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Netzer Olami's International Conference - 2015
‫ תשע"ה‬-‫הועידה העולמית של נצ"ר‬
Table of Contents
Welcome Letter ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..3
Veida Participants……………………………...………………………..…………………………………………………..………………..4
Schedule of Ve’ida……………………………..…………………...………………………………………………………………………….5
Important Phone Numbers………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Declaration of the establishment of the state of Israel……………………………………………………………..…………8
Netzer’s Ideology…………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………....10
Netzer Olami’s Partners……………………..………………………………………………………………….…………………………16
Lecturers/Seminar Leaders/Organizations……………….…………….…………………………………………………….…..25
Netzer Olami Staff Reports…………......……………………………………………………………………………………………….36
Proposals…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………59
2
Dear Ve'ida Delegates,
Shalom and welcome to Netzer Olami’s 1025 International Ve'ida in Israel!
For one week, between the 15th and the 20st of January, 26 representatives of Netzer snifim
from around the world will partake in a seminar designed to explore the topic of “The Zionism
of Netzer”. In addition, we will convene for “asefot” to discuss important challenges to Netzer
today, in hopes of reaching meaningful decisions regarding the youth movement as a whole. I
hope you are all prepared to discuss, listen, share and grow together as we learn about
different, important aspects of our shared ideology.
As you can see in the schedule, each day we will be exposed to different parts and aspects of
Israeli society and Zionism, while the idea is for the program to take us on a journey through
modern zionism from new and interesting perspectives and points of view. During this journey,
we hope you'll be considering the question – “What can I take home from these discussions
and experiences and implement as a leader in my Netzer snif?”
During this Ve'ida, as always, we will be discussing issues central to our ideology and our
understanding of ourselves as a youth movement. We will attempt to explore our positions and
advance our understanding of our role among the Jewish youth of the world today. In addition,
each snif will get a chance to lead us in a ma'amad or an activity, because we believe in the
power of youth to lead youth! We believe in the power of YOU!
We wish everyone a fantastic Ve'ida - a terrific opportunity to educate ourselves, a time to
make loads of new friends and truly become an international movement with connections all
over the world. This is an opportunity to help Netzer Olami grow and our progressive
community flourish even more!
To the non-English speaking snifim, apologies, once again that most of this ve'ida and especially
- this "choveret" and the materials in it - are in English. Let us look forward to the day when we
will be able to hold this Ve'ida in the shared language of the Jewish people – ‫( עברית‬Hebrew).
But let us not only dream – let us all work together to make this a reality.
Wishing us all a wonderful week,
The Netzer Staff
Maoz, Michael, Anna, Anabella, Raaya, Rita and Rinat
3
Veida Participants
Country
Brasil
France
France
LJY
LJY
LJY
Holland
Ukraine
Belarus
Russia
NFTY
NFTY
NFTY
NFTY
NFTY
Australia
Gerany
Gerany
Germany
South Africa
Rsy
Rsy
Rsy
Noar Telem
Noar Telem
Noar Telem
Barcelona
Barcelona
Name
Ariel Kövesi
Etienne Kerber
Charlotte Abecassis
Gabriel Webber
Francesca Kurlansky
Oliver Whiteside
Hadassa Schrijver
Melisa Kylyncharslan
Levinova Darya
Tatiana Rozensvit
Beth Roden
Rebecca Sampson
Rabinovich Debbie
Maya Rosenberg
Sara Ann
Jade Karp
Alex Reschetnikow
David Raphael
Yana Abramova
Kendyll
Beth Levy
Annie Levy
Ben Crome
Shire Livni
Jay Propsorsky
Gal
Pugach Leida Gonzalo
Micky Rodan Legrain
Email
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
4
Veida Olamit Schedule – 2015 - The Zionism of Netzer
Room 401, 4th floor
Thursday, January 15th 2015
12.00 – settle and lunch
13.00 – Welcome and opening tekkes (staff + Holland)
14.00 – GTKY
14.30 Bus to M. Hertzel
15.00 – Motti and Gusti – Israel Zionism then and now
17.15 – bus to Beit Shmuel
17.30 – Sniff presentations
18.30 – dinner in Beit Shmuel
19.30 – Haim Shalom – Ideology intro
21.30 – Laiyla Tov!
Friday, January 16th 2015
Breakfast
09.00 – Kol Voice
10.30 – Hafsaka
11.00 - Asepha #1 - Barcelona
13.00 – Lunch (room 401)
14.00 – Shabbat prep.
15.30 – walking to Kol Ha Neshama
16.00 – Kol Ha Neshama - Shabbat Peula – Judaism in Israel
19.00 – walking back to Beit-Shmuel
19.30 – Shabbat dinner in Beit-Shmuel
20.30 – Oneg Shabbat – South Africa and Australia
21.30 - Laiyla Tov!
5
Saturday, January 17th 2015
Breakfast
9.00 – Shacharit – FSU
11.00 – Nigunim with Sarah and Shani
12.30 – Lunch in Beit-Shmuel (Catering)
13.30 – Tiyul with Maoz – “Jerusalem outside the walls”
15.30 – Hafsaka
16.00 – Seuda Shlishit – Noar Telem
17.30 – Havdala – Brazil
18.00 – sniff presentaions X2
18.30 – Hafsaka
19.30 - sniff presentaions X3
21.00 – Going out to Pizur Dinner
Sunday, January 18th 2015
07.00 – Breakfast
07.30 – Up on the Bus – a day trip with Maoz – “Israel with the south”
16.00 – Back in Beit-Shmuel - Hafsaka
16.30 – Ma’amad – Nfty
17.30 – Asepha #3 – Ideology
19.30 – Dinner – Thay food in B.S.
20.30 – Shnattie Kef session
21.30 – Laiyla Tov!
Monday, January 19th 2015
Breakfast
08.30 – Ma’amad – France
09.00 – Tochniot Emshech: Shnat/Masa/Tamar/Olim
13.00 – Lunch in class (Catering)
14.00 – About Lotan – Mark Naveh
14.30 – Shai Pinto – WUPJ
15.30 – Sniff presentations
16.30 – Hafsaka
17.00 – Asepha #4
19.00 – Pizzur supper and fun night out (Shuk)
6
Tuesday, January 19th 2015
Breakfast
08.30 – Final Ma’amad – Rsy and Ljy
09.30 – Damian Kelman – Declaration of independence
10.30 – free time and Shmeichel meetings
11.00 – Rabbi Joel Oseran – WUPJ
12.00 – saying goodbye games – Germany
12.30 – Netzer Sikkum
13.00 – Walking to the restaurant
13.30 – Sikum Lunch at the “Racha” restaurant
Bye bye!
Important phone numbers –
Maoz Haviv – Mazkir Netzer Olami – 054-7791126
Anabella Esperanza – Spanish Desk and Tamar – 054-7791137, 0548023418
Anna Posner – Shnat educator – 052-6041374
Michael Veinberg – Shnat Netzer Coordinator – 054-7791168
Rinat Israeli – Netzer Olami – 052-6037198
7
‫הועידה העולמית של נצ"ר‪ -‬תשע"ה‬
‫‪Netzer Olami's International Conference - 2015‬‬
‫ה' באייר תש"ח ‪54.1.5.41‬‬
‫הכרזה על הקמת מדינת ישראל‬
‫בארץ ‪ -‬ישראל קם העם היהודי‪ ,‬בה עוצבה דמותו‬
‫הרוחנית‪ ,‬הדתית והמדינית‪ ,‬בה חי חיי ק וממיות‬
‫ממלכתית‪ ,‬בה יצר נכסי תרבות לאומיים וכלל ‪-‬‬
‫אנושיים והוריש לעולם כולו את ספר הספרים הנצחי ‪.‬‬
‫לאחר שהוגלה העם מארצו בכוח הזרוע שמר לה‬
‫אמונים בכל ארצות פזוריו‪ ,‬ולא חדל מתפילה ומתקוה‬
‫לשוב לארצו ולחדש בתוכה את חירותו המדינית ‪.‬‬
‫מתוך קשר היסטורי ומסורתי זה חתרו היהודים בכל‬
‫דור לשוב ולהאחז במולדתם העתיקה; ובדורות‬
‫האחרונים שבו לארצם בהמונים‪ ,‬וחלוצים‪ ,‬מעפילים‬
‫ומגינים הפריחו נשמות‪ ,‬החיו שפתם העברית‪ ,‬בנו‬
‫כפרים וערים‪ ,‬והקימו ישוב גדל והולך השליט על‬
‫משקו ותרבותו‪ ,‬שוחר שלום ומגן על עצמו‪ ,‬מביא‬
‫ברכת הקידמה לכל תושבי ה ארץ ונושא נפשו‬
‫לעצמאות ממלכתית ‪.‬‬
‫בשנת תרנ"ז ( ‪ ) 7981‬נתכנס הקונגרס הציוני לקול‬
‫קריאתו של הוגה חזון המדינה היהודית תיאודור‬
‫הרצל והכריז על זכות העם היהודי לתקומה לאומית‬
‫בארצו ‪.‬‬
‫זכות זו הוכרה בהצהרת בלפור מיום ב' בנובמבר‬
‫‪ 7871‬ואושרה במנדט מטעם חבר הלאומים‪ ,‬אשר נתן‬
‫במיוחד תוקף בין ‪ -‬לאומי לקשר ההיסטורי שבין העם‬
‫היהודי לבין ארץ ‪ -‬ישראל ולזכות העם היהודי להקים‬
‫מחדש את ביתו הלאומי ‪.‬‬
‫השואה שנתחוללה על עם ישראל בזמן האחרון‪ ,‬בה‬
‫הוכרעו לטבח מיליונים יהודים באירופה‪ ,‬הוכיחה‬
‫מחדש בעליל את ההכרח בפתרון בעית העם היהודי‬
‫מחוסר המולדת והעצמאות על ‪ -‬ידי חידוש המדינה‬
‫היהודית בארץ ‪ -‬ישראל‪ ,‬אשר תפתח לרווחה את שערי‬
‫המולדת לכל יהודי ותעניק לעם היהודי מעמד של‬
‫אומה שוות ‪ -‬זכויות בתוך משפחת העמים ‪.‬‬
‫שארית הפליטה שניצלה מהטבח הנאצי האיום‬
‫באירופה ויהודי ארצות אחרות לא חדלו להעפיל‬
‫לארץ ‪ -‬ישראל‪ ,‬על אף כל קושי‪ ,‬מניעה וסכנה‪ ,‬ולא‬
‫פסקו לתבוע את זכותם לחיי כבוד‪ ,‬חירות ועמל ‪-‬‬
‫ישרים במולדת עמם ‪.‬‬
‫במלחמת העולם ה שניה תרם הישוב העברי בארץ את‬
‫מלוא ‪ -‬חלקו למאבק האומות השוחרות חירות ושלום‬
‫נגד כוחות הרשע הנאצי‪ ,‬ובדם חייליו ובמאמצו‬
‫המלחמתי קנה לו את הזכות להמנות עם‬
‫העמים מייסדי ברית האומות המאוחדות‬
‫‪.‬‬
‫‪8‬‬
‫הועידה העולמית של נצ"ר‪ -‬תשע"ה‬
‫‪Netzer Olami's International Conference - 2015‬‬
‫ב ‪ 98 -‬בנובמבר ‪ 7891‬קיבלה עצרת האומות המאוחדות החלטה המחייבת הקמת מדינ ה יהודית בארץ ‪-‬‬
‫ישראל; העצרת תבעה מאת תושבי ארץ ‪ -‬ישראל לאחוז בעצמם בכל הצעדים הנדרשים מצדם הם לביצוע‬
‫ההחלטה‪ .‬הכרה זו של האומות המאוחדות בזכות העם היהודי להקים את מדינתו אינה ניתנת להפקעה ‪.‬‬
‫זוהי זכותו הטבעית של העם היהודי להיות ככל עם ועם עומד ברשות עצמו במדי נתו הריבונית ‪.‬‬
‫לפיכך נתכנסנו‪ ,‬אנו חברי מועצת העם‪ ,‬נציגי הישוב העברי והתנועה הציונית‪ ,‬ביום סיום המנדט הבריטי על‬
‫ארץ ‪ -‬ישראל‪ ,‬ובתוקף זכותנו הטבעית וההיסטורית ועל יסוד החלטת עצרת האומות המאוחדות אנו מכריזים‬
‫בזאת על הקמת מדינה יהודית בארץ ישראל‪ ,‬היא מדינת ישראל ‪.‬‬
‫אנו קובעים שהחל מרגע סיום המנדט‪ ,‬הלילה‪ ,‬אור ליום שבת ו' אייר תש"ח‪ 71 ,‬במאי ‪ , 7899‬ועד להקמת‬
‫השלטונות‬
