How it all started

Lives in Otniel with his wife Shlomit and their five children. A former combat officer in the Nahal Brigade and currently a reserve battalion commander in the Etzioni Brigade. Holds a BA in Education from Herzog College and an MA in Political Science from Bar-Ilan University. With over a decade of experience in informal education, he has worked with at-risk youth, Ethiopian-Israeli teens, and youth from the Bedouin community. Most recently, he led a national youth leadership program with the “Aharai!” organization. In his free time, you can find him diving in the aquarium at the Zoo.

Father to Ela. A reserve infantry officer in the Paratroopers Brigade. Holds a BA in Human Resources and Economics from Sapir College and an MBA from ACE University in Romania. Certified in Business Management Education from Ben-Gurion University. Brings extensive operational and management experience from both the business and public sectors, including informal education. Adib also lectures on management at the Government Employees’ College.

Married to Stav and mother of Arbel, Hadas was born, raised, and still lives in Jerusalem—a true ‘Yerushalmit’. She holds a BA in Psychology and Comparative Literature, and served as a psychological warfare officer in the IDF, earning a commendation from the Head of the Intelligence Directorate. With over a decade in branding and marketing, she worked as a brand strategist at one of Israel’s top firms and later served as CMO of the food-tech startup 7th Heaven (Panda) Chocolate. An LGBTQ rights advocate, Hadas was part of the core team behind the Jerusalem Pride for years and volunteered with LGBTQ youth. She sits on the Board of Directors of Survivors of Sexual Assault Advocacy Group (SSVAG). She’s played soccer since she was five—and you’ll still find her out on the fields of Jerusalem, chasing balls after work.

Jared White, originally from Dunedin, Florida, is a seasoned Jewish community leader with over 20 years of experience in Israel and abroad. A proud alumnus of Young Judaea, he holds a B.E. in Education from David Yellin College, Jerusalem. Jared is passionate about strengthening Jewish identity and building Israel-Diaspora connections. A Master Gunnery Sergeant in the IDF reserves, he served as a lone soldier and combat commander in the Paratroopers. He co-founded and is a current board member of The Lone Soldier in Memory of Michael Levin and was honored with the IDF Leadership Ribbon in 2022. Jared previously served as Partnership Director for Ramat HaNegev and Assistant Director at UConn Hillel, advancing Israel education, Jewish pluralism, and interfaith dialogue. A father of three and member of Kibbutz Revivim, Jared is an avid outdoorsman who loves trail running, hiking, and cooking his famous “poyke” stew on family camping trips in the Negev.

Partner to Avi, raised between the sands of Gush Katif and the hills of Judea, now living in Nitzana. A lifelong educator with deep roots in experiential and outdoor education. One of the first mentors in the “Melach Ha’aretz” pre-army program, and has since been involved in founding “Shachar” and “Alma” mechinot. Founded and managed “Tikkun Olam,” a community-based arts and crafts studio in Yeruham. A group facilitator and pedagogue, she holds a BA in Culture, Creativity, and Production with a focus on visual arts. Recently began her journey as an independent artist.

Holds a BA from the Open University and is currently pursuing an MBA. Born in the Negev and raised across Israel—from the Galilee to Waldorf education systems. Since completing her military service, she has worked in the third sector for over 12 years in a range of social and youth-focused roles, with a taste of experience in the business world. Passionate about empowering young adults (18+), she leads and mentors youth through volunteering and work programs.

Married to Tehila and father to Gefen, Shaked, and Neta. Grew up in Ashkelon, now living in Shlomit. A former Givati reconnaissance officer and founding member of the elite Rimon unit. Holds a BA in Law. Worked as a parliamentary advisor in the Knesset and, in recent years, has focused on educational leadership within the “Aharai!” organization.

Married to Eyal and mother of Peleg and Kerem. Former welfare officer in the Golani Brigade. Holds a BA in Education, Sociology, and Anthropology from Ben-Gurion University and an MA in Education Policy & Administration from the Hebrew University. Grew up in Srigim and now lives in the Nitzana Educational Village. Previously led educational programs at Beit Prat and founded the "Ten Days of Gratitude" initiative.

