For the first time ever, YJ participants can take part in a unique and exciting new program from Magen David Adom – Mini Course in Jerusalem! Magen David Adom, or MDA, is Israel’s emergency, medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank services, and is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The goal of Mini Course is to train participants to become First Aid responders in their communities, and to connect them to MDA Israel and the local MDA Friends societies. The program combines two very important values: Tikun Olam (repair the world) and saving lives.

This 5 day program will include and introduction and history of MDA, introduction to first aid and basic CPR, meeting and interacting with MDA youth volunteers, getting to experience the MDA rescue and emergency vehicles, vistiing the biggest MDA station in Jerusalem, and meeting with MDA expert officials.

Anyone who wishes to participate in Mini Course must be at least 15 years old.

“Whoever saves a single soul of Israel is as though he has saved the whole world”

Totaling 50 miles, the sea-to-sea hike is no stroll around the block. Learn the geography, history and topography of Israel’s northern landscape while hiking from the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee. After days of incredible hiking, spend nights cooking out and camping under the starry skies on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Congratulations-you’ve enlisted! A week of Gadna (army training) offers you a unique opportunity to experience the Israel Defense Forces while living on an army base. If you can make it through intensive basic training, a pulse-raising physical course and army drills, there’s nothing you can’t do.

Volunteer and make a difference in an Israeli community that needs your help.  Get a chance to work with both young and old, new immigrants, or animals. Spend a week immersing yourself in Israeli life and learn how to bring social action to your home community

Spend your week in the water while experiencing water sports activities and participating in the ultimate team building and adventure activity – Rafsodia! Staying on the shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), the group will spend time working with our experts to build rafts complete with giant sails. On the last day you will board your rafts in competition and sail across the Kinneret.

Boker tov (good morning)! You’ll become a part of kibbutz life while visiting other kibbutzim. Wake up at sunrise to work in the fields, or cook for ten times the number of people who attended your family’s last Passover seder. Gain a genuine understanding of kibbutz life. In between “chores,” relax and enjoy this unique Israeli lifestyle.

In conjunction with The David Project, who’s motto is “Educating Voices for Israel,” participants will spend a week learning how to effectively advocate for Israel in their hometowns and eventual college campuses.  Get a chance to perfect your public speaking skills while delving deeper into Israel’s current political situation and it’s standing in the world.

What better way to learn about the past then by helping to dig it up!  Participants will get to visit important archeological digs around Jerusalem and see firsthand the history of a city that has been around for over 30 centuries.  After spending a week learning from the experts how to safely excavate, who knows what exciting artifacts you can uncover!

Attention music lovers!: Ever been told you have a nice singing voice? Or maybe you are a terrible singer but great at playing an instrument?  Don’t waste your talents – expand them in Israel!  Spend a week going to voice and music workshops, meeting Israeli musicians, going to live music shows, visiting a recording studio – and even making your own recording! This Special Interest Week option is for any musically-inclined participants who want to get a look at the unique Israeli music scene”

Strap on your  gear and find out why the Red Sea is one of the most beautiful dive locations in the world.  Spend 5 days getting scuba certification from professional divers while exploring Eilat, a popular resort destination, busy port, and Israel’s southernmost city.

You will make your placement requests in Israel. Special Interest Week options are subject to change and placement in your first choice is not guaranteed.