BeNetivei Udi is an Israeli non-profit organization established in 1994 by Mordechai and Georgette Elgrably in memory of their son Udi, a paratrooper and communications officer who was killed in action while defending the country in the security zone in Lebanon. Udi graduated from Yeshivat Netiv Meir (Bnei Akiva) in Jerusalem and Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion

BeNetivei Udi continues to uphold the values Udi Elgrably cherished in life: social responsibility, unity, and the breaking down of barriers between different segments of Israeli society. The organization operates three intervention programs on a national level: Nitzanim, Garinei Udi, and Out of the Depths. The programs address social issues impacting equality, justice, quality of life, national resilience, and the social cohesion of all Israeli citizens

Additionally, a youth impact center, Beit Udi, is being established in Be’er Sheva in collaboration with the municipality.

Issue

The underrepresentation of unique populations—including communities from the periphery, Druze, Ethiopian communities, and women—in Israel’s technology sector (both military and high-tech industries)

Solution

Nitzanim is a technological education and training program that provides training and placement opportunities in the IDF technological units and high-tech industries. The program is designed for youth and young adults, from middle school to discharged soldiers, enabling social mobility and career opportunities in technology. The program operates in collaboration with government ministries, schools, and educational networks

A joint program with the Ministry of Education, operates within the formal educational system and aims to introduce and expose students to basic programming.
It encompassed 60 hours of curriculum-integrated training over the school year.

A technological excellence track designed with the IDF School of Computer Sciences comprising Full Stack training, Machine Learning and DevOps. This is a 3 year program spanning 150 hours per year.

The course, the only of its kind, serves as a technological preparatory program in collaboration with the IDF to increase the numbers of diverse populations (women, Ethiopians and Druse citizens, as well as periphery residents) in the IDF’s elite technological units.

Full Stack and DevOps training for released soldiers, aimed to increase the available human capital for the Negev’s high-tech sector

Beyond technical training, Nitzanim seeks to instill values and foster a shared national vision as a foundation for an exemplary Israeli society

For the program website click

For more information
Contact: Korin Cohen Matok, General Manager
Tel: +972.52.946.3021
Email: korin@nitzanim.tech

Nitzanim

Nitzanim, a recipient of the IDF Chief of Staff Award for Excellence, aims to close technological, gender, and socioeconomic gaps by training youth and young adults for service in the IDF’s elite units, with pathways for subsequent integration into Israel’s high-tech industry

Nitzanim – Technological Education as a Tool for Social Mobility

Issue

The growing divide between religious and secular populations in Israel

Solution

The Garinei Udi program promotes dialogue and social activism between religious and secular youth. It collaborates with youth movements, local authorities, the Ministry of Education, and other organizations

Garinei Udi in the informal education system – a 3-year leadership development program. As part of the program, the teens get to know each other and the different faces of Israeli society; they meet with diverse populations and get hands-on experience in leading community projects.

after years of operating in the informal education system, in 2023 we launched a project in the school system whereby 9th graders meet and engage in dialogue about Israeli society. Together they engage in joint volunteer activities with their religious, traditional and secular peers.

underprivileged children whose families cannot afford a summer camp or a vacation, are invited to enjoy a free-of-charge summer camp led by Garinei Udi members. Hundreds of children participate each summer.

Full Stack and DevOps training for released soldiers, aimed to increase the available human capital for the Negev’s high-tech sector

ahead of Passover, the youngsters lead a renovation and assistance project for needy, elderly people. The project, in cooperation with the municipal welfare departments, brings together hundreds of volunteers and teens from all walks of Israeli society. The participants work in groups of religious, secular and traditional teens, both boys and girls. In addition each senior citizen receives a food basket for the holiday. Often, relationships formed between the teens and the senior citizens continue long after the renovation is over.

The national event brings together thousands of teens from the secular, traditional and religious youth movements and Garinei Udi participants.
The journey concludes in an exciting and well-attended ceremony led by members of Garinei Udi. To date, more than 10,000 teens have taken part in the journeys.

For the program website click

For more information contact
Itai Ben-Chaim, GM
Tel: +972.52.686.4229
itaibc@udi.org.il

Garinei Udi

Garinei Udi is a youth leadership program that brings together secular, traditional, and religious youth (grades 9–12) for joint learning and community volunteering. The program aims to foster social awareness among youth with leadership potential, addressing the critical need for unity and bridge-building

Volunteer activities include home renovations for elderly individuals in need, summer camps for underprivileged children, and the annual Unity Journey, gathers thousands of youth from across the country

The "Garinei Udi" program promotes dialogue and social activism between religious and secular youth. It operates in collaboration with youth movements, local authorities, the Ministry of Education, and other organizations

Issue

The lack of support infrastructure for bereaved civilian families and the widening gap in national responses to civilian and military bereavement

Solution

The Out of the Depths program provides comprehensive support to families and individuals after loss, operating in collaboration with Israel’s healthcare system and hospitals

For the program website click

For more information contact
Tel: +972.09-746.8986
Contact@outotd.org

Out of the Depths

This program specializes in offering professional support to bereaved families. It provides assistance with online shiva arrangements, emotional support, parental consultation (via video, chat, or phone), and access to consultations with religious leaders or spiritual counselors. The program operates with the cooperation of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Meir medical center and the Center for Bereavement Research and Resilience

Beit Udi

To commemorate 30 years of social impact, BeNetivei Udi initiated the establishment of Beit Udi, a center designed to support its activities and vision for social improvement in Israel. Located in Be'er Sheva’s Innovation District, Beit Udi will serve as a hub for learning and inspiration, advancing projects in technological education and social awareness. The students who engage here will become the future human capital leading the Negev

Be’er Sheva, known as the "Capital of the Negev," is the largest city in Israel’s southern region, with over 200,000 residents, projected to grow to 340,000 by 2030. It serves as an educational center for surrounding areas, with 13 high schools and over 1,000 promising youth

For the Beit Udi presentation click

For more information contact
Ari Leon Fruchter
Tel: +972.54.922.2518
ari@udi.org.il