Bnei Akiva, the religious Zionist youth movement, has been running a program in which it sends young Israeli shlichim (representatives) to various countries in the Diaspora in an effort to promote the ideals of “Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael” (the People of Israel, the Land of Israel and the Torah of Israel).

The program, now in its eighth year of success, operates in over 35 countries worldwide and is designed to foster these ideals in the hearts and minds of the Jewish people, from different backgrounds and walks of life.

In an interview with Arutz 7, Ro’ee Aviksis, of Bnei Akiva Olami (World Bnei Akiva), said that shlichim travel abroad, usually for one year, with the intention of forging bonds with the Jewish communities in which they live. They organize activities including, but not limited to, educational programs, social events and festive Shabbat meals.

These shlichim become the embodiment of the positive qualities inherent in leading a Jewish lifestyle, specifically in the Land of Israel. Shlichim are either young Israeli families, single adults who have recently finished their army service or academic degree, or are completing their term in Sherut Leumi, Israel’s national service. 

Native born Israelis are chosen, specifically, to participate in this program because they have lived in Israel, know what it is like and are able to best these qualities to the communities in the Diaspora.

The main goal of the program is to encourage aliyah (moving to Israel), as that is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the ideals and the foundation upon which Bnei Akiva was founded over 80 years ago and known as “Torah Ve-avodah” (the sanctification of one’s life through Torah and deeds).