Dror Israel’s New Educators Communities Help Areas Renew and Rebuild

Since the August launch of Dror Israel’s groundbreaking initiative to establish new Educators Communities – Educators Kibbutzim in the Gaza border region and in the North, the program's impact is being deeply felt by residents and leaders of local municipalities.

Building on the success of its 14 existing Educators Kibbutzim throughout Israel, Dror Israel is establishing 4 new educators communities, 2 in the Western Negev in the Eshkol and Sha’ar HaNegev regions and 2 in the Upper Galilee in Kiryat Shmona and Ma’ale Yosef region, with plans to add even more in the future. Supporting community renewal in the wake of October 7th, these young educators are not just visitors, they’ve become part of the social, educational, and cultural fabric of the communities they serve.

Members of the Educators Community in Eshkol host a weekly game night, drawing young adults from the region and creating connections.

One such community is Kibbutz Mefalsim, where Dror Israel’s group arrived just two weeks after residents returned from months of displacement. Orli Schuster, Director of the Kibbutz, shared:

“During this difficult period of the residents' re-acclimatization, we found these dedicated and quality young adults among us - helping, initiating, volunteering and integrating into the various systems - from culture to welfare, and notably bringing a youthful spirit to the place. I would like to believe that they have fallen in love with Mefalsim in the exact same way that Mefalsim has fallen in love with them and that they will ‘get stuck’ with us for many more years, and perhaps even become kibbutz members and build their futures here.”

Cohort participants toured the north, learning about its history and unique challenges

Meanwhile, the next two northern cohorts, slated for Kiryat Shmona and the Ma’ale Yosef region, will move in this summer, coinciding with the return of many families who have been waiting for the end of the school year to bring their children home. These educators will play a critical role in smoothing this transition, working in local schools and community programs, supporting families as they resettle in their northern homes after extended evacuation, and offering stability and care in a time of great uncertainty.

“It was incredible to see the city coming back to life, and to be part of helping kids feel safe and happy again,” said Hila, one of the educators preparing to move to Kiryat Shmona. “After the Passover day camp, I felt even more certain that this is where I want to be - not just to teach, but to help build a future together with the community.”

And this is just the beginning.

Meetings with local residents and officials give educators important perspectives and tools to maximize impact

More cohorts are being recruited and trained for additional Educators Communities in the North, while in the South, where the first groups have become pillars of community recovery, planning for Year 2 is already underway.

Together with the communities we serve, our young educators are laying the groundwork for long-term healing and renewal, helping to create a new kind of community rooted in resilience, education, and shared responsibility for Israel’s future.