After October 7th, when many communities bordering Gaza were evacuated, people asked what recovery would truly require. One answer became clear very quickly: for these communities to rebuild, they need young people on the ground – living here, showing up every day, and helping daily life return.
That is exactly what the Meitarim Lachish pre-military academy has been doing.
The academy operates four branches, all committed to education, leadership, and long-term responsibility. The most recent branch was opened during the war in Kibbutz Gevim, in order to maintain a continuous educational framework and an active presence in communities bordering Gaza at a time of profound disruption.
Students in the Gevim branch have been part of daily life in the area since its opening. Through their presence, relationships, and steady involvement, they help restore routine, human connection, and a sense of continuity — not through one-off actions, but through consistent, everyday engagement.
A Continuum of Service: From Adult Volunteers to Young Leadership
The story of the Gevim branch is also part of a broader continuum of commitment in the region. Esti Weisman, who volunteered in the pilot year of Shnat Sherut 50 Plus, chose to remain in the south after completing her year of service.
During her service year, Esti became deeply embedded in the community. When the Meitarim Lachish academy strengthened its presence in the area, she continued that commitment by taking on a professional role with the academy. Her journey reflects the shared values between the two frameworks: long-term presence, responsibility, and the belief that rebuilding communities requires people who are willing to stay, to belong, and to invest themselves fully over time.
Esti’s continued work with the academy is one example of how service does not always end after one formal year, it often deepens.
A Significant Gap and a Critical Opportunity
Until now, the Gevim branch has not had a permanent, dedicated learning space. Learning has taken place in temporary or shared settings — workable under emergency conditions, but not a sustainable solution for an educational framework built around values, leadership, reflection, and long-term responsibility.
A Permanent Learning Home in Kibbutz Gevim
The academy is now working to establish a permanent Beit Midrash in Kibbutz Gevim, which will serve exclusively as the dedicated learning home for the Gevim branch of the Meitarim Lachish academy.
The building is entirely designated for the Gevim branch and will support its students year after year. Beyond its practical function, the decision to invest in a permanent structure is also a statement: despite displacement, disruption, and uncertainty, this educational framework is here to stay.
In Memory of Guy Nazari
The Beit Midrash will be built in memory of Guy Nazari, a beloved graduate of the academy who fell in Gaza while trying to rescue his friends from a tank.
Guy believed deeply in people – in connection, in love of the land, and in responsibility toward others. Those who knew him speak of someone who constantly sought to be better: a better friend, a better leader, and the most wholehearted version of himself.
This Beit Midrash is intended not only as a memorial, but as a living continuation of the values Guy embodied – a place where learning, leadership, and moral responsibility will continue to be cultivated by the Gevim branch for years to come.
Every Gift Is Doubled
The campaign is supported by a significant donor, and every contribution is matched. Each donation, large or small, immediately has double the impact, helping to build and fully equip the Beit Midrash with everything needed for a real, functioning learning environment, including furniture and classroom equipment.
As one of the academy’s leaders said:
“This project gives me hope. After everything we’ve been through, choosing to build something permanent is a decision to stay — and every donation helps turn that decision into reality.”
How to Take Part
To support the construction of the Beit Midrash for the Gevim branch of the Meitarim Lachish Academy, donations can be made here:
👉 https://www.jgive.com/new/he/ils/donation-targets/160339
For further information, please contact Esti Weisman directly:
📞 +972 52-801-1199
