About Us
A deep bond between memory, place and legacy
Tzav HaLev was born of the devastation of October 7, but above all of the heroism of that day, and of a deep commitment to keeping alive the memory of the fallen soldiers of the Duvdevan Unit and the fallen residents of Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Meaning, Endeavor, Ascent
On the most terrible morning of all, when civilians were attacked in their own homes, the fighters of the Duvdevan Unit came to their defense. They did not wait for a Tzav 8, Israel's emergency call-up order; they answered the call of their hearts. They fought with no regard for their own lives. To them, we are all one family.
On the paths of the kibbutz, the blood of its members and the blood of the fighters were shed together.
There, amid the loss, a sacred covenant was born between the people of Kfar Aza and the fighters of Duvdevan: to remember, to act in the spirit of the fallen, and to lead the way together toward a future of meaning, endeavor and ascent, one that will shape Israel's next generation of leaders.
Our Journey
- October 7, 2023
The battle for Kfar Aza
The fighters of Duvdevan did not wait for a call-up order and fought to protect the homes of the kibbutz. In the Dor Tzair neighborhood, some of them fell while shielding hostages with their own bodies.
- December 2025
Tzav HaLev is founded
Bereaved families and veterans of the unit came together to found Tzav HaLev, in memory of the fallen and for the generations to come.
- 2026
Laying the foundations
Approval from the Ministry of Defense to run the mechina (a pre-military academy), close cooperation with the leadership and community of Kfar Aza, many donors and volunteers, and our first 20 trainees, young women and men who passed the selection process.
- September 2026
The first class
The first class of the MEA Mechina begins its inaugural year in the heart of Kfar Aza, a community renewing itself.
They did not wait for a call-up order.
They answered the call of their hearts.
That is the source of our name, Tzav HaLev (The Heart's Calling), and of the legacy we seek to pass on to the next generation.
A legacy from generation to generation
Carrying on the legacy of the fighters who fought bravely to defend and rescue the people of Kfar Aza.
Resilience in the face of challenge
Strength, mental resilience and readiness for meaningful service.
From memory to action
Turning memory and legacy into responsibility and action on the ground.
One family
Brotherhood, mutual responsibility and uncompromising devotion, as we build a shared future for the community.
Our partners: Kibbutz Kfar Aza · the Duvdevan Unit · the Ministry of Defense · Venetaat · donors and volunteers
Who We Are
Lital Horn Leshem
Chair and board member
Yanir Saban
CEO
Harel Avrahami
Head of the mechina
Miki Michaeli
Founder and board member
Sharon Fisher
Founder and board member
Yaakov Alush
Founder and board member
Gal Almog
Founder and board member
Raviv John Harari
Founder and board member
David Gedalia
Founder and audit committee member
Avishai Naeh
Founder and audit committee member
Ofir Shtilman
Founder
Asaf Cohen
Adviser and outdoor workshop facilitator
Tzemach Yishai
Setup project manager
Gitit Schlesinger
Kibbutz Kfar Aza representative
Neti Levi
Administrative manager
Lee Shpak
Counselor
Amit Leizerovich
Counselor
Madlen Mazuz
Community relations and administration manager
The Next Generation Starts Here
Tzav HaLev was founded to turn heartbreak into action. Together with the residents of Kfar Aza, we are laying the foundations for a shared process of social and community growth.
We invite you to be part of our journey: building, riding and educating.
DonateHave questions? We would love to hear from you
Thank you! Your message has been sent.
We will get back to you soon.
