What is messima? Messima means "mission" in Hebrew. In Habonim Dror, we view our volunteer projects as long term missions within Israeli society, working through education to create a just and equal Israeli society. Teaching English is the method we use to connect with Israeli youth and create a fun place for them to be, and to open a conversation about values, their life in Israel, and empowering them to shape Israeli society in the future. We work mostly with peripheral communities, either designated as at-risk by the Ministry of Welfare or marginalized by their location or life experience. Today, we are active in Holon, Bat Yam, Yafo, Rishon Letzion, Acco, Haifa, Kfar Manda, Carmiel, Iblin, Deir Al Assad and Sachnin. Although there are some changes from year to year based on demographic changes within the messimot, our projects are ongoing, long-term relationships with the schools and organizations where we are active. The impact of the Workshoppers and other Habonim Dror chanichim that do messima in these places over the years is truly incredible, and today some of them rely on us to continue their activites. Each messima also has a melaveh (escort/guide) that runs weekly tzevet meetings where the Workshoppers can process their experience and sharpen their hadracha (leadership) skills. This is an important place for the Workshoppers to connect their experiences in Israel to their ideological questions, about Israel, being Jewish, and being a leader in Habonim Dror.
The Rishon kvutza in action at messima! The pictures below are from the Holon tzevet, who volunteer in two elementary schools and an afternoon center for at-risk youth.
Zach and Aaron at school.
Rafi on a break with his chanichim.
Helping out in school.
Playing games!
Below photos from the messima in Akko.
Dan playing soccer at HaOgen (The Anchor), a youth club for Arab kids in Acco. The kids come after school for a snack, homework help, and fun activities.
Jess, Lindsey and Dan in school in Acco, running an activity in English.
The students creating a list of things they want to exist in their society.
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