The Israeli academy for leadership Bnei Zion Tel Aviv
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Mission Statement
Develop young leadership based on Jewish, liberal and pluralistic values, in the spirit of the Zionist movement
About This Cause
Mechinat Bnei Zion was founded in Tel-Aviv in 2007, in memory of Ben-Zion Shay-Haddad who died during his military service in 2006. The Mechina was established by his family in central Tel Aviv, with the purpose of developing young leaders and instilling them with Jewish, liberal and pluralistic values, in the spirit of the Zionist movement. The Mechina provides a full-boarding and co-educational, 10-month intensive program, undertaken by 18-year old young men and women following their high school studies and preceding their mandatory national service. Throughout the years, Bnei Zion was recognized by its outstanding social impact, including the establishment of another Mechina for underprivileged students; 'Dor Ledor' organization - an enterprise creating a support system between young and elderly people; and inclusion of students with disabilities. Moreover, Bnei Zion became one of the leading Mechinot in Israel, with more than 400 remarkable graduates from diverse backgrounds, socially active in their communities. However, on April 26th 2018, under the responsibility of the Mechina, a terrible disaster occurred. A flood hit a river where the students were hiking as part of their program, leading to the tragic death of 9 young women and 1 young man. Great mourning and endless sorrow filled the entire country. It was quickly realized that things must change: Bnei Zion's management and Board took responsibility and resigned, and its educational activity was paused for a year to provide time for a real and meaningful rebuilding process; for 'Tikun'. Our rehabilitation process encompasses several activities, including a deep learning effort, reconsideration of core values and mission, improvement of organizational foundations and culture, updated educational program and establishment of honoring memorialization. All activities are done in collaboration with other institutions, to integrate professional knowledge and to actively include external perspectives and multiple opinions. We plan to restore the Mechina with utmost professionalism in all aspects: create an institution that honors the memory of the 10 young people who died; educates excellent and diverse students who are deeply involved in the Israeli society; as well as transform the Mechinot enterprise in Israel through a positive example of excellence in all aspects, leveraging the crisis as a turning point.