Pre-Military Programs - דרך ארץ - תוכניות אופק לנוער וצעירים

Derech Eretz Preparatory Programs offer young people from all sectors of Israeli society the chance to engage in a deep and meaningful experience before their military service, with the goal of creating lasting change in their lives.

Army service assignments are a significant steppingstone in Israelis’ lives, it is akin to University alumni status globally. This period presents a unique opportunity for shaping both personal and social identity, which is why Derech Eretz chose to establish youth leadership programs for Israeli youth from the socio-economic periphery, offering them access to meaningful preparatory programs for military service and adulthood. It paved the way for another 36 half-year programs (called ‘Ofek Programs), 4 of which are operated by Derech Eretz, alongside with 2 year-long programs.

This is our main program, with incredible demands, at about 10 times the available spots. The program guides participants through a process of personal and group empowerment, helping them realize their ability to achieve any goal or overcome any challenge they set for themselves. It combines leadership training, classroom studies, outdoor training, and community service to help participants develop resilience and social responsibility.

The program is open to youth from all walks of Israeli life, fostering a group dynamic that mirrors the diversity of Israeli society. Special emphasis is placed on recruiting youth who are typically not exposed to pre-military programs, as well as those from peripheral areas.

The program is run in a family-like atmosphere, where participants live together, manage their daily routines alongside the staff, and return home for part of the weekends.

Half-Year Programs

We operate four pre-military preparatory programs in the Negev: Nitzana, Khamin, Ashalim, and Mashabei Sadeh. These programs serve as an innovative model in the field of pre-army education. The program does not interfere with the military’s recruitment cycles, as it takes place during a gap period between high school graduation and enlistment, allowing participants to join the IDF in their original recruitment year without the need for a long-term service deferral.

Full Year Programs

In 2019, Derech Eretz established a year-long preparatory program in Arad, and in 2024, following the war, it expanded by launching a program in Ashkelon. These programs offer a 10-month pre-military preparation process for a diverse group of youth, helping to advance equality of opportunity for young people from all sectors of Israeli society. The year-long programs in Arad and Ashkelon place a strong emphasis on social engagement and meaningful volunteer work within the city.

What makes this program unique

What makes this program unique Impact in Numbers

About half of our 18-25 year old alumni were raised in mid-low socio-economic environments, many identify as part of a disadvantaged group.
About 90% of alumni stay in touch with peers, even 8 years after finishing the program.
46% of alumni aged 21+ volunteer (occasionally or regularly), compared to 22% in the general Israeli population (CBS, 2023).
44% of alumni currently in service hold or aspire to command roles, compared to a national average of 2-4% for mid-to-low socioeconomic areas (IDF, 2023)

For the full 2024 Impact Report

A New Opportunity in Ashkelon On 2024 we established a new campus in the city of Ashkelon, in line with our vision of strengthening the Negev. Ashkelon is located a mere 13 km north of the border with the Gaza Strip and is one of the cities most frequently targeted by rockets. Since October 7th, Ashkelon has been severely affected, but unfortunately, due to state regulations, it received little to no state support. We chose to build our new campus in Ashkelon, and took upon ourselves to take part in the struggles of this community, stretching it through our partnership. Over the first year, the ‘Derech Eretz’ participants took part in community building and community service in activities such as mentoring youth, assisting in schools, and supporting seniors. This was the pilot program, with only 25 participants. Establishing the ‘Derech Eretz’ Home in Ashkelon Now, we are chasing a new dream: the first ‘Derech Eretz’ home, a permanent building that would facilitate tens of participants for the next years to come. We are fortunate that a building already exists and that the municipality is welcoming us to the city for the long-term. However, the structure is in need of major repairs, renovation, and equipment in order to convert it to a place of study AND residence. Renovating an existing structure both substantially reduces building costs and minimizes construction waste, in line with our environmentally-friendly practices. We invite you to contribute to the Ashkelon project - strengthening the city and allowing us to scale our impact and put down our roots in the city.

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