Bnei Akiva youth movement was founded on Lag Baomer 5689 (1929) and was called Bnei Akiva to symbolize the image of Rabbi Akiva which embodies Torah and work (Torah VeAvoda). It currently operates in about 350 chapters throughout the country. Bnei Akiva is headed by the youth movement’s graduates alongside shlichim (emissaries) and youth in Shnat Sherut (Service Year - refers to a community volunteer year in which the volunteers defer their army service by one year) as part of the youth movement’s activity.
Bnei Akiva is a Zionist, religious and pioneering youth movement, based on Torah and work (Torah VeAvoda) values. It aims to educate a generation loyal and devoted to its Torah, its people and its country, that lives from its work in the spirit of the Torah. It educates towards personal realization of the idea of Torah and work and striving to build a society of Torah and work in Israel; Aspiring for redemption (Geula) and revival (Tehiya) of the People and the State in our land while maintaining a People and a society with national, social, moral and spiritual resilience in the State of Israel that is founded and conducts itself in its national way of life on the basis of the Torah and the tradition of Israel (Masoret Yisrael).
Bnei Akiva views itself as a realizing youth movement that educates its members to Torah life, to adhering to the commandments and to willingness to mobilize and contribute to any Zionist act and national mission. The persons making up the youth movement believe that they have become a society that radiates its spirit to the entire people and country.
Bnei Akiva activity takes place in a local shevet (chapter) and regional format. In addition to routine activity, that takes place twice weekly, all age groups participate in treks, overnight camps, field trips and seminars, with emphasis placed on the activities of the senior age group.
Bnei Akiva members and graduates deepen their study of the Torah and establish yeshivot (Jewish educational institutions that focus on the study of traditional religious texts). The graduates take part in the mission of settling the land and security undertakings. Bnei Akiva members engaged in, and continue to engage in, education, immigrant absorption and social undertakings wherever they are needed. The youth movement establishes shevatim (chapters) in the periphery, works with special needs youth and sets up Service Year garinim (garin refers to a broad group comprised of several small groups) that operate for the benefit of the community.
