Jewish Strength in Action

350 young Maccabi leaders from Maccabi Tzair Argentina arrived in Israel earlier this month as part of a powerful 20-day “Bekef Hadracha” leadership training program, run in partnership with Maccabi Argentina clubs, FACCMA Argentina, and Yachad Maccabi Programs. 

After completing their youth leadership course in Argentina, these amazing 16-year-old boys and girls came to Israel to take part in the final stage of their training. 

Their educational journey took them across the country: from Jerusalem, where many experienced the Western Wall for the first time in their lives, to the north, Eilat, the Dead Sea, Kfar HaNokdim, and Tel Aviv. Along the way, they volunteered extensively, including service with the IDF and participation in a wide range of community initiatives.

"I dreamed of coming to Bekef for two years, after the program was canceled because of the security situation in Israel", shared one of the participants. "I feel like I made my dream come true".

The group also visited Sderot and the Nova festival site, taking part in deeply moving encounters with Nova survivors, Amos Horn - brother of Yair and Eitan Horn, who were held hostage - and Ilan Konfino, a Maccabi Tzair Uruguay alumnus and graduate of our yearly Shnat Hachshara program, who later made Aliyah, enlisted in the IDF, and was seriously wounded during the Iron Swords war.

"Being part of a group of 350 Jewish teens from Argentina - visiting the Nova site, hearing survivors’ stories firsthand, standing together at the Western Wall singing Hatikvah, walking through the Old City, and sharing so many powerful moments - made me stronger as a leader, as a person, and most of all, as a Jew", another participant reflected. 

It was far more than a visit. It was an unforgettable, deeply meaningful experience - one that reflected connection, resilience, responsibility, and the living spirit of our people. 

This is what the next generation of Jewish leadership looks like. Chazak Ve’Ematz!