(Courtesy of World Mizrachi) As this particularly challenging academic year draws to a close for overseas students, World Mizrachi is launching its annual crowdfunding campaign to help students planning to participate in the “Year-In-Israel” experience.
World Mizrachi’s campaign is specifically working to highlight the critical role yeshivas and seminaries play for Israeli society, within the beit midrash as a place of spirituality and inspiration, and also as major feeders of IDF and National Service personnel.
“At Lev HaTorah, our pre-army students undergo a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth, uniquely equipping them to tackle the challenges of serving in Tzahal,” said Rav Boaz Mori, rosh yeshiva of Lev HaTorah. “Under the guidance of our inspiring rebbeim, they immerse themselves in Torah study and practice, cultivating inner strength, unwavering conviction, and a clear sense of purpose. Moreover, they form deep bonds with their peers, each lending the other their own strengths, fostering camaraderie and solidarity. By the time they enter military service, they emerge not just as soldiers, but as fearless warriors armed with the resilience and determination needed to overcome any obstacle.”
Particularly in this very critical time for Israel, the roles of yeshivas and seminaries are even more important in helping the Israeli home front through volunteering and community support. “Here at Midreshet Amudim we mobilized: packing meals for chayalim, donating blood, taking shifts volunteering in Hadassah Hospital, running a day camp for displaced children from the south, tying tzizit for soldiers, taking up collections for food and supplies, all the while continuing to daven and learn Torah with our teachers, many of whom have been directly impacted by this war,” shared Dr. Julie Goldstein, founder, director and rosh midrasha at Midreshet Amudim.
“Supporting Torah in Israel has never been more important, especially this year,” said Rabbi Doron Perez, executive chairman of World Mizrachi. “Open your hearts to supporting this incredible campaign of defending Israel in the beit midrash and the battlefield, making sure that the land and the state of Israel is as strong as possible both on the battlefield and, of course, in the beit midrash.”
The participating schools for the 2024 campaign include: Yeshivat Yishrei Lev, Machon Maayan, Yeshivat Orayta, Ruach HaNegev, Yeshivat Torat Shraga, Tomer Devorah Seminary, Yeshivat Hakotel, Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, Midreshet Amudim, Baer Miriam Seminary, Hamidrasha Hatzionit, B’not Torah Institute, Yishrei Lev, and Yeshivat Mevaseret Zion.
“Most of the hard work, challenges and eventual accomplishments you’ll have in the army, specifically the ones that don’t come easy, are made possible when accompanied by a deep rooted understanding of why you’re doing what you’re doing. And that’s where yeshiva prepares you in a way that few other experiences can,” said Moshe Tzvi Shapiro, an alumni of Yeshivat Hakotel.
In addition to promoting the seminary and yeshiva experience, World Mizrachi helps provide support for students throughout the year that focuses on connecting them with the land and state of Israel. This year, Mizrachi brought over 2,500 students to the Gaza envelope, to bear witness to the events of Oct. 7 and beyond, and become ambassadors for the Jewish people when they go back to university. The organization brings together students for a variety of social and cultural events, particularly around commemorative days like Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim.
Mizrachi serves as the official representation of the Religious Zionist movement to the World Zionist Congress promoting the interests of Orthodox pro-Israel Judaism in a wide variety of platforms both in Israel and across the Diaspora. Founded in 1902, the organization has long worked to support the ability of young people to come and learn in Israel.
To donate, visit mizrachi.org/campaign.
