The pre-military “Israeli Preparatory Academy” in Kiryat Anavim, near Jerusalem, awarded academic scholarships last week for the seventh time in its history to graduates who have completed military service and are now pursuinging higher education.
The scholarships reflect a long-term educational approach based on close personal guidance, accompanying participants from their year at the academy through military service and well into civilian life.
Funding for the program comes from the Iranian Jewish Federation in New York, as well as from the family of the late Haim Rubovich, founder and former CEO of Derech Kfar Educational Initiatives. The family’s contribution has become an established annual tradition.
How does the academy near Jerusalem prepare young women for meaningful service?
The academy was established by Derech Kfar and operates jointly with nonprofit partners and the “Nitzotzot Preparatory Programs” of Israel’s Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. It serves young women from social and geographic periphery communities across the country.
Participants undergo intensive training that combines physical preparation, leadership development, public speaking, and in-depth studies in Israeli society, Zionism, and current affairs. Nearly all graduates go on to meaningful military and national service.
This year’s 22 scholarship recipients served in a wide range of positions, including combat roles, command posts, intelligence and operations units, and instructional positions. Many completed hundreds of reserve duty days during the recent war.
They are now pursuing academic studies in fields such as law, physics, nursing, social work, public policy, education, media, and the arts.
The scholarship ceremony was attended by Derech Kfar chairman Attorney Doron Cohen, board members, and staff. Alumnae coordinator Anat Steiner, the academy’s first director, said, “It is a privilege to accompany these impressive young women as they build their futures in Israeli society.”
How does Haim Rubovich’s vision continue to guide future generations?
Some scholarships were dedicated to the memory of Haim Rubovich, who held senior positions in Israel’s Shin Bet before co-founding Derech Kfar with Dr. Haim Peri.
His son Ben addressed the audience, emphasizing his father’s belief in education as a lifelong process and a tool for social change.
“The academy was only the beginning,” he said. “Now each graduate is paving her own unique path. This is Zionism at its best: building society one person at a time.”
