Renovating Migdalor

Migdalor is a pre-military preparatory academy (“mechinah”) for social leadership, that was opened in 2016, in memory of fallen brothers Naval officer Second Lt. Barak, and combat pilot Major Amichai Itkis. In the Fall of 2022, we also opened a girls’ branch, which commemorates fallen combat pilot Lt. Col. Itay Zeiden. Our main goal in Migdalor is to prepare youths from all over the social spectrum for a meaningful military service, helping them later become leading citizens who contribute to society and the country. Our mechinah strengthens the trainees’ sense of belonging to Israel, while providing practical tools to boost their confidence and their self esteem. One of our main teaching tools is the sea. Through sailing, surfing, rowing, and swimming, our cadets learn teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. On land our young men and women trek our beautiful country, learning about its people and heritage, its geography and topography. They volunteer on a regular basis, learn about the values of Zionism and love of this country. Now, more than ever, there is a true Israeli need for a place that gives everyone an equal opportunity, that changes lives and allows everyone to reach their full potential, on way to a meaningful military service. For us to continue on our mission, receive next year’s cadets in enveloping surroundings, give them a home and a place where they can feel safe and motivated, we must renovate the structure of our boys' branch. While our mechinah is a rigorous and demanding program, we are also a family. At Migdalor no one goes unnoticed - ever! Migdalor is our youths’ home even after they graduate and are waiting to join the IDF; it’s their home when they get a weekend off; and it’s their haven when they just need a place to rest for a while. So what makes us different than other pre-military programs? First off, our cadets do not pay for their time with us, as we wish to give an equal opportunity to everyone wishing to experience a year at Migdalor. In other words, we rely mainly on donations. In addition, we are the only “mechinah” in Israel that uses naval activities as its main educational tool. The counselor-cadet ratio at Migdalor is 1 to 10 (in other programs the ratio is closer to 1:30). It’s important to us that our trainees be in close contact with the team, receiving personal and long-term support, not only during their year in the mechinah, but also during their military service and well into civilian life. The Migdalor building, where our kids spend most of their time, has been active 24/7 for several years. Students, graduates, instructors, lectures, activities, cooking, eating… You name it! No wonder it’s in dire need of an immediate and extensive renovation. And this is where you come in. Only with your help can we get this important project off the ground. Renovating Migdalor will enable us to continue giving a home to more teenagers and work together towards one goal: an equal opportunity for everyone, year after year.