A New Year Begins at HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed

A new year is underway at HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed (NOAL), Dror Israel’s associated youth movement. Across Israel, 95,000 children and teens ages 8–18 have returned to their local youth movement branches, reconnecting with friends and educators and beginning another year of activities together.

A new year of friendship, community, and adventure begins!

At their weekly gatherings, participants do much more than spend time with friends. They explore current social issues, learn to think critically, develop their voices as young leaders, and discover how they can make a positive difference in their communities. Through discussions, group activities, and shared experiences, they build confidence, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.

One of the first big moments of the year came during Sukkot, when participants in grades 7–9 headed north for Tiyul Sukkot, an overnight hiking adventure in the Galilee. Accompanied by their youth movement educators participants began the evening with a group activity to uncover a secret dinner recipe before preparing their own meals and setting off on the trail.

Throughout the night, they walked side by side, talked, sang, played games, and helped each other along the way.

Building friendships and teamwork through shared experiences.

Even at 4 a.m., after hours of hiking, the participants’ energy and enthusiasm were remarkable. Some were beginning to doze off, while others were still singing, dancing, and bringing everyone together.

For Milana, who helped support the hike, what stood out most was the participants’ openness and their ability to make everyone feel welcome.

“I felt really at home with these sweet and hilarious people, and even on no sleep, was enjoying myself because of the amazing vibes they brought,” she shared.

As the hikers returned, Milana and the support team welcomed them with hot chocolate, bringing a memorable night to a warm and happy close.

Setting out for adventure, friendship, and shared experiences in nature.

The friendships and sense of responsibility built during experiences like Tiyul Sukkot continue throughout the year. Whether exploring social issues at their weekly gatherings or supporting one another on a challenging hike, participants are learning to take initiative, care for others, and recognize their own ability to make a difference in their communities.

For 95,000 young people across Israel, a new year of learning, friendship, leadership, and shared experiences has begun.

Shana Tova from all of us at Dror Israel!