World Bnei Akiva

The World Bnei Akiva Youth Movement operates in Jewish communities internationally. The movement has several main goals: A. Preventing assimilation B. Connecting the youth to Jewish community life C. Connecting the youth to Israel - to participation in educational programs in Israel and encouraging aliyah. D. Creating Jewish youth leadership in the Diaspora. The movement has branches in more than 30 countries, operated by local counselors and “shlichim” - young Israeli emissaries who go to the communities for one or two years and sometimes longer. Bnei Akiva graduates in the Diaspora have been immigrating to Israel even prior to the establishment of the state. Members of the movement were partners in the pioneering enterprise in kibbutzim, moshavim, in Gush Emunim and more. Tens of thousands of graduates have immigrated to Israel. Many have held key positions in state leadership, politics, the military, economy, society, and culture. During the Corona period, World Bnei Akiva proved to be a lifeline to the Jewish communities. The youth in the movement took on volunteer initiatives in their communities such as helping and accompanying the elderly in the community. The shlichim found creative ways to continue spreading Jewish education, and preserving the communal atmosphere despite the lockdowns. They also strengthened the connection between young Israelis and youth from around the world through online meetings. Hundreds of young movement members from around the world land in Israel every year, to join World Bnei Akiva’s educational gap year programs known as “Hachshara”, meaning preparation. Some of our members join military preparation programs and do partial and full military service. In recent years, the movement has established additional branches in South America, France, the United States and other countries, connecting more youth to communal Jewry and Israel.