The Jewish Federation of Tulsa is proud to launch the Elson Israel Fellowship taking a leadership role in advancing Israel, Zionism, and Jewish unity.
The fellowship is made possible through a generous gift from Bill Elson, z”l, whose lifelong vision and legacy were rooted in fostering a strong connection to Israel and preserving the Zionist ideal of a free, democratic, and Jewish state.
Why Tulsa? Why Now?
- Because Tulsa matters.
- Because leadership isn’t about size—it’s about vision.
- Because in a world where antisemitism is rising, Israel faces growing challenges, and the Jewish people are yearning for unity, Tulsa is ready to lead.
About the Elson Israel Fellowship:
The fellowship will bring Israel’s most innovative thinkers—scholars, visionaries, and advocates—to Tulsa. These fellows will:
- Engage the community through public lectures, discussions, and events.
- Contribute original thought pieces to the global conversation on Israel and Zionism.
- Drive the global narrative, ensuring the Jewish people’s story is told with strength, clarity, and pride.
Fellows will confront antisemitism, combat the delegitimization of Israel, and build bridges between Israel and the diaspora, fostering greater unity and collaboration.
Goals of the Elson Israel Fellowship:
- Defends Israel’s Place in the World: Fellows tackle delegitimization and antisemitism with clarity and courage.
- Strengthens Jewish Unity: By building bridges between Israel and diaspora communities, the fellowship fosters greater understanding and collaboration.
- Positions Tulsa as a Global Leader: The initiative showcases Tulsa as a hub of innovation, leadership, and pride for Jewish communities worldwide.
Expectations for Elson Israel Fellows:
- One-Week Residency in Tulsa: Fellows will visit Tulsa for one week, engaging with the local community through public lectures, discussions, and media appearances.
- Public Engagement: Fellows will actively participate in community seminars, interact with civic organizations, and engage in media outreach to broaden the fellowship’s impact.
- Research and Writing: Each fellow will produce an original research paper or thought piece to be featured in the fellowship’s annual journal and write three op-eds on topics related to Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity.
- Global Impact: Fellows will expand their reach by participating in conferences, webinars, and digital programming that amplify their work and ideas on Israel and Zionism.
Fellows are expected to represent thought leadership, innovation, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections between Israel and the diaspora.
Fellows are expected to represent thought leadership, innovation, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections between Israel and the diaspora.
Become an Elson Israel Fellow:
We are looking for Israeli scholars to commit to a yearlong fellowship, including a one-week residency in Tulsa. During that time, scholars will engage with our community, write original thought pieces on Israel, Zionism, and Jewish Unity, and lead lectures, discussions, and programs.
Transportation, housing, and stipends are available to each scholar.
Application deadline: January 31, 2025
Questions? Please email: elson@jewishtulsa.org
