What is hachshara?

Hachshara was a form of pre-World War II Jewish agricultural training that was popular among young Jews in Europe. The term "hachshara" means "preparation" in Hebrew, and these programs were designed to prepare young Jews for emigration to Palestine (now Israel) in order to establish agricultural settlements and build a new Jewish homeland.

Hachshara programs typically lasted for one to two years, during which time young Jews lived and worked together on farms or in other rural settings. They received training in agricultural techniques, land management, and other skills necessary for life in a rural community. They also studied Hebrew and Zionist ideology, and were encouraged to develop a sense of communal responsibility and solidarity with other Jews.

Many hachshara programs were sponsored by Zionist organizations, such as the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Youth Aliyah movement, and were established in various countries throughout Europe, including Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia. After the outbreak of World War II, many hachshara participants were forced to flee Europe, with many making the journey to Palestine to join the war effort and help establish the state of Israel.