Yemin Orde Academy Graduates Excel in Combat and Command Roles
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The Yemin Orde pre-military academy, which prepares youth from immigrant and peripheral backgrounds for military and civilian life, has won the Yossi Harel Prize for 2026. Approximately 80% of its graduates serve in combat roles, and 30% reach command positions. Founded in 2000, the academy aims to bridge gaps and foster leadership, with its head, Al Eldar, emphasizing its role in transforming students' lives. The academy has also seen increased volunteerism among students since October 7th, though recruiting at-risk youth has become more difficult.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yemin Orde academy wins Yossi Harel Prize for 2026, recognizing its impact on youth.
- 80% of Yemin Orde graduates serve in combat roles, with 30% reaching command positions.
- The academy was founded in 2000 to provide opportunities for immigrant and periphery youth.
- Al Eldar, head of the academy, highlights its role in student transformation and life preparation.
- Students have volunteered in security and welfare efforts since October 7th.
- Recruiting at-risk youth for the academy has become more challenging post-October 7th.
The Yemin Orde pre-military preparatory academy, founded to provide opportunities for immigrant youth and those from Israel's periphery, has been awarded the Yossi Harel Prize for 2026. Established in 2000 by Al Eldar and Dr. Haim Peri in Hazor HaGalilit, the academy aims to bridge gaps for immigrant youth and those from disadvantaged areas, fostering leadership. The ten-month intensive program prepares approximately 65 boys annually for military service and civilian life, with a branch for girls in Kiryat Anavim. Participants engage in self-discovery, community living, volunteering, and skill-building workshops, receiving long-term support for higher education and employment.
After nearly 25 years, Yemin Orde boasts a strong military success record: about 80% of its roughly 1,200 graduates served in combat roles, many in elite units, and approximately 30% reached command positions, including officers. Eldar, 64, a retired Major and educator, expressed pride in the award, seeing it as recognition of the academy's impact. He noted that Yemin Orde was established at the request of Elazar Stern, then Chief Education Officer, to serve immigrant and periphery youth, contrasting with earlier elite-focused academies.
Eldar highlighted the academy's transformative effect, stating it became a model for other peripheral youth academies. He emphasized that the preparation extends beyond military service to life skills, citing positive outcomes in graduates' education and employment compared to peers who did not attend. Eldar finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the profound changes in students, from their initial struggles to their eventual successes in military and personal life.
The academy fosters independence by having students manage daily tasks like cooking and cleaning, and organize cultural activities and trips. Eldar believes in allowing students to learn from mistakes, with weekly reviews to improve performance. He also mentioned that since October 8, 2023, students have volunteered in security and welfare efforts in Hazor HaGalilit and renovated bunkers on the Golan Heights.
Eldar acknowledged that the aftermath of the October 7th attacks has made it more challenging to persuade at-risk youth to attend preparatory academies, as many now opt for immediate enlistment. However, he noted an increased interest from youth from stronger backgrounds seeking to attend the academies.
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