Mechinat Harel - Jerusalem was established in 2016, with the mission of helping lone immigrants from the former Soviet Union (and children of immigrants)  to  overcome the daunting challenges of achieving full integration into Israeli society, to genuinely connect with Judaism, and taking the courageous step to serve, and serve meaningfully, in the Israeli Defense Forces.

 
To foster their success we created a program unlike any other – one that figuratively "speaks their language": With a peer group that speaks their language (literally), classroom instruction and field trips bringing to life Israeli culture, Zionism & Jewish history, by celebrating Russian-Jewish heritage's  singular influence on contemporary Israel & Judaism, through highlighting why and how they are valuable, important members of Israeli society, by appreciating them for who they are and helping them discover and become who they want to be – both in the short term (IDF preparation and guidance) and in the long run (strengthened Israeli & Jewish identity).