Promoting Leadership Among Olim

Beit Shemesh is home to a large and growing immigrant population – a sector which has its own unique
needs. As the leading provider of community-centered social support, Ezrat Achim is committed to
helping new olim successfully integrate and become an active part of community life in Beit Shemesh.
In particular, we invest significant resources in developing programs for immigrant youth, recognizing
them as the future leaders of our city.
Our flagship initiative in this area is a group activity-based empowerment program for teens, which
brings together immigrant youth alongside veteran local teens, with olim comprising approximately 50%
of participants. The program includes weekly meetings, empowerment workshops, professional
guidance, and dedicated lectures that support successful integration into the city’s community life.
But these groups are about more than just integration. Through their involvement in Ezrat Achim’s
chesed activities, the teen participants learn the value of giving, acquire essential life skills, and gain
hands-on experience in meaningful community service. At the same time, they have the opportunity to
build friendships with Israeli peers, and find their place within the community. Ezrat Achim provides a
comprehensive support framework, including personal mentoring, confidence-building, and assistance
with successful acclimation to life in Israel.
Because, in order to build a strong community, you must build the next generation of leaders.