Merkaz Tzair (Youth Center)

Recognizing the intense need to help recently arrived Ethiopians in local absorption centers, in 2009 Atid Bamidbar launched the Merkaz Tzair (Youth Center) program. Merkaz Tzair brings together young leaders aged 18-19, from diverse backgrounds, who are in pre-army programs in the Negev, to run a mutually rewarding program for both the young volunteers and the Ethiopian immigrant children and families in two Beer Sheva absorption centers. Participating staff consists of 20 secular and religious volunteers in pre-army preparatory programs in the Negev. Trained by Atid Bamidbar's professional staff, these young people organize and run activities for 390 new immigrants, 130 children and their 260 parents, in the Kalisher and Haruv Absorption Centers in Beer Sheva.