By Nativia Samuelsen

Israel has been caught in a bitter conflict for nearly 18 months now, but hope is on the horizon.

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza and other fronts, many young Israeli adults are struggling and need extra guidance and assistance as they consider their futures in uncertain times. To help this particular group of troubled Israelis, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is sponsoring the ‘Horizons’ program, designed to increase the number of young adults from underprivileged sectors who can obtain a higher education. Whether through vocational studies or academic programs, this multifaceted initiative helps more young people complete more advanced university degrees. In essence, Horizons provides guidance and a safety net during and after secondary school for students who aspire to go further in their education.

Thanks to ICEJ’s partnership and support, Horizons has already made significant strides in expanding opportunities for hundreds of Israeli young adults.

So far over 1,500 at-risk young adults across 25 local municipalities in northern and southern Israel have benefited from the program. With a successful pilot behind them, Horizons was handed over to the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs in December 2023, allowing the program to expand across the country, including to central Israel. In January 2024 alone, Horizons was serving 810 students and 560 professionals.

Recognising the urgent need to bridge the educational gap for Israeli Arab young adults, a specialised track was added in 2024. With 46% of 18-year-old Arab men and 43% of Arab women in Israel not meeting higher education requirements, the program focuses on enhancing their access to post-secondary education.

Despite wartime challenges and staff shortages, the students in the program are making significant strides forward. A campaign to raise awareness among young adults and their families garnered 200 new inquiries, and orientation sessions were held for professionals working with Israeli Arab youth, including high school principals and probation officers. The program also recently enrolled 31 new students in the Arab towns of Shfar’am and Baqa al-Gharbiyye, offering classes three times a week despite the need for many participants to also work to support their families.

Rana, a young lady from an Arab family on welfare in Be’ersheva, found success through Horizons. At age 19, she sought help in planning her future and finding a good job. Rana was hired by a local clothing store and after saving enough money, opened a small business. In parallel, she applied to Kaye Academic College to study education, yet her poor Hebrew skills held her back. Undeterred, Rana and her Horizons’ counsellor devised a Hebrew study program that included listening to videos, reading and speaking. Today, Rana is a confident elementary school teacher who loves her job.

Abed, a 23-year-old from the Galilee village of Shfar’am, realised he could only improve his quality of life through a good education. He set his sights on engineering, but knew he could never pass the math components of the matriculation exam without help. Through his social worker, he found out about the high school diploma course run by Horizons. The math class not only helped him make up coursework, but it also provided him with study skills that will be invaluable as he continues in life. Thanks to Horizons, young Abed has already passed the first part of the math exam and is enrolled in a preparatory course to equip him for crossing the finish line.

As part of an Israeli government program to reduce economic disparities in the Arab sector by 2026, plans are in place for Horizons to further expand its community outreach. Upcoming activities include:

• Regional groups for psychometric entrance exam preparation
• Classes for winter matriculation exams
• Study groups for 12-year education certificates.
• Seminars for pre-academic preparatory course candidates

By sponsoring advisors to guide young adults, the ICEJ is making a significant impact on the educational and vocational prospects of these young adults.

On behalf of these Israeli young adults, we thank those of you who have stood behind this and other such efforts. This program will continue to lift up many from poverty and failure, offering them the education and skills needed for social mobility, which are especially crucial in this time of crisis.

Together, we can pave the way to a brighter future for these young Israelis in need of our help. Please support these and similar efforts by giving to our Future and a Hope program today.

Donate at:  help.icej.org/future-hope

Main photo: Young adults attend preparation courses for the psychometric entry exam and the Yael Hebrew proficiency exam in the Jerusalem area.