פרויקטים פעילים

Brothers and Sisters for Israel is committed to developing a new generation of responsible leaders dedicated to advancing the democratic values of Israeli society. So we are collaborating with the leadership-building Hechalutz Movement which operates pre-military preparatory programs and gap-year services offering high school graduates a unique educational framework.

The program, which combines studies, preparation for military service, and meaningful social activity, is designed to infuse the young leaders with a deep understanding of Zionism, liberal democracy, and social justice, while fostering a strong connection to their communities through social action. Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic studies, preparation for military service, and meaningful community involvement. The program includes team-building activities, volunteer work in communities impacted by the war, and educational tours. It is currently running in several locations throughout Israel.

Now, more than ever, when the country is experiencing political, social, moral and economic crisis, this framework addresses the critical need for young, responsible leadership, nurturing graduates who will play key roles in the IDF and guide Israeli society toward a brighter future.

BSI recognizes that the key to Israel’s future is cultivating a new generation of young Israelis who are caring, proactive, and engaged.

So, how do you inspire young people to embrace social responsibility and become active contributors to society?  

BSI's approach is to provide transformative experiences that strengthen young people’s Israeli identities and demonstrate that every individual has the capacity to make a meaningful impact.

This is the backbone of “Bishvilenu” (“Our Journey”), an immersive three-day experience designed for young people aged 14-16 to explore their personal identity through the lens of Israel's Declaration of Independence. The program strengthens students' sense of belonging and boosts their confidence, all while encouraging active social engagement.

Throughout the trip, participants explore key foundational values such as freedom, justice, and personal responsibility. They reflect on their individual values and how they connect to their role as active contributors to a democratic society.

“Bishvilenu” was developed by BSI in collaboration with Pardes, an organization specializing in democracy education. Alongside learning about Israel's democratic values, the program also includes team-building and outdoor activities that promote a strong sense of belonging, fostering a long-term commitment to shaping Israel’s future.

At the conclusion of the program, participants sign a declaration of independence, committing to carry forward the mission of shaping a just and fair Israeli society. Asked to sum up the experience, one student said “Now we realize just how important our role is as the future of this country.”

• How do you foster stability for young children after they are forced to leave their homes overnight?
• How can evacuated families even begin to adjust to their new situation if their children have no routine?
• Is it possible to create a space amid the chaos and uncertainty of emergency for children to be children?

These are the questions that ran through the minds of BSI volunteers at their Tel Aviv HQ soon after October 7.

The volunteers had been tasked with tackling a pressing issue relayed from the evacuee centers – dire lack of structure for preschoolers. After putting their professional heads together and visiting an evacuee center and hearing from evacuees, they knew what they needed to do: Provide stable, joyful spaces for learning and play for preschoolers affected by the war. In other words, creating kindergartens to act as safe havens for youngsters and provide an anchor of routine for all the family.

Within a few months BSI had established 160 kindergartens for displaced children across Israel. Developed by design and pedagogy experts with input from teachers and communities, these spaces proved to be much more than places to learn and play. Rather they became hubs of stability, resilience and hope for children, families, and staff, amid intense uncertainty and fear.

What began as a “tower and stockade” like effort, evolved into a pedagogical design program that creates an optimum environment for children to flourish, and empowers staff to build and fulfil their educational vision.

As evacuees began to return, this “renovation-come-community-building process has proved to be just as crucial. BSI is working in the north and the south with local educational teams to redesign spaces according to community values and needs.

The revitalized kindergartens serve as magnets attracting families by fostering a renewed sense of belonging and shared commitment for community rebuilding.   For example in one returning southern moshav, within a month of the kindergarten opened, registration had tripled. It literally brought families home.  The impact extends to educators—majority of whom were also displaced—by motivating them to restart, heal, and shape the future of their communities.

In response to the October 7th attacks and the ongoing war, BSI provided vital support to all impacted Israelis, including the Bedouin community in the Negev. Our efforts involved delivering food, medical care, and creating safe spaces for affected families. This emergency response strengthened connections between BSI volunteers and the community, highlighting an opportunity to work together for the long-term, aligning with our commitment to fostering an inclusive Israeli society.

Discussions with partner organizations highlighted the empowerment of Bedouin youth as a key focus for our efforts. BSI runs educational and social initiatives aimed at leadership and integration into Israeli society -- essential for youth empowerment. Bedouin youth face challenges such as limited Hebrew proficiency and a shortage of Hebrew-speaking educators, which restrict their access to higher education and job markets. They deserve leadership development opportunities equal to those of their Jewish peers.

BSI's programs include:

· Small group Hebrew language discussions: Led by BSI volunteers, these sessions enhance Bedouin high school students' conversational Hebrew through practical experience.

· Educational leadership program with Desert Stars: This program supports five matriculation units while developing leadership skills and fostering cross-cultural interactions.

• “Identity Journeys”: These      excursions help Bedouin youth build resilience and deepen their      self-identity.

· Jewish youth visits to Bedouin communities: This initiative fosters awareness and mutual interaction, bridging cultural divides between the two societies.

By fostering leadership and facilitating the integration of Bedouin youth into Israeli society, these programs aim to cultivate active citizens who will lead their community’s development. This process also deepens their sense of belonging, encouraging greater integration and stronger contributions to Israel's future.

BSI is committed to investing in young leaders who take responsibility for their communities and help build a stronger, more resilient Israeli society.

Torenu (meaning "our turn") – a partnership with Dror Israel – is one example of how we are empowering young adults to play an active role in Israel’s recovery and renewal. Through this initiative, groups of young professionals (ages 25-35) move to communities deeply affected by war in the Gaza border region and northern Israel -- and commit to working in education, therapeutic professions, and community development work. Their presence not only fills urgent needs in these regions but also strengthens community resilience by fostering a culture of service and shared responsibility.

Participants live together in communal housing, creating a supportive environment that blends meaningful work with a rich community life. Learning sessions, shared Shabbat celebrations, trips, and seminars deepen their engagement, while mentorship and internal leadership teams help develop their skills as changemakers.

The program is already making an impact, with thriving groups in the western Negev’s Eshkol and Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Councils. Building on this success, BSI is working to expand the initiative to additional locations in both southern and northern Israel, ensuring that more communities benefit from the leadership and commitment of these young professionals.

By engaging young people in purposeful work and shared living, BSI is cultivating a new generation of active citizens -- individuals who will continue to strengthen Israel’s social fabric and play a vital role in shaping a value-driven future.