How long does the program last and what does it include?

The program lasts a total of nine months and is divided into two main phases: 1. Exposure phase (3 months): 10 weekly meetings that include lectures by key people, empowerment workshops, and a professional tour. The weekly meetings are between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. 2. Mentoring phase (6 months): Personal accompaniment by a mentor and mentoring for youth from the youth villages for meaningful service. The program focuses on three content worlds: the public sector (local and state government), the education systems (formal and informal), and the security systems.

Where and when does the program take place?

The third cycle is scheduled to open on 2/18/26, on Wednesdays at Beit Arazim (Hadassah Youth) and in designated locations according to a defined schedule. The mentoring phase will begin in May 2026, for six months.

What is the cost of the program?

The fighters do not pay for participation. We require a deposit of 400 NIS which will be refunded to those who complete the course with a minimum of 80% attendance.

Is there an age limit for the program?

There is no age limit or minimum age for the program.

Bet Arazim
Warriors for Israeli Hope

The program was established with the aim of empowering war wounded and integrating them into meaningful activities in Israeli society, out of a desire for change and a demand for quality leadership. We believe that the warriors hold the true power to rebuild society in all its aspects in the areas of security, education and the public sector.
Beit Erazim was established in memory of two naval fighters who fell in the various campaigns - Sergeant Erez Ashkenazi and Lieutenant Colonel Eli Ginsberg

Background

The State of Israel has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years.
Since October 7, 2023, over 20,000 wounded have joined the ranks of the wounded, half of whom are young people between the ages of 18 and 30, precisely at the crossroads of life where their personal, professional and social identities are being formed.
At the same time, the call for a renewal of public systems and the hope
for the growth of new leadership, one based on values,
commitment and courageous responsibility for the future, is growing.

Target audience

Reservists, IDF fighters, and all members of the security forces who were physically or mentally injured in Israeli wars and are currently in advanced stages of rehabilitation or after them, dream of a renewed Israeli hope

The vision of the program

The wounded of Israel's wars, who are a symbol and example to many, will realize their resilience, abilities, and strength and become a force for change and renewal of the country's public, educational, and security systems, while increasing trust in them on the day after the war.

Program goals

Developing a sense of competence and social commitment among the wounded warriors, and strengthening their understanding that they have a crucial role in the reconstruction of the country.
Integrating war wounded into significant public and state roles - in the fields of education, security, and public service as engines of renewal and change in public systems.
Forming a group of colleagues, war wounded, for public action of social and national significance.

Program Structure - 9 months

Phase One: The Challenges Phase — Ten weeks, once a week in the afternoon. This phase focuses mainly on learning, exposure, and connection to the societal challenges in these fields. It includes meetings, lectures, and workshops.

Phase Two: The Dual Mentoring Phase — This phase places the participant at the center of a mutual learning and influence process lasting approximately six months. During this phase, the participant functions simultaneously as a mentor and as a mentee. Each participant is paired with a senior mentor from the fields of public service, education, or security, who supports them through personal meetings focused on developing a professional vision, preparing for interviews, and breaking glass ceilings on the path toward meaningful placement.

In parallel, the participant transitions into hands-on social engagement and becomes a mentor for at-risk youth. After specialized training, the former soldier serves as a role model for the teens, encouraging meaningful army service and strengthening both their sense of capability and their own self-worth through giving and leadership.

Alumni Community — Immediately upon completion of the program, participants join an alumni network and an active community that meets frequently for training, enrichment, inspiration, and community building.

Placement Tracks (as part of the Alumni Community) — At the end of the program, the Beit Arazim staff accompanies those who are interested and able, in integrating into public and social sectors, finding suitable positions, or pursuing academic programs that will enable them to take part in these fields. Beit Arazim maintains partnerships with the Civil Service Commission, security agencies, and additional institutions.

Screening Process & Admission Requirements

Participation in the exposure events (held before the start of each cohort), completing a personal questionnaire, and a personal interview.