‫הנבחרים והסדירים של המדינה בהתאם ל חוקה שתיקבע על ‪ -‬ידי האספה המכוננת הנבחרת לא יאוחר מ ‪7 -‬‬
‫באוקטובר ‪ - 7899‬תפעל מועצת העם כ מועצת מדינה זמנית ‪ ,‬ומוסד הביצוע שלה‪ ,‬מנהלת ‪ -‬העם‪ ,‬יהו וה‬
‫את הממשלה הזמנית של המדינה היהודית‪ ,‬אשר תיקרא בשם ישראל ‪.‬‬
‫מדינת ישראל תהא פתוחה לעליה יהודית ולקיבוץ גלויות; תשקוד על פיתוח הארץ לטובת כל תושביה; תהא‬
‫מושתתה על יסודות החירות‪ ,‬הצדק והשלום לאור חזונם של נביאי ישראל; תקיים שויון זכויות חברתי‬
‫ומדיני גמו ר לכל אזרחיה בלי הבדל דת‪ ,‬גזע ומין; תבטיח חופש דת‪ ,‬מצפון‪ ,‬לשון‪ ,‬חינוך ותרבות; תשמור‬
‫על המקומות הקדושים של כל הדתות; ותהיה נאמנה לעקרונותיה של מגילת האומות המאוחדות‪ .‬מדינת‬
‫ישראל תהא מוכנה לשתף פעולה עם המוסדות והנציגים של האומות המאוחדות בהגשמת החלטת העצ רת‬
‫מיום ‪ 98‬בנובמבר ‪ 7891‬ותפעל להקמת האחדות הכלכלית של ארץ ‪ -‬ישראל בשלמותה ‪.‬‬
‫אנו קוראים לאומות המאוחדות לתת יד לעם היהודי בבנין מדינתו ולקבל את מדינת ישראל לתוך משפחת‬
‫העמים ‪.‬‬
‫אנו קוראים ‪ -‬גם בתוך התקפת ‪ -‬הדמים הנערכת עלינו זה חדשים ‪ -‬לבני העם הערבי תושבי מדינ ת ישראל‬
‫לשמור על שלום וליטול חלקם בבנין המדינה על יסוד אזרחות מלאה ושווה ועל יסוד נציגות מתאימה בכל‬
‫מוסדותיה‪ ,‬הזמניים והקבועים ‪.‬‬
‫אנו מושיטים יד שלום ושכנות טובה לכל המדינות השכנות ועמיהן‪ ,‬וקוראים להם לשיתוף פעולה ועזרה‬
‫הדדית עם העם העברי העצמאי בארצו‪ .‬מדי נת ישראל מוכנה לתרום חלקה במאמץ משותף לקידמת המזרח‬
‫התיכון כולו ‪.‬‬
‫אנו קוראים אל העם היהודי בכל התפוצות להתלכד סביב הישוב בעליה ובבנין ולעמוד לימינו במערכה‬
‫הגדולה על הגשמת שאיפת הדורות לגאולת ישראל ‪.‬‬
‫מתוך בטחון בצור ישראל הננו חותמים בחתימת ידינו לעדות על הכרזה זו‪ ,‬במושב מועצת המדינה הזמנית‪,‬‬
‫על אדמת המולדת‪ ,‬בעיר תל ‪ -‬אביב‪ ,‬היום הזה‪ ,‬ערב שבת‪ ,‬ה' אייר תש"ח‪ 79 ,‬במאי ‪. 7899‬‬
‫דוד בן ‪ -‬גוריון‪ ,‬דניאל אוסטר‪ ,‬מרדכי בנטוב‪ ,‬יצחק בן ‪ -‬צבי‪ ,‬אליהו ברלין‪ ,‬פריץ ברנשטיין‪ ,‬הרב וולף גולד‪,‬‬
‫מאיר גרבובסקי‪ ,‬יצחק גרינבוים‪ ,‬ד"ר אברהם גרנ ובסקי‪ ,‬אליהו דובקין‪ ,‬מאיר וילנר ‪ -‬קובנר‪ ,‬זרח ורהפטיג‪,‬‬
‫הרצל ורדי‪ ,‬רחל כהן‪ ,‬הרב קלמן כהנא‪ ,‬סעדיה כובאשי‪ ,‬הרב יצחק מאיר לוין‪ ,‬מאיר דוד לוינשטיין‪ ,‬צבי‬
‫לוריא‪ ,‬גולדה מאירסון‪ ,‬נחום ניר‪ ,‬צבי סגל‪ ,‬הרב יהודה ליב הכהן פישמן‪ ,‬דוד צבי פנקס‪ ,‬אהרן ציזלינג‬
‫משה קולודני‪ ,‬אליע זר קפלן‪ ,‬אברהם קצנלסון‪ ,‬פליכס רוזנבליט‪ ,‬דוד רמז‪ ,‬ברל רפטור‪ ,‬מרדכי שטנר‪ ,‬בן ‪-‬‬
‫ציון שטרנברג‪ ,‬בכור שיטרית‪ ,‬משה שפירא‪ ,‬משה שרתוק ‪.‬‬
‫‪9‬‬
Netzer’s Ideology
‫האידיאולוגיה של‬
‫נצ"ר‬
01
Netzer Olami's Ideology Platform
We, Netzer Olami, as a youth movement committed to an ideology of ‘Reform Zionism’ and
'Progressive Judaism', do affirm our belief in the following points as being key elements of our
beliefs and values, that all of our member sniffim commit to:
1.
Judaism is a People, a Nation and a Religion:
The restoration of Am Yisrael (the Jewish People) to its ancestral homeland, with Jerusalem as
the spiritual centre, after nearly two thousand years of statelessness and powerlessness
represents an historic triumph of the Jewish people. We acknowledge the importance of Israel’s
role in providing a physical refuge and yet we affirm the more important role of providing for
the possibility of the religious and cultural renewal of the Jewish People on its own soil, and the
realization of God's promise to Abraham: "to your offspring I assign this land”. 1 As Religious
Zionists we affirm that Judaism is a People, a Nation and a Religion, and that these three
elements are indivisible.
2.
The covenant as a moral obligation:
We believe that the eternal covenant established at Sinai ordained a unique religious purpose
for Am Yisrael. The goal of Medinat Yisrael (the Jewish State) is therefore not to be a normal
state like all others. Its obligation is to strive towards the attainment of the Jewish people's
highest moral ideals to be a mamlechet kohanim [a kingdom of priests]2, a goy kadosh [a holy
people]3, and l’or goyim [a light unto the nations]4.
3.
Sovereignty:
During two millennia of dispersion and persecution, Am Yisrael never abandoned hope for the
rebirth of a national home in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). Centuries of Jewish persecution,
culminating in the Shoah (the Holocaust), demonstrated the risks of Jewish powerlessness. We,
therefore, affirm Am Yisrael's reassertion of national sovereignty, where Jews once again can
live within a Jewish majority, but we are part of striving to ensure that it be used to create the
kind of society in which full civil, human, and religious rights exist for all its citizens and, in
particular where the individual rights of all religious and cultural minorities are respected - a
society that is both Jewish and Democratic in character. “Ultimately, Medinat Yisrael will be
judged not on its military might but the strength of its character”. 5 Reclaiming our Sovereignty
offers us the opportunity to strive to demonstrate that the traditions and values of Judaism that
we believe in have relevance for dealing with the issues of the modern world of nation states.
4.
Israel & Diaspora:
Even as Medinat Yisrael and Jerusalem serve uniquely as the spiritual and cultural focal point of
world Jewry, Israeli and Diaspora Jewry are inter-dependent, responsible for one another, and
partners in the shaping of Jewish destiny. Each kehilla [Jewish community], though autonomous
and self-regulating, shares responsibility for the fate of Jews everywhere. By deepening the
social, spiritual, and intellectual relationship among the kehilot worldwide, we can revitalize
00
Judaism both in Israel and the Diaspora. As it is said, “kol yisrael eruvim ze l’ze” (all Israel is
responsible, one for the other).6
5.
Aliya Nimshechet:
While affirming the authenticity and necessity of a creative and vibrant Diaspora Jewry, we
strongly encourage Aliya [immigration] to Israel in pursuance of the precept of yishuv Eretz
Yisrael [settling the Land of Israel]. While Jews can live Torah-centred lives in the Diaspora, only
in Medinat Yisrael do they bear the primary responsibility for the governance of society, and
thus may realize, individually and communally, the full potential of their spiritual and
ideological individual and communal religious strivings. In Israel Jews are able to lead a Jewish
life in both the private and the public spheres, living their national life according to the Jewish
calendar and rhythms of the year.
We therefore encourage all of our chaverim (members) to seriously consider Aliya as one of
their life options as a Jew. The very act of Aliya however is not enough. We encourage all those
people who do choose to make Aliya to ensure that this is an ongoing process of Aliya
Nimshechet (continuing Aliya) - that is, an ongoing striving to live out the movement’s values
and beliefs in Israel both at a personal level and in terms of creating the kind of society that we
as Netzer envision.
6.
Progressive Judaism in Israel:
Confident that Progressive Judaism's synthesis of tradition and modernity and its historic
commitment to Tikun Olam (repairing/perfecting the world), can make a unique and positive
contribution to the Jewish state, we resolve to intensify our efforts to inform and educate
Israelis about the values of Progressive Judaism. We support, in all ways that we can, the
development and strengthening of an indigenous Progressive Judaism in Medinat Yisrael.
7.
A pluralistic approach to Judaism in Israel:
Medinat Yisrael exists not only for the benefit of its citizens but also to defend the spiritual
integrity and the physical security of the Jewish people. Realizing that Am Yisrael consists of a
combination of different, sometimes conflicting, religious interpretations, the Jewish people
will be best served when Medinat Yisrael is constituted as a pluralistic, democratic society.
Therefore we seek, and help strive towards, a Jewish state in which no one interpretation of
Judaism takes legal precedence over another.
8.
Tikun Olam:
We are committed to idea of Tikun Olam (repairing/perfecting the world) and to our active role
in that process. We believe that as Jews we have a particular role to play in making the world a
better place, in line with our particular values and vision, and thus helping bring about the
Messianic Era. We believe that this process of Tikun, this striving for improvement and ideally
for perfection, must take place at various levels of our lives: In terms of ourselves as individuals
(Tikun Atzmi) , in terms of our own communities (Tikun Kehila); of our Jewish State (Tikun
Medina/Chevra); of the Jewish People (Tikun Am); and of the whole world (Tikun Olam). We
reject the idea that this is a staged process where one needs to complete one of these areas
02
before moving on to the next. Rather, we strive to be involved in bettering all these areas of
our lives at all times. In that sense, we are both ‘universalistic’ and ‘particularistic’ – that is, we
are concerned both with ourselves, the Jewish People specifically, and also with the rest of the
world.
9.
Our Values:
As Reform Zionists, we believe in a particular set of values that are fundamental to our vision.
We strive to ensure that these values inform and underpin everything that we do. Some of the
most important of these core values are:

