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The Halutz Initiative for Global Leadership

The Halutz Initiative for Global Leadership

Join an elite community of future leaders learning to make a difference.
April 8-14, 2027

Now in its sixth year, the Halutz Initiative serves as an incubator for a new kind of pioneer: forward-thinking, entrepreneurial, socially minded supporters of Israel equipped with leadership qualities and a nuanced understanding of the most critical issues of the day.

Through virtual meetings and an intensive six-day seminar in Israel led by scholars and scientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the program prepares a select group of promising individuals to turn their passions into practical solutions – for BGU, the Negev, Israel, and the world.

Unlock your potential to help build a better world

Registration for the 2027 Halutz Initiative program is now open.

About the Program

Enjoy unique membership benefits

In return for fellows' investment of time and energy, BGU invests in them: in their personal and philanthropic growth, their professional horizons, and their potential to make a measurable difference for Israel and the world. Benefits include:

International Connections: Fellows grow their circle of professional connections to include business and community leaders from around the world.

Meaningful Friendships: Fellows meet like-minded people who share their core values, commitments, and connection to the Jewish people and Israel.

Leadership Development: Fellows learn new ideas and best practices for becoming effective, influential leaders in their professional and/or communal lives.

Unique Encounter with Israel: Fellows gain access to a side of Israel rarely experienced by visitors, through behind-the-scenes visits to leading research laboratories, innovative community initiatives, and conversations with scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the future of the Negev and Israel.

Opportunity for Impact: Now, more than ever, the Negev needs support in rebuilding. Fellows gain the knowledge and tools to inspire others to support strategic, sustainable change in Israel and at home.

Fellows share their knowledge of key issues and potential solutions with bold thinkers, savvy investors, and business and community leaders in their home countries. In this way, they build networks of support for BGU research and activities and help advance a better Israel and world.

Fellows participate in a fully funded, six-day seminar in Israel each spring (March or April). Through site visits, discussions, and meetings with experts and community leaders, fellows gain a deeper understanding of Israel's opportunities and challenges while exploring the work of Ben-Gurion University and its partners.
In addition, fellows join three virtual group meetings: two pre-seminar sessions in January and March, and one post-seminar session in May.

Tentative schedule for the 2027 seminar in Israel

Connecting

Day 1:

Arrival in Israel and welcome dinner at the home of Jeff Kaye, Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development at BGU, in the Jerusalem hills.

Learning

Day 2:

Walking tour and meetings in Jerusalem with policymakers, community leaders, and change-makers offering insight into Israel's key security, economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Travel to Mitzpe Ramon.

Bonding

Day 3:

Explore Mitzpe Ramon through a guided walking tour and have time to bond, connect, and get to know one another.

Experiencing

Days 4-5:

Sessions with leading researchers and innovators at BGU's Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva and the Sylvan Adams Sde Boker campus, covering topics including science, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, water, energy, and climate. Fellows will also have opportunities to meet individually with faculty members and visit programs serving the Negev's diverse communities.

Reflecting and planning

Day 6:

Discussions about issues explored in the seminar and a concluding session on translating learning into action in fellows' home countries.Transportation to airport (and Tel Aviv).

The Halutz Initiative accepts exceptional individuals (in the age range of around 30-50) who are committed to Israel and care deeply about social change. Ideal candidates exhibit intellectual curiosity, demonstrated leadership abilities, and are motivated to take part in a demanding yet rewarding one-year educational experience.

The Halutz Initiative covers all fellows' travel and program-related costs. Fellows should be comfortable with the expectations of the program and understand the substantial investment being made in their growth and development. No philanthropic commitment is required; however, we hope fellows will seek ways to give back in the future through leadership, mentorship, service, or other forms of contribution.

"Aside from being astonished by the scientific achievements of BGU, the Halutzim Program left me with a sensation of having met a group of friends that I will carry on with for the rest of my life. Moving and inspiring!"

-- Mirko Daniel Garasic, Cohort III, Italy

"I arrived in Israel slightly apprehensive, but within minutes my excitement to be back was overwhelming. I knew that this opportunity to meet my fellow Halutz members and to see what Ben-Gurion University had to offer would be a memorable one, but I did not anticipate the impact that it would have on me going forward. There are truly no words to express the value I obtained from this incredible experience. Ben Gurion University is the best-kept secret that Israel has to offer – a true hidden gem. From the Ben Gurion leadership to the faculty members, to the students, and the administrative staff - I was beyond impressed and felt so deeply connected almost with immediate effect. The relationships that were created, along with the exposure to this world-class institution and its groundbreaking work – are something that I value and will endeavour to share with the rest of the world and my community at home. I only wish I could be 18 again and have the opportunity to study at this remarkable educational institution. Ben-Gurion's foresight and belief that the future of Israel would come from the Negev, is coming to fruition through the University and I am so inspired to watch this continued growth."

-- Tanya Golan, Cohort III, South Africa

Suitable candidates should express their interest in applying to the program to the head of their local BGU association, and complete the application form below.

To apply for the 2027 Halutz Initiative program, please complete this online questionnaire.

Applicants will be interviewed in November-December, and letters of acceptance mailed in December-January.

Want to know more?

For questions about Halutz or to express interest in membership, contact the head of your local BGU association or email Jeff Kaye, Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development.

Download brochure about Halutz Initiative for Global Leadership Cohort VI.