“If you will it, it is no dream.” This sentence, penned by Theodore Herzl, propelled the dreams of stateless Jews into the modern state and intellectual powerhouse that is Israel today. The Latino community is fueled by a similar dream, the dream that no matter where you come from, if you apply yourself and work hard, the sky is the limit of what you can accomplish. The State of Israel is extending a hand of support and friendship to the Latino community with $100,000 in scholarship money. The goal of this money is to support Hispanic college students based in the United States. This scholarship money is being administered by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. 

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund will select scholarship recipients from talented candidates in the community. The moneys will be used to attend four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The Israeli government is offering an additional $100,000 in funds for HSF scholars who are interested in studying abroad in Israel.

The Consulate of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region, located in Philadelphia, has long been a partner to the local Latino community.  The Consulate and local organizations frequently work together to promote events and causes that support and celebrate diversity and inclusion.  On July 11 and 12, the Israeli Consulate will have its own table at the 34th Annual Hispanic Fiesta at Penn’s Landing.

“It is an honor for us to announce these scholarships that could potentially impact local children in our community,” said Consul General Yaron Sideman.  “Philadelphia, and its sister city Tel-Aviv, are both made up of diverse neighborhoods and communities where travel and education isn’t always accessible to youths.  We support these scholarships that will grant America’s Hispanic youths the opportunity to receive a top-notch education and expand their worldview.” 

Israel is the “start-up nation.” Its universities are among the finest in the world, producing record numbers of scientific discoveries, patents, and Nobel Laureates. This is an exciting opportunity for young Hispanic students to undergo transformative experiences and forge important connections that will mold them into the disruptive creators and leaders of the future.

“Israel sees great importance in strengthening its relationship with the Hispanic American community,” said Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer. “Israel is a world leader in the fields of high-tech, water, cyber-security and many other disciplines,” explained Dermer, “and investing in education in these and other fields will strengthen the Hispanic American community and its relationship with Israel.”