The Ziv Neurim non-profit organization (named after Ziv Levi, a fighter in the Israeli marine commando who died in office) was established in order to give youth at risk of dropping out a true experience of success. Using various marine vessels, Ziv Neurim is a leader in developing participants’ personal and social abilities, and ensuring their successful integration into educational and social frameworks.

Beginning in 2007, Ziv Neurim worked towards the establishment of an income generating project.  The need for a Sea Center of their own grew out of the hardship placed on the organization in the rental of facilities for their activities up and down the coast.  By establishing their own marina, this hardship was reduced.

During 2008 a business plan was created for the Marina and a firm partnership was established with the Ashdod Marina and the ORT School for Marine Officers.  More than 50 marine vessels were donated to the Center allowing it to both have the equipment needed for its own activities as well as offer a range of activities to outside groups.

Today, Ziv Neurim is proud to offer at its Ashdod Sea Center a wide variety of activities to business, community centers, educational institutions and the public.  These include fun and challenge days for companies, businesses, schools, and boarding facilities, end of the year events, sea activities for sports matriculation students, Outdoor Training Seminars, sailing courses, physical education for college students in the south, activities for youth at risk, etc.

Although the marketing of the project is only beginning, the center has already earned significant income for Ziv Neurim during 2009 and helped the organization cut down its expenses.

In recent years, as a result of changes in Israeli society, more and more children of junior high school age lack a supportive framework, be it family, social or educational. Modernization, economic deprivation, and changes in family structure – have led to a loss of motivation and to a real difficulty in keeping youth in the educational system. Youth who lack a framework, are at higher risk for dropping out of school, are in danger of adopting anti-social behaviors such as violence and crime, and are often influenced by negative elements. Even youth who are not at risk of dropping out, are often in need of support due to difficult family, social or educational situations.

Ziv Neurim (named after fallen naval commander Ziv Levy) was established in order to offer youth opportunities to experience success rather than failure, sometimes for the first time in their lives; these experiences can then be translated to successes in other parts of their lives, including school. Using challenging boating activities, alongside personal attention and guidance, participants develop personal and social skills sand becomes part of a supportive social/educational framework. This serves as a basis for learning and adopting basic values.

Today, Ziv Neurim operates 28 groups all over the country for a of population groups with activities tailored to the needs of each group. Through the above activities, participants move towards independence in their daily lives and in dealing with the school system.