To better connect with what is going on in the country *  To do our part in rebuilding that which was lost * To offer the empowering tools and unique growth opportunity of Mechinat Harel to young men and women from this hard hit region * These are the reasons why Mechinat Harel is opening a new branch - (following Jerusalem, and Be'er Yaakov) located in Netivot, in the heart of the Gaza Envelope Region.
This fall, a first cohort of 30 young men and women will proudly be the first students at Mechinat Harel - Netivot. These special students, who largely grew up in the periphery themselves in traditional homes, and the majority with complicated personal backgrounds, were drawn to the opportunity of joining Mechinat Harel - Netivot. They identified with the mission of embracing the difficult reality faced by so many of our brothers and sisters in the hard-hit South, and to send a clear message that "כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה" - All of Israel are bound together.

 
While not an easy undertaking, requiring significant care for security and shelter accessibility among the many concerns, we felt compelled to act, understanding that it's the right thing to do. Like so many of our alumni who fight on the front lines and assume responsibility in often difficult and uncertain circumstances, we felt Mechinat Harel needed to do the same -  to set up a base, now, in Netivot. Not only will these students live, learn and train in Netivot - but they will also engage the community, share in the rehabilitation, and explore their surroundings - all in Netivot and the greater Gaza Envelope Region. This immersion of the students into the challenge will serve as a unique precursor for their upcoming IDF service -  benefiting them (and the community) in ways that would not otherwise be possible.