FROM FRACTURE TO FUTURE: REVITALIZING ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT THROUGH EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

JOIN US FOR A GROUNDBREAKING GATHERING OF EDUCATORS & ENTREPRENEURS
JULY 8-10, 2025 | BALTIMORE, MD

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A Unique Collaboration

Educators and their organizations are directly committed to nurturing the next generation of proud Jews who will create thriving Jewish life and community.

Entrepreneurs bring new ideas and visions to life which can be a powerful force for Jewish communal growth.

Collaboratory, in partnership with M², brings these groups together to create a dynamic environment where innovation meets Israel education.

Why it matters

∙ Organizations seeking to shift their strategy to include Israel-related topics post October 7

∙ Organizations desiring a stronger way to navigate differing values held by their Boards of Directors, leadership, and staff

∙ Organizations interested in translating increased interest in Israel-related topics into programming

∙ Organizations seeking to create space for the differing views their constituents hold about Israel

∙ Community leaders who believe there is way for the increasingly polarized and fractured community to work together

Are you an educator, social innovator, community organizer, Director of Education, program coordinator, community leader, or funder who considers any of the above? Collaboratory is for you!

What to Expect

Together, we will explore tangible approaches to Israel engagement based on the real-world rather than theory, focusing on ideas that participants can actually test in educational and community settings.

Collaboratory will provide the space, the people, and the tools. You will each provide the experiences and knowledge that will come together to imagine new paths forward.

Resilience & Growth After October 7, Disruption as a Catalyst for Innovation, New Frontiers in Jewish & Israel Education, The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Educators, Storytelling as a Powerful Educational Tool, Actionable Takeaways, Bridging Educators & Entrepreneurs
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Why it matters

Israel is a complex topic, inspiring and enriching, but also with the potential to polarize and alienate.

Within this reality; we are committed to Israel as a thriving Jewish and democratic State, and we know there are multiple ways to concretize that. The Collaboratory will provide a space for multiple opinions and approaches, with no single “right answer”. Come to ask the questions you fear to ask in other places, to hear opinions you don’t always have access to, and to develop your own convictions and core approach to Israel.

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Event Schedule subject to change. Powered By Whova

Additional Details:

  • What is the cancellation policy?
          • The refund policy allows for:
            • 100% refund available through Thursday, June 5, 2025.
            • After Thursday, June 5, 2025 all fees are non-refundable.

 

  • When is the last day to register for Collaboratory?
        • Thursday, June 5, 2025

  • What is the cost of attending?
        • Thanks to the generous support of Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Crown Family Philanthropies, Jim Joseph Foundation, Maimonides Fund, and Mosaic United, an initiative of Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Collaboratory participation is heavily subsidized. 
        • A $300 registration fee covers a single occupancy hotel room, food, and programming.

 

  • Are hotel accommodations included with registration?
        • Yes, single occupancy rooms are included with registration for check-in Tuesday, July 8th and check-out Thursday, July 10th.

 

  • What meals are included during Collaboratory 2025?
        • Tuesday, July 8:  Dinner
        • Wednesday, July 9: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
        • Thursday, July 10: Breakfast

 

  • Are subsidies available for individuals?
        • Subsidies are available to offset the registration cost of Collaboratory based on transportation expenses or accessibility-related travel needs. 
        • Apply for a travel subsidy by Friday, May 23rd here.
        • Limited funds are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis. 
        • Awards will be distributed in tiers, based on eligible transportation costs directly related to travel to and from the conference (e.g., airfare, train tickets, car expenses).
        • Travel Cost Travel Subsidy Available
          $450-$599 $125 discount on registration cost
          $600-$899 OR for accessibility-related purposes  $225 discount on registration cost
          $900+ $500 travel reimbursement (receipts required)

  • Are conference meals kosher?
        • Yes, all meals served at Collaboratory 2025 will be kosher.

 

  • How will food allergies be accommodated?
        • The Collaboratory team is committed to accommodating any and all dietary needs. Attendees will have the opportunity to indicate their needs during the registration process. If you have any further questions please contact Ari Fernandez, the accessibility coordinator for Collaboratory, at arif@upstartlab.org. Food menus will be shared in advance so that participants may plan appropriately.

 

  • What COVID policies are in place?
        • Testing: We encourage all attendees to take an at-home rapid COVID-19 test before arriving at the event.
        • Masking: Masking is a personal choice. We encourage everyone in attendance to wear masks so that our most vulnerable community members are protected from the effects of COVID-19.
        • By attending an event, you certify that you or a member of your household:
          • Have not been exposed to a confirmed or potential case of COVID-19 within the past 5 days.
          • Have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days. Or, you have received a negative COVID-19 test result, followed 48 hours later by a second negative test, for a total of two tests. (See FDA guidance on testing here)
          • Participants agree to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and inform UpStart if they test positive for COVID-19 within 5 days of the gathering.

 

  • How will accessibility needs be addressed?
        • Participants are encouraged to share any and all accessibility needs with staff during registration so that the Collaboratory staff can plan appropriately. Individual accommodations will only be reviewed by a trusted few staff members, and will be anonymized when shared with the rest of the Collaboratory team. 
        • An accessibility statement will also be shared with participants at least two weeks prior to Collaboratory. This will include information about the space, meals, breaks, etc. Should you have further questions or concerns after the accessibility statement is shared, please contact Ari Fernandez, UpStart DEIJ Manager, at arif@upstartlab.org. 

  • Can multiple people attend from one organization? 
        • Yes! Multiple people from the same organization are welcome to attend Collaboratory. In fact, we encourage organizations to consider bringing up to five team members to allow your team to engage in key conversations together and strengthen your collective vision.

 

  • Will there be transportation provided between the hotel and the airport?
        • No, transportation between the hotel and the airport will not be provided. Information about nearby transportation options, such as taxis, rideshare services, and public transit, will be shared in advance to assist with planning.

 

  • What is the dress code?
      • The dress code for Collaboratory 2025 is casual. We want attendees to feel comfortable and focus on engaging with the community and content.

 

  • I need to book travel - when should I plan to arrive and depart?
        • On-site registration will open on Tuesday, July 8 at 12:00PM ET with the first program at 3:00PM ET.
          Programming will conclude on Thursday, July 10 at 12:00PM ET.
          The hotel is located 15-20 minutes from BWI Airport.

 

  • How can I support Collaboratory 2025?
        • If you’d like to discuss custom sponsorship packages or other ways to support Collaboratory 2025, please contact Aliza Mazor, UpStart’s Chief Philanthropic Engagement Officer. Your support helps make this event a success and fosters innovation and collaboration across the Jewish community.

 

Why it matters

Gain Fresh Insights & Inspiration — Explore how disruption can fuel innovation in Israel engagement.

Develop Practical Tools for Leadership & Communication — Learn strategies to navigate challenging conversations, align organizational messaging, and engage your community with conviction, in relation to Israel.

Turn Ideas into Action — Participate in hands-on workshops, hackathons, and creative labs that translate inspiration into concrete ideas for Israel-related education and engagement.

Expand Your Network & Collaborate — Connect with top educators, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to spark partnerships and collective action beyond the event.

Strengthen Your Personal & Professional Commitment — Leave with a clearer sense of purpose, new perspectives on Israel, and a roadmap for making a meaningful impact in your work and community.

2025
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Collaboratory is made possible by the generous support of Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies; Crown Family Philanthropies; Jim Joseph Foundation; Maimonides Fund; and Mosaic United, an initiative of Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.