The young adult period, ages 18–30, presents diverse challenges alongside tremendous opportunities. The younger generation is the citizens and leaders of today and tomorrow. To ensure the prosperity and growth of Israeli society on social, economic, and environmental levels, both now and in the years ahead, attention must be given to the unique challenges and opportunities of this age group.
For two decades, the Gandyr Foundation worked strategically in the field of young adults in Israel. The actions initiated by the Foundation sought to promote cross-sector partnerships and expand the professionalization of the field, among other ways through support for civil society organizations engaged in social and value-based action. The foundation worked to create a “solution economy” in the young adults field: a network of connections between professional bodies from all sectors, jointly creating optimal platforms and responses for young adults, and together with them.
Background – Young Adults Period
The young generation of today has already proven, and continues to prove, its desire and ability to take responsibility and influence its surroundings in social, economic, and environmental contexts, not only for personal interests but for the greater good as well.
During ages 18 to 30, young adults are required to make crucial decisions that will shape their future in many aspects of life: forming their identity and affiliations, choosing their education and career paths, establishing families, securing independent housing, and more. Another characteristic of this period is the development of civic participation and social involvement patterns.
Making optimal decisions at this stage is a central task, and these decisions have long-term consequences both for individuals and for society as a whole. While life’s challenges affect everyone, they impact young adults especially strongly. As a society, we bear the responsibility to act with and for all young adults in Israel, particularly supporting those facing limited opportunities and structural barriers. For them, the range of choices may be more limited, making it harder to realize their abilities and aspirations.
The Development of the Young Adult Field in Israel
Over the past decade, significant changes have taken place in the young adults field, including the establishment of a governmental young adults’ authority and young adults divisions within several government ministries. In local authorities, dedicated young adults positions have been created; young adults centers and young adults units have been established; and many municipalities have adopted strategic plans for this field. Civil society organizations are developing and running dozens of programs to promote young adults’ participation and social involvement, creating responses for them in many areas, including key life junctions.
With the view that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, the Foundation believes that joint and coordinated action by civil society organizations working in the same field or with the same population can generate broad and profound impact, beyond the individual achievements of each organization. Because effective joint action requires stable and long-term operational infrastructure, the Foundation supports intra-sectoral forums and views them as an important platform for strengthening the young adults field in Israel. Forum activities accelerate professionalization of the field, create joint solutions for multiple organizations, promote policy, and raise broad public awareness.
Throughout its work, the Foundation has invested in building infrastructures in the young adults field, including partnerships in the development of a national young adults information system, which consolidates young adults data and makes academic and applied knowledge accessible.
In 2024, the first academic program in this field was launched with the foundation’s support; a Master’s degree in Yong Adulthood Studies at the Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College.