Prayer through Ma’amad (a term used in the movement to signify creative, prayer,
relevant to a particular time and place)

Celebration of Shabbat and the Chagim (the Festivals)

Jewish study as an ongoing lifelong commitment, especially the study of Torah

Informed decision making – individuality and communally

A belief in the oneness of God

The Unity of the Jewish People

The centrality of the land and State of Israel in Jewish life

Tzedaka & G’millut Chasidim

A commitment to the Prophetic tradition and its understanding and vision of Judaism

Social Justice & a commitment to Peace

Equality, particularly gender equality in Judaism

Mutual Care and working co-operatively

Care for the environment

The dignity of all human beings, tolerance for their differences and a respect for “the
other” within our society and community.
We encourage all of our sniffim and our chaverim to be a part of an ongoing process that
defines for themselves what each of these values means in their daily lives and in the lives of
their community.
10.
Reform Zionist Community:
In particular, we recognise the value of communal living and we encourage all movement
chaverim to explore the option of living their lives in a strong communal framework. We
commit ourselves to being part of the process of supporting and developing both established
and new Reform Zionist communities, built on the basis of the values stated above and
committed to striving to become communities of intimacy, of purpose, of participation and of
communal religious authority.
11.
Ivrit:
Recognising that knowledge of Ivrit is indispensable both in the study of Judaism and in unifying
the Jewish People and fostering solidarity between Israeli and Diaspora Jews, we commit
ourselves to intensifying the use of Hebrew within the movement and to putting greater effort
into the teaching of it to our chanichim (participants). The language of our sacred texts and
prayers, and of the modern State of Israel, is a symbol of the revitalisation of Am Yisrael.
03
12.
Spending Time in Israel:
In furtherance of the above beliefs, we resolve to ensure that as many of our chaverim as
possible come to Israel in the framework of a Netzer programme and that, preferably, as part of
that commitment, they spend a serious amount of time participating in a long term programme
in Israel. We also encourage all chaverim to spend some serious time in Israel on completion of
their time in the movement.
13.
Hagshama & Activism:
We, as a youth movement, are committed to being both an educational and an activist
movement. We believe in the importance of education as a vehicle for self-development and
change and as such a great part of our activities are educational in nature. And yet, we also
believe that education and ideological beliefs must be backed up by action. We believe it is
both our right and our responsibility to take a stand on the key issues affecting our world and to
actively work towards bringing about our particular vision. Furthermore, we encourage the
implementation among all movement chaverim of the idea of Hagshama (self-realisation) - that
is, the living out of the ideology and values in their everyday lives. We believe that it is
important for all Jews to strive to lead meaningful, fulfilled Jewish lives and we strongly
encourage all our chaverim to take up this challenge, both in their time in the movement and in
their lives after they leave it.
14.
Geula:
In conclusion, we believe that the renewal and perpetuation of Jewish national life in Eretz
Yisrael is a necessary condition for the realisation of the physical and spiritual redemption of
the Jewish people and of all humanity. While that day of Geula (redemption) remains but a
distant yearning, we express the fervent hope that Medinat Yisrael, living in peace with its
neighbours, will hasten the redemption of Am Yisrael, and the fulfilment of our messianic
dream of universal peace under the sovereignty of God. Modern Zionism has achieved so much
in such a short time and has in so many ways shown an unparalleled triumph of the Jewish
spirit, and yet the path has also been strewn with great difficulties and a tremendous challenge
still lies before us. As it is said: “Lo Alecha Hamlacha Ligmor v’lo atah ben chorin lehibatel
mimena.” (It is not your duty to complete the work. Neither are you free to desist from it).7
Sources:
The following are the sources for the quotes and phrases used in the platform.
1. A phrase from Genesis 15:18
2. A phrase from Exodus 19:6
3. A phrase from Exodus 19:6
4. A phrase from Isaiah 42:6
5. David Ben Gurion, from The Call Of The Spirit, 1951/52
6. From Rashi’s commentary on Leviticus 26:37
7. From Pirkei Avot, (Sayings of the Fathers)
04
First Amendment to the Ideological Platform of Netzer Olami
Netzer and the World Union for Progressive Judaism
Whereas Netzer Olami is an ideologically independent youth movement, representing Reform
Zionism and providing education from a progressive Jewish perspective to all young Jews who
wish to join in the process of Tikun.
Whereas Netzer Olami strives to represent progressive Judaism within Am Yisrael and
particularly the Zionist movement, and at the same time spread the message of Zionism and
the importance of Jewish Nationhood within the Reform movement.
So, we expect our Bogrim to join the adult movement (WUPJ) once they graduate the Youth
Movement and to stay active within it both in the Diaspora, as long as they are there, and in
Israel, if they choose to make Aliyah, with the purpose of strengthening the adult body and in
order to spread Netzer’s message to a wider audience.
For copies of the Platform in Russian, Spanish, Dutch and Hebrew, visit the following link:
http://www.netzerolami.org/Eng/Resources/Resource.asp?ContentID=228
05
Netzer Olami's
Partners
‫שותפים של נצ"ר‬
‫עולמי‬
06
World Union for Progressive Judaism
The WUPJ is the international umbrella
organization of the Reform, Liberal, Progressive
and Deconstructionists movements, serving
1,200 congregations with 1.8 million members in
more than 45 countries.
Progressive Judaism is rooted in the Bible, especially the teachings of the Hebrew Prophets. It is founded
on authentic manifestations of Jewish creativity, ancient and modern, particularly those that stress
inwardness and desire to learn what God expects from us: justice and equality, democracy and peace,
personal fulfillment and collective obligations.
The practices of Progressive Judaism are anchored in Jewish thought and tradition. They seek to extend
the range of observance by granting full equality to all Jews, irrespective of gender and sexual
orientation, while challenging laws that are contrary to Judaism's fundamental principles.
Of the 12 million Jews in the world today, nearly one-third live in countries where Jewish life is weak and
where there are few opportunities for meaningful Jewish practice. It is the World Union's goal to ensure
that all Jews have access to the vibrant Jewish life that can best inspire them spiritually and bring their
communities together practically. We are committed to this sacred task.
Quick Facts

More than 45 countries with Progressive congregations*

1,200 Progressive, Liberal, Reform and Deconstructionists congregations around the world.

850 youths participating in weekly activities in 60 youth clubs in the former Soviet Union.

3,000 Jewish, Christian and Muslim families receiving pre- holiday food assistance in Israel.

16,000 members of Netzer Olami, the World Union's international youth movement.

45,000 family members reached through Progressive Judaism’s pluralistic Jewish Studies
program in Israeli public schools.

7000 people a year enjoy quality educational and cultural programs in our Mercaz Shimshon
/ Beit Shmuel center in Jerusalem.

1,800,000 people affiliated with the World Union's constituent movements globally.
Our leadership comprises rabbis, educators and congregation officials as well as young people, from
their teens through their twenties, who are the leaders of tomorrow. The World Union also works in
close cooperation with leaders of major organizations of Reform and liberal Judaism in the United States
and worldwide.
Representatives from dozens of countries sit on our International Assembly, the World Union’s
legislative body, ensuring that the organization’s objectives are fulfilled. The Executive Board and
Management Committee are the organizational bodies that oversee policy and operational efficiency.
History - When leaders from Liberal, Progressive and Reform congregations in Europe, North America
and other parts of the world gathered in Berlin in August 1928 to convene the first World Union for
Progressive Judaism international conference, little could they have imagined that in less than a century
07
the World Union would become the largest Jewish religious movement in the world, with over 1.7
million constituents in 42 countries.
Two years earlier, in 1926, the World Union had been established in London, under the dynamic
leadership of Lily Montagu, its honorary secretary, and Claude Montifiore, its first president. The
mandate of the newly formed organization was to unite into a permanent Union the various progressive
Jewish movements already in existence in various countries of the world, and to establish a movement
presence wherever there were Jewish communities prepared and committed to undertake such a
challenge.
There is little wonder that the World Union’s first
international conference took place in Berlin. Germany was
the birthplace of Reform Judaism, having nourished since
the 18th century such preeminent Jewish thinkers such as
Moses Mendelssohn, Leopold Zunz, Abraham Geiger and
others, who laid the foundations for a respected and
recognized Progressive movement in Judaism.
Out of Europe, the pioneer leaders of Progressive Judaism
spread the message of the movement to the far corners of
the world: Australia, South Africa, Latin America and, of
course, North America.
The Reform movement in North America, having been built upon German roots, has been from its
inception a stalwart constituent of the World Union. A year after Rabbi Solomon Freehoff became
president of the World Union in 1959, the administrative offices of the organization were moved from
London to New York.
The North American Reform movement is today the largest and most dynamic Jewish movement on that
continent, and has contributed generously, both materially and through leadership, to the success of the
World Union over the decades.
In 1973, with the growing commitment to building a Progressive movement in Israel, the organization
moved its international headquarters to Jerusalem under the leadership of its executive director, Rabbi
Richard Hirsch. In 1976 the World Union became the first international Jewish religious organization to
affiliate with the World Zionist Organization.
The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, an affiliate of the World Union, has created numerous
synagogues and community centers, kibbutzim, kindergartens and schools, a youth movement and a
religious action center which has championed the cause of social justice and equal rights for all Jews and
non-Jews in the State of Israel.
Rooted in the soul and soil of the Jewish People, the World Union for Progressive Judaism, under the
current leadership of Rabbi Uri Regev, has grown into a strong, internationally recognized umbrella body
which promotes the ideological/spiritual message of liberal Judaism and provides institutional and
financial backing for emerging Jewish communities seeking to identify with Progressive Judaism.
08
One of the most dramatic examples of the World Union mission in action is the dramatic renewal of
Jewish life in the countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) after a century of oppression, discrimination
and extermination. Following the fall of communism, the World Union helped establish over 70
Progressive congregations in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states, as well as a dynamic Netzer
Olami Zionist Youth movement, academic training institutes, seminars and youth camps. A growing
number of indigenous rabbis – ordained by Progressive seminaries such as Leo Baeck College in London,
the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in North America and in Israel, and the newly
established Abraham Geiger College in Berlin – serve a diverse population that is enthusiastic about
rediscovering and expressing its Jewish identity.
When Argentina faced an economic crisis of devastating proportions that forced the closure of
synagogues and schools and left tens of thousands in the Jewish community in poverty, the World
Union, in partnership with the local Progressive movement, rallied world Progressive Jewry to render
vital humanitarian and educational assistance.
The Progressive movement thrives in Australia, New Zealand and Asia under the auspices of the Union
for Progressive Judaism, with 20 affiliated congregations, two day schools, an active Netzer youth group,
frequent conferences and leadership support.
The Union of Jewish Congregations of Latin America and the Caribbean (UJCL) was born in February
1998 in Costa Rica. As an affiliate group of the World Union, the UJCL currently serves dozens of Jewish
communities in the region that would otherwise remain ignored and isolated, and focuses its efforts on
youth education and activities.
As Jewish life began to return to Europe after the devastation of the Shoa and oppressive regimes, so
has the involvement of the World Union intensified in establishing and strengthening Jewish
communities. Progressive Judaism is experiencing tremendous growth in Germany (primarily due to the
influx of Jews from the FSU) and as a result of important advocacy efforts of the World Union, the
German Jewish establishment has entered a new phase of cooperation and support for Progressive
Jewish institutions in the country. The newly established Abraham Geiger College in Berlin, which is
training a new generation of liberal rabbis for work in Germany and in other communities in Europe and
in the FSU, is testimony to the fact that Reform Judaism has come full circle from its inception in
Germany to playing a vital role in the future of Jewish life in Europe.
The World Union stands as one with Reform, Liberal, Progressive and Reconstructionist Jewish
communities today around the world to ensure the future of the Jewish People.
Mercaz Shimshon / Beit Shmuel, headquarters of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, offers
deluxe, full-service accommodations year-round in the very heart of Jerusalem. The complex is shared
with the campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and overlooks the dramatic walls
of the Old City. Mercaz Shimshon also provides complete banquet facilities and catering for special
occasions.
09
Contact information of WUPJ's International Headquarters:
13 King David Street
Jerusalem 94101
Tel: +972-2-620-3447, Fax: +972-2-620-3525, E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wupj.org
World Zionist Organization (WZO)
The Zionist Organization was founded by Theodor Herzl at the
First Zionist Congress in Basle in 1897; it was renamed the World
Zionist Organization in 1960. Its goals were set forth in the Basle
Program: "Zionism seeks to establish a home for the Jewish
people in Palestine, secured under public law." The right of
membership in the ZO was given to anyone who accepted the
Basle Program and purchased the Zionist shekel (dues). The first
constitution was passed by the Third Congress in 1899 and
amended over the years.
At the First Zionist Congress, the Zionist movement organized itself as a worldwide organization with
permanent institutions. The supreme institution was, and still is, the Zionist Congress. The elected
institutions that function between congresses are the Zionist General Council and the Zionist Executive;
the latter carries out the movement's policies. The Zionist Congress also elects a law court, an attorney
and a comptroller. The Zionist Executive is headed by its chairman, who is also the president of the ZO.
Since its foundation, the ZO has established companies and institutions to carry out its policies; these
include Keren Hayesod, the Jewish National Fund, the Jewish Colonial Trust, and the Jewish Colonial
Trust's subsidiary, the Anglo-Palestine Bank.
The Mandate for Palestine accorded Great Britain by the League of Nations called for the establishment
of a Jewish Agency to represent the Jewish people vis-à-vis the Mandatory government and to
cooperate with it in establishing the national home. The Zionist Organization was initially given the
status of a Jewish Agency.
In 1929, an expanded agency was established as a partnership between the ZO and non-Zionist, public
Jewish groups. At the founding conference in Zurich in 1929, half the delegates were representatives of
the ZO, and half represented the non-Zionist organizations. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the ZO,
was elected president of the newly founded Jewish Agency.
The Jewish Agency was viewed as a tool for the involvement of the entire Jewish people in the building
of the land. It was also hoped that inclusion of the non-Zionist organizations would boost the financial
resources available to the Zionist movement, something which did not occur, partly because of the
worldwide economic crisis of 1929. The principle of equal representation in the Jewish Agency
leadership was also gradually breached. After several years, the Executive of the Jewish Agency became
identical with that of the Zionist Organization.
In the pre-state period, the Jewish Agency was an "almost-government" which dealt with organizing
immigration - including illegal immigration - and absorbing the immigrants in Palestine. It founded Youth
Aliya, maintained labor, settlement and industry departments, and was a senior partner in the
establishment of the yishuv's defense force and of the stockade and watchtower settlements. David
Ben-Gurion served as chairman of the Jewish Agency Executive from 1935 to 1948, while Moshe Shertok
(later Sharett) headed the Political Department.
21
The goals of the ZO and the Jewish Agency did not change until after the establishment of the State of
Israel, when their status was redefined. On November 24, 1952, the Knesset passed the "Zionist
Organization - Jewish Agency for Israel Status Law", and later a covenant was signed between the
government of Israel and the Zionist Executive, according to which the organizations' main areas of
responsibility remained those related to aliya, immigrant absorption and settlement.
In August 1970, an agreement was signed modifying the structure and functions of the Jewish Agency
and the WZO. Half the members of the Assembly of the expanded Jewish Agency are representatives of
the WZO; 30 percent represent the UJC (U.S.); and 20 percent represent organizations affiliated with
Keren Hayesod in the rest of the world. With regard to immigration, the following division was set forth:
the Jewish Agency would deal with immigration from countries of persecution and the WZO would deal
with immigration from affluent countries. The Jewish Agency and the WZO signed two new covenants
with the government of Israel in June 1979. The Jewish Agency retained its responsibility for initial
absorption of the immigrants in Israel; support for educational activities and work with youth;
immigrant absorption in rural settlements; immigrant housing; and welfare services. The WZO
concentrates on work in the Diaspora and that relating to Diaspora Jewry: Jewish education, work with
youth and so forth.
The Jewish Agency for Israel
Background
For over 80 years, the Jewish Agency has served as the link between the Jewish people and Israel,
working to ensure the future of a connected, committed, global Jewish People with a strong Israel at its
center. Together, we helped create and build the State and brought over 3 million Jews to Israel.
Today, we continue our work to secure the Jewish future. As we bring more olim and stand ready as
the Jewish world's first responder to crises both in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Agency is
redirecting its primary focus toward the greatest challenge we currently face as a people –
strengthening the Jewish identity of young Jews in both the Diaspora and Israel. Indeed, the solutions to
local and overseas challenges facing Jews around the world depend on our revitalizing a strong sense of
Jewish community, which has faded over the last generation.
Mission
To Inspire Jews throughout the world to Connect with their people, heritage and Land, and Empower
them to build a thriving Jewish future and a strong Israel.
The Jewish Agency pursues this mission by:
Forging strong connections to Israel through a sequence of Israel experiences for teens and young
adults – from Birthright's short visit to Israel, to Masa's live‐and‐learn experience from 5 months to a
year.
Facilitating aliyah for those who choose to make Israel their home.
Engaging young Jews from Israel and around the world in social activism, infusing them with Jewish
purpose and connecting them to one another, while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in
Israel.
20
Reconnecting Jews from the former Soviet Union to their Jewish roots from which they were forcibly
separated over 70 years of communist rule.
Rescuing Jews from countries of distress and re‐settling them in Israel.
Serving as first responder to crises in Israel and around the Jewish world.
In over 500 Jewish communities around the world since 1929, the Jewish Agency has worked with our
partners to create Jewish history. Please join us as we begin this new chapter in our shared destiny.
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund
People and the Environment
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund is leading the quest for a
more environmental Israel: open spaces, forests, recreation areas and
appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage.
KKL- JNF's work in Israel is concentrated in six action areas that include
water, forestry and environment, education, community development
and security, tourism and recreation, research and development.
Water Management

