Montclair High School junior Ben Sabin has just returned from participating in an international leadership program in Israel, part of a delegation of 19 teenagers from MetroWest New Jersey.

In total, delegations of Jewish teens from six U.S. communities participated in the selective 15-month Diller Teen Fellows international leadership program.

Tal Gale, Diller Teen Fellows co-director, said the program offers more than the typical Israel experience.

"Our teens are emerging leaders in their own communities who are going to Israel not just to explore their roots, but to continue developing real relationships with their Israeli counterparts," Gale said. "They have the opportunity to have shared experiences and to see first-hand the successes and challenges of diverse Jewish communities."

Sabin was one of 120 North American students who were in Israel between July 18 and August 8.

Through educational workshops, weekend retreats, and the creation and implementation of social service projects in each partner community, the Diller Teen Fellows program empowers participants to be engaged leaders with a strong understanding of their Jewish identity and respect for Jewish pluralism and peoplehood.

More information on the program can be found by going here.