| Native Name: | מכינת בני דוד |
| Established: | 1988 |
| Founders: | Eli Sadan |
The Pre-Military Mechina Bnei David known as Eli Mechina is the first pre-military academy established in Israel. The mechina was founded by Rabbis Eli Sadan and Yigal Levinstein in the settlement of Eli. Over the years, additional institutions have been established alongside the mechina, including a higher yeshiva, a yeshiva for army graduates and seminary for girls. These institutions are called "Bnei David-Eli Institutions", and they are headed by Rabbis Sadan and Levinstein.[1] [2]
The preparatory mechina was established in 1988 by Rabbis Sadan and Levinstein, owners in Mateh Binyamin. It was established to allow religious young men enlisting for full military service to do so with Torah values and strengthening their religious identity. The need for its establishment arose, among other things, from the fact that military service led to a decline in the observance of Torah and commandments among many religious young men who enlisted immediately after high school. In light of this, the study content at the mechina is somewhat different from the traditional yeshiva study. There is a special emphasis on the study of thought and philosophy according to the teachings of Rabbi Kook, as preparation for the encounter with secular society during military service, with the challenges involved. However, the studies at the Bnei David mechina include in-depth and comprehensive Talmud study in a yeshiva style. The mechina is ideologically affiliated with the "Yeshivot HaKav" (line yeshivas).
46 graduates of the academy were killed in their service in the IDF and in hostile actions, including Roi Klein, who was awarded the Medal of Courage, Emmanuel Moreno - a lieutenant colonel in the Sayeret Matkal, Eliraz Peretz, and Hadar Goldin. During the Israel-Hamas war, 21 graduates of the mechina were killed.[3] [4]
As the first and one of the most prominent pre-military academies, Bnei David is considered a symbol of pre-military academies and religious Zionism, and has been visited by, among others, President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2016, the Israel Prize was awarded to Rabbi Eli Sadan for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the state. The prize committee's reasoning stated: "Rabbi Sadan's actions not only led to a significant increase in the number of young people interested in meaningful military service and integrating into society as involved and caring citizens, but they also built a bridge and connection between parts of society and brought closer the different streams that make up Israeli society. His actions led to significant joint efforts for the common good through closeness and understanding while ensuring the imparting of values. [...] The graduates of the academies are very prominent in the public sector, in the fields of welfare and society, in education and volunteering, and in other mission-oriented roles. In the diverse places where they integrate, the dedication, motivation, care, and "big thinking" they absorbed during their studies at the academies are evident."[5]
Unlike some other preparatory programs, the students of this program defer their enlistment through a high yeshiva track for about one to two years ("Torato Umanuto" and after the deferral, enlist for a regular three-year service. About ninety percent of first-year students continue to the second year. During vacations, the students receive training in navigation and basic weapons training. The program has produced a number of high-ranking officers in the military. In an average cycle, which includes about 140 students, over 50% continue to officer training courses and command roles. In 2021, 22 students from the institutions completed an officer training course in one cycle. The program frequently hosts lectures by senior military officers, who talk about IDF operations and the command track.[6]