KKL-JNF has helped build over 200 reservoirs and dams which, combined, improve Israel's
water economy by 10%.

Freshwater reservoirs play a role in irrigation, fish breeding, and recreation and help replenish
Israel's depleted aquifers.

Our recycled wastewater reservoirs free precious fresh water while at the same time
preventing pollution.

KKL-JNF and other national institutions are working together to clean Israel's streams, springs
and rivers and to develop their potential as a natural and scenic resource for public benefit and as an
additional source of clean, fresh water.
Forestry & Environment
Our forests and woodlands help combat desertification and improve the carbon balance in the
environment they create "green lungs" around communities for health and relaxation.
Biosphere parks, the ultimate integration of humans and their environment, are becoming a KKL-JNF
trademark.
KKL-JNF staff is on guard 24 hours a day, preventing wildfires in forests and woodlands using the latest
firefighting equipment and fire watchtowers throughout the country.
KKL-JNF is helping revitalize Israel's northern region, after the Second Lebanon War.
Education

KKL-JNF educates thousands of young people in Israel and abroad forging a lasting bond with
the Land of Israel.

The Blue Box, a symbol of KKL-JNF since its inception, will continue to be familiar to future
generations - a bond between the Jewish People and their land.
22
KKL-JNF brings an understanding of eco-Zionism - the connection between Judaism, the
environment and Israel - to each new generation.

Community Development & Security

KKL-JNF also creates recreation sites, agriculture infrastructure and revenue-generating
tourism facilities.

KL-JNF has redeemed over 700,000 acres of land for developing communities, reclaimed over
250,000 acres for farming and built 7000 kilometers of roads and security bypass roads to outlying and
border communities.

KKL-JNF created soldier-family meeting points so that IDF soldiers can relax with their families.

KKL-JNF provides fun and learning for children in our Field & Forest Education Centers.
Tourism & Recreation
KKL-JNF has created thousand of parks, forests and recreation areas, preserving Israel's beauty
and resources for future generations.

Our forests are home to a myriad of activities: from cycling to hiking, from a leisurely picnic to
a brisk jog in the woods or outdoor leadership seminars.

KKL-JNF is working to make all existing parks and facilities in Israel suited for people with
special needs so families and friends can enjoy nature together.

KKL-JNF plays a key role in restoring historical and archaeological sites in Israel.

Research & Development

KKL-JNF is helping Israel maintain an agricultural and economic edge by funding basic and
applied research.

