“Having known Aardvark Israel Director, Keith Berman, for over 25 years, I can confidently say he is one of the most creative and inspiring educators I have ever met. Any educational project Keith leads is guaranteed to be productive and meaningful for the student. He is a true leader in the field of education. I have no doubt that the Aardvark Israel Gap Year program is bound to be a success as a result of the energy and professionalism that Keith brings to any program he heads.  I would encourage any high school graduate looking for a “gap year” experience to participate in the Aardvark Program.”
- Danny Tuchman
High School Principal, North Broward Preparatory School

"I’m so excited to hear that Keith Berman will continue inspiring our children to love the State of Israel. I have known him for more than thirty years, first as a member of Young Judaea and later as we both attended the Year Course program in Israel in 1984. You have worked arduously with our young Jewish men and women who attended the Year Course program. My son and daughter were among the many attendees who have now become more committed Jews and ardent supporters of the State of Israel, for this I will always be grateful. I’m sure that with your experience and knowledge all your future endeavors related with our Jewish youth will be a total success."
- Joel  Bender
Puerto Rico

“I celebrated Israel’s 60th Birthday in Baku, Azerbaijan, while attending a conference on democracy.  Who would have imagined this scene sixty years ago - a party hosted by an Israeli Ambassador in a majority Muslim country formerly part of the Soviet Union with local Jewish children singing the national anthems of both Azerbaijan and Israel?  The education and inspiration for being Jewish that I gained that day far surpassed all that I learned in Hebrew school.  In our world today, young people need a form of Jewish education well beyond sitting in a Sunday school classroom.  They need to be challenged, learn leadership skills and be inspired.  This is why I was thrilled to hear about a dynamic new program called Aardvark Israel Gap Year!  This program is totally in tune with today's young Jewish adults and offers its participants the chance to grow and explore their Judaism and connection to Israel in a framework that speaks to them.  The program immerses students into Israeli society and challenges them to affect positive change.  Similar to my experience in Azerbaijan, Aardvark Israel offers students the chance to explore the world through a Jewish lens with trips abroad.  Knowing the key staff of Aardvark and having read the materials, I am positive the program will deeply enrich the lives of its students and prepare them to go on to college armed with skills and motivation to become leaders on campus and the Jewish community.  I am proud to support the Aardvark Israel Gap Year program and encourage you to sign up!”
- Susan Turnbull
Former Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
Jewish Community Leader
Bethesda, MD

"I have known Keith Berman for many years and have always been impressed by his passion and zeal when it comes to Israel, Zionism and Judaism.  Keith is an expert in experiential education and truly knows how to bring home a point.  I have full confidence in his ability to provide a quality program for students wishing to immerse themselves in Israeli culture and society.  With this combination of leadership, passion, experience and educational background, as founder of Aardvark Israel, I believe Keith has discovered the equation for an awesome, affordable and achievable Israel gap year program."
- Mindy Lessem Pollack
Education Director, Temple Beth Shalom
Vero Beach, FL

"Keith did an amazing job [as the Director of Young Judaea’s Year Course in Israel] and inspired and changed my outlook on life and Zionism. Thank you for all your hard work and the amazing job you did. I hope that you continue your positive impact on youth."
- Assaf Ben-Atar
New Haven, CT

"Keith Berman is an idealist, an expert Jewish informal educator and somebody who can run a professional, exciting, and stimulating year program with one hand tied behind his back."
- Danny Reed
Former Regional Director of Young Judaea
Former Assistant Director of Education, Year Course in Israel

"Keith, you have my admiration for all the outstanding work you have done over these years....making an indelible impression on each of the staff and students you have touched."  
- Lisa Synalovski
Former Regional Director of Young Judaea