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World Bnei Akiva Shlichim:

Inspiring the Next Generation

of Religious Zionist Leaders

Ohad
Tal his week marks one year since my
appointment as Mazkal (Director) of
World Bnei Akiva, the largest Zionist
Tyouth movement in the world, with
approximately 20,000 chanichim and 100 shlichim
in 24 countries around the globe. A high
percentage of today’s most prominent religious
Jews, including both leaders of communities
and professional fields, are graduates of youth
movements – and particularly Bnei Akiva. Living
in a post-modern world that advocates extreme
individualistic values, our core mission is to
prepare the next generation of Jewish youth to
assume communal responsibility and lead their
communities in the years ahead. Through our
network of shlichim and local Bnei Akiva sniffim,
we work closely with Jewish communities in the
Diaspora to foster leadership and commitment to
Am Yisrael and encourage Aliyah to Israel.
When my family and I served as shlichim with
Bnei Akiva in the Netherlands, I experienced
firsthand the impact and influence shlichim can
have on a community, and particularly the youth.
Recognizing the significance of each shaliach, the
World Bnei Akiva shlichut department carefully
recruits, selects, and prepares the shlichim,
whether young families or post-IDF/National
Service singles, for the demands and challenges
of the role. The rigorous selection process
includes multiple interviews, meetings with an
organizational psychologist to help identify the
ideal candidates for shlichut, and considering the
unique requirements of each partner community.
Successful candidates participate in a week-
long preparation seminar, equipping them with
knowledge and tools for their shlichut, developing
a strong support network among the shlichim
themselves and with World Bnei Akiva staff who
will support them throughout their journey.
After an emotional and inspirational farewell
ceremony, the shlichim spend two to five years
living in their assigned communities where they
work with the youth and local madrichim. Together
they play an integral role in strengthening the
community’s connection to Israel and Judaism
and inspire the next generation of Religious
Zionist leaders.
Ohad Tal is the Mazkal (Director) of World Bnei Akiva.

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