Center for Israel Studies Resources
Internships
2026 Internship at the Joint Distribution Committee Archives - JDC (NYC)
Center for Israel Studies - JDC Archives Summer Internship:
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Preference and priority are given to minors in Israel studies.
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), a leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization established in 1914, seeks an intern to work in summer 2026. The Archives internship provides the opportunity to learn about archival research as well as archival arrangement, description, and preservation. Students will gain hands-on experience working with historians and archivists to describe historical materials for research use. Opportunities vary by semester.
The JDC Archives is one of the world’s most important repositories for the study of modern Jewish history and of American humanitarian intervention. To learn more about the JDC Archives, visit our website and find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook!
For Summer 2026, the following projects are expected:
- Create a study/research guide of the material we have on the Yishuv in our collection to be published online (similar to The Odyssey of the S.S. Exodus | JDC Archives)
- Participate in a project focused on the opening of the JDC’s Jerusalem office in 1976, which may include compiling background materials or contributing to a blog post.
- Dependent on time, there is potential to work with the Film and Photo Archivist on cataloging images from Israel during the 1950s-1960s. There are at least 1,000 photographs from this time period.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS GAINED
You will gain:
- Familiarity with archival concepts
- Familiarity with archival research techniques
- Insights into 20th century Israeli history and JDC’s history
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Faculty recommendation from Binghamton University Center for Israeli Studies
- Current or previous coursework in Jewish Studies and/or Jewish History
- Strong interest in archives, librarianship, or Jewish history
- Ability to bend, reach, and lift up to 30 lbs. Occasionally, up to 10 lbs. regularly
- Ability to read words and numbers
- Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment
- Ability to communicate in person or over the telephone
PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work on one’s own and as part of a team
- Ability to ask clarifying questions, troubleshoot, and solve problems
- Proficiency with common computer applications (MS Office Suite, etc.)
- Familiarity with Hebrew is an asset
LOCATION:
Typically, the intern will work at JDC’s New York headquarters in midtown Manhattan and at its climate-controlled offsite facility in Long Island City where some of the collection is stored. Remote work is a possibility.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Employment Type: Part Time
Hours: 12-20 hours a week, between the hours of 8:45AM – 4:45PM. Schedule dependent on intern availability.
Location: New York, NY
Reports to: Deputy Director of the JDC Global Archives
Job Function/Department: Archives
Expected/Preferred start date: To be determined - typically open as semester or summer programs
Why work at JDC?
- The People - What we hear most from our team members is that they enjoy working with others who share their passion for doing good; Our staff aim to use their skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others
- A Global Environment – you will have the opportunity to develop a global perspective, working with staff from the U.S., Israel, the Former Soviet Union, and all over the world
- Tikkun Olam – This Jewish value of “repairing the world” is deeply important to us. Collectively we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others
Equal Employment Opportunity
JDC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As the world’s leading global Jewish humanitarian organization, we are committed to treating people with compassion and respect. All qualified applications will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, mental disorder, familial status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
About JDC
Join The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. JDC works in around 70 countries and in Israel to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and help Israel overcome the social challenges of its most vulnerable citizens, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Our reach extends beyond the global Jewish community by providing immediate relief and long-term development support for victims of natural and man-made disasters worldwide.
JDC has over 100 years of experience providing social and humanitarian services to Jewish people. You can learn more about JDC at www.jdc.org.
Journals and Links to Centers
At Binghamton
Center for Middle East and North African Studies Program
Journal: Israel Studies (Binghamton Only)
Journal: Journal of Israeli History (Binghamton Only)
Journal: Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution (Binghamton Only)
Journal: Israel Journal of Health Policy Research (Binghamton Only)
Centers for Israel Studies
Schusterman Center for Israel Studies @ Brandeis University
Taub Center for Israel Studies @ New York University
Institute for Israel Studies @ University of Texas
Libraries, Archives, Texts
Ben-Yehuda Project (Hebrew): Archive of Modern Hebrew writings, including early Zionist thinkers (i.e., Ahad Ha'Am), poets, philosophers, et. al.
Israel Antiquities Authority Scientific Archive 1919-1948 (English): The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) archive entered the government project of "intensifying national foundations and heritage", with the aim of preserving and digitizing the British Mandatory section. The digitations project includes, first and foremost, the physical preservation of the different files, which include hand and typewritten texts, photographs, maps and plans that appear on a variety of papers, including greaseproof, rice, stencils and others.
Other Resources
Israel Institute
The Israel Institute works in partnership with leading academic, research and cultural
institutions to enhance knowledge and study of modern Israel in the United States
and around the world. Founded in 2012 as an independent, nonpartisan organization
based in Washington, DC, the Institute supports scholarship, research and exchanges
to build a multi-faceted field of Israel Studies and expand opportunities to explore
the diversity and complexity of contemporary Israel.
The Abraham Path is a long-distance walking trail across the Middle East. The path retraces the journey of Abraham, the legendary ancestor of over half of humanity, who is known for his hospitality and kindness toward strangers.
The Abraham Path Initiative (API) is an international organization cultivating the development of the path along with local and international partner organizations. The initiative is a non-profit, non-religious and non-political organization.
Ben Gurion University Hebrew Literature Archives
Heksherim – the Research Institute for Jewish and Israeli Literature and Culture – is leading the way, building a broad-based collection of archival materials. The growing archives already include the works of internationally renowned authors such as Amos Oz, Aharon Appelfeld, Yehuda Amichai, Ruth Almog, David Avidan, Yocheved Bat-Miriam, David Schutz and Nissim Aloni.
The archives aim to preserve the original and collateral materials of multiple writers "in context" while providing an atmosphere conducive to research. The rich and varied collection offers visitors rare access to an entire generation of Israeli writers, providing a glimpse into their creative processes.