Many cities in Israel have a population of young adults who never completed their education, who did not serve in Israel’s Defense Forces and who have few occupational prospects. The reasons for this are many; some have police records or a history of substance abuse.  Some are children of immigrants who never integrated into Israeli culture.  Some did not receive the support they needed to succeed in school when they were younger.  Whatever the reason, they made poor choices and are now on the track for a uncertain future. 

Gvanim Association founded Landmarks in 2006 - a program for young adults ages 20-30 who fit this profile yet have potential to initiate social and community changes.  Through this program, participants receive an opportunity to leave a life of dependency and frustration and take command of their lives for the better.

Program participants are selected on the basis of their motivation to change their lives.  The program includes weekly group meetings and study of relevant subjects such as identity, community leadership and occupational training.

Landmarks participants initiate, lead and participate in neighborhood projects. They work with the children and youth of their communities, becoming positive role models for change and hope in their neighborhoods.

The program was launched in 2006 in Kiryat Malachi as a pilot.  A new group, in the city of Ramle, was started in 2007.  In light of the program’s success, several more groups will be started in different parts of Israel.  Gvanim is hoping to promote Landmarks as an alternative for young adults who can not serve in the military.

Gvanim thanks its Program Partners:  the Municipality of Ramle, Kshatot Center for Young Adults in Ramle, JDC-Israel, Masad Klita