At a time when we are all looking for creative ways to help teenagers disconnect from their screens and engage in meaningful activities, the Israel Association of Community Centers’ Derech Eretz Program, led by the Department for Children, Youth and Young Adults, is doing exactly that — with inspiring results across the country. The program operates in more than 65 local authorities throughout Israel and reaches nearly 15,000 teenagers from all sectors and religious backgroun

Approximately 180 participants and staff members from IACC’s Re’im Program came together for a special summer event at Migdal Tzedek National Park in Rosh HaAyin. The event was a joint initiative of IACC’s Department for People with Disabilities and the Sports and Healthy Lifestyle Department, in partnership with Telma – Families of Champions. The collaboration reflects a shared approach that sees physical activity, meaningful leisure and social connection as essential elemen

The annual summer event of Mehubarim, IACC’s program for French olim, was recently held at its first stop in Jerusalem, bringing together approximately 1,200 immigrant children and parents. The Mehubarim Program provides children and young people from French-speaking immigrant families with a supportive informal framework, helping them integrate into Israeli society and develop a stronger sense of community and belonging.

The annual conference of IACC’s Youth Mentoring Program was recently held with the participation of approximately 600 mentors from across Israel. Operated on behalf of the Ministry of Education, the program provides individual and group mentoring to young people from the Haredi community during important transition periods between educational institutions.

Coordinators from the Re’im Program, together with the program’s national director and district facilitators, recently gathered at the NINA Center in Herzliya for the program’s annual professional development conference. Re’im operates social belonging groups for teenagers and adults on the autism spectrum and people with complex learning disabilities. Through professionally facilitated group activities, the program creates opportunities to develop social relationships, stren

Yomala, IACC’s extended-day educational program for students on the autism spectrum, recently held its year-end meeting and began preparing for the 2026–27 school year. Regional managers and program coordinators gathered to reflect on Yomala’s achievements and development since the program was established approximately two years ago. Participants discussed lessons learned, ongoing challenges, new opportunities and plans for the coming year.

Emily Zeidel, Director of the Tiberias Community Center; Karmit Cohen, Director of the Akko Community Center; and Ta’ir Dentalsky, Director of the Youth Department at the Beit El Community Center, proudly represented IACC in the Maccabiah Race held in Jerusalem. Their participation reflected the spirit, dedication and values that guide IACC’s work, including the promotion of active lifestyles, health and community resilience—both within and beyond the workplace.

Kfir Maoz, IACC Deputy Director , presented the IACC Community Index during a meeting of the Israeli Foundations Forum at the President’s Residence. The meeting was held as part of “Time to Talk,” the President’s Initiative for Israeli Dialogue. The presentation introduced the principles and methodology behind the Community Index, its key findings and its contribution to understanding social cohesion and strengthening community resilience.

Ariel Mishal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Israel Association of Community Centers (IACC), participated in Israel Hayom’s annual “Israel Builds Resilience” Conference in Jerusalem. During the conference, Mishal highlighted IACC’s role as one of the State of Israel’s most effective implementation partners. In both routine times and emergencies, IACC delivers community-based, educational, recreational and relief activities that reach residents throughout the countr

Raising Awareness About Social Exclusion Among Teens It all began with a dance performance set to the song “Umbrella Child”, created by Chen Salem-Blu, Director of the Community Center’s Professional Dance School, for the school’s end-of-year showcase. The song, performed by singer Atara Oria, addresses the painful reality of social exclusion and is based on her personal life story. “As the dancers rehearsed, we could all feel the emotional power of the song and the choreogra

This week, the community of Givat Shmuel marked the conclusion of the “Koach Guy – Intergenerational Connections” program, a meaningful social-educational initiative held at the local community center. The program is named in memory of Major Guy Yaakov Nazri, a company commander in Battalion 52, who fell in combat in Gaza in October 2024. Throughout the year, local teenagers and senior citizens participated in a unique phototherapy workshop, using photography as a tool to bui

On June 9, a moving visit took place at the Yaldudes Early Childhood Center in Acre, where a shelter was transformed into a welcoming learning space thanks to the generous support of Keren Hayesod.

Sometimes all you need is one place where you can just be 🌱 When routine goes awry and the days at home get longer, This is challenging for all of us, especially for those dealing with disabilities. This is exactly why we established "The Greenhouse": the company's virtual home for community centers for men and women with disabilities, autism, and mental health issues. A safe space for online meetings, stress relief, and social connection. What awaits you in the greenh

The Home Front Command has already explained to the public what they should pack in an emergency situation—but what about the mind? …

Since the beginning of Operation "The Roar of the Hari", the community center teams of the Community and Leisure Network, in Holon, have held a variety of activities for the welfare of the city's residents.

At the Pardes Hanna–Karkur Community Center, it was decided that staying in protected shelters can become an opportunity for intergenerational connection and bonding, through joint activities involving the town’s senior residents and young children who are required to enter public shelters several times a day.

43 participants will gain leadership skills in a 2-month program, focusing on management, diversity, and community work