KKL-JNF partners with international organizations to find solutions to worldwide forestry,
watershed management and arid land management problems. KKL-JNF supports and implements R&D
projects with global implications and shares its knowledge with the rest of the world.
KKL-JNF has a major impact on the Israeli economy by helping to develop agricultural jobs and an export
economy in produce, fish and flowers.
23
Arzenu
ARZENU is the umbrella organization of Reform and Progressive Religious Zionists. Founded in 1980 as
an ideological grouping in the WZO.
ARZENU Mission Statement:
Vision:
To imbue all Reform Jews with a common vision of Jewish peoplehood and
to see Jewish engagement centered on Israel as the Jewish, democratic state inspired by
Reform/Progressive values.
Mission:
The mission is to:
1. Support the Jerusalem Program of the World Zionist Organization and to provide the
political representation of the worldwide Reform/Progressive movement in the World Zionist
Organization, the Jewish Agency and related institutions;
2. Work with Israeli and Diaspora Reform/Progressive institutions to transform Israeli society
according to Reform/Progressive Zionist values and to be a bridge between these institutions
around the world;
3. Transform the worldwide Reform/Progressive movement into a movement imbued with a
love of Israel, and to widen and deepen the connections between Reform/Progressive
populations inside and outside Israel, and to encourage aliyah.
4. Continue to develop and maintain long- term connections between Israeli and Diaspora
Reform/Progressive youth, young adult and adult institutions to ensure future leadership,
support and involvement in and with Israel and ARZENU.
5. Encourage the learning and use of Hebrew as a means of creating a deeper sense of
peoplehood through our common language.
24
Lecturers/Seminar
Leaders and sites
‫מדריכי‬/‫מרצים‬
‫סדנאות ואתרים‬
25
Maoz Haviv ,Mazkir clali, Netzer Olami and TaMaR
Maoz was born in Israel before the birth of the state of Israel, to
his parents that made Aliya from Poland and the Ukraine. As a
child he lived in the Village of – "Kfar Gibton", near by the town
of Rehovot. Became deeply active in an Israeli Halutzik
movement with which he moved on after high school to Kibbutz
Tzora, where he is a member of up till today. Was a paratrooper
in the Nahal brigade and almost immediately after being relived
from service – a Shaliach for two years to his youth movement in
Haifa – Israel. Graduated "Oranim" – the national Kibbutz
teacher's seminar and worked as a teacher on his kibbutz. At the
year of 1972 he moved on with his family to North America for
two and a half years, to serve as a Shaliach of Young Judaea in the Sea Board region. Back on
Kibbutz he became the headmaster of the kibbutz school. During the eighties he moved on to
the tourism field and established in his kibbutz a center for experiencing kibbutz names "Mini
Kibbutz Seminars". Got his BA from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, served as the sales and
marketing manager of his kibbutz factory and established a Hebrew Ulpan for young adults in
the kibbutz. At 1994, the family moved again to the States where he served as the central
Shaliach of Nfty. Back in Israel Maoz was elected to become the Mazkir of Netzer Olami.
Maoz is a children and youth writer, published 8 books and gained a national price for one of
them. He has three children and lately – his first grandchild.
Besides serving as Netzer Olami Mazkir, Maoz established the Young Adults organization of
TaMaR 14 years ago.
Anna Posner - Shnat educator (Mechanechet)
Anna is the mechanechet in Shnat, and responsible for the
welfare of the shnattim on a daily basis, accompany them on
tiyulim and sessions, runs peulot and has one on one chats
with the shnatties all year round, she is in charge of the
educational line throughout the whole year.
Anna was on Shnat Netzer a few years ago, and then worked as
youth movement worker in LJY England. She came to Netzer
office last year and since then she assist all of Netzer sniffim
around the world with educational materials. Anna participated in the preparation of
the Veida and its educational content.
26
Anabella Esperanza, Spanish and Portuguese Netzer and
TaMaR coordinator
Anabella was born in Argentina and made Aliah to Israel when she
was 14 years old with her family. Since then, she has been a part of
the progressive movement in different roles. Anabella was a
Madriha in Noar Telem (Netzer Israel) and a sniff and sum camps
coordinator.
During the army she taught Hebrew in courses for Bedouin, Druze
and Ethiopian solders, and became after that the pedagogical coordinator of the instructions.
Nowadays, Anabella lives in Jerusalem, is doing her M.A studies in The Hebrew University in
Liturgical Literature in Ladino, the language of the Sephardic Jews.
Anabella works as the Spanish and Portuguese Netzer and TaMaR coordinator of the WUPJ. As
well as, working for Tikun- a nonprofit organization- for the Israeli Society.
Rita Fruman- FSU Netzer and TaMaR coordinator
Rita was born in Grodno, Belarus and was an active member of
Netzer and TaMaR in Minsk. She made Aliyah to Israel through the
Sela program in 2003.
She did a BA in Sociology, Anthropology and Art History in the
Hebrew University of Jerusakem.
Nowadays Rita is the Netzer & TaMaR Coordinator for the FSU.
She is also responsible for the MASA Netzer Olami program for
Russian speakers. Rita lives in Jerusalem with her husband and
daughter.
Michael Vainberg Shnat Director
Michael Is in charge of planning and organizing the Shnat
program. Responsible for building and implementing the
budget. Responsible for communications with the Netzer
sniffim and parents around the world regarding the Shnat
program. Director of the Shnat staff. Works with the WZO
and Machon on educational programs.
27
Shai Pinto - Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Wupj (WUPJ)
Shai Pinto joined the World Union as vice president and chief
operating officer (COO) six years ago, after many years working
in what he calls "the added value sector." A graduate of the
Israeli Scouts movement, Shai served as a senior educator for the
Jewish Agency, a Jewish Agency shaliach and as head of the
Informal Education Delegation to the UK for five years. Upon
returning to Israel, he served in various management,
consultancy and development positions in the NGO and business
sector. Shai holds a BA in economics, a BA in management, and
an MBA in marketing and international management.
Rabbi Joel Oseran Vice President, International
Development ,WUPJ
Rabbi Joel D. Oseran is Vice President, International Development of
the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). In 1986 Rabbi
Oseran made aliyah to Israel and joined the World Union Jerusalem
headquarters as Director of Education.
A graduate of the University of California – Los Angeles, he received
his BA degree, cum laude, in History in 1971 and a Masters Degree in
Education from the University of Southern California in 1974. He was
ordained rabbi in 1976 from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, New York
Campus and received his Doctor of Divinity degree from HUC-JIR, Jerusalem, in 2001.
After ordination, Rabbi Oseran served as Director of Student Affairs at the Hebrew Union
College in Jerusalem. He returned to the United States in 1981 where he served as RabbiEducator at University Synagogue in Los Angeles, California. During his work in Los Angeles,
Rabbi Oseran was instrumental in creating the UAHC (today URJ) project for intermarried
couples entitled “Times and Seasons.”
Rabbi Oseran served as Project Director for the first Progressive Movement School in
Jerusalem. The project developed into the Tali Bayit V’gan primary school, which today
numbers over 450 children.
As head of the World Union’s international development, Rabbi Oseran helped to establish the
Progressive Movement in the Former Soviet Union, traveling extensively to various parts of that
region since 1989. He has also played a leading role in directing Progressive Judaism’s support
28
for emerging Progressive Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe and facilitating the
revitalization of Progressive Judaism in Latin America.
While on Sabbatical leave from 1997-1998, Rabbi Oseran served as Rabbi for the United Jewish
Congregation of Hong Kong and assisted Progressive Jewish communities in Beijing, Shanghai
and Singapore. Rabbi Oseran lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Rachelle, and his three sons, Shai,
Ilan and Ariel
Gusti Yehoshua-Braverman, WZO
Gusti is Head of the World Zionist Organization's (WZO)
Department for Diaspora Activities and Herzl Center since June
2010. Previously she served as the Associate Director of the Israel
Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. Her duties
included professional leadership of the Reform Movement in Israel
together with its staff and members of the board.
Previous positions include: Founder and Manager of the
Information Center for Social and Lifecycle Events; Executive
Director of the Tamar Jerusalem Dance Company; Manager of the
Center for Training and Development of Manpower, Neighborhood Rehabilitation Project,
the Center for Adult Training for the Amal network and Editor of the Hebrew University
Monthly Student Newspaper.
Ms. Yehoshua-Braverman has a B.A. degree in Social Work and M.A. in Communications,
both from the Hebrew University and a certificate in Organizational Consulting from Tel Aviv
University.
She is a member of the WZO Executive and Jewish Agency Board of Governors, serves as a
board member of the Poultry Council in Israel, Ayelet - The Federation of Non-Olympic Sport
In Israel, and is active as an active volunteer in other organizations.
Gusti Yehoshua-Braverman is married to Yoram and mother to Niv, Ilay and Einav. Member
of the Reform congregation in Mevashert Ziyyion.
29
Dr.Motti (Mordechai) Friedman
Present Academic director the Zionist archives
Jerusalem
2005 –2010 Director, Herzl Educational Center and Museum,
Jerusalem
Doctorate, Educational Administration/Organizational
Behavior, University of Columbia, Teachers College, New
York. Member Kappa Delta Phi.
Responsible for the establishment of the Herzl Museum educational center, this includes the
preparation of educational programs for Israeli and overseas target groups; creating
cooperation platforms with other museums, such as Yad-Vashem, David's Tower Museum,
The Begin Center, Yad Ben-Zvi, and the Israeli Institute for Democracy; preparation of
educational programs for the Ministry of Education, the Israel Defense Forces, and the Israel
Experience.
Shani Ben Or
Was born in Jerusalem in 1987, is a cantor. She was raised in the
Jewish Reform movement and has been active in Telem (Reform
Jewish youth movement in Israel). A graduate of The Jerusalem
Academy High School of Music, where she was a soloist in the
choir. Ms. Ben Or participated in the Mehina, the Reform
movement's pre-army program in Jaffa before serving in the IDF.
Ms. Ben Or spent two years in Hong Kong, working as a cantorial
soloist in the United Jewish Congregation. After returning to Israel, Ms. Ben Or founded and
participated in Tnufa, a leadership program for young adults in the Hebrew Union College,
worked as a counselor in the Mehina in Jaffa and as the Youth Director of Beit Tefila Israeli, a
liberal, non-affiliated congregation in Tel Aviv.
Shani is currently studying education and social activism at the Kibbutzim College of
Education and is working as the programs director of Kehilat Kol HaNeshma, the synagogue
she grew up in.
31
Benny Sela
Benny Sela is 54 years old. He is married to Liora and they have
4 children and 3 grand children. He lives in Kibbutz Nahal Oz for
already 27 years. For 15 years his major occupation was inb the
field of agricultural mechanics. Then he moved on to the world
of high Tec and served as a manager for a big high Tec
company. On the year of 2003 he was appointed as the security
coordinator of the kibbutz, in which he is involved up till today.
As such he had to operate already through three wars around
the Gaza strip and was involved in lots of incidents along the
border fence. Today he is engaged fully with security of the kibbutz.
Daniel Berkeley
My name is Daniel Berkeley, I am 32 years old and currently
live in Sderot.
I was born in Glasgow (Scotland) and made 'aliyah' with my
family when I was aged 12.
I am married to Noa and we have 2 children (2.5 and 3 months
old). I am the youth department manager of Sderot, meaning I
manage all educational aspects of the youth of Sderot (13-18)
that are outside of the formal education system.
Rabbi Yael Kari:
Rabbi Yael Kari, 36 years old, is the spiritual guide of the
Kibbutzim of "Sha'ar Hanegev" – (the Negev's gate),
representing there the Israeli Reform movement.
She came from a secular background. As a child she grew
in the northern Israeli city of Haifa. As a teenager she
belonged to the youth of Meretz. In the army she served as an educational tour guide
for soldiers.
During her army service she was introduced to girls who did Sharut Leumi – national
service (instead of army service) and there she was exposed to the world which was
actually un known to her, the world of the Jewish reach heritage. She was caught by it.
Following the army service she worked as a tour leader for Birth Right visitors from
around the world. Again she was exposed to a different Jewish world and it all led her
to study in the university religious studies. Once she graduated university it wasn't but
natural to her to move on to rabbinical studies in the HUC in Jerusalem.
She was ordained as a Rabbi about a year ago – on 2013, and since then she is
extremely active in forming the Reform community of Sha'ar Hanegev.
30
Benji Davis
Originally from Los Angeles, CA. After graduating Summa Cum
Laude from George Washington University with a degree in
Middle East Studies and History, he made Aliyah to Israel. For his
army service, he created a new position within the IDF Draft
Board to help new immigrants and lone soldiers with their
enlistment and placement process. For the last three years he
has worked as an educator to groups visiting Israel. He lectures
on Israeli politics, history and current events, gives guided
security briefings of Jerusalem and the Gaza border region, and facilitates educational
workshops. You can reach Benji via email at [email protected]
Gil Yasur
Manager of Local Sustainability Center in Sederot.
I have joined Kvutzat Migvan almost 20 years ago. For me this group and life in Sederot
means that I can be a part of a vital and fascinating community, and work towards
social change and a better society in Sederot and Israel.
Migvan group
Migvan group established in 1987 and partners
with 40 members between the ages of 20 - 50.
The group members live mostly in apartments
specially built in Almond Avenue, when the
kibbutz two structures are dining room and
offices. Members work in a professions work,
such as consulting, law, accounting, music
therapy and more.
The group was founded by members who left their Kibbutz, and were looking for a
combination of kibbutz life and meaningful social action. Sderot has been selected as a
preferred destination mainly because of contact with young people who decided to go
back to the place and doing something about the intention of the partnership.
The individual is in the middle range of institutions, group and internal arrangements
are determined on the consensus. The kibbutz has a three-member secretariat,
changing from time to time. On Fridays they meet those who are interested to open
Midrash. Friends celebrate the holidays together as applicable and motivation, and
often in nature.
32
Damian Kelman
Damian is the National Director of Noar Telem, the Israeli
Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism's national
platform for youth non-formal Education and Leadership
Development. Before that and during the past few years he
served consequently as Youth Coordinator and Programs
Director at Kehilat Kol Haneshama in Jerusalem and as
managing director of various cultural and educational
institutions, in Israel and abroad. Damian combines deep
skills in the area of Jewish thought, history and cultural creation, with a growing experience
and profound academic knowledge on the fields of education, community building,
organizational development, leadership empowerment and strategic planning. He stands
strongly committed to the promotion of Liberal Judaism in Israel, as he is to the values of
Jewish peoplehood, social justice, active citizenship, pluralism and equality. Damian is
married to Maia, and father of Nala (10) and Shaked (5).
Kol Voice Seminars:
Kol Voice Seminars works to strengthen identity and
improve the standard of activism across the Jewish
world. We were founded on the belief that active
engagement with the complex issues affecting Jews and
Israel today would create confident Jewish activists and
stronger Jewish communities. It is with that belief and
sense of purpose that we have brought together some of
the best young speakers and facilitators in Israel to
provide top quality tailor made sessions for every group. This vibrant team brings together a
wealth of relevant experience from community and campus leadership combined with
innovation and a passion for passing on their knowledge to groups and individuals from
across the world.
http://www.kolvoiceseminars.org/
For general enquiries, please contact us on: [email protected]
33
Kol Haneshama
Congregation Kol
HaNeshama is an active &
lively center for Progressive
Judaism in Jerusalem. The
kehila is located in Baka and serves as a focal point for Jewish pluralism and social action
in the neighborhood and surrounding area, Our community is founded upon the core
value of equality of all human beings and mutual responsibility as we believe all
are created in the image of God.
A Little Slice of History by Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman
The congregation was “born” in the living room of my house in the Spring of 1984. Its
beginning looked promising – over 100 worshipers participated in our first Kol Nidre
service that was held in the Labor Party club on Mordechai haYehudi Street. However, it
soon became clear that to be a Reform congregation in Jerusalem was no easy matter.
The local Rabbinate pressured the members of the Labor Party who ejected us from their
center. The Baka community center invited us to move into their quarters at Yissachar
Street where we flourished and grew. But even there we were not left alone to pray. On
Simchat Torah the neighborhood’s Sefardic Rabbi & three of his students broke into the
sports hall in the middle of our hakafot. When they saw women dancing with the Torah
they began to curse and tried to “save” the Scrolls (to fulfill the mitzvah of liberating
captives). We successfully defended our Torah scrolls & honor and managed to expel our
interlopers without violence whilst singing songs of peace & love. When Teddy Kollek
(z”l), the then Mayor of Jerusalem, heard of the events that took place, he promised to
find us a place where we could build our own house of worship. We found a small and
abandoned stone structure at the corner of Harakevet Street & Asher Street, in the
middle of a large field that served as a quarry. The city gave us the land and we renovated
the small building. On Shabbatot & holidays we used the building for prayer and during
the week it became a nursery school & a center for communal activities.
Due to our unique style of prayer we began to draw a large crowd from Jerusalem & all
around the world. It became clear to us that the community’s growth necessitated a
larger building and after much effort we were able to build our present home, which we
have now exceeded in capacity. Thus our congregation has developed from a small prayer
Minyan to a large center of community & spiritual activity. In the first years of life a parttime secretary & I were the only professional staff. Today we are blessed with a large and
dedicated staff of workers that allow for the wide range of activities.
http://www.kolhaneshama.org.il
Our address: 1 Asher Street, Jerusalem 9347001
Tel: 02-6724878, Fax: 02-6716537
email: [email protected]
34
The Herzl Center
The Herzl Center in Mount Herzl for Zionist Studies was established for the purpose of anchoring the figure of
Herzl as the moral and ethical foundation of an essential, contemporary and binding Zionist ideology. The
Center offers a wide range of programs over a variety of time frames – ranging from several hours to several
days, according to the target audience and its requirements. The programs are geared, among other things,
towards different populations wanting to enhance their familiarity with the Zionist endeavor.
One of the Center’s underlying principles is creating a bridge between past and present, which will promote
Herzl’s legacy and his Zionist vision among the younger generation, in order to ensure a Jewish future with
values, vision and imagination.
The Center in mount herzl offers a broad range of activities: special workshops, conferences, seminars, inservice courses and various ceremonies suited to Israelis as well as Jews from the Diaspora. In addition, the
Center produces new educational material for formal and informal settings, to help instill Jewish and Zionist
education in Israel and the Diaspora.
The same topics that occupied Herzl’s thoughts more than 100 years ago – Jewish identity, anti-Semitism, the
relationship of Diaspora Jewry to the concept of Zionism, the meaning of Eretz Israel and the image of the
Jewish State – are still of concern to us. These issues are an essential component of the Jewish people
throughout history, and the Jewish public – both in Israel and throughout the world – should be encouraged to
discuss them and understand the personal meaning they convey for each and every one of us.
The Educational Center was designed to bring together the past and present, and to develop a dialogue
regarding the future of Zionism. One year before his death, in 1903, Herzl expressed his desire to be buried in
Eretz Israel: "I wish to be buried in a metal coffin next to my father, and to remain there until the Jewish people
will transfer my remains to Eretz Israel.” This legacy
illustrates his ability to envision the future, because he
also believed that the Jewish State would, indeed, be
established, even when it seemed to be an unattainable
dream. Herzl did not live to see his vision become reality:
the State of Israel was founded some 50 years after his
death, but his legacy certainly remains a cornerstone,
even today.
http://www.herzl.org/English/
Telephone: 972-2-6321515, Fax: 972-2-6430542
E-Mail: [email protected]
35
Netzer Olami Staff
Reports
‫דיווחים מהצוות של‬
‫נצ"ר עולמי‬
36
Mazkir Klali Report
Maoz Haviv’s report to the Veida Olamit 2015
Dear Netzer Delegates – Shalom Uvracha:
As we do traditionally for more than 30 years – we gather here together in Jerusalem for our
annual Veida where we will learn what was developing in our worldwide Sniffim, in our major
programs, like our English speaking long program in Israel – Shnat Netzer and our Russian
speaking long program here – the FSU Masa and about other relevant issues to our
movement.
Besides dealing with such movement issues, each year we take the time to relate to actual
issues of Israel. I am sure we are prepared to do it this year as well, yet, this year you came
here in a real crucial time for the country – just before its citizens – Jews, Arabs, Druze and
other minorities –will go to the poles to determine what kind of government the country will
have for future years.
The issues are of great importance in all aspects of life. Security, peace. Social issues,
education, health, standard of living, opportunities to the younger generations and more.
You will have the chance to look, to listen and to learn from Israelis what they think, what
they except for, where do they think we should go.
You get here also in a real shaky reality, which exists, all around the borders of Israel. The
"Arab spring" lead in reality to a cold dark winter. Muslim extremes of all kinds – from Isis to
Al Kaida. From Hamas to Hisbula fighting with the aim to change the historic borders by
forming Islamic Caliphate first in the Middle east and then – all over the world.
How does it all influence the reality we live in? How can we run normal life under such
circumstances? Israelis ask themselves all these questions and much more and you can learn
about it from near by.
And beside we will deal of course with our own issues and will do our best to conduct a
successful and meaningful Veida to all of us.
I wish all of you the very best and hope you will take back home with you positive memories
and meaningful ideas for your Sniffim.
Bivrachah
Maoz Haviv
Mazkir Clali
37
Branch Relations & Education Report
The Ovedet Chinuch's responsibilities include:

