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:
To create Jewish leaders who will actualize the principles of social justice, equality, peace and coexistence in Israel and North America
To build a personal bond and commitment between North American Jewish youth and the State of Israel
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!
We are excited to offer financial aid for MBI and Workshop through our Stewardship Fund! Learn more about the Stewardship Fund here.
SEMINARS
West Coast TZEDEK
Seminar
9th-12TH GRADERS
Part of the Tzedek program, this weekend seminar in the early spring is a unique opportunity for 9th-12th graders to meet their West Coast friends from Camp Miriam, located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Each year the seminar location rotates between LA and Vancouver. Participants of West Coast Seminar spend the weekend getting to know each other as they engage in learning discussion on relevant topics such as Jewish identity, social action, and leadership.
Veida/Winter
Seminar
10th GRADE and up
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.
Maapilimot
Seminar
COLLEGE AGED
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 Machaneh Moshava, located in Maryland.
PROGRAMS
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.
EXPLORING ISRAEL
AS A SHARED SOCIETY
Habonim Dror's Progressive Birthright Experience
This no-cost* 10 day tour of Israel connects participants to Judaism through a social justice lens. The trip includes learning about organizations and people that are working towards peace and a just Israeli society.
* Must be in New York for group flight on December 31st, participants are responsible for their own travel costs to New York.
