Nativ: Jewish-Zionist Educational Program for New Immigrant Soldiers

Oleg, who has recently converted to Judaism after participating in Nativ, stated that he finally feels like he officially belongs to the Jewish nation. After years of suffering anti-Semitism in the former Soviet Union yet not being considered Jewish by halacha, he finally feels a sense of belonging.

The goal of Nativ is to strengthen the Jewish and Zionist identity of the new IDF soldier and offer a first-step conversion program for those who are not Jewish according to halacha in order to ensure their full integration into Israeli society. This intensive course consists of five major curricular elements: Bible; History of the Jewish people; Zionism and the history of Israel; Jewish philosophy; and Jewish traditions and practices, with a pluralistic approach.

Nativ is addressing a major unresolved societal issue confronting Israel. Nearly 250,000 new immigrants are not considered Jewish according to Jewish law. Despite this fact, many want to undergo conversion so that they – and their children – can participate fully in Jewish life.

Since Nativ was launched in September 2001, nearly 5,500 soldiers have enrolled in this intensive six-month program and more than 1,000 have completed the conversion process. In 2006, an estimated 2,320 soldiers will participate.

Gifts of any amount will be appreciated and help support this effort. Each gift of $1,000 will underwrite one person’s participation. A donation of $2,000,000 will fund 100 participants over a 20-year period. To recognize this gift, a fund for Nativ will be named in honor of the donor and a plaque will be placed in a central location in The Jewish Agency's Kiryat Moriah Educational Campus in Jerusalem. A special ceremony with senior army and government officials will be held to pay tribute to the donor and program updates will be sent on a regular basis.

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