Derech Eretz Program

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 backgrounds. Its goal is to connect young people to Israel through firsthand experience — by walking its trails, discovering its landscapes and developing a meaningful connection to the land.

Following careful preparation and planning led by community center directors, youth department managers, coordinators and professional teams, participants set out on hikes and journeys across the country. The teams guide the young people with professionalism, sensitivity and responsibility, from the planning stages through to the activities themselves. Along the way, participants learn how to hike safely, responsibly and respectfully, while deepening their familiarity with Israel’s diverse landscapes.

The program incorporates important values including a connection to the land, personal and collective responsibility, alongside meaningful learning about the history, heritage and stories that have shaped the State of Israel. Through shared experiences in nature and time spent outdoors, participants strengthen their sense of belonging, develop leadership skills and build a lasting connection to Israeli society and the country around them.

We are proud of Israel’s young people — of their values, their leadership and their willingness to take part. Together, we continue to choose responsibility, partnership and a meaningful connection to the land.