Garin Tzabar

Garin Tzabar members - Summer 2015, Opening ceremony Israel Scouts

Garin Tzabar (Hebrew: גרעין צבר‎) is a program that facilitates service in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) for Israelis and Diaspora Jews who do not have parents in Israel. It is affiliated with the Hebrew Scouts Movement in Israel.[1]

Soldiers who do not have at least one parent living in Israel are called "Lone Soldiers". Garin Tzabar was formed to provide a support system for them.

Etymology

In Hebrew, Garin means “core” or “seed”. Aside from its literal use, the word is also used in Israel to refer to a group of people who moved to Israel together. The Hebrew word Tzabar, translated in English as sabra, is used in Israel to mean a native-born Israeli Jew.

History

Garin Tzabar was founded by the Friends of Israel Scouts, Inc. in 1991 and is run under its auspices. The program is largely funded by Israel's Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, but also receives money from the Jewish Agency for Israel and private donors. 300 lone soldiers supported by Garin Tzabar every year. Each one belongs to a group (Garin) of approximately 20 soldiers who live together at a kibbutz and experience their military service together as a social unit mutual support and camaraderie. It is the largest IDF immigrant program in Israel, partnered with the Israel Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, with more than 2,500 soldiers since inception.[2]

Program

Garin Tzabar begins its orientation overseas or in Israel with a series of five seminars to enable candidates to share their thoughts; impart logistic information about the program, military service, and Aliyah; provide a forum to practice Hebrew; and build a strong and cohesive group that will serve as a support system to program participants

Upon arrival in Israel, members of each Garin are placed on a hosting kibbutz. The first three months prior to basic training include:

In addition to Garin Tzabar staff, soldiers and educators from the IDF and teachers from the Ministry of Education assist with the transition.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Tzofim Garin Tzabar". Masa Israel Journey.
  2. ↑ "GARIN TZABAR - ABOUT THE PROGRAM".

External links

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