June 17, 2016 – We are pleased to announce today, on what would have been Keith's 50th birthday, the Keith Berman AACI Israel Scholarship Fund has awarded its first two scholarships in Keith's memory to Israel gap year participants. The recipients – Nicole Schutkin, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Aaron Sistare, of Greensboro, North Carolina – will both participate in the Aardvark Israel Gap Year Program for the 2016-2017 academic year.  Aardvark Israel was co-founded by Berman z”l in 2010 and offers participants, ages 17-21, the opportunity to study, volunteer, and explore Israel through 5 and 9 month programs located in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

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The two young adults chosen this year to receive the first Keith Berman AACI Israel Scholarships have distinguished themselves through their passionate commitment to Israel and community involvement. Nicole is an active as a leader in CTEEN (Chabad Teen Network), a volunteer at Friendship Circle, LEAD (Living Everyday Alcohol and Drug Free), and plays rugby.  Aaron is the Vice President of his chapter of BBYO (B’nai Brith Youth Organization) and is an ambassador for Anytown, a social justice program for teens sponsored by the National Conference of Community and Justice.

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Congratulations to Nicole and Aaron!  We wish them the best for an inspiring, educational, and fun experience in Israel!  Through their experience in Israel, Keith's memory and life's work live on.