Networking between the snifim and the central office, maintaining communication with them
with regards to the Veida Olamit, Netzfest, Kol Netzer, educational material etc…

Website maintenance – keeping Netzer Olami's website updated, relevant, useful and accessible
for others. This includes maintaining Netzer Olami's FB page as well.


Planning and implementing world-wide events such as Netzfest and Veida Olamit.
Working on programming for Olim with the Spanish desk.
Report of Activities of the Ovedet Chinuch over the past year

Responding to snifim's particular requests like educational resources and other such information.

Working on Updating the Netzer website and filling it with useful information and Peulot.

Netzer Olami's FB page is constantly updated!

Netzer Olami's website is maintained and updated.

Founding of two facebook groups: Progressive Olim and Shnat Netzer Alumni.

Educational materials: creation of Netzer Olami’s Official Hadracha Booklet, Updated Reform
Zionism Booklet, Shlichim Booklet, on the way to finishing the history booklet

Visit to Nfty’s leadership machane – Camp Kutz!

Planning Veida Olamit 2014.
Educational Goals for 2014:

To be in constant contact with all sniffim, answering to their questions and needs from Netzer
Olami, as well as vice versa.

To upload to the website useful resources for peulot, ma'amadim etc...

To create resources such as a Netzer Olami History Booklet, an ideology booklet, creating peulot
and information packs on chaggim and more.

To publish more issues of “Kol Netzer” and to fill it with educational content, in addition to Snif
Updates.

To continue stocking our library here in Netzer Olami with relevant books, sources and other
educational content.

To advance the participation of Netzer madrichim and chanichim in machanot of different
countries.

Planning activities for “Olim” and tracking New Olim who are bogrim of Netzer.

Creating a Shnat Netzer Alumni network, hopefuly to become a body of support for Netzer Olami

To provide support for new snifim in Holland, China and the Czech Republic. To advance the
creation of more snifim in Switzerland, Belgium and more!
In Conclusion – This year has been quite fruitful! We have published new hadracha materials such as
“The Official Netzer Olami Hadracha Booklet”, the new and improved Reform Zionism booklet, and are
hard at work on finishing up our biggest project yet – “The Netzer Olami History Booklet”. This past
summer I also got the wonderful opportunity to visit Nfty’s Camp Kutz, where I learned so much about
what makes nfty an amazing youth movement and a meaningful part of Netzer Olami. Together with the
amazing Kutz staff we lead lots of Netzer Olami programming, and I see this trip as a real meaningful
success! May this upcoming year be as interesting, fruitful and fun year!
38
Shnat Netzer Report
Michael Vainberg’s report to the Veida Olamit 2015
Shnat Netzer report- 5771
Background on the program
Shnat Netzer is a unique 8 or 10-month leadership training program for young adults in
Israel. This program is an international post high school program for Bogrim
(graduates) of the Netzer Olami youth movement from all over the world and young
people who are interested in being leaders in their community.
The mission of Shnat Netzer is to develop leadership within
Netzer and the wider Jewish community and to develop
participants' understanding of, engagement with and
commitment to Netzer's ideology. We aim for Shnat Netzer
to be a Progressive Jewish and Progressive Zionist
hagshama experience that develops participants'
relationship with the land, people and state of Israel and
also encourages their personal growth.
The Shnat Netzer program has been active for over 20 years, and is the flagship
program of Netzer Olami. The program is built together with the local snifim, and is
directed and run by the Netzer Olami staff, most sitting in Beit- Shmuel.
Two programs take place yearly
Shnat North- takes place every year from October to June. Is being run for the
Northern hemisphere: RSY- Netzer, LJY- Netzer, the US (NFTY), Netzer- Spain, and
Netzer- Germany.

Shnat South- takes place every year from February to November. Is being run
for the Southern hemisphere: Netzer Australia, Netzer South- Africa.
Shnat Netzer helps recent high school graduates develop the skills and knowledge
necessary to become leaders in their movement, community and college back home. It
offers participants the chance for personal development, opportunities to study Jewish
and Zionist ideals, and a structured environment to learn about the Reform
39
Movement’s principles and ideology. Shnat Netzer is an exciting, challenging and
stimulating way to spend a year in Israel.
Participants experience:
 Progressive Judaism and Zionism in practice
 Self discovery
 Leadership
 Learning Hebrew
 Tikkun Olam and Social Action projects
 Being a part of an international program
 Adventure
 Excitement
 Independence
Structure of the program
The year is divided in to three parts where in some parts the participants have the
ability to choose the component that suits their personality and aims.
Shnat North
This year the structure of the program is built out of 3 main parts: Kibbutz  Options
 Jerusalem experience.
After a week of orientation in Jerusalem, the whole group had a group ecological
experience on Kibbutz Lotan for a month. During this period, they formed a
community, learned about ecology and Hebrew and volunteered in the Kibbutz. This
period is followed by 2.5 months of 'options', in which each participant will choose one
of the 9 possibilities offered:

A community experience in the Galilee- living and volunteering in the Karmiel,
in the north of Israel. Karmiel has great volunteering places, offers host families to the
participants, and has an active Progressive community.

Kibbutz period- living and volunteering in one of the Progressive Kibbutzim in
the Arava, Kibbutz Lotan
.
41
The last 4 months of the program will take place in Jerusalem, together with the new
southern hemisphere participants, where each participant will have to choose one of
the following options:

Mechinat Etgar- Etgar literally means challenge. The Etgar program is
specifically tailored and built for Netzer Shnattim. The program is put together and run
by the Netzer Olami staff. The aims of the program are to create a strong learning
community, educate the group about Israeli society, Jewish History and Culture, and to
gain a better understanding of Progressive Judaism. These are all achieved through
living as a Reform Zionist community, a community which studies, plays, prays, eats
and lives together. Etgar is a holistic program as it expects the participants to take
what they have studied, examine it, and decide how they choose to implement it into
their individual lives and into their community.

