Together for Israel: Faiths Unite in Service

BUILDING A MODEL SOCIETY: INSIDE ISRAEL’S PRE-ARMY LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES

In a powerful display of unity, thousands of Israeli high school graduates are choosing to take a transformative step before beginning their mandatory military service. Through pre-army leadership academies coordinated by The Jewish Agency, these young citizens engage in unique gap-year programs designed to foster maturity, purpose, and a deep-seated sense of leadership. CBN Israel proudly partners with The Jewish Agency on these initiatives, investing in the next generation of leaders and defenders for Israel and the Jewish people.

Mimi Lax, representing The Jewish Agency, views these academies as essential to the nation's social fabric. “As the Jewish Agency, I feel that we have the responsibility to help and build a model society in Israel,” Lax explains. She notes that these educational programs provide a rare opportunity for participants to think deeply about their identity and their connection to the country—questions many have never had the chance to explore so thoroughly.

BREAKING STEREOTYPES AND BUILDING BONDS

The academy serves as a melting pot where Jewish and Christian youth live and train side-by-side, effectively breaking down stereotypes and building a more open-minded society. For Wesam Slameh, a Christian student in the program, the experience has been one of profound kindness and personal growth. “We live together here, we learn about their culture, and they learn about ours,” Slameh says. “The most important thing I learned here was to be a better version of myself... I’m here because I love my country and I want to help it in any way possible.” 

This sense of shared patriotism has a powerful impact on his Jewish peers as well. Student Noa Elisha admits to feeling fearful following the events of October 7th, but says those worries vanished upon joining the academy. “I got to know the Christians here and realized they were more patriotic than us,” Elisha reflects. “It was important for them to free the hostages and to win this war.” 

A FUTURE FOUNDED ON EQUALITY

For Naveen Elias of the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association, the program is a testament to the equality found within Israel, even during times of conflict. “I’ve felt in every area of my life here that there is equality. Especially now, after the 7th of October,” Elias states. She believes that seeing how the country takes care of its citizens has solidified the resolve of the Christian community, predicting that many more will join the army in the coming year. “Me being a Christian, I asked myself, where do I want to live? Is there any other place in the Middle East for me, a Christian woman to live freely? There is no other place.” 

Ultimately, the goal of these academies is to prove that diversity is a source of strength rather than weakness. By embracing different nationalities and beliefs, these young leaders are showing the world a different model of coexistence. As Mimi Lax concludes, the mission is to make Israel the "best place ever" for all who live there—a mission made possible by the continued support of those who care about the future of the nation.