June 18, 2007, 2 Tammuz 5767

With the help of our partners throughout the world, Otzma, a year long program for Jewish university graduates, provides a framework in which participants are motivated through Jewish education and mobilized through extensive volunteer work to contribute to Israeli society and to the greater Jewish community.

Last summer, 40 intrepid Otzma participants boarded planes for Israel even though the country was at war with Lebanon. As it turned out, by the time they landed at Ben-Gurion airport, a ceasefire had been
declared. Their spirit of commitment is emblematic of Otzma (the Hebrew word for "strength"), a Jewish leadership development program for North American university graduates between the ages of 20-26 that was established twenty-one years ago as a partnership between the Jewish Agency, the Israeli Forum and the Council of Jewish Federations of North America (CJF).  Today, Otzma is officially a MASA-affiliated program. 

This year's participants and some 1,300 alumni are drawn from all walks of life and communities across North America, ranging from Mobile, Alabama to Chicago, Illinois and everywhere in between. They share a spirit of adventure and a desire to utilize their talents to make a difference. For some, Otzma is their first experience of Israel.  For others, it is a first opportunity to explore the challenges of remote cities, towns and rural regions far off the tourist track.  Otzma participants take part in three different learning and volunteer "tracks" and, thereby, become acquainted with new immigrants, youth at risk and rural life in Israel. This year, 50% of Otzma's young adults are birthright alumni.

For many, Otzma is a post-college "gap year."  The experience is a springboard for choosing new paths for advanced Jewish study and Jewish communal activism. This year, some 25% of Otzma participants decided to extend their stay in Israel beyond the conclusion of the program. Those who go back to their communities, return with a new spark of insight and attachment to Israel and Jewish peoplehood. At home or away, Otzma is building on the momentum of its success.

The success of Otzma, however, lies not only in the determination of the program’s participants, but in the ability of its founding bodies to continually create programs that provide the participants with unique, life changing experiences. With your help, Otzma can continue to welcome new participants and to inspire them, so that they, in turn, will be able to share this inspiration with the greater Jewish community. Donate now.