ABOUT
Habonim Dror Southern Africa
HDSA is a Jewish Youth Movement based in South Africa, running programmes for Jewish youth between the ages of 9 and 24 since 1929. We specialise in informal education making learning fun! Our education focuses on local and international issues, spreading love for cultural Judaism, building up Israel, and championing freedom and human rights for all. HDSA focuses on making sure Jewish youth feel connected to our people and land, equipping them with key leadership skills, expanding their minds through critical thinking. However, and most importantly, our pride and joy is giving kids the best memories of their lives.
Aleh ve'Haghsem!
Rise up and Fulfill!
PROGRAMMES
Mini-Mach 1
Kaleidoscope Israel Trip
23 - 27
March
Kaleidoscope is an immersive educational program offering a nuanced, inside view of Israeli society, politics, culture, and innovation. Through expert-led discussions and site visits, it challenges assumptions, explores complexity, and encourages thoughtful engagement beyond traditional tours, with diverse voices and real-world perspectives across Israel.
April Sem
Garden Route Tour
20 - 22
March
We are so excited to announce and launch our first Mini Machaneh of the year! After coming off a successful Machaneh, it is safe to say that the ‘Habo Magic’ is back. We have been working hard at planning to ensure constant engagement and fun with our channies throughout the year. Our first official event, of course, being Mini Mach.
5 - 10
April
Our April Seminar is one of the most prestigious and impactful seminars we run each year. This program has been carefully constructed to foster a space in which all channichim have the opportunity to engage and grow in an environment that is uniqeuly geared towards moulding qualities of expression, engagment and enjoyment.
28 - 5 June/July
A week-long road trip from Cape Town to Knysna that’s all about good vibes, big laughs, and doing cool stuff with your people. Long drives with music blasting, beach stops, forest walks, adventure activities, and plenty of time to chill, mess around, and make memories
5 - 20 July
Shorashim is a formative experience within your Grade 10 year, inviting you to immerse yourself in Israel's vibrant culture, and connect to your Jewish roots. Shorashim is known to be a dynamic and meaningful trip, offering a truly unique perspective that allows for personal growth and a deeper understanding of your own Jewish identity. It is an unforgettable adventure where you will make lifelong memories, meet other Jewish teens from around the world, have fun with friends, and explore the very best of what Israel has to offer!
Winter Camp CPT
JHB & DBN Winter Camp
Mini-Mach 2
4 - 6 September
Join us for a weekend of unforgettable fun, late nights, delicious food, connecting with old and new friends, the best Maddies in the country, skill-building, and a meaningful Shabbat experience!
5 - 10 July
The Johannesburg and Durban edition of our five-day winter camp, offering children a fun, structured break from their everyday routines in a warm and supportive environment. Our programme balances active days, creative time, and moments to slow down, helping children build confidence, independence, and strong friendships.
28 - 3
June/July
This is the Cape Town edition of our five-day winter camp, offering children a fun, structured break from their everyday routines in a warm and supportive environment. Our programme balances active days, creative time, and moments to slow down, helping children build confidence, independence, and strong friendships.
HISTORY
Originally started in the United Kingdom, inspired by the scouts movement, ‘Habonim’ was formed with the intent to create a culturally Jewish Youth Movement.
1929
1930
Habonim spread to other countries with a vibrant Jewish Community and, in 1930, Norman Lurie started Habonim South Africa.
Dror, founded in 1915 in Poland, was formed as a socialist-Zionist Movement and played a crucial role in the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
1943
Habonim and Dror merged to become Habonim Dror. Habonim Dror worked closely with the kibbutz movement, pioneering the land.
1982
1980's/90's
HDSA were active against the Apartheid regime, both actively and educationally. HDSA continued to teach it’s members values of equality and freedom, whilst organising protests against the Apartheid government.
HDSA partnered with the Treatment Action Campaign to help assist in tackling the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis.
2000
HDSA continues to play an active role in empowering the Jewish Youth of South Africa to be active members in the local and global community, championing goals of progression and universal rights.
2025
Habonim Leadership
Amira Karstaedt
Mazkira Klalit
Mia Briner
S’ganit Mazkira Klalit
Maayan Eylon
Shlichah
