Hebrew Scouts–Tzofim

Who We Are

The Hebrew Scouts Movement is Israel's largest and most influential youth movement, shaping generations of young leaders since 1919. For over a century, we have been driven by a clear purpose: to empower young people to take responsibility, lead with values, and actively contribute to their communities and society.

Today, more than 100,000 youth across Israel take part in the Scouts, making it one of the country's most impactful educational and social frameworks. But beyond the numbers, the Scouts are a living network of leadership, resilience, and civic engagement — where young people don't just learn about leadership but practice it from an early age.

Our members reflect the full spectrum of Israeli society. From urban centers to rural communities, and across diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, the Scouts bring young people together around shared values rooted in Jewish heritage, democratic principles, and a strong connection to Israel.

A Global Impact

At the same time, the Hebrew Scouts Movement is deeply connected beyond Israel's borders. As an active member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, we maintain strong ties with Jewish communities around the world. Programs such as Tzabar and Shnat Sherut (a pre-army year of community service) connect Israeli Scouts with peers across North America, Europe, and beyond — strengthening the bonds between Israel and global Jewry.

Through these connections, we share Israel's story with young Jews worldwide, while bringing global perspectives, experiences, and friendships into the daily life of our movement. In this environment, our members learn not only to lead, but also to listen, respect, and collaborate.

Israeli Scouts participating in a parade in the USA

A Movement at Scale

Reaching every corner of Israel – from the social and geographic periphery to major urban centers – and creating a lasting impact individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

100,000Members across Israel each year.

250Chapters from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat.

80Community-based chapters in social and geographic periphery.

18Adat HaTzofim chapters bridging religious and secular communities.

97%Of graduates enlist in the IDF, many in combat and educational roles.

ThousandsOf alumni leading and influencing across Israeli society.

Our Mission & Values

At the heart of the Hebrew Scouts Movement is a deep belief in the power of young people to shape a better future and make a lasting, positive impact on the world around them. Guided by Jewish values and a deep connection to Israel, we foster a democratic society built on mutual respect, equality, and shared responsibility.

A Shared Society Is Built Together

As a non-partisan youth movement, we are committed to building a shared society that brings together young people from diverse backgrounds. By fostering a sense of belonging, civic engagement, and mutual understanding, we empower every individual to feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference.

Through their years as Scouts, young people build meaningful connections, develop a sense of responsibility, and grow into active contributors to their communities and to Israeli society as a whole.

Putting Values into Action

Leadership

Encouraging young people to take initiative, lead by example, and grow into role models within their communities.

Community Engagement

Fostering a strong spirit of volunteerism, social responsibility, and active involvement in community life.

Jewish-Israeli Identity

Strengthening a meaningful connection to Jewish heritage, Israeli culture, and the global Jewish people.

Democracy & Inclusivity

Fostering equality, mutual respect, and a shared sosense of belonging while embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Environmental Responsibility

Cultivating respect for nature and encouraging responsible stewardship of the environment.

These values are not just principles — they are lived day by day by tens of thousands of Scouts. Through activities, community initiatives, and leadership opportunities, our members put these values into practice, shaping both their lives and the society around them.

The Scout Values

The Scout Values form the foundation of the Scouting experience. Introduced from an early age, they accompany Scouts throughout their lives, guiding the way they act, lead, and relate to others.

A Scout speaks the truth.

A Scout is loyal to their people, country, and language.

A Scout is helpful, values work, and assists others.

A Scout is a friend to all and a sibling to fellow Scouts.

A Scout is courteous.

A Scout loves and protects nature.

A Scout is disciplined.

A Scout remains positive and resilient in times of difficulty.

A Scout is resourceful and responsible.

A Scout is pure in speech and in action.

Once a Scout, Always a Scout

Leadership Is Practiced, Not Simulated

One of the defining strengths of the Hebrew Scouts is its model of peer leadership. From a young age, Scouts are entrusted with real responsibility — leading groups, guiding younger members, and initiating projects.

Leadership is not taught in theory but practiced every day. This hands-on experience builds confidence, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility. The result is a generation that does not wait for change — but leads it.

Many leaders across public service, education, civil society, and business are proud Scout alumni, often describing their years in the movement as a formative experience that shaped both their character and their commitment to making a positive impact.

