Tnuat HaBogrim - the Bnei Akiva Alumni Movement - is a project of the Bnei Akiva Youth Movement in Israel, and was established in 2010 by a group of Bnei Akiva alumni and comprises almost all Bnei Akiva graduates. Tnuat HaBogrim seeks to offer all interested young adults ages 20-30 (i.e not only Bnei Akiva graduates), a framework in which to engage in Jewish learning, social action and cultural ac
tivities suitable to their age and interests. There are currently some 10,000 individuals who take part in Tnuat HaBogrim activities and projects: membership in Family Communities and Student Groups, residence in Student Villages, and participation in events throughout the year. Following is an overview of the projects and frameworks affiliated with Tnuat HaBogrim. Student Groups:
One of the key frameworks conducted by Tnuat HaBogrim is its "Student Group". These are core groups (garinim) on various university and college campuses around Israel that meet once a week to learn together and discuss the various activities and programs they are engaged in/interested in developing. The combination of a session that begins with an in-depth discussion of issues relevant to student life and current affairs, and then continues to deal with the pragmatic aspects of the social action projects the students are involved in, directs the students’ energies into constructive action. At present there are 10 Student Groups with 180 students active in universities and colleges in the following cities: Beersheva, Givat Shmuel, Haifa, Ariel, Rehovot, Jerusalem, Ashkelon, Maaleh Adumim, Netanya, and Yehud. Student Villages:
The goal of the Student Village is to create positive social change in the local town/neighborhood. The Villages consist of groups of college/university students who are motivated by ideology, commitment, and a sense of social justice to make Israel a better place. Young academics who move into an underprivileged neighborhood serve as positive role models Projects for children/youth and will develop social welfare projects such as afterschool tutoring programs, “Big Brother” mentoring programs, and more. All the projects conducted by the students are built on values of strengthening Jewish identity and a commitment to Zionism, support for the Israel Defense Forces, and more. All volunteering is done by groups of students, not on an individual basis, as we believe in the power of a group. Due to the success and the demand of Bnei Akiva alumni for more opportunities as such, today we currently have Student Villages in: Lod, Ashkelon, Hatikva, Rechovot, and Ariel. Family communities in partnership with the Shachaf Foundation:
For the past 20 years graduates of Bnei Akiva have led the establishment of Bnei Akiva Family Communities (garinim) by moving into development towns and poor urban neighborhoods all over Israel to strengthen local residents and develop networks of empowering social, cultural, educational projects and institutions. The members of the Family Communities are couples, young families, and singles who seek a lifestyle based upon the values of Zionism, Torah, acts of lovingkindness (chessed), and working for social-economic equality for Israel’s underprivileged as a national mission. Bnei Akiva alumni has established Family Communities in the following locations: Beersheva, Ashkelon, Yehud, Arad,Tel Aviv, Atlit, Or Akiva, Migdal HaEmek, the Givat Hatzarfatit and Pat neighborhoods in Jerusalem, Kiryat Yam, Ariel, and Hadera
Cultural Activities/ Events:
Out of an awareness that there is a lack of quality and meaningful leisure and spiritual programs for the young adults in the national-religious community in general, Tnuat HaBogrim has initiated a range of cultural and Jewish study events surrounding Jewish holidays, weekly studies, and discussions with outstanding Israeli personalities in a variety of fields. Attendance at these events is in the hundreds, sometimes thousands, and is open to all young Israelis in their 20’s, there is no requirement to be a Bnei Akiva graduate.
