Mechinat Avnei Eitan
Encyclopedia
Mechinat Avnei Eitan also referred to as Leadership Yeshiva Academy in English, is a pre-military mechina
which combines classical Yeshiva
learning with the preparation for the service in the Israeli Defence Forces and leadership functions in Jewish communities. The mechina, the first of its kind for English speakers, was founded in 2004, on Moshav Avnei Eitan
in the Golan Heights annexed by Israel in 1981.
A high percentage of the students who have graduated from the mechina tend to serve in Sayerot
, or elite units, in the Israeli army.
While attending the mechina, students are urged to take upon themselves projects that they can work on throughout the year. Recently, students have taken up such projects as raising awareness for the imprisoned Israeli spy, Jonathan Pollard
, and many other projects. Most notably is a very successful organization called Et'chem Kol Ha'derech, run by Yaakov Yitchak Sullivan ('05), which coordinates visits to injured soldiers. During the Second Lebanon War, a crew that would rush to katyusha explosions to help clean up the devastation was organized.
Mechina
A Mechina is an Israeli educational program that prepares high school graduates for serving in the Israeli Army or study at an institution of higher learning in Israel...
which combines classical Yeshiva
Yeshiva
Yeshiva is a Jewish educational institution that focuses on the study of traditional religious texts, primarily the Talmud and Torah study. Study is usually done through daily shiurim and in study pairs called chavrutas...
learning with the preparation for the service in the Israeli Defence Forces and leadership functions in Jewish communities. The mechina, the first of its kind for English speakers, was founded in 2004, on Moshav Avnei Eitan
Avnei Eitan
Avnei Eitan , elevation above sea level, is an Israeli settlement, moshav on the Golan Heights founded after the 1973 Yom Kippur War in honor of six Israeli soldiers who had been killed in battle. A prominent landmark in the area is one of the starting points to the El Al Stream, the other being...
in the Golan Heights annexed by Israel in 1981.
Campus
The campus, on the moshav, consists of spacious and air conditioned apartments, air conditioned Beit Medrash and classrooms, a large Hebrew and English library, a student lounge, sports and workout facilities including a basketball court, a computer room with Internet access, a kitchen, and more.The Students
The students come from the U.S., Canada, Israel, Switzerland, Ethiopia and other countries as well. They learn practical skills encouraging them to be responsible and decisive. They attend special programs including army training exercises, group dynamics, survival courses, treks, martial arts, etc. Students also undertake several courses that give them "an in depth understanding of contemporary Jewish and Israeli national issues. This will help them better understand and represent Israel to their peers and on college campuses."A high percentage of the students who have graduated from the mechina tend to serve in Sayerot
Sayeret
Sayeret , literally means "reconnaissance unit" in the Israel Defense Forces . In practice, these units specialize in commando and other special forces roles, in addition to reconnaissance...
, or elite units, in the Israeli army.
While attending the mechina, students are urged to take upon themselves projects that they can work on throughout the year. Recently, students have taken up such projects as raising awareness for the imprisoned Israeli spy, Jonathan Pollard
Jonathan Pollard
Jonathan Jay Pollard worked as a civilian intelligence analyst before being convicted of spying for Israel. He received a life sentence in 1987....
, and many other projects. Most notably is a very successful organization called Et'chem Kol Ha'derech, run by Yaakov Yitchak Sullivan ('05), which coordinates visits to injured soldiers. During the Second Lebanon War, a crew that would rush to katyusha explosions to help clean up the devastation was organized.