Garin Tzabar, a program run by the Friends of the Israel Scouts, inc., was founded in 1991.
Garin, a Hebrew word for “core” or “seed”, is a group of young Jews with a strong connection to Israel, that are interested in coming or returning to Israel from abroad to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The Garin returns to Israel as a group, lives together on a kibbutz where they are "adopted" by a kibbutz family whom serves as their "home away from home" throughout the duration of their army service. The program is largely funded by the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, who has been a partner in this endeavor since its inception.
The program includes 5 seminars throughout the year in which the participants deal with their own personal dilemmas and learn more about joining the IDF. They learn about their duties in the army and their rights as citizens of Israel. Additionally, they create important relationships with peers who will share this experience with them. The seminars are in Hebrew in order to begin practicing the language long before service begins. Therefore, basic knowledge of Hebrew is necessary, although the program works with participants who have lesser knowledge of the language. Participants start the program three months before being enlisted in the army at the beginning of August.
Aims and goals:
Garin Tzabar aims to create a group framework of guidance and support for young Jews and Israelis living abroad who choose to spend a significant time in Israel and to serve in the Israeli army.
Garin Tzabar strives to create a safe environment for a thorough preparation process that includes discussion, questioning and personal reflection prior to the arrival in Israel.
Garin Tzabar offers assistance in the absorption process of both the individual and the group, throughout the program.
Core contents of the program:
• IDF service
• Kibbutz Ulpan
• Tours of different places throughout Israel
What does it include?
• Five preparation seminars in the U.S. in the year prior to departure
• Four months living on a Kibbutz in Israel including full accommodation
• Preparation for army service
• Kibbutz Ulpan
• Tours and seminars in Israel
• Accommodation on the Kibbutz during the army service
Today there are over 400 participants in Garin Tzabar in more than 20 kibbutzim serving in a wide variety of IDF units including most of the elite units. Kibbutz Beerot Yitzchak is hosting its first Garin Tzabar group in 2010 and looks forward to hosting additional groups in the future.