Derech Eretz
Derech Eretz establishes and operates pluralistic social-educational leadership programs in the Negev for Israeli youth and young adults. Founded in 2011, Derech Eretz’s bottom-up initiative intends to minimize social gaps while creating engaged citizens, and, ultimately, building resilience for Israeli society, especially among Israel’s youth who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Our Vision
To bring about change that will foster a cohesive society based on a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility among Israel’s diverse populations.
We educate the younger generation towards values of equality, tolerance, responsibility, appreciation of humanity, and love of our country – Israel.
Fulfilling the Vision
Derech Eretz is fulfilling its vision by creating a multi-year, holistic, in-depth process that supports and accompanies its participants throughout a significant period of their lives, from the end of their high-school studies to their adult lives, spanning the significant junctures of young adult life in Israel. We empower them to build their individual, collective and national identity to strengthen them and our society.
Our Programs
Youth Leadership Programs social-educational programs for high school graduates: Derech Eretz completely changes the life trajectory of Israeli youth, steering them in the right direction at a time when they are making decisions that will impact their future.
We operate four half-year programs (“Ofek” programs) in the Negev; in Kmehin, Ashalim, Nitzana, and Mashabei Sadeh, as well as two year-long programs, in Arad and Ashkelon.
All of our participants spend a substantial amount of their time volunteering to help strengthen civil society and are part of the force that is rebuilding and rehabilitating our country.
Term of Service Support provided for all program graduates while they serve the country. This includes workshops at crucial points in their IDF development and one-on-one guidance and support. The need for this program has grown significantly over the past two years.
Young Adult Programs
Derech Eretz is continually mapping out the needs of our alumni, and identified the need for guidance and assistance as young adults transition into adult, civilian life. We offer 2 unique programs: Avnei Derech [Benchmarks] exposes young adults to future options and eases the transition into adulthood while Derech Hanegev [The way of the Negev (southern Israel)] connects young adults who would like to work in education with teaching positions in Ramat HaNegev, providing the educational framework and community for each cohort. We encourage and mentor the next generation of educators.
Alumni Network
A supportive, active community which leverages our alumni’s experience in Derech Eretz for their life beyond their military service, to benefit of its members and to benefit Israeli society. Events are held throughout the year, for all our alumni, and we encourage projects initiated by and for our community.
One example for a project initiated by alumni and supported by Derech Eretz is ‘Sayeret Mishehu” (Someone Unit). Sayeret Mishehu started as a way to commemorate the memory of Evyatar and Roee, two alumni who were killed on the battlefield. When a person starts the question “can someone..?”, they were the first to volunteer and offer help. In honor of their spirit, the project promotes volunteering for communities in need, such as kindergartens in the Gaza Envelope, hospitalized patients, and more.
Target Population – A Pluralistic Approach
Derech Eretz’s programs are open and accessible to ALL Israeli youth and young adults who come to us from across the country, from a variety of backgrounds that mirror the populations of Israel.
Every year, our educational staff enjoys watching how open dialogue, intense experiences, and joint learning lead these heterogeneous groups to develop mutual respect for one another and for their surroundings. Being able to overcome differences at Derech Eretz gives us hope that we can do the same in the Israeli society.
Scope of activity
In 2011 we began with 23 participants in one program. In 2024-25 we have close to 300 participants in multiple programs on 6 campuses across the Negev. We have over 1,500 alumni.
For more information, please contact us:
development@derecheretz.org.il
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/derech-eretz/
YouTube Derech Eretz – YouTube
Jgive Derech Eretz – Social Online Fundraising | JGive
