Mitzad – Dynamic Young Leadership

Communities in the throes of immigration crisis often have difficulty finding authentic leaders who can represent their needs or emphasize their strengths and identities.  About 35% of Sderot’s residents are immigrants from Kafkaz (the Caucus mountain region of the Former Soviet Union).  This community, which was highly respected in their home country, has gone through extensive immigration crisis and has been tagged with a negative stigma in Israel.  Even through the level of education among the Kafkaz is similar to the general education levels in Israel, many of the Kafkaz families live in poverty.  Poor cultural integration combined with poor linguistic skills have paved the way for two generations of unemployment and disintegration of family ties. Many of Sderot’s Kafkaz teens have dropped out of school and look for their social and cultural life in the streets. 

In 2002, a group of 15 young adults from Sderot’s Kafkaz community created “Sachbak”– Studentim Chavarim BeKehila (Student Friends of the Community).  Sachbak members experienced the pain of immigration crisis, recognized the havoc it created in their lives, and vowed to help others in their community overcome it.  They turned to Gvanim for support and guidance and from 2002 volunteered extensively in Sderot’s Kafkaz community.

In 2007, Sachbak evolved into Mitzad (Dynamic Young Leadership).  Since it has grown from within the Kafkaz community, Mitzad acts as a powerful role model for adults and children alike.  They meet regularly, and Mitzad is now improving techniques and skills for developing initiatives, building partnerships and supporting community volunteerism.

Gvanim thanks its Program Partner:  Netivim Center in Sderot