Habonim Dror (the Builders of Freedom)
is an international Progressive Labor Zionist youth movement.
Habonim Dror North America (HDNA) is based on the pillars of Progressive Labor Zionism, Judaism, Social Justice, Socialism and Hagshama (actualization of values). Its mission is:
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To create Jewish leaders who will actualize the principles of social justice, equality, peace and coexistence in Israel and North America
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To build a personal bond and commitment between North American Jewish youth and the State of Israel
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There are six summer machanot (camps) in North America. They also run year-round kenim (local chapters) for kids starting in 2nd grade. Once campers reach high school, they can participate in HDNA leadership seminars and programs with peers from across the country and the world!
SEMINARS
Every winter, members of Habonim Dror join together for one week to learn about and discuss the movement and its stance on social issues in America and Israel. Every other year, this seminar includes a 3 day democratic process to decide movement direction, priorities and stances. Participants discuss in caucus groups and vote on proposals, written by peers, which address Habonim Dror’s structures and constitution. This unique opportunity, therefore, gives Habonim Dror members ownership over their own youth movement.​​
Each Spring, Habonim Dror’s Ma’apilimot (college-aged members) convene to learn, engage in discussion, and prepare for the summer. Like all other Habonim Dror seminars, participants will interact and house with fellow movement members from the other five camps. Traditionally, Ma’apilimot Seminar takes place at Machaneh Galil, located in Pennsylvania, or at Mosh!
Veida/Winter
Seminar
10th GRADE and up
Maapilimot
Seminar
COLLEGE AGED
PROGRAMS
KADIMA
Travel/Service Program for 11th graders
Meet and bond with peers from all North American Habonim camps as you explore local social justice organizations through a Jewish lens. Program highlights include:
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A service Learning project in Detroit, in partnership with Repair The World
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A trip to Chicago and a socio-economic tour of Black and Jewish histories
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Hiking trip through the sand dunes
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Israel educational seminar
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To learn more, click here.
MBI: Machaneh Bonim
Israel Trip for 11th graders
MBI is Habonim Dror’s five week program in Israel. Participants travel throughout Israel, learn about its history and contemporary society, and build strong ties with fellow members of their national shichva (age group).
To learn more, click here.
Workshop
Gap Year Program
Workshop is Habonim Dror’s nine-month gap year program in Israel for high-school graduates. This program focuses on education and social service in Israel through communal living and relationship-building. To learn more, click here.
OUR SISTER CAMPS
