Yedidey Oz

The only children's movement that provides Jewish, Zionist and social values to children of ages 6-9 in Israel. We, at the 'OZ' children's movement, recognize that acquiring Jewish, Zionist and social values at a young age, build an important foundation for the child and prepare him or her for a healthy social life in the Jewish and Israeli society. That is why our movement turns to kids aged 6-9 years. The educational values are passed on using a variety of methods and are usually translated in to active programs that confirm and demonstrate the theoretical values in to actual every day life In Israel, children finish school every day at 14:00 (2:00 PM). While older kids have after-school programs and youth movements that are available for them to go to, children in the first to third grades don't have any programs. Most of the parents are working when these children return home from school. Without anything to do constructively, these children, either lounge around the house, or spend time in the streets. A few years ago, a poll showed that 87% of 18 year old Israelis had never visited the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem. At Oz, we want to rekindle the Jewish connection to Israel in these kids' hearts. Our after-school programs include field trips to Jerusalem and other Jewish heritage sites, a Hannuka national quiz, a "salute to the IDf" program and more. Plus it gives them values of volunteering, connecting to the community and being active in making Israel and the world a better place. Oz helps ingrain in themselves a sense of self confidence and the ability to make life changing decisions.