What does OTZMA stand for?
OTZMA is the Hebrew word for strength. The word OTZMA is not commonly used on the streets in Israel, as it is the more formal word for strength or empowerment.

What do OTZMA participants do for 10 months?
The 10 months are divided into three tracks. Part I is spent on an immigrant absorption center, a place where new olim (people moving to Israel) from all over the world, come to get acquainted with Israel. During these three months, participants learn Hebrew in an Ulpan setting, volunteer at the center and also in the community at large. Part II is the community service track. For these three months, participants volunteer in their sponsoring Federation's Partnership 2000 community. The volunteer work varies from site to site and person to person, though usually includes teaching English, working with the elderly and implementing after school programs for the children in the community. In between Part II and Part III is a three week elective program where participants choose from either studying Jewish text in Jerusalem or volunteering on an army base. The final track, which is also three months, is spent either on a Kibbutz or participating in a professional work experience. The OTZMA year also includes numerous education days, seminars, group trips and two vacations.

What makes OTZMA unique?
OTZMA offers its participants a unique way to experience Israel. Through the three varied parts, participants see Israel from an insider's perspective. OTZMA participants see more of Israel than some Israelis ever do! Through OTZMA, you will be set up with an adoptive family with whom you will experience Israeli holidays, spend Shabbat weekends and have your own "family" in Israel for the year and well beyond. Many families will also find the time to visit their "child" at their various placements throughout the year. OTZMA allows you to feel more like a citizen than a tourist, therefore participants leave from their experience aware, connected and ready to continue their relationship with Israel and the Jewish people.

How does OTZMA differ from other programs in Israel?
OTZMA differs from other programs in Israel by its abilty to provide the participant with a well-rounded experience of living in a variety of settings-from the development town to the large cities, from the kibbutz to the youth village. OTZMA is truly representative of what Israel is today-a multi-faceted society. By moving every three months to a new location, participants experience new roommates, different living situations, and a new community. These experiences prepare participants for their future-as they embrace unknown situations-and learn to cope in a controlled setting. Additionally, 10 months truly allows participants to immerse themselves in another country-allowing them the time to work on their Hebrew, gain comfort in a new society and develop long-lasting relationships.

Can I apply for OTZMA if I am over 26?
The majority of OTZMA participants will have just graduated college the previous year. There are always a number of participants who graduated a year or two prior to OTZMA, however rarely are there participants over 25. OTZMA would encourage you to apply to the program if you are interested in participating, however, you should be aware that, if accepted, you would be among the eldest of the group.

Can I participate on OTZMA for less than 10 months?
No. OTZMA participants are required to participate on the entire 10 month program. No one can join the program once it has begun and you are expected to stay on the program until its duration. There is a strong group component to the OTZMA year that would be disrupted if participants are joining and leaving during the year. How much does it cost to participate on OTZMA? Click here for financial information.

What's in it for me?

• Immerse yourself in Israel (learning Hebrew, education days, travel, hike)
• Make new friends
• Contribute to Israeli society, improve their quality of life and give back.
• Future job connections and connection to the Jewish world
• Personal growth

What are the dates for OTZMA?
The OTZMA year runs similar to a school year allowing participants to complete their summer internships and jobs before starting the program and to return to the US not long after their friends have finished school.

Will I have any free time in Israel?
Yes. Although OTZMA is a structured program, participants do have a nice amount of free time. Participants will have most weekends free. In addition, there are three vacations, usually during Sukkot, Hanukah and Passover.

Do I need to know Hebrew to go on OTZMA?
No. Participants come on OTZMA with a wide range of Hebrew knowledge. During Track I, all participants will be involved in a Hebrew Ulpan. Most participants find the more Hebrew they know, the more opportunities they discover for volunteer placements. OTZMA encourages participants to take advantage of Ulpan. For those participants who come knowing a limited amount of Hebrew, they should expect that the activites they participate in will be more limited and less lauguage-based. Sample activities include teaching English, sports activities and arts & crafts.

Is it safe to be in Israel for 10 months at this time?
The safety, security and well being of the OTZMA participants is of paramount importance. Although this is an answer that only you can make, OTZMA is confident in its Israel staff and the other professionals they work with. We feel OTZMA runs a safe program. OTZMA updates its participants regularly and makes changes when need be. OTZMA is in constant contact with the Jewish Agency for Israel's Security Team, the Israel Defense Force and the Israeli Government. OTZMA now has a group in Israel and they are having a very positive experience.

How is it determined who I live with throughout the year?
Many factors go into the placement of participants throughout the year. During Part I, participants are grouped according to a variety of factors including community, preferences, religious needs, etc. During Part II, particpants are housed by their sponsoring community-primarily set up in the corresponding Partnership 2000 community. If you are sponsored by a community sending less than three participants, OTZMA staff will work on placing you in another community. No fewer than three participants will be placed in any community during Part II for security reasons. During Part III, participants are housed in groups determined by the city in which their internship is located. While there is some flexibility in housing, this is a great opportunity to learn how to live and interact with a diverse group of people in a variety of different settings.

How many people have participated in OTZMA?
There are over 1,400 OTZMA Alumni. This year there are 38 participants on OTZMA XXIV (2009-2010).

Can I be in touch with someone who was recently a participant on OTZMA?
Yes, the OTZMA office can put you in touch with someone who was recently on the program. If you are interested, please contact the North American OTZMA office at otzma@jewishfederations.org.