

The Tavor Mechina is one of the most prominent pre-military gap-year programs from among Israel’s 40 registered programs. Tavor targets outstanding youth who have recently graduated high school; teaching them about their Jewish and Zionist intellectual heritage, providing them a comprehensive view of Israeli society and introducing them to a classical education in the humanities.
The students prepare themselves physically and mentally for meaningful military service in the IDF through weeklong trips, hiking, navigating and regular fitness training.
Concurrently, the students run various weekly social activities in Nof HaGalil, Afula and Yokne’am, encompassing 500 children and youth. Thus far, the Mechina has graduated 350 alumni, most of whom are still involved in military service in high-ranking positions in combat, intelligence and education units. In fact, 68% of our graduates serve as commanders and 40% as officers.
Structure of the Mechina year
The Mechina year consists of periods of regular studies and activities, time spent in the field and in academic seminars, as well as active social engagement in Nof HaGalil and the surrounding area.

Foreign Affairs and Defense Seminar

Seminar on Public Diplomacy and the Struggle against
Israel’s De-legitimization and the BDS movement

Seminar on the Haredi community

Social entrepreneurship seminar

Middle East and Arab Society Seminar

Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State Seminar
During the seminar, which is held towards the end of the year, after the participants have acquired in-depth knowledge in the Mechina, they meet with some of the finest experts in the field. This is aimed at bolstering the understanding that although there may be occasional tension between these identities, there is no contradiction between them, as some would argue.

Foreign Affairs and Defense Seminar

Seminar on Public Diplomacy and the Struggle against
Israel’s De-legitimization and the BDS movement

Seminar on the Haredi community

Social entrepreneurship seminar

Middle East and Arab Society Seminar

Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State Seminar
During the seminar, which is held towards the end of the year, after the participants have acquired in-depth knowledge in the Mechina, they meet with some of the finest experts in the field. This is aimed at bolstering the understanding that although there may be occasional tension between these identities, there is no contradiction between them, as some would argue.
This is the cornerstone of the Mechina year. During this time, students enjoy courses and workshops on a variety of subjects, with an emphasis on Judaism, Zionism and leadership. Regular courses include studies in Zionist writings, the defense history of the State of Israel, Beit Midrash (study of the legends of the Sages, Jewish ethics, Hassidism, etc.), social psychology, general history and political philosophy.
During the routine weeks, as well as during seminars, the physical-training routine, which includes running, Krav Maga, etc., continues, as does regular social engagement through volunteering activities in a variety of social settings in Nof HaGalil and the surrounding area including: youth leadership, at-risk youth, children with special needs and large-scale municipal initiatives led by the Mechina.
The purpose of the training sets is to deepen the students’ connection to the land with their own two feet, to build up physical and mental stamina, to deepen the bonds between the students based on a joint challenging experience and to help prepare the groundwork for meaningful service and command in the IDF.
Tavor’s Core programs
Keshet
Mechinat Tavor
academy for high school graduates.