Founded in 1935, Habonim Dror North America (Builders of Freedom) is a Progressive Labor Zionist youth movement whose mission is to build a personal bond and commitment between North American Jewish youth and the State of Israel, and to create Jewish leaders who will actualize the principles of social justice, equality, peace and coexistence in Israel and North America.
The movement is led by a small team of young adults (“Mazkirut Artzit” – Central Office) who provide support and programming to the youth leadership of each HDNA camp community.
Habonim Dror programming also includes two Israel programs:
Machaneh Bonim B’Israel (MBI) offers rising 11th-graders a four-week trip to Israel with a leadership training element. Participants can expect the iconic Israel experiences from hiking Masada to exploring Jerusalem, with an emphasis on values-based education and deep engagement with the dilemmas of modern Israel. MBI brings campers from all six camps together, creating a national cohort and the future leadership of HDNA.
Habonim Dror Workshop is the oldest Israel gap year program in existence, providing an unparalleled Israel experience for 70 years (and counting!) Workshop balances between study and service and connects its participants to Israel’s culture and history through hands-on experiential learning and active volunteerism. Workshoppers meet their HDNA and Israeli peers, build leadership skills, and come home with a unique perspective on modern Israel.