Who We Are?
The Hebrew Scouts Movement is the largest and most influential youth movement in Israel, with a proud history dating back to 1919. For more than a century, our mission has remained steadfast: to empower young people to take responsibility for their communities, develop leadership skills, and grow into active, engaged citizens. Today, over 110,000 members across Israel participate in the Scouts, making it one of the most impactful educational and social movements in the country.
Our Scouts come from every corner of Israeli society. From cities and towns to kibbutzim and rural villages, the Scouts unite young people from diverse cultural, social, and religious backgrounds. Through shared experiences and values, our members learn not only to lead but also to listen, respect, and collaborate. This spirit of inclusivity and responsibility defines our movement and strengthens Israeli society as a whole.
Our Mission and Values
At the heart of the Hebrew Scouts is the belief that youth can change the world. We nurture independence, resilience, and critical thinking while instilling a strong commitment to social responsibility.
Our core values include:
- Leadership – Encouraging youth to take initiative, lead by example, and become role models in their communities.
- Community Engagement – Promoting volunteerism, social action, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others.
- Zionism and Jewish Identity – Strengthening connection to Israel, Jewish culture, and the broader Jewish people worldwide.
- Diversity and Inclusion – Welcoming participants of all backgrounds, ensuring that every young person feels seen, valued, and empowered.
- Environmental Awareness – Cultivating respect for nature and teaching sustainable practices through outdoor education.
These values are not simply words on paper—they are lived daily by tens of thousands of young Scouts who practice them in their activities, projects, and personal lives.
Leadership Through Action
One of the unique strengths of the Scouts is our model of peer leadership. Teenagers are entrusted with real responsibility, often leading groups of younger Scouts and organizing meaningful projects. This hands-on experience shapes them into leaders who are confident, capable, and socially aware.
The result is a generation of young people who do not wait for change to happen but who actively create it. Many of Israel’s social, cultural, and political leaders—whether in government, education, civil society, or business—are proud alumni of the Hebrew Scouts. They often describe their years in the movement as formative, shaping their character and commitment to public service.
Building a Better Society
The Hebrew Scouts are more than a youth program—we are a force for social good. Our members regularly engage in volunteer initiatives, working with underprivileged communities, assisting people with special needs, supporting new immigrants, and leading projects that promote tolerance and coexistence.
We believe that the Scouts are not only for the Scouts themselves but for the society around them. Every project, camp, and weekly meeting is designed with the broader vision of building a stronger, fairer, and more connected Israel. In this way, supporting the Scouts means investing in the social fabric of the country.
A Movement Rooted in Israel, Connected to the World
While firmly rooted in Israeli society, the Hebrew Scouts also play an important role internationally. We are active members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and maintain close ties with Jewish communities across the globe. Programs such as Tzabar and Shnat Sherut connect Israeli Scouts with peers in North America, Europe, and beyond, strengthening the bonds between Israel and world Jewry.
Through these connections, we bring Israel’s story to young Jews around the world and, in turn, bring global perspectives and friendships into the daily life of our movement.
Why It Matters?
The challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people today are complex. From social divides to questions of identity and belonging, young people often find themselves searching for meaning and direction. The Hebrew Scouts provide not just activities and friendships but a compass: a framework of values, skills, and community that guide young people toward constructive, ethical, and engaged lives.
For donors and partners, supporting the Scouts is more than a charitable act—it is an investment in the next generation of Israeli leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Every shekel or dollar contributed helps us expand our reach, improve our programs, and ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to discover their potential and contribute to society.
Looking Ahead
As we move into our second century of activity, the Hebrew Scouts remain committed to the same principles that guided our founders: leadership, service, and the belief that young people can transform the world. Yet, we are also innovating—developing new educational approaches, integrating technology into our programs, and responding to the evolving needs of Israeli society and the global Jewish community.
We invite you to join us on this journey. With your partnership, we can continue to shape lives, strengthen communities, and inspire generations of young people to take responsibility and lead with courage, compassion, and vision.
