Carmel Dreamers

Carmel Dreamers brings teens from Haifa and Boston together through entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership experiences at JCC Greater Boston. This program runs through June 2026.

Carmel Dreamers Registration

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Inspiring the Next Generation of Israeli and American Teen Leaders

Carmel Dreamers is a transformative initiative that brings together Jewish and Druze high school students from Haifa with Jewish high school students from Boston. Designed for high school students, this unique program runs through June 2026 and fosters intercultural understanding, lasting friendships, and the development of skills that prepare participants to become thoughtful, compassionate leaders in a diverse world.

Through structured virtual exchanges, in-person activities, and immersive cultural experiences, students explore shared values and differing perspectives, engage in meaningful dialogue, and gain critical tools in communication, empathy, and social responsibility.

This program is made possible with the support of CJP.

Building Connections

Online Dialogues

Students from Boston and Haifa meet virtually for facilitated conversations. These sessions create space for open, respectful discussion around culture, identity, and current events—strengthening global awareness and mutual understanding. As the year progresses, students deepen their relationships and take part in more complex discussions around identity, equity, and coexistence.

Local Team Building (Boston)

Boston-based participants gather in person throughout the year for cultural, educational, and recreational activities. These events help build community among local participants and lay the foundation for hosting and deeper engagement.

Spring Delegation to Boston

In Spring 2026, a group of Jewish and Druze students from Haifa will travel to Boston for a six-day immersive experience. Hosted by local teens and their families, the visiting students will:

• Participate in joint programming with their Boston peers
• Explore diverse religious and cultural communities across the city—including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim organizations
• Engage in meaningful, face-to-face dialogue that brings their virtual connection to life

Program Goals

• Celebrate Diversity
  • Promote appreciation for both shared values and cultural uniqueness within and across communities.

• Foster Dialogue
  • Encourage honest, respectful communication about identity, culture, and global issues.

• Build Empathy and Active Listening Skills
  • Help students understand different perspectives and strengthen their ability to listen with compassion.

• Develop Critical Thinking
  • Support participants in navigating complex social issues with nuance and insight.

• Promote Social Responsibility
  • Inspire teens to become changemakers in their communities by promoting equity, inclusion, and understanding.

By connecting teens across cultures and borders, the Boston-Haifa Teen Partnership prepares the next generation to lead with empathy, curiosity, and a deep commitment to building a more inclusive world.

Program cost: $360 (please do not let cost be a barrier to participation - contact Leah at teens@jccgb.org with any questions)

Meet the Team

Ellie Fromstein

Assistant Director, Teen Engagement

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Ellie Fromstein

Assistant Director, Teen Engagement

Ellie Fromstein is a Jewish educator passionate about making Judaism accessible and digestible within Jewish communities. As the Assistant Director of Teen Engagement, Ellie helps to design and implement the strategy behind teen programming. She holds a degree in Psychology and Jewish Studies, with focuses on Hebrew and Holocaust history, and is dedicated to using her education to foster communities built on lifelong learning and growth. Ellie believes in empowering people to take ownership of their Jewish journeys and identities. 

Ellie’s career began on campus with Hillel at Penn State and Boston University, where she served as an Israel Educator and Birthright professional. She has led immersive Israel experiences and guided students through challenging moments on campus, including the COVID pandemic and the aftermath of October 7. Through this work, Ellie focused on creating positive, engaging, and supportive experiences for diverse communities. 

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