big smile. At that moment, I felt a stronger connection to the land of Israel than I had all summer; this land is my home, and where I will always belong. Israel, you’ll have a piece of my heart forever, and I can’t wait until we meet again.”Apply Now!
Apply now for an Onward Israel program based in Jerusalem to explore everything the city has to offer!
Boston Community Program - Jerusalem
Boston Onward Israel is an immersive internship program where you can develop your professional future and build your resume through a high-level internship in the field of your choice in Jerusalem. This tailor-made internship program places you in a work place based on your skills, interests and future plans. Experience Israel through exclusive day trips, overnights, seminars, and more. In your free time, explore Jerusalem’s amazing nightlife, culture, and rich history with a cohort of other young adults
Chicago Community Program - Jerusalem
Chicago Onward Israel is an immersive internship program where you can develop your professional future and build your resume through a high-level internship in the field of your choice in Jerusalem. This tailor-made internship program places you in a work place based on your skills, interests and future plans. Experience Israel through exclusive day trips, overnights, seminars, and more. In your free time, explore Jerusalem’s amazing nightlife, culture, and rich history with a cohort of other young adults
Arts & Culture - Theme Based Program
Onward Israel Theme-based programs are designed for applicants with a specific interest in working and exploring Israel through a topical lens. Intern four to five days a week alongside Israeli peers and immerse yourself in contemporary Israeli society. Experience Israel through Onward Israel’s exclusive day trips, overnights and seminars. In your free time, explore Jerusalem’s amazing nightlife, culture, and rich history with a cohort of other young Jewish adults
Communications, Innovation & Start Ups - Theme Based Program
Onward Israel Theme-based programs are designed for applicants with a specific interest in working and exploring Israel through a topical lens. Intern four to five days a week alongside Israeli peers and immerse yourself in contemporary Israeli society. Experience Israel through Onward Israel’s exclusive day trips, overnights and seminars. In your free time, explore Jerusalem’s amazing nightlife, culture, and rich history with a cohort of other young Jewish adults
Government & Politics - Theme Based Program
Onward Israel Theme-based programs are designed for applicants with a specific interest in working and exploring Israel through a topical lens. Intern four to five days a week alongside Israeli peers and immerse yourself in contemporary Israeli society. Experience Israel through Onward Israel’s exclusive day trips, overnights and seminars. In your free time, explore Jerusalem’s amazing nightlife, culture, and rich history with a cohort of other young Jewish adults