"Living in Jerusalem is living the dream, but it involves all the challenges of building a new life. It is such a relief to have a place to come home to, a place that has a built-in community of wonderful neighbors and friends."   –Timna Zaray-Mizrahi, Merkaz Hamagshimim resident (2006-2007).

 

Young olim often come to Israel searching for their ideological homeland, but find that feeling at home is difficult when they are faced with learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture, and living far from their families. For this reason, Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah becomes a special place for new olim and long-term tourists alike. 

 

Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah is a unique combination of absorption center and community center, located in the heart of the German Colony, one of the most beautiful, peaceful and dynamic neighborhoods in Jerusalem. Drawing on the principles of Zionism, Jewish pluralism and social activism, we are committed to building a pluralistic community of new olim, potential olim, sabras and tourists. At the Merkaz, we offer a variety of programs exploring different angles of Israeli culture, social action and everyday life. We provide a support system and a ‘feeling of home’ for over two thousand 19-35 year-old members each year, including both singles and young married couples.  

In addition to hosting year-round cultural and educational activities that draw eclectic audiences in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, we also provide a limited amount of housing for new olim, long-term tourists and English-speaking sabras. We have grown from a small communal apartment facility into a compound that houses at least 25 residents at any given time. Programs and projects of the Merkaz are designed to meet the needs of young English-speakers, as well as those of the surrounding community and Israeli society as a whole. 

So whenever you are in Israel, either as a visitor, an oleh, or something in between, we hope that you will stop by the Merkaz and find here "a theater, an activism hub, an information center, a pluralistic community, and a home in the best neighborhood in Jerusalem."   -Hallie Leighton, Merkaz Hamagshimim resident 2005-2006.