An educator and outdoor guide, Tal has led a variety of educational programs and previously managed the largest therapeutic horse farm in Israel. He is also the owner of a tourism company.

34 years old, originally from Tel Aviv. In recent years, she has worked in the field of education, focusing on programs for diverse populations and marginalized communities.

Architect and graduate of Tel Aviv University. A creative therapist, group facilitator, teacher of philosophy and Hasidut, and active student at various Torah institutions. A social activist within the LGBTQ+ community in Lod, paratrooper and reserve officer. Above all—a 33-year-old child still discovering the wonders of the world. Eldest son of Aviv and Noa. Born in Jerusalem, raised in the Golan Heights.

A 32-year-old Jerusalem native, Michal has dedicated her career to informal education. She holds a BA in Psychology and Education and an MA in Organizational Management. Over the years, she has held leadership roles in the Yehuda team, guided in the Scouts movement, and led employment and career programs for youth in Jerusalem.

Married to Adi, father of four. A native of Susya, where he still lives today. Holds a BA in Education and has worked for 16 years in various educational programs, including Israeli Journey, the Zoharim Youth Village, Rabin High School in Be’er Sheva, and more.

Passionate about people, deeply rooted in Israeli society and Jewish identity. Bar lives in Moshav Kochav Michael. She holds a BA in Government and Diplomacy and an MA in Public Policy. During her military service, she served as an officer in Unit 8200. In recent years, she worked at the Ministry of Defense, where she promoted a variety of social initiatives.

28 years old, Tal grew up in Pisgat Ze'ev, Jerusalem, and now lives in Kibbutz Harel. He loves to write, read, and play music.

Raised in Kiryat Arba and educated at the Susya Yeshiva High School, Yochai served as a combat soldier and officer in the Paratroopers Brigade, Battalion 890, and continues to serve as a company commander in the reserves. He has extensive experience in IDF preparatory programs and informal education through the “Aharai!” organization. He holds a BA in Social Work. Yochai is married to Tal Orot and is the proud father of Reut and Yael.

Lives in Ashlim with her daughter. Originally from Bnei Ayish. Served in the IDF as a fighter jet technician. A certified payroll accountant and senior bookkeeper.

Originally from Moshav Mesilat Zion, Omer has a background in education and tour guiding. She was a youth counselor and a tour guide with Israeli Journey. At Derech Eretz, she served as a guide at the Kmehin campus and at the Jerusalem Center. She currently lives in Be’er Sheva.

Michal is a surfer, married to Or and mother to Lofan and Alma. She grew up in Mitzpe Ramon and now lives in Shizaf with her family. A graduate of Ein Prat’s Mechina in Kfar Adumim, she served as an officer in the IDF’s Gaza Division and the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. She holds a BA in Social Work with a focus on youth and young adults from Ben-Gurion University. In recent years, she served as a mental health officer and worked with NATAL (Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center) supporting individuals dealing with post-trauma. Today, Michal is a social worker, group facilitator, and emotional guide for participants in Derech Eretz’s mechinot programs. She brings a therapeutic mindset and emotional depth to her work.

Born in Jerusalem and now living in Be’er Sheva, Moriah is a student of Middle Eastern Studies and Israeli Politics at Ben-Gurion University. A yoga teacher and outdoor educator, she completed a year of service at Shomer HaChadash and served in the IDF’s Givati Brigade as an education NCO and a public diplomacy officer on Mount Gilboa. After her military service, she guided in the “Amakim” Mechina and traveled across Europe. Moriah loves working with people, walking alongside them, learning, and growing together.

Born in Jerusalem and now living in Be’er Sheva, Moriah is a student of Middle Eastern Studies and Israeli Politics at Ben-Gurion University. A yoga teacher and outdoor educator, she completed a year of service at Shomer HaChadash and served in the IDF’s Givati Brigade as an education NCO and a public diplomacy officer on Mount Gilboa. After her military service, she guided in the “Amakim” Mechina and traveled across Europe. Moriah loves working with people, walking alongside them, learning, and growing together.