IsraElite Young Women’s Leadership Program for At-Risk and Immigrant Youth

Vision

IsraElite empowers young women from immigrant and disadvantaged backgrounds to become confident, capable contributors to Israeli society. Addressing emotional, educational, and financial gaps, the program builds self-worth, belonging, and resilience. Its core objectives are to enhance self-efficacy, increase access to higher education, and expand social and professional networks- enabling participants to shape fulfilling futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities and Israel.

Activity

Derekh Kfar Educational Institute leads hands-on educational activities that strengthen school and youth village communities across Israel. Programs include multi-year training and mentoring for educational staff, principals, and youth village teams. Educators participate in workshops, learning forums and scenario-based training that bridge theory with daily practice. Staff from all

roles—teachers, counselors, administrators—engage in shared learning, creating a unified educational language and culture. Derekh Kfar also offers leadership development programs, professional study days, and individualized coaching. All activities aim to build emotional resilience, deepen educational vision, and foster a shared sense of purpose and mission among educators.

Mechina IsraElite implements the Village Way philosophy in a ten-month, activity-based leadership program for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants take part in workshops focused on life skills (e.g., financial literacy, decision-making, public speaking), academic study (e.g., identity, gender, Israeli society), and hands-on leadership experiences like event planning and daily program management. Physical fitness, emotional well-being, and healthy living are core components. Weekly volunteering and field experiences – hikes, navigation, cultural tours, and IDF-prep week (Gadna)—build national connection and self-confidence. Rooted in the same values as Derekh Kfar, Mechina IsraElite empowers participants to become resilient, responsible, and engaged members of society.

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The Mechina touched every part of my life – who I want to be, what kind of family I want, what kind of partner I want. What happened at the mechina was meaningful to me, and that’s why I wanted a meaningful, significant role in the IDF. If I hadn’t gone through the mechina, I wouldn’t have been able to handle such tough situations during my IDF service, and that’s thanks to the tools we were given - the challenges, the journeys, the responsibilities placed on us.

- Shlomit Ekel (Attended the 1st cohort of the IsraElite program. Served in the Air Force in intelligence and navigation analysis. Has a Master’s degree in Social Work)

Hadas Azulay

Hadas Azulay is the Director of the IsraElite Young Women’s Mechina, where she has led the successful reopening of the program in 2024. Since joining in 2023, she has overseen key partnerships, including with the Ministry of Welfare’s “Nitzotz” initiative, and has managed all aspects of the program – from recruiting participants and staff to developing the educational framework. Hadas also coordinates volunteer placements, workshops, trainings and support systems for participants, serving as both a mentor and an educational role model.
Previously, Hadas was a Grade Coordinator at Yemin Orde Youth Village, where she led a team of 21 staff supporting 120 immigrant and at-risk youth. With deep experience in youth development, she brings strong leadership, organizational, and educational skills to her work. Hadas holds a B.A. in Social Sciences and Humanities and is passionate about creating meaningful, empowering opportunities for marginalized youth in Israel.