The Leaders Programs of the Department for Social Activism bring together key figures for a half-year program of study in a Beit Midrash-style setting. The program draws inspiration from Zionist, Jewish, and universal thought.
As part of the program, participants embark on a journey to the United States to explore the diversity of Jewish denominations in American Jewry and to deepen their exploration of Jewish, Zionist, and Israeli identity.
Mofet – Social Initiatives Accelerator in Memory of Timna Shvekky z”l
A unique program designed to train social entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas to promote social justice and Tikkun Olam, inspired by Herzl’s vision of an exemplary (Mofet) society.
Tsehaye (Sun) – A Leadership Program for Ethiopian-Israeli Women
Tsehaye (Sun) is a social, community and public leadership program for Ethiopian-Israeli women, launched in collaboration with the Department for Social Activism. The program originated as an outstanding initiative from "Mofet," the department's social initiatives accelerator.
he program aims to empower Ethiopian-Israeli women to take active roles in public, social, and political spheres, strengthening their community’s status and advancing equality in Israeli society.
The Seminary for Shared Israeli Leadership
The Seminary for Shared Israeli Leadership, established in partnership with Ma’ase Center and the Association for Shared Israeli Leadership, brings together 18-year-olds from diverse sectors of society—religious and secular, Jewish and Arab, from the periphery and the center. The program fosters co-living experiences, teaching participants to create a shared life while preserving their identities and preparing them to lead a diverse and tolerant Israeli society.
Returning to the Declaration of Independence
The program introduces thousands of students to the values of Israel's Declaration of Independence, emphasizing equality regardless of religion, race, or gender as a core Zionist value. As stated in the Declaration, The State of Israel "will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants." Highlighting the state's democratic foundations, the program reinforces these principles in the next generation. It runs with Mosaic – Educational Center for Ethical Thinking.
Scholarships for Druze Students
he Department strengthens the bond between the Druze community and the Zionist movement by offering scholarships to Druze students studying exact sciences, engineering, and medicine at Israeli universities. This initiative empowers young Druze, fostering their integration into Israel's workforce and society. To date, around 200 scholarships have been awarded through the WZO Scholarship Fund in memory of Rina and Dr. Nissim Levy, in collaboration with the Zionist Druze Movement in Israel.
ICTV – Israeli Connection Through Volunteering
A meaningful volunteering program for older adults from Jewish communities worldwide. The program includes long-term residency and community living in Israel, with volunteer opportunities in areas such as education, environment, and community.
The program offers participants a renewed connection to Israel through hands-on volunteering in local projects, fostering meaningful engagement with the local population.
Celebrating 100 Years of the Third Aliyah
Marking 100 years since the arrival of the Ruslan ship at the Jaffa Port, we launched events to commemorate the centenary of the Third Aliyah (1919–1923), this wave of immigration established key institutions and shaped Zionist history.
The project included a storytelling festival, the "100 First Years" exhibition by the Central Zionist Archives, the "Third Aliyah: New Studies and Perspectives" conference, the "And the Ship Sails" exhibition at the Israel Museum, and more.
Youth Tours of Zionist Sites in Jerusalem
The Department for Social Activism and Tikkun Olam works to bring numerous youth groups to visit Zionist sites in Jerusalem, including the Central Zionist Archives, Mount Herzl, and the Herzl Center, and to participate in their activities. Through this exposure, we aim to connect the broader public with Zionist history and values.
The department is committed to ensuring that every young participant receives top-quality guidance and an enriching educational experience.
TEN Center in Mitzpe Ramon
The TEN Project Volunteer Center hosts young Israeli and Jewish volunteers worldwide for 5 months. They create social change through educational work, desert agriculture and social initiatives in Mitzpe Ramon and nearby Bedouin communities. The program strengthens young Jews' connection to Israel and their shared heritage through meaningful action, emphasizing Jewish identity, Zionist values and Tikkun Olam. The center is a joint initiative of the Department and The Jewish Agency.
Summer Camps for Healthcare Workers' Children During the COVID-19 Crisis
During the COVID-19 crisis, the department launched informal educational programs for the children of healthcare workers, allowing them to provide medical care while ensuring their children were cared for.
The project, in collaboration with local authorities and youth movements, operated at five hospitals nationwide. Participating movements included HaShomer HaTzair, Dror Israel, HaMahanot HaOlim, and Tnuat Tarbut.
"The Department for Special Objects" – A Children's TV Series for 120 Years of Zionism
The comedic TV series was created to celebrate 120 years of Zionism and Israel’s 70th Independence Day. A collaboration between the Department for Social Activism and Educational Television, it focuses on a fictional department at the Central Zionist Archives. Through its humorous staff and their interactions with historical artifacts, it teaches young viewers about key events in Zionist history. Most of the featured objects are housed in the Central Zionist Archives, overseen by the department.