Machon- The name Machon comes from “Machon L’madrichei Chutz L’aretz”
(the “Institute of youth leaders from abroad”). Machon has been run for over sixty
years by the Jewish Agency as a Zionist youth leadership development program. The
topics covered change from week to week, giving participants a rounded Jewish
education. The Machonikim sleep in dormitories on the campus and all meals are
provided in the communal dining room. Just as on Etgar there are regular short and
longer trips around Israel as part of the educational program.
Shnat South
The southern year is built out of 3 main parts: Jerusalem experience  Yam Le Yam,
Jewish Identity Seminar & Tikun Olam  Kibbutz.
The first part will take place together with the northern participants after having an
Orientation seminar in Jerusalem they are joined by the northern group and study
together on Mechinat Etgar or Machon.
For the next part of the program the southern group will be doing a 6 day hike, Yam Le
Yam (Sea to Sea), this is their bonding period as it is the first time during the program
that it is only the southern group. The hike is followed by a Jewish Identity Seminar
that usually takes place in the Kibbutz Hanaton. This is a Kibbutz where secular,
40
progressive, conservatives and orthodox Jews are trying to build and live under one
community.
Following the seminar, the shnatties will move to the city of Tel Aviv where in
partnership with BINA (The Secular Yeshiva)and Bet Daniel (The Reform community in
Tel Aviv) they will be embarking on a one month Tikun Olam program. BINA and Bet
Daniel have a Tikun Olam gap year program and our participants will be having a taste
of it for one month.
During this month, some participants may also have the
opportunity to lead on various summer camps such as RSY, LJY and Chavaya.
The program finishes with a 3 month Kibbutz period- living and volunteering in one of
the Progressive Kibbutzim in the Arava, Kibbutz Lotan
The two programs might have the same elements in them, but they are very different
from each other. The Southern year tends to be smaller in terms of numbers, and
longer.
Participants
Most of the participants that come n the program grew up in the movement, and have
a 2-year commitment upon return to their snif. Breakdown of number of participants
in the last few years:
Shnat North
Shnat South
Total
2008/9
49
16
65
2009/10
26
34
60
2010/11
33
10
43
2011/12
19
8
27
2012/13
20
6
26
2013/14
19
16
35
2014/15
26
17
43
Total
192
107
299
42
YEAR
MACHON
ETGAR
2008-2009
13N+8S=21
36N+8S=44
2009-2010
9N+17S=26
17N+17S=34
2010-2011
20N+7S=27
12N+3S=15
2011-2012
9N+5S=14
10N+3S=13
2012-2013
7N+3S=10
13N+3S=16
2013-2014
6N+9S=15
13N+4S=17
2014-2015
15N+9S=24
10N+8S=18
The Shnat Netzer tzvet (staff)
Most of the Shnat netzer tzevet is a permanent one, and sits in Beit- Shmuel. Some
new tzevet members are hired parttime during some sections which are outside of
Jerusalem. In addition, we hire educators and specialists for some parts of the
program. The permanent staff is:
Shnat Director (Michael Vainberg)- Is in charge of planning and organizing the Shnat
program. Responsible for building and implementing the budget. Responsible for
communications with the Netzer sniffim and parents around the world regarding the
Shnat program. Director of the Shnat staff. Works with the WZO and Machon on
educational programs.
Mechinat Etgar Director (Raaya Cohen)- Is in charge of and responsible for overseeing
all aspects of the Mechinat Etgar program and of the options period, including: overall
health and safety of the participants; planning and organizing; building and
implementing the budget; maintenance of flats; managing the staff (lecturers,
educators, madrich); logistics of the program; ensuring the programs run effectively
and.
Shnat
Mechanech/et (Anna Posner)–
The mechanech/et is responsible for the
welfare of the shnattim on a daily basis, accompany them on tiyulim and sessions, runs
43
peulot and has one on one chats with the shnatties all year round, she is in charge of
the educational line thru out the whole year.
Karmiel Rakezet (Galit Hoffman)- Is in charge and responsible for overseeing all
aspects for our Shnat participants that chose to go to Karmiel for their options period.
Day-to-day communication and problem solving for them.
Kibbutz Madricha (Deborah Dell'ariccia)- In charge of the welfare of the Shnat
participants that chose Kibbutz Lotan for their options period. Day-to-day
communication, problem solving and runs peulot for them.
Administrator (Rinat Israeli)- Assists all of Netzer staff in logistics, financial payments
and general administration. Works with the Mazkir on Israel conferences such as Kenes
Tamar, Veidah Olamit, etc. Working together with the bookkeeping department and is
in charge of MASA reports. Coordinates all the Shnat seminars, rents, and logistics.
Main challenges we face

Price- from year to year, the budget is more complicated and realistic, and the
price is higher, which makes it hard for a lot of candidates to commit to the program,
last year we implemented the steps system, meaning a price if 10 participants come, a
price if 15 participants come and a price if 20 participants come, the more participants
the lower the price and we were able to charge the most updated price in relation to
the amount of participants that came and were able to lower the price.

There is no permanent staff member aside from the Shnat director that spends
meaningful time with the participants all along the year, making it hard to build good
and meaningful relations with the participants.

The program is dynamic and changes from year to year, making it hard for the
staff to have continuity, establish long term relations with cities, organizations,
providers etc.

Once the year finishes, we have very limited connection with the shnattim.
Thus far, we did not conduct surveys after Shnat finished, and have no clear view in
the long run on the affects Shnat has on the participants.

Clear differences in what the southern hemisphere snifim hope to achieve from
the program (concentrate on building practical leadership skills and improving
44
Hebrew) as opposed to the northern snifim (providing more options, value clarification
and general Jewish education).

Recruitment for the program. We have the potential to recruit more
participants.

The snifim would like us to offer more options for the Option's period but by
offering more options the price of Shnat goes up.

Inflation in Israel means that the price of the elements are going up]

Machon in changing and we do not know where this will lead to
Veida proposals and resolutions regarding Shnat in past Veidot
The snifim are full partners with the Shnat Netzer tzevet, and are involved in decision
making before and during the year. Nonetheless, the Veida is a good opportunity to
discuss things on a macro level.

In Veida 2009 we discussed and agreed on the Shnat Mission statement
presented above. This is the first time we have a worded mission statement for the
program, agreed by all the snifim.

In Veida 2010 we discussed and agreed on the Shnat Netzer screening process
which should take place in all the snifim. Thus far we started implementing it, but it is
early to say how efficient it is, as the first group that went through the process has not
yet arrived to Israel.

In Veida 2010 we discussed new directions, structure and education for Shnat
Netzer, in order to create a program which has more added value for the participants,
and is cost- affective. There was no decision reached at Veida, aside from hoping to
inquire more about the different possibilities.

In Veida 2012 we discussed the option switching the structure for the Southern
group and having the Kibbutz period before the Options period, the snifim preferred
not to change the structure. We also discussed the importance to keep Lotan as the
kibbutz we got to during the program in spite of Lotan's need to increase the price, it
was decided that we much rather continue going to Lotan rather then searching for
another kibbutz that does not belong to the Reform Movement.
Michael Vainberg , Shnat Netzer director, January 2015
45
Spanish Desk Report
Anabella Esperanza’s report to the Veida Olamit 2015
Report on Barcelona:
Atid community has been for the last years very active regarding their youth. This year 2
people from Netzer Barcelona were part of the Netzer gap year, SHNAT, Dario and Michi. They
both are making Aliah!!!
This year, the Roshim of Netzer BCN are Miki, who was the Veida’s representant for the last 34
years.
Since now the Peulot are being very successful.
Fortunately, there are a bunch of new hanihim in the Snif and a lot of new Madrihim!!
Last month Netzer Barcelona had a great MAHANE HOREF (camp), three days of fun,
Progressive Judaism and Sionists contents, Tefilot and more.
Report on Latin America:
Brazil: For the last 5 years, Brazil is a challenging project. Our biggest communities Ari and CIP
are very active. Nevertheless, the youth movement active there is Chazit Hanoar in ARI, and in
CIP (Sao Pablo) the situation it is being very interesting. They have three youth movement:
Chazit, Avayandaba (who are the scouts movement), and Colonia de CIP, which have mostly
Mahanot: Horef and Kaitz, and events during the year. This year, we have the huge pleasure to
have a representant from Colonia, Ariel , so it is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship
between Colonia and Netzer Olami.
Argentina: After some years with no contact at all with the Argentinean Progressive
community, we saw an opportunity to renew our work there.
We are permanently in contact with "Fundacion Judaica", a foundation of liberal communities
leads buy the Rabbi Sergio Bergman. Thy have their own youth movement, and have a contact
with us. Unfortunately no one could come to thes Veida, buy we are working to have a
representant in the next one.
UJCL: (organization of communities of Latin America and the Caribbean). These conservative
and reform communities are making extraordinary projects to keep alive their faith, activities
and youth. There is a big space to fill regarding the youth and young adults.
This year they are having their fourth annual seminar for young-adults people from all around
Central America.
Noar Panama is our Netzer sniff in Central America, counting about 60 HANIHIM and
MADRIHIM. The annual MAHANE DARKEINU, a camp to all those liberal communities, took
place in Panama last month, bringing around 60 HANIHIM and MADRIHIM, from all over
Central America.
This Year Walter started to work as a movement worker and with Yoni, Boger Noar Panama, is
they are making a great teem!
Anabella Esperanza
Netzer/Tamar Olami - [email protected]
46
Proposals
‫הצעות‬
47
Netzer Veidah motions – RSY:
1. Vegetarianism
Netzer Olami notes:




Our commitment to tikkun olam, and also gemilut chasidim and Jewish values such as
that of tsa’ar ba’alei chayim (the obligation not to cause pain to animals)
That, a 2006 United Nations report found that “the meat industry produces more
greenhouse gasses than all the SUVs, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world
combined.”
That it is now an established scientific fact according to the inter-governmental panel
on climate change’s 4th report rom 2007 that man-made climate change is real and
that it will have a negative overall effect on humanity’s life on earth
Many snifim, such as RSY-Netzer, LJY-Netzer, and Netzer Australia, have run and
continue to run vegetarian camps and other events
Netzer Olami believes:



That current industrial production of meat and fish almost always entails suffering and
damage to the environment, including but not limited to: the intense suffering
common place in modern slaughterhouses and particularly the moments prior to
slaughter, beak trimming, branding, and castration in meat farming, chicks selectively
breeded to the point where they are too overweight for their vital organs to cope,
being kept in extraordinarily cramped conditions, “trawler fishing”, when which a large
percentage of the fish caught and killed are thrown back into the sea dead.
That vegetarianism is a clear, practical manifestation of our ideology of tikkun olam
That it is impossible for Netzer Olami to enforce a standard of vegetarianism on
individual snifim’s events
Netzer Olami resolves:


[A] That all events run by Netzer Olami, including Netzer Veidah, Shnat Netzer,
Netzerfest, and seminars involving multiple snifim, should be vegetarian where
possible so that Netzer is never complicit in the environmental damage caused by
meat and fish purchasing and consumption. Practical examples of this include:
o No meat should be consumed at Netzer Veidah. Vegetarian food should be
provided. This would demonstrate a practical example of how a vegetarian
event can be run.
o An amendment should be added to the Shnat Netzer code of conduct that
group budgets may not be used to purchase meat or fish.
o All Netzer participants at Machon should be registered as vegetarian.
o Any other events organised by Netzer Olami, or which involve the cooperation
of multiple snifim, should be vegetarian.
o Education should be run on all the above events about ideological
vegetarianism
OR [B] That while the above suggestions are beneficial and ideologically sound,
imposing them takes something away from the element of informed decision-making
48


we value. We resolve to run education about ideological vegetarianism on all of these
events, allowing all groups to make an informed decision on whether the group should
be vegetarian for the duration of Netzer Veidah, Shnat Netzer, etc.
That Netzer Olami should compile an educational resource, relevant to each snif,
about ideological vegetarianism, in order that chaverim understand the issue in more
depth
That a peulah about vegetarianism should be prepared and run at Netzer Veidah
2016/5776 in anticipation of any further conversations about the issue.
2. Shichvah names
Netzer Olami notes:


That RSY-Netzer passed the motion (attached in Appendix 1) at its 2014 Veidah
That the statement attached in Appendix 2 appears in the Netzer Australia Policies,
Beliefs & Actions document

That different snifim doing similar things strengthens world movement identity


That an internationalised system of shichvah names is devised and agreed upon. This
system should be based on the current system with new names created for our
youngest chanichim
That individual snifim incorporate these shichvah names into their organisation as
logically as possible
3. Aliyah framework
Netzer Olami notes:



That we are ideologically committed to aliyah and aliyah nimshechet
That at present there is very little sense of a systematic way in which chaverim can
make aliyah through a Reform Zionist framework
That, as a result, many chaverim who at various points wish to make aliyah do not do so



That too few chaverim of the movement make aliyah
That we should encourage aliyah more actively
That the presence of an aliyah framework would encourage more of our chaverim to
make aliyah



