Hadassah Greater Atlanta Hosts Youth Aliyah Delegation

Hadassah Greater Atlanta was honored to host two teens and their teacher from the Hadassah-supported Meir Shfeyah Youth Aliyah Village and Boarding School in northern Israel at a luncheon graciously held at the home of Jodi Mekyten on Aug. 7.

Youth Aliyah began in 1934 with the rescue of children from Nazi Germany. Today, it comprises 43 villages across Israel and is funded by the Ministry of Education, with supplemental support from organizations like Hadassah. Hadassah proudly supports two of these villages: Meir Shfeyah and Neurim.

Central to Hadassah’s mission is the well-being and future of the next generation. The Hadassah-supported Youth Aliyah villages provide a nurturing environment that helps vulnerable youth chart a path to success. Since its founding, Youth Aliyah has helped more than 300,000 students from 80 countries.

Tomer Bar, a teacher accompanying the students, shared his appreciation. “A single opportunity can open up things for the entire world. We are so proud that Meir Shfeyah makes such a positive impact on the lives of our students.”

The two visiting students, Darya Dubrovsky and Hana Shvartzman, expressed their gratitude in perfect English. “Living, studying, and experiencing different things at Meir Shfeyah has changed our lives and opened up possibilities we might never have been exposed to.”

Michele Rubin, Hadassah National Youth Aliyah chair, added, “Hadassah Youth Aliyah Villages provide education, counseling, and love — fostering independence, self-esteem, and success. Meir Shfeyah students complete their matriculation at twice the national average, and 97 percent go on to serve in the IDF. Many even choose to do an additional year of community service and pursue higher education.”

Paula Zucker, president of Hadassah Southeastern Region, highlighted the villages’ vocational and enrichment programs: “Each village offers vocational training in high-tech auto repair, precision toolmaking, and winemaking. Cultural enrichment in music and art, along with structured sports programs, builds well-rounded individuals with discipline, teamwork, and self- esteem.”

The students — young immigrants and at-risk native Israelis — often arrive in desperate need of hope, direction, and support. At Hadassah villages, they receive shelter, food, counseling, education, and a full range of supportive services. Many arrive with little understanding of their Jewish heritage, and Hadassah offers meaningful opportunities to connect with their roots through programs like Joy of Judaism and heritage trips to Poland and Ethiopia.

Hadassah is proud to continue making a profound and lasting difference in the lives of these young people.