Tzofim Garin Tzabar Program Thrives in 2022
Edited by: TJVNews.com
The year 2022 has been a busy one for the Tzofim Garin Tzabar, a program funded by the Israeli scouts (Tzofim), which supports young Jewish adults as they make Aliyah and serve in the Israeli Defense Forces as Lone Soldiers. The program has continued to thrive, with more than 1,000 Lone Soldiers of Garin Tzabar serving in the IDF at any given time.
According to Tomer Schorr, Director of Tzofim Garin Tzabar, this year, over 200 Jewish young adults from North America (and a total of 400 members around the globe) joined the program.
“We have seen a great interest in the program, with young Jewish adults from all over the world wanting to make Aliyah and serve in the IDF,” he said. “With the support of the Ministry of Aliyah and integration, the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Defense, Tzofim Garin Tzabar provides a comprehensive support system for these individuals, helping them to adjust to life in Israel and navigate the military structure.”
The majority of their soldiers this year are from California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida. Of these draftees, 55% are women and 45% are men. The organization places soldiers in over 40 different army units, with 30% serving as officers and commanders.
Additionally, 18% of female soldiers in Garin Tzabar serve in combat roles, significantly higher than the national average of 5.5%. According to the Ministry of Aliyah, 80% of Garin Tzabar participants continue living in Israel for at least the first five years after their service in the IDF, and 30% of their families make Aliyah after them.
Upon arriving in Israel, Garin Tzabar participants take part in ulpan Hebrew studies, educational tours, and an introduction to the various positions available within the military. They are also adopted by Israeli communities, which serve as their “home away from home” during their service.
Schorr believes these communities have been invaluable in helping Lone Soldiers adapt to their new lives in Israel.
“The sense of belonging and community that our participants’ experience is truly special,” he said. “It’s not just about providing a place to live and eat, but about creating a real sense of family for these young adults who are so far from home.”
In addition to the support provided by their communities, Garin Tzabar participants also receive a range of practical assistance, including help with finding housing and employment after their military service is complete.
“We understand that making Aliyah to Israel and serving in the IDF is a big undertaking, and we want to make sure that our participants have all the support they need to succeed,” said Schorr.
Looking to the future, Schorr is confident that the Garin Tzabar program will continue to thrive and support even more Lone Soldiers as they make Aliyah and begin their military service. “We’re dedicated to helping young Jewish adults make a successful transition to life in Israel and serving in the IDF,” he said. “I’m excited to see what the next year brings and to continue supporting our participants on their journey.”
