The Garin Tzabar program offers a unique approach to helping young adults succeed in their Aliyah and military service. After several months of intensive seminars, they will make all make Aliyah together, move to a host kibbutz, and spend time learning Hebrew and preparing for the army, before finally enlisting. Throughout their military service, the members of the garin will spend their vacations and free time at their host kibbutz. By the end of Garin Tzabar, the soldiers will have built a network that can help them thrive in their new home as they continue to immerse themselves in Israeli society.

The immigrants who participate in Garin Tzabar come from a wide variety of backgrounds and countries. Some were born in Israel or have parents who were. Some were born Jewish, while others converted. But by the end of their time as a garin, they have much more in common.

“The program has something for everyone,” says Netta Burstein, the program’s educational director. “Someone who came here doubting who they are will discover things about their Judaism, and someone who discovered their Judaism a year before coming to Israel will enjoy [educational] content and life-changing experiences here. On the other hand, there are Israelis who know Israeli society and have a new experience here, encountering the State of Israel with people from all over the world.”