Rakia International Leadership Program
Start your Leadership Journey, Dive into the Israeli Air Force Spirit
A three-week leadership experience bringing together international and Israeli high school seniors to learn from elite Israeli Air Force pilots.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Level up your summer with the Rakia Leadership Experience, a three-week journey where the cockpit becomes your classroom and leadership is practiced, not just discussed.
Mentored by top Israel Air Force pilots, you’ll learn the mindset behind high-stakes decision-making, resilience, and bold, out-of-the-box thinking.
Together with an international squad of ambitious teens from Israel and around the world, you’ll build skills, real friendships, and a powerful foundation for your future.
Leadership
Learn practical tools for leadership and management. Be empowered to lead with impact, even in challenging settings.
Entrepreneurship
Experience a close encounter with Israel’s vaunted innovation world. Understand the Israeli entrepreneurial mindset, one that will serve you in multiple settings.
Identity
The program’s format allows participants to develop meaningful relationships with their international and Israeli peers. The volunteer activities strengthen bonds with Israeli society; while the curriculum enhances a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions.
A Rare Inside Look
see it in action, meet the people behind the missions, and train on an advanced flight simulator.
Learn Leadership by Doing
You’ll practice teamwork, build resilience, make decisions, and grow your leadership skills.
The Spirit of Israel
Take home the full spectrum of Israel, from innovation to tradition, from now to forever.
Into the Outdoors
Your people
Connecting with teens from around the world and Israel through challenges, late-night talks, and moments you won’t forget.
Leave your mark
Rakia Academy Stories
The International Leadership Program is part of the unique and highly respected Rakia Academy, known across Israel for developing exceptional young leaders. The following testimonials are examples from these impactful programs.
ABOUT us
Rakia Academy was founded by Israeli Air Force pilots who joined forces to create a social initiative grounded in one core value: responsibility — as combatants, as an organization, and as citizens committed to shaping a stronger future for the society we live in. In the Air Force, missions are executed at the highest professional standards, with uncompromising attention to planning, precision, and above all, safety. Guided by this mindset, we channel the values, organizational culture, and leadership tools developed through years of service into what we believe is the most important mission of all: education.
Rakia Academy’ s International Leadership Program
The CREW
Rakia Leadership
Lior Halperin
Executive Director
Ayala Shafrir
Director of develpoment
Tamar Singer
Pedagogy and program specialist
Yiftah Leket
Head of Education
The procsses
Open to 11th–12th grade students, typically ages 16–18.
From the United States, Canada, Israel, and around the globe.
Interest Form
Submit a short online form to tell us about yourself, and why you want to join Rakia.
Personal Interview
A meaningful conversation where we get to know you better, your motivations, strengths, and leadership potential.
And where you can ask questions
Acceptance & Registration
Receive your official acceptance letter and secure your place in the program with a registration payment.
Registration
Start your application. Our team will contact you with the next steps.
*Limited spots available.
Application Form
Join an exclusive program where only 5% of applicants are selected. Showcase your potential and stand out among the best
Selection Process
Our screening process ensures we choose candidates with the greatest promise. This includes evaluating leadership qualities, motivation, and fit for the program
Full Program Details
A 4 week Israeli Air Force-inspired leadership program for worldwide Jewish teens, fostering personal growth, values, and connections while experiencing Israel
FAQ
The Rakia International Leadership Program runs from July 8th – July 30th, 2026. It is based at the Rakia Academy in Harish, with a dynamic itinerary that includes outdoor activities in Tel Aviv, northern Israel, Jerusalem, and the Negev desert. This combination ensures a comprehensive and immersive experience across Israel.
The Rakia International Leadership Program runs from July 8th – July 30th, 2026. It is based at the Rakia Academy in Harish, with a dynamic itinerary that includes outdoor activities in Tel Aviv, northern Israel, Jerusalem, and the Negev desert. This combination ensures a comprehensive and immersive experience across Israel.
The Rakia International Leadership Program is led by the prestigious Rakia Pre-Military Academy and was established by the Magic-Hornet nonprofit organization. This Non-profit was founded by pilots from the Israeli Air Force, who joined forces to bring their leadership experience, values, and operational excellence into the world of education.
No. The Rakia International Leadership Program is not designed to recruit participants to the Israeli Army. While it draws inspiration from the Israeli Air Force's culture of excellence and professionalism, its primary goal is to provide leadership education and develop skills that can be applied in various aspects of life
The Rakia International Leadership Program is intended for students in 11th-12th grades. This typically corresponds to ages 16–18, ensuring participants have the maturity and readiness to fully engage with the program’s leadership curriculum
Rakia International Leadership Program is designed for teens from the United States, Canada, other countries around the world, and Israel. This diverse community creates a rich environment where participants learn, grow, and connect across cultures.
No prior leadership experience is required. The Rakia International Leadership Program is designed to help you develop and strengthen leadership skills, regardless of your starting point. All you need is a willingness to learn, engage, and grow.
The Rakia International Leadership Program is conducted entirely in English, ensuring that participants from different backgrounds can fully engage, learn, and communicate effectively.
The Rakia International Leadership Program is hosted at the Rakia Academy, where accommodations resemble a comfortable college dorm environment. During the program, participants will also stay at comparable facilities in different locations, ensuring consistent standards of comfort and quality. In addition, the itinerary includes one memorable night of outdoor camping to enrich the overall experience.
Yes. All meals are included and prepared according to kosher guidelines. We also offer vegetarian options, and we’re happy to accommodate other dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Yes! Rakia brings together participants from across the spectrum of Jewish affiliation and practice, and we are committed to creating an environment that is respectful and inclusive of that diversity. All meals are kosher, and the program fully observes Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Religious participants will feel comfortable, supported, and able to maintain their level of observance throughout the experience.
Participant safety is our highest priority. The Rakia International Leadership Program operates in full compliance with all regulations of the Israeli Ministry of Education and follows rigorous internal safety and security protocols inspired by Israeli Air Force standards. Every activity is carefully planned, professionally supervised, and continuously assessed to ensure a secure, structured, and supportive environment throughout the entire program.
Rakia isn’t just another Israel summer experience, it’s an elite leadership training ground. While many programs focus on touring and cultural exposure, Rakia is built as an intensive leadership journey inspired by the Israeli Air Force’s culture of excellence.
Participants don’t just explore Israel; they develop the mindset, discipline, and tools used by top-performing teams gaining practical leadership skills that stay with them long after the summer ends.
A unique part of the experience is training and growing alongside Israeli peers, creating authentic connections and a powerful shared learning environment.
