Shvilim is a unique 10-month leadership program owned by the Jewish Community in Oslo (DMT), which combines immersive Israel experience, academic studies, and international travels. The program brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds across Europe, Israel, North America, and beyond. At the Upper Galilee Leadership Academy and Kol Ami, Shvilim constitutes a unique branch which provides an exceptional journey designed to inspire young Jews to live meaningful and engaged lives.
Through living, learning, and engaging, participants gain the skills and confidence to navigate complexity, champion meaningful dialogue, stand up against hatred, and lead with clarity and purpose. Shvilim celebrates diversity and encourages each participant to explore their own unique Jewish identity while connecting deeply with others.
The Shvilim program was founded in 2015 by the Jewish Community of Oslo (DMT), initially as a Scandinavian initiative. As the program expanded and became international, key partnerships were established to ensure its quality and stability.
The Israel experience is made possible through our collaboration with the Upper Galilee Leadership Academy, which also hosts the program. For the academic component, DMT has a direct partnership with the University of Oslo. Additionally, the program collaborates with other leading organizations, such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in the US and various Jewish communities throughout Europe, to enrich the program with diverse perspectives and real-world experiences.
The Upper Galilee Leadership Academy (Mechinat Galil Elyon) was founded in 1998 with the spirit of democracy and pioneering and the mission of shaping identity and cultivating young leaders with values. Who are able to influence and are committed to the Jewish people and the Israeli society. The Academy enforces taking responsibility and leading while being caring and sensitive to one’s surroundings for a better future.
Galil Elyon fosters a strong connection to Israeli, Jewish, and Zionist heritage. Our leaders search for the greater impact that they can have within the Israeli society.
The Mechina has 5 groups throughout the Galilee (including a six-month program for youth from all over the world). There are a total of 300 participants a year and 2,500 alumni.
Faced with endless opportunities to better yourself and others, the participant learns to value leadership. Through group problems, new experiences, and constant responsibility, the Mechina achieves this.
Learning new ideas and skills through the variety of trips, presenters, and seminars in the mechina, including lectures made by fellow participants.
Creating meaningful experiences by volunteering in different places inside the kibbutz and outside; learning kindness, how to help others and create a better future for people all around Israel.
To know the land itself, the rich history that it has experienced and to give back to the land that the Mechina calls home.
Through many aspects such as Judaism, Leadership, personal values, and day to day experiences, exploring your own identity is a natural process of the Mechina, but is also emphasized.
Forging a stable alliance with the kibbutz the Mechina is situated in, and to further share the experience of a kibbutz life, with all of it’s communal values and togetherness.
Oslo, Norway
October 2026
The Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo
In Oslo, participants are enrolled as students at the University of Oslo and begin their
academic studies. The study program focuses on Jewish history, religion, culture, and identity and embraces diversity in terms of cultural backgrounds, religious observance, minority and majority experiences etcetera. The courses consist of lectures in Oslo, readings, theoretical and practical assignments, and final exams. During the teaching period in Norway, participants also engage with the local Jewish community, volunteer, and gain firsthand experience of Jewish minority life in Europe.
Kibbutz Amir, Israel
September 2026
The Upper Galilee Leadership Academy
The Shvilim year begins in Israel, with Kibbutz Amir in the Upper Galilee as the program’s
home base. Through the Upper Galilee Leadership Academy, Shvilim combines shared living, volunteering, and leadership training in a values-based environment. Daily life includes community responsibilities, group learning, and encounters with Israeli society in all its diversity. Participants also travel throughout the country, exploring its landscapes, communities, and histories while deepening their own sense of identity and leadership.
Europe
April/May 2027
Jewish Communities in Europe
Traveling through Europe, participants encounter the diversity of Jewish life past and present.The journey includes meetings with Jewish leaders and activists, visits to synagogues, schools, and memorial sites, as well as Shabbat with local families. Together, the group reflects resilience, identity, and intergroup cooperation in different European contexts. During this period, the group also returns to Oslo to continue the academic studies at the University of Oslo.
United States
March 2027
Jewish Communities and ADL Partnership
In the U.S., participants explore American Jewish diversity, leadership, and activism. A
highlight is attending the ADL’s Never Is Now Summit on antisemitism and hate, where
participants meet global experts, policymakers, and activists. The group also visits
synagogues, schools, NGOs, and Jewish organizations, experiencing community life up close.
Israel
June 2027
Exploring & Program Summary
The year concludes back in Israel, with continued learning, volunteering, and communal
living at Kibbutz Amir. Participants reflect on their experiences, deepen their connection to
Israeli society, and bring together the academic and practical learning of the Shvilim year. The program also culminates in a final group project, allowing participants to collaborate,
synthesize their learning, and present their insights from the year.
