Garin Tzabar

Garin Tzabar (Hebrew: גרעין צבר‎) is a program that facilitates service in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) for both Israelis and Diaspora Jews who do not have parents in Israel, managed by the Hebrew Scouts Movement in Israel.

Background

Soldiers who come to Israel to serve in the IDF but do not have at least one parent living in Israel are called "Lone Soldiers". Garin Tzabar was formed in order to provide a support system for such soldiers.

Etymology

In Hebrew, Garin means “core” or “seed”. Aside from its literal use, the word is also used in Israel to refer to a group of people who moved to Israel together. The Hebrew word Tzabar, translated in English as sabra, is used in Israel to mean a native-born Israeli Jew.

Organization

Garin Tzabar was founded by the Friends of Israel Scouts, Inc. in 1991 and is currently under its auspices. The program is largely funded by Israel's Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, but it also receives money from the Jewish Agency for Israel and private donors.

The Program

The future members of Garin Tzabar begin their orientation in their local region, or in Israel. A series of five seminars is designed to:

• Facilitate discussion among prospective participants about the decision they plan to make
• Impart logistic information regarding the program, military service, and Aliyah to Israel,
• Provide a forum to practice Hebrew
• Build a strong and cohesive group that will serve as a support system to program participants once they arrive in Israel
• Take care of necessary emigration logistics with their shaliach.

Upon arrival in Israel, the members of each Garin are placed on a hosting kibbutz. The first three months prior to basic training include:

• Teaching of the Hebrew language (under Ulpan)
• Pre-draft logistics such as a physical exam, mental-psychological fitness testing, and an interview with the IDF
• Acclimation to Israeli history, geography, and culture.

In addition to Garin Tzabar staff, soldiers and educators from the IDF and teachers from the Ministry of Education assist with the transition.

Each individual begins his or her military service according to the schedule arranged by the IDF.

Today there are 300 lone soldiers supported by Garin Tzabar every year. Each one belongs to a group (Garin) of approximately 20 soldiers who live together at a kibbutz and choose to experience their military service together as a social unit mutual support and camaraderie. It is the largest IDF immigrant program in Israel, partnered with the Israel Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, with more than 2,500 soldiers since inception.

See also

• Lone Soldier
• Mahal
• Sar-El

External links

• Garin Tzabar Website: http://www.garintzabar.org
• The Jewish Journal, June 2008: http://www.jewishjournal.com/graduation/article/outstanding_seniors_class_of_2008_20080604/
• Cleveland Jewish News, May 2008: http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/articles/2008/05/30/news/local/graduate0530.txt
• The Jewish Exponent, February 2008: http://www.jewishexponent.com/article/15267/
• Yediot Ahronot, August 2006: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3293328,00.html