David’s Sukkah Pre-military Academy
Expanding opportunities for young people from Israel’s social and geographic periphery to realize their full potential and become leaders in diverse spheres of influence. The academy and the association provide the support, guidance, and tools they need to break through barriers, develop a strong Zionist identity, and pursue meaningful military and civic service.
A six-month pre-military academy based in the city of Ramla, combining academic learning with immersive field experiences. Each week, participants explore Israel through tours of historic sites, battlefields, and encounters with diverse communities across Israeli society. The goal is to experience the country firsthand while strengthening their sense of belonging, shared responsibility, and social solidarity.
The curriculum includes courses on the history of Zionism, Jewish heritage and tradition, the thoughts of Jewish scholars from the Islamic world, Israeli democracy, and ethics. Together, these studies provide participants with a broad intellectual foundation and prepare them to enter military service as informed, engaged, and socially conscious young leaders with a deep understanding of Israeli society and its history.
A six-month pre-military academy where participants live, learn, and volunteer while postponing their military service to focus on personal growth, leadership, and community engagement.
Turning Values into Action: The academy’s staff bring with them operational experience and values that have been tested in life’s most challenging moments. They do not simply teach principles such as commitment, responsibility, and camaraderie—they embody them through their personal journeys and the way they continue to face adversity.
As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “The personality of the educator is the text that students read—the text they will never forget.” By learning from mentors who have overcome—and continue to confront—significant personal challenges, participants develop the understanding that hardship is not a barrier but a pathway to growth.
Rooted in Ramla: The choice of Ramla is intentional. Located at the heart of Israel, the city is rich in history, heritage, and cultural diversity, with a strong and distinctive identity. The academy will become an active part of Ramla’s vibrant social fabric, and participants will contribute to the city through meaningful volunteer work, becoming an integral part of its community throughout their journey.
The distinctive feature of the “Sukkat David” Pre-Military Academy lies in its educational staff. All members of the team—from the academy leadership to the field instructors and lecturers—are wounded IDF and security forces veterans.
This choice is not only a value-based statement of recognition, but also creates a unique model of mentorship: participants, many of whom come from complex backgrounds, are able to connect with role models who have personally experienced and overcome hardship. The instructors, having rehabilitated from combat injuries, embody resilience and demonstrate how to cope with crisis—even without explicitly speaking about it.
Academy participants also lead physical training and leadership groups for local youth in the city. The fact that academy members—who often share similar backgrounds with the youth they mentor—guide younger teenagers from Ramla creates a dual social impact.
In addition, participants are involved in activity in local community centers and neighborhoods, with an emphasis on hands-on engagement and social repair.
The inaugural cohort of the “Sukkat David” Pre-Military Academy includes approximately 25 participants.