about us

FRIENDS OF AHARAI!

Who Are We?

Friends of Aharai! is the official U.S.-based organization supporting Aharai! – Youth Leading Change, Israel’s leading social-educational nonprofit. For 27 years, Aharai! has empowered young people across Israel to take responsibility, lead with values, and strengthen the fabric of Israeli society.

Our Core Values

Our mission is driven by three fundamental pillars that guide every participant and leader in our organization:

Faith in the Individual

Strengthening self-belief and recognizing both individual and collective potential.

Humility and Simplicity

Leading by personal example, taking responsibility, and staying grounded through hands-on field activity.

Social Responsibility

Fostering civic awareness and a deep sense of community commitment among our youth.

Why It
Matters Now

?

Israel stands at a critical juncture. Aharai! works where the need is greatest-supporting youth in the geographic and social periphery, crisis zones, and underserved communities. We ensure that the next generation is prepared to lead with responsibility, courage, and purpose.

impact

completion rate of meaningful military or national service
0 %
AHARAI! graduates
+ 0

1 out of 5

of all idf combat soldiers are aharai! graduates

What Your Support Makes Possible

Your donation enables life-changing programs that guide young Israelis from adolescence to leadership

Pre-Army Preparation

Equipping thousands of teens with the mental and ethical tools for meaningful service

Aharai Tech

Elite technological training for periphery youth, in collaboration with the 8200 Alumni Association

Leadership
Academie (Mechinot)

Intensive programs shaping Israel’s future commanders and social pioneers.

Social Cohesion

Dedicated initiatives empowering Haredi and Arab youth

The "Aharai!" Movement
Key Milestones
Establishment of "Aharai!"
Founded to bridge social gaps in the periphery by empowering youth for meaningful national service.
1997
2000
Launch of the Service Year
Creating opportunities for youth from all sectors to lead community initiatives prior to enlistment.
Alumni Organization
Developing career and leadership paths for members even after their service.
2005
2008–09
Pre-Military Academies (Mechinot)
~12 academies providing elective state-valued and ethical education across Israel.
Haredi Sector Integration
"Aharai! Ba'Emuna" and Kerem Organization to strengthen Ultra-Orthodox community involvement.
2011
2020
"Aharai-Tech"
Connecting the periphery to the high-tech world with Unit 8200 alumni, breaking the glass ceiling.
Expansion to Arab Society
"Milh al-Balad" — reducing polarization and promoting equal opportunities in the Arab community.
2022–23
1997
Establishment of "Aharai!"
Founded to bridge social gaps by empowering youth for meaningful national service.
2000
Launch of the Service Year
Creating opportunities for youth to lead community initiatives prior to enlistment.
2005
Alumni Organization
Developing career and leadership paths for members even after their service.
2008–2009
Pre-Military Academies
~12 academies providing elective state-valued and ethical education across Israel.
2011
Haredi Sector Integration
"Aharai! Ba'Emuna" to strengthen Ultra-Orthodox community involvement.
2020
"Aharai-Tech"
Connecting the periphery to the high-tech world, breaking the glass ceiling.
2022–2023
Expansion to Arab Society
"Milh al-Balad" — reducing polarization and promoting equal opportunities.
Invest in Israel’s Future

By supporting Friends of Aharai!, you are shaping Israel’s next generation of leaders, soldiers, and changemakers.

Donate Today. Empower Youth. Strengthen Israel.

"Aharai! taught me that leadership begins with community. They turned my national pride into action, giving my military service real meaning. Now, I know exactly who I’m protecting and why."

– Itamar, Aharai! Graduate & IDF Officer