RSY-Netzer and LJY-Netzer have launched Shnat Netzer 2025-26, a joint six-month gap year programme.

Participants will come together in South Africa and Israel, joining with different branches of Netzer Olami (the worldwide Progressive Jewish Youth Movement), to explore their Jewish identity as part of an ideological, modern, inclusive and dynamic community. 

LJY and RSY have been working hard to create an exciting and enriching programme full of chinuch (education), volunteer work and kef (fun) – all while bonding as a group with peers from around the globe.

You can find out more about the programme and register your interest here (RSY website) or here (LJY website).

The programme has three components. The first month will be spent in South Africa, with the Netzer branch there, experiencing the culture, leading on Netzer summer events, learning about the history, and exploring new places. Participants will get the chance to feel part of a wider, international Progressive Jewish community, making connections with another Netzer branch, including meeting South Africans who are likely to join the Israel component.

The next month is at Kibbutz Lotan, a Reform Kibbutz in the south of Israel, in which participants will volunteer at the Lotan Ecological Centre, working on the centre’s environmental projects and having sessions to deepen their understanding of Judaism, Kibbutz life and sustainability. They will also have the opportunity to look after the Kibbutz children, a really special way to integrate into the community and develop their leadership skills.

The remaining three months of the programme will be in Haifa, living independently in communal apartments, experiencing day-to-day life in Haifa while engaging in meaningful volunteering with the range of communities in the area, including Palestinian Citizens of Israel, Druze, Olim (immigrants) and Israelis. Volunteer opportunities include working in education, community support, or grassroots social justice initiatives. There will also be sessions from Netzer and organisations such as ‘Seeds of Peace’ and ‘IRAC’, offering diverse perspectives on activism and leadership. These sessions will explore the Jewish roots of social justice, connecting hands-on volunteering to broader values of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

We are keen to stress that we do not want finances to be a barrier to anyone joining our Shnat Programme. There is lots of support available to help with this, including funding from the UJIA. This really is open to everyone (please see the linked websites for more on this).

Shnat Netzer is a hugely exciting opportunity for LJY and RSY members to meet each other, get closer, and learn about the similarities and differences between our two youth movements. Shnat Netzer has been a collaboration between our two youth movements for years, and is an incredible opportunity for us to work closely together.

Find out more about the programme and register your interest here (RSY website) or here (LJY website).