The Netzer Year | Post High-School Reform Israel Program | Union for Reform Judaism

About Us

Netzer Year is a joint program of the Union for Reform Judaism and Netzer Olami, the International Reform Zionist Youth Movement. With over 16,000 members in thirteen countries, Netzer is a worldwide community of Jewish young adults who believe in a progressive vision of Zionism and Jewish life. NFTY, the North American Federation of Temple Youth, is the branch of Netzer Olami in the United States and Canada.

The Union for Reform Judaism is the congregational arm of Reform Judaism in North America and provides vision, direction and leadership to Reform Jews and congregations on spiritual, ethical, and social justice issues, offering programming support to Reform Jewish congregations and strengthening individual Jewish identity and growth. As a member of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, the Union connects Reform Jews in North America with Liberal/Progressive/Reform congregations around the globe.

The goal of Netzer Year is to be a culturally meaningful and inspiring program for high school graduates that imbues them with the Jewish leadership skills and knowledge to return to their home communities as leaders in all areas of life. Through the Netzer Year experience, we aim to create a Progressive Jewish and Progressive Zionist experience that allows participants to develop an ongoing relationship with the land, people, and State of Israel, and encourages the personal growth of the participants.