Who is the program intended for?
One of the leading principles in Nachshon is the heterogeneity of the participants
The program is open to anyone who expresses a genuine desire to take part in the educational process, an interest in the content, and concern for the situation and future of Israeli society.
As far as rules of religious conduct are concerned, the practice in Nachshon is in accordance with that of public bodies such as the IDF.
The period between graduating from high school and enlisting in the army is a one-of-a-kind that won't come around again. For those who decide to make the most of it, this period can serve as a meaningful and transformative break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Israel (elementary school, high school, army, the customary long trip overseas after military service, university studies, career, marriage, children...). For Nachshon participants, this year is an opportunity to take responsibility for their lives: for shaping their image and personality as adults, citizens of Israel and Jews who live in Israel.
The Nachshon program covers an academic year – ten months from September to June. During it the participants face many personal and group challenges. The activities, learning, meeting new and fascinating people, the dynamic and intensive way of life and more – encourage Nachshon participants to develop responsibility, reliability, determination, self-discipline, human relations and self- and group awareness.
Each year about a quarter of the participants come from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. The program also sees great importance in the inclusion of immigrants from the Commonwealth of Independent States (the former Soviet Union) and from Ethiopia as well as Israelis living abroad and members of the Druze community. Nachshon also makes a point of including individuals who are physically, mentally or emotionally unready for civilian life and/or military service, with the aim of empowering them and instilling in them self-confidence in their ability to serve in the IDF, contribute and integrate actively into Israeli society. Their presence in Nachshon is a personal and social challenge for the group, and is a practical test for the individual and the group of the kind that they will encounter in the future in varied social contexts.
We believe that openness, tolerance, pluralism and heterogeneity help to close the various gaps in Israeli society and bring the people living in it together.
