Migdalor (the Hebrew word for “lighthouse”) is a pre-military preparatory academy whose goal is reducing social gaps in Israeli society by creating a diverse group, representing all parts of the population. At Migdalor, we focus on strengthening the cadets’ sense of belonging to the country while developing leadership skills, self-confidence, and teamwork.
Our academy has two branches: the boys stay in Beit Berl and the girls’ at Neve Hadassah Youth Village.
We believe in learning through action, and our main tools are the sea (surfing and sailing) and the outdoors. One week each month is spent hiking.
Migdalor invites you to join us for a year before starting your military service – a year that will stay with you for life. Come live with people from all over the country, experience life through the sea and the outdoors (yes, even when it’s tough and cold…). Come sail, navigate, volunteer, learn about Zionism, hear diverse opinions, face challenges, and strengthen yourself and your connection to society and the country.
Become a part of the Migdalor family.
Migdalor aims to provide its cadets with the knowledge and skills that will boost their confidence, give them a sense of capability, and help them become contributing and leading individuals for themselves, their community, and their country.
Together, we will reflect on and enhance personal capabilities through engaging in a variety of challenging activities and content, aimed at building the skills needed to face the challenges of military service and civilian life:
– Physical and mental resilience through sea challenges
– Military History: meetings and discussions with soldiers and analysis of operational and ethical dilemmas
– Training programs
– Outdoor workshops: physical and mental challenges (field weeks, navigation, and more)
It’s important to us that you succeed not just in your military service, but in life. As part of its educational approach, our program emphasizes strengthening life skills for its participants:
– Hands-on experience in leading and managing a project
– Enhancing creative thinking, management skills, teamwork, and a sense of capability
– Financial literacy
– Public speaking skills
“A nation that does not know its past – its present is lacking, and its future is shrouded in fog” – Yigal Alon
We will dive deeply into the history of the Jewish people, which serves as the moral and ethical foundation from which we grow.
– Modern nationalism
– The foundation and institutions of the Jewish and democratic state
– The heritage of the IDF and Israel’s wars
– The challenges facing Israeli society today
It’s impossible to be part of a community, society, or country without giving something back.
– Weekly community volunteering throughout the preparatory year
– Various volunteer activities based on national needs
Our student-Counselor ratio is extremely high – one team member for every 8 cadets. Our students enjoy 10 weeks of outdoor activities during the year and will spend 450 hours at sea throughout the program.
The Migdalor Pre-Military academy operates in the sacred space dedicated to the memory of brothers,
IDF officers Lt. Barak and Maj. Amichai Itkis, who fell in the line of duty.
Major Amichai Itkis RIP
Deputy Commander of an F-16 Squadron
Second Lieutenant Barak Itkis RIP
Naval Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Itai Zeidan RIP
Fighter Pilot and Squadron Commander
Barak, a naval officer, and Amichai, a fighter pilot, embodied in their short lives values of love for humanity, Zionism, love of their country, volunteerism, perseverance, dedication, leading by example, and taking responsibility.
The girls’ building, “Itay House,” is named after Lt. Col. Itay Zayden, a fighter pilot who also fell in the line of duty. Itay trained generations of pilots according to the values he believed in: professionalism, humanity, and love for his country.
Our graduates keep a close connection with the team in Migdalor during their military service. We support and mentor our alumni even as they transition from military to civilian life, helping with their studies, finding jobs, financing courses, and everything else needed for integrating into society as contributing citizens. Six graduates even joined the program’s team after their service.
We at Migdalor, believe that socio-economic status should not be a barrier for any student to be accepted into our program. Therefore, we do not charge students or their families for their time with us. Your donation will enable us to recruit and support additional deserving students at Migdalor and build their futures together – during this significant year, in their military service, and as they transition to civilian life.
We invite you to show your support for our youths at Migdalor.