Following the successful completion of the first Act2Gether cycle, we are proud and excited to share the highlights of the journey: the launch events of the youth-initiated projects
When young people become full partners and we take a step back to allow them to lead, they do more than just exercise their rights; they generate genuine, autonomous, and sustainable social impact within their communities. This is the very essence of the Act2Gether programme.
Act2Gether begins with joint workshops, where we equip the youth with the knowledge and professional tools needed to establish social initiatives. However, the truly moving moment occurs when we take a step back. Today, the projects that the youth initiated and developed from scratch are operating independently on the ground. Our young people are managing, operating, and leading these initiatives themselves, shaping the reality in their communities. Here is a glimpse of what happens when the youth take the reins:
Emek Hefer: Platforms for Voicing the Youth
On the 29th of October 2025, we gathered for a festive event to launch three platforms established by the local youth: a school-based digital noticeboard, a website, and a podcast series led entirely by them. During the launch event itself, the leading youth forum explained the initiative to their peers. Participants had the opportunity to explore the systems up close, experienced sharing ideas in real time via the digital board, and listened together to the premiere broadcast of the podcasts.
Kiryat Shmona: “Lighting Up the City” Space
On the 2nd of November, the “Lighting Up the City” (Leha’ir Et Ha’ir) space officially opened its doors at the Danziger school. With the opening of the venue, an “Enabling Space” was unveiled, providing the youth with a safe and welcoming physical environment during the evening hours. The newly introduced space features leisure facilities, board games, and multimedia stations that foster an engaging connection, whilst placing a strong emphasis on self-expression with open mic nights operated by and for the young people.
Hadassah Neurim: An Educational and Personal Space
On the 3rd of November, the educational and personal space established in the youth village was officially inaugurated under the name “In Our Hands” (BaYadayim Shelanu). At the opening event, the youth group presented their vision: a space managed entirely by the students themselves. The inauguration opened the door to a weekly programme of workshops with mentors, alongside social bonding activities between new immigrant youth from the Naale programme and veteran youth. Furthermore, a unique set of cards developed by the group was revealed, designed to break the ice and encourage open, eye-level conversation between teachers and students.
Katzrin: Community Coffee Cart
On the 21st of January 2026, we had the privilege of visiting Katzrin to celebrate a particularly festive opening event with the local youth for their newly established community coffee cart. The cart is operated entirely by the youth, who have taken full responsibility for every stage of the enterprise—from conceiving the idea, developing the menu and pricing, to managing the day-to-day operations and preparing the coffee and pastries on-site. The cart operates primarily in the evenings, offering young people a positive, pleasant, and safe alternative meeting place. The space has been thoughtfully designed with seating areas and board games, serving as far more than just a culinary venture; it is a vibrant community and cultural platform hosting youth performances, open mic nights, and lectures selected and led by the young people themselves.
Seeing these projects currently operating on the ground with complete independence is testament to the power of youth when they are given the right tools and trust.