Eligibility: Combat soldiers (reserve or active-duty) who were injured and seek to continue contributing to Israeli society through meaningful work in public service, education, or security.

Program Staff

Shmaryahu Ben Pazi

CEO, Beit Arazim

One of the founders of the Mechina and a resident of the community of “Adaret.” Happily married to Hila, father of four, and proud grandfather to Ami and Roni. Served as a combat soldier in the Duvdevan unit and holds a PhD in Military History, but chose to dedicate his career to shaping Israel’s future. Has served as Head of the Mechina for nearly 25 years. A falafel enthusiast who believes in education with love.

Bat Orland Levi

Program Director, Beit Arazim

Holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Consulting and Development with a specialization in Group Facilitation. Has always worked closely with people, across both the business sector and the non-profit sector, in a wide range of roles — from HRBP in high-tech to managing a youth and young-adult center. Over the past six years, has been supporting young adults in education and employment programs, including diverse populations. Brings experience in social entrepreneurship, process development and facilitation, partnership management with public, private, and social-sector organizations, and the leadership of cross-system initiatives that promote stable and high-quality integration into employment and higher education.

David Levy

Program Volunteer – Head of Security Sector

Dudu served in the defense system for over 20 years in a variety of operational and staff positions. Throughout the years, he has been involved in initiating and leading complex projects. Dudu has experience in training, instruction, and guiding soldiers toward meaningful service and the development of a professional career path in the security field.

Ofer Verfel

Entrepreneur and Beit Arazim Representative

A social entrepreneur and founder of Beit Arazim. Served as a combat soldier in Shayetet 13 and was severely wounded, leaving him wheelchair-bound. For his actions in that battle, he received the Israeli Navy Commander’s Citation. Eight months after his injury, Ofer joined the Prime Minister’s Office in a critical and meaningful role.

Ofer is a startup entrepreneur who, throughout his life, has mentored many wounded soldiers and young adults, and continues to serve in active reserve duty in Shayetet 13. His story is an inspiring journey of willpower, motivation, and optimism.

Roni Nachmias

Program manager

A Bachelor’s student in Psychology and the Alumni Coordinator of the Adaret Mechina. After completing her military service, Roni served as a counselor at the Mechina’s Einot branch. During her regular service, she was an IDF Information and Advocacy NCO in Jerusalem, guiding soldiers and commanders throughout the city. She later became an Education Officer in the 300th Regional Brigade in the Western Galilee, and continues to serve in active reserve duty in the same field.

Roni grew up and was educated in Hod HaSharon, where she was a counselor and activist in the HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed youth movement at the Ramatayim branch, and was herself a participant in the Arava-Paran Pre-Military Mechina.

Dikla

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with experience in developing and leading educational-social programs, with an emphasis on mentoring, guidance, and working with young adults.

In the past, she worked at the Jewish Agency, developing tailored programs for youth. Over the past decade, she worked at the “Ruach HaGolan” nonprofit organization, supporting youth and young women at risk, preparing them for pre-military leadership programs and IDF service, and establishing an alumni department. Alongside her practical experience, she pursued further training in career guidance and personal fulfillment at the “Lechol Adam Yesh Shvil” Center, and studied NLP at Wingate College.

Since the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, she has been an active member of the “Commanders’ Wives Forum,” focusing on visiting wounded soldiers and supporting families of combat soldiers.

Married to Yaniv and mother of four. Throughout the years, she has moved between various communities, deepening her belief in the power of groups and communities to foster personal growth.

Rony Shvid Hazan

Social Media Manager

Comes from the world of photography and education. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Photography and Teaching, with a specialization in analog photography, and has exhibited in several shows. She later turned to education and spent around ten years working with high-school students, teaching communication, media, and visual creation.

Today, she volunteers as the Content and Instagram lead at Beit Arazim, driven by a deep alignment with its values and mission. In her work, she strives to create space for human stories, visibility, and respectful dialogue, and to strengthen connection, meaning, and a sense of belonging for wounded veterans and the community around them.