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Ottawa’s first social enterprise for Hebrew-speaking children, designed to develop values-based leadership skills, form meaningful social connections, and have fun—all in Hebrew.
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Hakibbutz began in response to a need identified within the Israeli-Canadian community in Ottawa. Through numerous conversations with local parents, we discovered that many children are the only Hebrew speakers in their classrooms and schools. As a result, they often lacked Hebrew-speaking friends, and maintaining the language largely depended on speaking with family at home, watching Hebrew cartoons and TV programs, and traveling to Israel. We wanted to create a safe space where children and youth can make meaningful connections, make new friendships, develop leadership skills and values, and establish their diversity of identities, understanding that culture and language are an important part of development and integration into society, and that a sense of belonging to the country of origin and the receiving country is important in creating a future in which children will lead their lives with well-being, contentment and mental resilience.
Our goal is to create a safe space where children and youth could form meaningful connections, build new friendships, develop leadership skills and values, and explore their diverse identities. We understand that culture and language are crucial to development and integration into society. A sense of belonging to both their country of origin/ heritage and their country of residence is essential for fostering a future in which children lead their lives with well-being, contentment, and resilience.
Our vision is for every Hebrew-speaking child and youth to have a place where they can speak their language, build meaningful social connections, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging.
Israeli, Jewish-Canadian, pluralistic and democratic culture and tradition.
Our community is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. We are dedicated to helping everyone reach their full potential. Anyone interested in participating is always welcome.
At the heart of Hakibbutz is our sense of community. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment built on mutual aid, partnership, friendship, and active involvement.
Hakibbutz is independent and is not affiliated with any political parties in Canada or Israel.
Marina has extensive experience in quality assurance and project management. She is a talented baker with a strong spirit of volunteering.
Liad holds a master's degree in education with extensive experience in democratic education in Israel. He believes in fostering creative learning and thinking through interaction with nature.
Yulia holds a bachelor's degree in teaching and extensive experience in formal education in Israel and Canada. Julia combines play and movement in making language accessible to all ages.
Inbal is a public servant, researcher, and economist during the day. In her spare time, she is a social entrepreneur.
Maayan specializes in geophysical imaging. He has extensive experience in teaching and education in the field of science from the Science Museum in Jerusalem and the Davidson Institute. He joins us as a volunteer and is a passionate believer in empowering children through scientific activities.
Lena has a Master's degree in chemistry and a certified lactation consultant. Lena is originally from a kibbutz in Emek Hefer Israel (which belongs to Hashomer Hatzair youth movement) and hopes to help and contribute to the creation of an educational social framework for children and youth in Ottawa.
Yael holds a master's degree in biology and has been working in the field of microbiology for the past 9 years. She has extensive experience teaching children from kindergarten to high school on topics related to nature and science.
Alexandra is a flexibility coach with 15 years of experience in gymnastics and circus arts, a former artist at the Israeli circus “Florentine”.
Experiential activities to strengthen language skills. The program will include Jewish and Israeli holidays, exposure and expansion of Hebrew vocabulary.
A social, values-based, and play-oriented program for children, inspired by youth movements (content includes Jewish and Israeli holidays, and an experiential exploration of Jewish, Canadian, Israeli, democratic and pluralistic identity and values).
A social, values-based, and play-oriented program for children, inspired by youth movements (content includes Jewish and Israeli holidays, and an experiential exploration of Jewish, Canadian, Israeli, democratic and pluralistic identity and values).
In addition to having fun and making new social connections, both groups of Community Leadership for younger and older youth will learn how to use design thinking methods to promote social and technological innovation, all in Hebrew.
In addition to having fun and making new social connections, both groups of Community Leadership for younger and older youth will learn how to use design thinking methods to promote social and technological innovation, all in Hebrew.
An extracurricular activity (“chug” in Hebrew) that combines theater, art, and creative activities.
An extracurricular activity (“chug” in Hebrew) where children experience a variety of sports games, including juggling, while engaging in teamwork.
The HaKibbutz program, now an integral part of the Soloway Jewish Community Centre in Ottawa, has formed a partnership with the Department for Organization and Relations with Israelis in the Diaspora at the World Zionist Organization (WZO) through the Beit Ha’am project. The Beit Ha’am serves as a home and center connecting Israelis and Israeli-Canadians while preserving and strengthening Jewish-Israeli-Canadian identity and the connection to Israel. Thanks to this initiative and the department's support, this year, in addition to the educational programs, we will hold community events this year aimed at linking family programming to HaKibbutz initiative, building a strong community connected to Israel, and encouraging more meaningful integration with the Jewish community in Ottawa, Canada.
The Hakibbutz is generously subsidized by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa (JFO), the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC), World Zionist Organization’s Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad (WZO), Beit Ha'am and is proud to have received the Jewish Journey Grant (JFO).
Additionally, we thank our in-kind partners on this journey:
