Responding to the challenges to train and prepare Israel’s future leaders and commanders, the IAF Center in Herzliya, in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force, has established and is operating the National Center for Leadership and Character Development (NCLCD). Its purpose is to empower and educate young people about the imperative for leadership and responsibility for the continued strength and security of the State of Israel by connecting them to the heritage, legacy and strength of the Israel Air Force. The NCLCD transmits the history, stories of personal sacrifice, dedication and values of the Israeli Air Force to Israeli youth and others internationally who may be inspired to serve.

In the IAF Center, we strive to teach youth about the morals of the IAF, the true meaning of contribution and about the value of individual responsibility. At the Center, they are inspired to lead and take charge, and, as leaders, to become ambassadors to the rest of the Israeli youth, teaching them the meaning of being active citizens of the State of Israel and members of its Defense Forces.

The IAF Heritage Unit, based at the IAF Center, with the help and cooperation of the IAF Center leadership and staff, has developed tailor-made seminars and workshops geared specifically to Israeli youth, emphasizing the study and understanding of the human effort, moral dilemmas and personal tales of heroism that that are the glorious past missions and future of the IAF.

The re-established IAF Gadna Avir (The Air Force Youth movement) Unit is set to relocate its HQ to the IAF Center end of 2011, and is building a similar partnership with the Center and will integrate its work into the National Center for Leadership and Character Development, thus returning that program to its past glory. Having trained and nurtured most of today’s senior IAF pilots and officers, the IAF Youth movement is the perfect setting to inspire youth to lead. Basing the IAF Youth Movement Unit at the IAF Center creates a unique opportunity for its HQ to work in conjunction with IAF veterans at the Center, and to touch communities around Israel.