The first Israeli gap year in the United States
What is SUBRES?
SUBRES is a gap year for a select cohort of high school graduates, combining fieldwork and community impact with a focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Throughout the year, participants travel between communities across the United States, lead workshops, and gain real-world experience.
What will you do?
Knowledge & skills
- Train in public speaking, debate, and public diplomacy.
- Gain hands-on experience in educational research and content development.
- Build skills in entrepreneurial thinking, business development, and fundraising.
Community engagement
- Lead workshops at schools, youth movements, college campuses, and more.
- Equip students to confront antisemitism and navigate conversations around Israel.
- Develop a wide range of content tailored to each community.
Travel across the US
- Travel between states and build relationships with community leaders and partners.
- Represent the program at national conferences, panels, and public stages.
- Work with Israeli and international media.
Who is SUBRES for?
- Jewish or Israeli-American high school seniors currently living in the United States.
- High-level communicators with experience guiding youth.
- Proven leaders in their school, community, youth movement, or beyond.
- Strongly connected to Israel and to their Jewish identity.
- Driven, independent, and ready for a challenging year.
What will you gain from SUBRES?
Personal growth through a year of responsibility, leadership, and independence.
Meaningful resume experience that gives you a real edge for the next stage in life.
A wide network of community leaders, educators, and program alumni.
Hundreds of verified volunteer hours that reflect real community impact.
The opportunity to travel across the United States and get to know diverse cities, communities, and people.
Timeline & selection process
Our 2025–2026 cohort shares
"SUBRES opened doors and opportunities I never imagined were possible at 18. It was an intense year, but I don't think anything else could have challenged and developed me like this. What I loved most was learning from real experience, not just theory, and getting to explore the US along the way. I wouldn't have landed my current role without this experience, and it's the first thing people ask me about in every interview."
"I spent a long time looking for a way to take a gap year in the US, and SUBRES was exactly what I wanted. It was a challenging year that pushed me out of my comfort zone, but was worth every moment. I got once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, from speaking at conferences to meeting with donors, but even more meaningful was giving back to the community and seeing the impact of our work. Beyond all the experiences I gained, I grew a lot and made friends all over the US who will stay with me for a long time."
A joint program of Tzofim North America
& Israeli Spirit
SUBRES was founded through Israeli Spirit by Iddo Cabiri and Ilay Noimark, alumni of Shevet Hamifratz in San Francisco, part of Hanhagat Tzabar. The program is a joint initiative of Israeli Spirit, Israel's largest advocacy organization, and Tzofim North America, the North American branch of Tzofim Olami, part of the Hebrew Scouts Movement, Israel's largest youth movement.
Together, the organizations have created the first-ever path for young Jewish and Israeli-Americans to spend a meaningful gap year serving Israel and Jewish communities from within the United States.
Be part of the next SUBRES cohort
Applications close on November 30, 2026.
Curious to hear more?
Contact us to learn more about the program, application process, partnerships, or ways to bring SUBRES to your community.