Shaping the Future of Israeli Society

The Hebrew Scouts Movement helps shape the next generation of leaders by strengthening responsibility, bridging social divides, and building a more shared, democratic, and resilient society in Israel.

More Than Activities

A platform for leadership, civic engagement, and responsibility.

More Than a Youth Movement

A reflection of Israel's diverse society and a space for shared belonging.

More Than Education

Hands-on social impact rooted in lived values and action.

From Values to Action

From Individuals to Impact

As Israel's largest youth movement, we recognize the responsibility that comes with our reach — and the opportunity to strengthen society as a whole.

01

From Values

For more than a century, the movement has educated generations through values-based leadership and community life.

02

To Adaptation

As Israeli society has grown more complex, the Scouts have evolved their programs and educational approach to respond to emerging challenges and social needs.

03

To Broader Impact

Today, the mission extends beyond shaping individuals to strengthening Israeli society as a whole – fostering connection, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose across diverse communities.

Our Vision for Israeli Society

We envision an Israeli society that is:

Rooted in Jewish values and democratic principles.
Led by ethical and responsible leadership.
Committed to equality, freedom, and diversity.
Driven by active citizenship and shared responsibility.
Working to reduce disparities and strengthen communities.

Bringing Vision to Life

Reaching 100,000 young people each year across hundreds of communities throughout Israel, the Hebrew Scouts create meaningful educational frameworks that strengthen leadership, resilience, and social responsibility at scale.

From the center of the country to its geographic and social periphery, we work to ensure that every young person has access to equal opportunities within a supportive community.

Youth Leadership in Action

Developing young leaders through real responsibility, peer leadership, and hands-on experience.

Building a Shared Society

Bridging social, cultural, and geographic divides by bringing together youth from across Israeli society.

Expanding Opportunity in the Periphery

Increasing access to meaningful educational and community frameworks in underserved regions.

Active Citizenship

Encouraging initiative, community participation, and a sense of responsibility toward society.

Jewish-Israeli Identity

Fostering a meaningful connection to Jewish heritage, Israeli culture, and the wider Jewish people worldwide.

Impact on the Ground

Expanding Opportunity in the Periphery - Increasing access to youth programs and community initiatives in peripheral communities.
Strengthening Democracy and Shared Values - Promoting civic responsibility alongside Jewish values and democratic foundations.
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs - Ensuring meaningful participation and a sense of belonging for every young person.
Empowering At-Risk Youth - Providing structure, support and opportunities for growth through programs that build resilience.
Adat HaTzofim (the religious branch of the Hebrew Scouts) - Creating pluralistic shared experiences that bring together diverse voices and perspectives.
Alumni Engagement - Connecting Scout alumni to continued leadership, community involvement, and social impact opportunities.

The Graduate Scout

At the center of the Scouts' educational approach stands the figure of the Graduate Scout — a responsible and engaged citizen who lives the values of the movement in daily life.

Guided by a deep connection to Israel, its people, and Jewish heritage, the Graduate Scout works to strengthen the bond between identity, community, and society. Committed to social responsibility, they are attentive to societal challenges and actively seek to create positive change, acting with tolerance, dignity, and respect for others.

Striving to build common ground and foster mutual responsibility across the diverse fabric of Israeli society, Graduate Scouts carry a strong sense of mission and responsibility into every stage of life.

These values and experiences have shaped generations of alumni who contribute to Israeli society through leadership, service, education, community building, and public life.

A Defining Moment for Israeli Society

Israeli society is navigating growing complexity, deepening social divisions, and challenges to cohesion and shared purpose.

Following the COVID 19 pandemic, the events of October 7, and ongoing security pressures, many young people face disruption, uncertainty, and a growing need for connection, stabiliy, and direction.

In this reality, the Hebrew Scouts Movement plays a critical role by providing stability, meaningful educational frameworks, resilience, and community across the country. This is not only a moment of challenge — it is also a moment of opportunity.

A Shared Journey. A Lasting Impact.

Becoming a partner means more than supporting a program. It means helping shape the future of Israeli society through values-based leadership, stronger social cohesion, and meaningful opportunities for young people across Israel.

carmelar@zofim.org.il

Leading the Next Israeli Generation Forward

Who We Are

A Global Impact

A Movement at Scale

Rooted in the values of Scouting,
our members carry with them a spirit of volunteerism and responsibility throughout their lives.