World Bnei Akiva: Gap Year Israel Programs - הכשרה

Meet Kovi Kluwgant, from Sydney, Australia, a participant on MTA Gush 2026, a World Bnei Akiva Hachshara Program.

"Hi, I’m Kovi Kluwgant from Sydney, Australia. I’m 18 years old and I went to Kesser Torah College from kindergarten all the way through to graduation.

I chose MTA Gush because, unlike most programs, it offers the opportunity to learn in one of the best Yeshivas in the world, while also giving a real balance of experiencing Israel, having fun, and being fully immersed in serious learning. It’s easy for programs like this to feel like you’re pulled too far in one direction, but MTA Gush manages to balance it really well.

The main highlight so far has definitely been the competitive lunchtime soccer games at the yeshiva and the runs through beautiful Gush Etzion. I’m also really looking forward to Slichos with the yeshiva later this year."

💙💙 MAZAL TOV! 💙💙

World Bnei Akiva is thrilled to wish a huge Mazal Tov to Joey and Orli on their engagement!

Joey and Orli are both proud alumni of Kivun 5783, and we are so excited to celebrate this special milestone with them and their families.

Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, love, and bracha as you build your future together.

שֶׁתִּזְכּוּ לִבְנוֹת בַּיִת נֶאֱמָן בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל ❤️

After two incredible weeks of travelling across the country and experiencing Israel from every angle, our World Bnei Akiva Limmud participants have completed their Chovek Yisrael journey!

From meaningful volunteering opportunities and refreshing water hikes to camping under the stars, challenging adventures, inspiring encounters, and unforgettable moments with friends, the participants have packed an extraordinary amount into these two weeks.

Chovek Yisrael is about more than just seeing the country, it’s about connecting to the land, its people, and its stories in a meaningful and hands-on way. Check out some of the highlights from the week and stay tuned as we continue to share more from their incredible and unforgettable experience! 💙🤍

Throwback to Kadima Awards Night

In the final weeks before our World Bnei Akiva – Kadima participants completed their program, they enjoyed a very special evening at the home of Head of Program, Ariel Vilner, for the annual Kadima Awards Night 🏆💙

The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, growth, and contributions of each participant throughout the year, while also looking back on the unforgettable memories, inside jokes, and hilarious moments that made Kadima 5786 so special.

Filled with laughter, friendship, and reflection, it was the perfect way to celebrate an incredible year together and all that the group had accomplished.

Kadima 5786 – we miss you all already! 💙

Chovek Yisrael with Limmud 🩵🇮🇱

As part of the Mechina experience, our World Bnei Akiva – Limmud participants take part in a once-in-a-lifetime journey known as Chovek Yisrael.

Over the course of two weeks, participants plan and execute their own self-guided trip across the length and breadth of Eretz Yisrael, taking responsibility for every aspect of their journey along the way.

Throughout the experience, they immerse themselves in volunteering opportunities, meaningful activities, and unforgettable adventures that showcase the beauty, diversity, and spirit of our homeland 🌅

Chovek Yisrael serves as the perfect finale to the Mechina experience — an opportunity to bring together everything they have learned throughout this chapter, challenge themselves, and forge their own path through the Land of Israel.

Our Limmud participants have just completed their first week, and what a week it has been! Take a look at some of the incredible experiences, memories, and adventures they’ve had so far 👀💙

MAZAL TOV!! 🎉💍

World Bnei Akiva is excited to wish Eli Poyurs and Talya Wolff a huge MAZAL TOV on their engagement!

Eli and Talya, both from South Africa and proud MTA 2022 Bogrim, we are thrilled to celebrate this special milestone with you. Wishing you and your families much nachat, simcha, and bracha as you begin this exciting new chapter together.

שתזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל 💛💛

Mazal Tov from the entire World Bnei Akiva family! 💙🤍

Meet Bailey Lipworth, from South Africa, a participant on Limmud 2026, a World Bnei Akiva Hachshara Program.

“Hello! Howzit🇿🇦, I’m Bailey Lipworth from Johannesburg in the rainbow nation of South Africa. I’m 19 years old, I went to King David Linksfield and it’s always been my dream to come explore Israel.

The reason I chose to go on Limmud is because I wanted to navigate my Judaism further, learn more about our homeland, and work on my personal growth and development.

This year has been unreal so far, but my highlight has definitely been army week. I was totally forced out of my comfort zone and it challenged me in ways I never thought possible. It taught me the importance of teamwork, determination, and having grit through difficult moments.

It was an experience that brought me closer to the people around me and helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had🩷”

This past Shabbat, our World Bnei Akiva – Limmud participants spent a special Shabbat at Beit Bnei Akiva together with their partner Mechina, Mechinat Yonatan 💙🇮🇱

It was an incredible opportunity to learn from their Israeli peers, strengthen friendships, and spend meaningful time together in Jerusalem. From shared learning and discussions to Shabbat meals, singing, and conversations, the weekend was filled with connection, growth, and unforgettable memories.

Thank you to Mechinat Yonatan for a wonderful Shabbat together. Until next time! 👋💙

And that’s a wrap – Goodbye Kadima 5786 💙

This past Shabbat marked our World Bnei Akiva – Kadima participants’ final Shabbat together as a program.

The group spent Shabbat at Beit Bnei Akiva, the place they have called home throughout the year, reflecting on the incredible journey they have shared and reminiscing about the unforgettable moments, challenges, achievements, and memories that have shaped their experience since day one.

Following Shabbat, the group spent the evening enjoying their final activities together before ending the night at the Kotel as one united family ❤️🇮🇱

This year, with all that it has brought, has been a truly transformative experience. Through every challenge, adventure, friendship, and milestone, Kadima 5786 has grown into a remarkable group of young leaders ready for the next chapter of their journeys.

To the Kadima Family 5786 – we miss you already. No matter where in the world life takes you, always remember that you have each other, the friendships you built, and the memories you created together this year. Those bonds will remain with you for years to come.

Wishing you all the greatest hatzlacha as you begin your next adventure. Once Kadima, always Kadima 💙