A seminar, or prolonged period of education, about aliyah should be added to the
Shnat Netzer programme
Netzer Olami tsevet should work with other youth movements where such structures
are more successful, e.g. Habonim Dror, Bnei Akiva to develop a plan for a Netzer
aliyah structure and present such a plan to snifim
Each snif should incorporate education on aliyah nimshechet as a Reform Zionist life
choice as a compulsory part of its hadracha training
49
Appendix `1:
RSY-Netzer notes:
 ‘Shichvah’ (‫ )שכבה‬is the term used in RSY-Netzer to mean ‘year group’
 At present, the best method used in the movement to identify members of a particular
shichvah is that which is provided by Shnat, e.g. Shnat Chof, Shnat Teva, Shnat Yam,
and the like.
 Netzer Australia uses a system of shichvah names with which chaverim of the
movement identify from an early age, and which corresponds to Shnat names.
RSY-Netzer believes:
 There are, at present, situations arising from time to time that cause ambiguity
because we don’t have a recognised system for identifying different shichvot.
 Because of this, chaverim often tend to refer to shichvot as “Joe Bloggs’ shichvah”, and
the like, which encourages the creation of hierarchies within the movement.
 That it is beneficial for shichvot to have a cohesive identity as a shichva, as distinct
from (but included within) the wider movement.
 The Netzer Olami system of names beginning with different letters of the Hebrew
aleph-bet is a good system, because:
a) It improves knowledge and use of Hebrew vocabulary among our chaverim.
b) It ties RSY-Netzer into the world movement.
RSY-Netzer resolves:
 To introduce a system of shichvah names before summer events 5774, applicable to
the current ‘aleph’ shichvah (to be known as ‘shichvat Livluv’) and below. This system
should be based on the Netzer Australia list as far as possible.
 To mandate Shemesh and Day Camp rashim for summer 5774, and Israel tour
madrichim and Course Hadracha rashim thereafter, to ensure shichvah names are
widely used on these respective events.
 The current movement worker tsevet should contact the Netzer Olami office and
Netzer Australia and work with them to devise new shichvah names. If no response is
forthcoming, the MWs should form a va’ad of RSY-Netzer chaverim to think of
potential new shichvah names and forward their suggestions to the Netzer Olami
office.
 To propose an internationalised system of shichvah names to Netzer Veidah 5775.
Appendix 2:
SHCHAVOT NAMES
In 2003, it was decided that each shichva would be given a name that they would
carry throughout their time in the movement, and that would be their Shnat group
name. The names were chosen based on the order of the Hebrew alphabet, and the
theme is nature.
2004 Aleph ‫ א‬Ofek Horizon
2005 Bet ‫ ב‬Bareket Emerald
2006 Gimmel ‫ ג‬Gal Waves
2007 Daled ‫ ד‬Dekel Palm tree
2008 Hey ‫ ה‬Harai Zion Mountains of Zion
2009 Vav ‫ ו‬Vered Rose
2010 Zayin ‫ ז‬Zahav Gold
2011 Chet ‫ ח‬Chof Beach
2012 Tet ‫ ט‬Teva Nature
2013 Yud ‫ י‬Yam Sea
51
2014 Kaf ‫ כ‬Kinneret Sea of Galilee
2015 Lamed ‫ ל‬Livluv Blossoming
2016 Mem ‫ מ‬Ma’yan Stream
2017 Nun ‫ נ‬Nof Scenery
2018 Samech ‫ ס‬Savyon A type of flower
2019 Ayin ‫ ע‬Aleh Leaf
2020 Pey ‫ פ‬Perach Flower
2021 Tzadik ‫ צ‬Tzuf Pollen
2022 Koof ‫ ק‬Keren Ray
2023 Raysh ‫ ר‬Ramah Hill
2024 Shin ‫ ש‬Shachar Dawn
2025 Tuff ‫ ת‬Te’ena Fig
50
VEIDA PROPOSAL – NETZER AUSTRALIA:
MISGERET ALIYA (Aliya Framework)
As Noar Tzioni Reformi (Reform Zionist Youth), Aliya Nimshechet (continuing Aliya) is
key to the fulfillment of our ideology. Without a proper framework for Reform Zionist
hasgshama in Israel, Aliya Nimshechet is not a priority within our snifim.
As the body best placed to facilitate this, the Netzer Olami office will undertake to
form relationships with relevant organisations engaging in Reform Zionist hagshama
and update the snifim on the options for chaverim wishing to make Ailya Nimshechet
as a first step in the process of establishing a Netzer Olami Misgeret Aliya.
52
VEIDA PROPOSAL – NFTY:
Suggested Changes to Netzer Ideology
• We separated the principles based on the acronym Netzer. Each principle had to fall
under one of the three categories: Noar, Tzioni, and Reformi. Doing this ensures that
the ideology stays true to the name of our movement.
• Changes to the Original 14 Principles:
1. Judaism as a People, Nation and a Religion
The description here didn’t really match the title, which describes an idea we hold
dear.
We created a new description that better describes the pluralistic beliefs we find
important.
2. The Covenant as a moral obligation
We removed this. It’s politically incorrect and untrue to say that Jews are a “light
among the nations.” This sets us above other religious groups, which is not something
we believe in.
3. Sovereignty
This is talking about the need for a Jewish homeland- the term “sovereignty” seems
too
political, since the sovereignty of different parts of land is contested by different
people.
It doesn’t align with Reform values, so it was adapted into The Need for a Jewish
Homeland in Israel. The idea of a Jewish homeland transcends physical ownership of
land, although we recognize the importance of that as well.
4. Israel & Diaspora
Perfect, we love this principle and would very much like it to stay as-is.
5. Aliya We removed this principle. It entirely undermines the need and value of the
Diaspora. As well, the 4th principle and 1st principle imply that Aliya is important, but
not the only path to living a Jewish life. We included Aliya in the “Spending Time in
Israel” principle, to emphasize that it still matters.
6. Progressive Judaism in Israel
We tweaked the language, didn’t like the word “indigenous.” The rest was good.
7. A Pluralistic Approach to Judaism in Israel We also liked this principle. It makes a lot
of sense.
8. Tikkun Olam
We loved this one, but wanted to remove the messianic wording, to emphasize that
tikkun olam is inherently good. We should do it altruistically, not to win a prize at the
end.
9. Our Values:
We felt that the values should be implied in principles and do not need to be spelled
out. For example, peace, care for the environment, and social justice can all fall under
the “Tikkun Olam” category. Listing out values excludes some values; there is no way
to list EVERY SINGLE value that we hold.
10. Reform Zionist Community
This should be broader and encompass communities that aren’t nuclear- communities
53
that stretch over large spaces should also fall into this principle. This is also about
Reform Zionism, and the original text didn’t include anything about that.
11. Ivrit
We love this! We changed the first sentence to better clarify and emphasize the Zionist
significance of having a Hebrew language.
12. Spending Time in Israel
We thought this one was near perfect. Parts of it needed rephrasing- especially the last
sentence. We also added a piece about making Aliya.
13. Activism
We love this principle. It relates directly to the role of youth in the broader Progressive
Jewish movement.
14. Geula
We wanted to change this principle to L’Dor Vador. Some ideas from the original text,
especially the ones expressed in the last sentences, highlight valuing the future. We
felt
that L’Dor Vador better captured this idea.
15. Youth Leadership
We added “Youth Leadership” as a principle to more exactly explain the importance of
youth leaders and leadership in the progression of our movement, an idea that was
implied but not enumerated in the original principles.
• We were left with 12 principles, so we changed the title to reflect that.
Netzer Ideology- 12 Principles
Noar• Activism
We, as a youth movement, are committed to being both an educational and an activist
movement. We believe in the importance of education as a vehicle for selfdevelopment and change and as such a great part of our activities are educational in
nature. And yet, we also believe that education and ideological beliefs must be backed
up by action. We believe it is both our right and our responsibility to take a stand on
the key issues affecting our world and to actively work towards bringing about our
particular vision. Furthermore, we encourage the implementation among all
movement chaverim of the idea of Hagshama (self-realisation) - that is, the living out
of the ideology and values in their everyday lives. We believe that it is
important for all Jews to strive to lead meaningful, fulfilled Jewish lives and we strongly
encourage all our chaverim to take up this challenge, both in their time in the
movement and in their lives after they leave it.
• L’Dor Vador
Modern Zionism has achieved so much in such a short time and has in so many ways
shown an unparalleled triumph of the Jewish spirit, and yet the path has also been
strewn with great difficulties and a tremendous challenge still lies before us. L’Dor
Vador (from generation to generation) our movement and our religion will only grow
stronger, as we continue to overcome our challenges and pass on our traditions. By
sharing our successes and aspirations with future generations, we encourage them to
continue working towards the manifestations of our goals. As it is said: "Lo Alecha
Hamlacha Ligmor v'lo atah ben chorin lehibatel mimena." (It is not your duty to
complete the work. Neither are you free to desist from it).
• Youth Leadership
54
Youth leadership makes Netzer a movement. It is made clear in the movement’s
acronym, “Noar Tzioni Reformi,” that Netzer harnesses the power of motivated and
passionate youth to make a difference in the world. Without youth, Netzer would not
exist, so it is only fitting that Netzer embrace these youth as its leaders. Leadership of
all types is important, and every single member is capable of being a leader and an
advocate of Netzer. Youth leadership empowers Netzer's participants to learn about
themselves, giving them a greater understanding of what it means to lead Jewish
communities around the world.
Tzioni• The Need for Jewish Homeland in Israel
During two millennia of dispersion and persecution, Am Yisrael never abandoned hope
for the rebirth of a national home in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). Centuries of
Jewish persecution, culminating in the Shoah (the Holocaust), demonstrated the need
for a place for Jews to seek refuge. Anti-semitism still exists, even today. We affirm
that the Jewish people must always have a homeland that is there in both times of
ease and of struggle. Israel, the Jewish homeland, offers us the opportunity to strive to
demonstrate that the traditions and values of Judaism that we believe in have
relevance for dealing with the issues of the modern world of nation states. We are part
of striving to ensure that it be used to create the kind of society in which full civil,
human, and religious rights exist for all its citizens and, in particular where the
individual rights of all religious and cultural minorities are respected - a society that
is both Jewish and Democratic in character.
• Israel & Diaspora
Even as Medinat Yisrael and Jerusalem serve uniquely as the spiritual and cultural focal
point of world Jewry, Israeli and Diaspora Jewry are inter-dependent, responsible for
one another, and partners in the shaping of Jewish destiny. Each kehillah (Jewish
community), though autonomous and self-regulating, shares responsibility for the fate
of Jews everywhere. By deepening the social, spiritual, and intellectual relationship
among the kehilot worldwide, we can revitalise Judaism both in Israel and the
Diaspora. As it is said, "col yisrael arevim ze I'ze" (all Israel is responsible, one for the
other).
• Ivrit
As both the ancient language of Judaism and the modern language of Israel, Ivrit
serves as a symbol of the revitalisation of Am Yisrael. Recognising that knowledge of
Ivrit is indispensable both in the study of Judaism and in unifying the Jewish People
and fostering solidarity between Israeli and Diaspora Jews, we commit ourselves to
intensifying the use of Hebrew within the movement and to putting greater effort into
the teaching of it to our chanichim (participants).
• Spending Time in Israel
As a Zionist movement, we also all chaverim to spend some serious time in Israel
throughout and on completion of their time in the movement. In furtherance of the
above beliefs, we resolve to ensure that as many of our chaverim as possible come to
Israel in the framework of a Netzer programme and that, preferably, as part of that
commitment, they spend a serious amount of time participating in a long term
programme in Israel. Furthermore, we validate and support any chaverim whose wish
it is to make Aliyah on completion of their time in the movement.
Reformi- Judaism is a People, a Nation and a Religion
We affirm that Judaism is a people, a nation, and a religion, and that these 3 elements
work in conjunction and individually, creating a Jewish peoplehood that connects to
55
Israel in multiple ways. As a people, Jews have established unique ethnic and cultural
traditions that have lasted hundreds of years. Regardless of place of origin, every Jew
is a part of Am Yisrael, a nation that crosses all oceans and boundaries. As Progressive
Jews, we maintain that expression of Judaism is a personal practice. Judaism, as
defined by each individual, forms the central element of the Jewish culture that binds
Jews together as a nation.
• A pluralistic approach to Judaism in Israel
Israel exists not only for the benefit of its citizens but also to defend the spiritual and
religious integrity and the physical security of the Jewish people. As a Reform Zionist
movement, in order to provide a safe and open Jewish community in Israel, we
recognize the idea that Judaism has different and sometimes conflicting
interpretations of the Torah. Therefore we seek, and help strive towards, a Jewish
state in which no one interpretation of Judaism takes legal precedence over another.
• Progressive Judaism in Israel
Confident that Progressive Judaism's synthesis of tradition and modernity and its
historic commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing/perfecting the world), can make a
unique and positive contribution to the Jewish state, we resolve to intensify our efforts
to inform and educate Israelis about the values of Progressive Judaism. We support, in
all ways that we can, the development and strengthening of Progressive Judaism in
Medinat Yisrael.
• Tikkun Olam
We are committed to the idea of Tikkun Olam (repairing/perfecting the world) and to
our active role in that process, in order to achieve social justice around the world. We
believe that as Jews, we have a particular role to play in making the world a better
place. We believe that this process of Tikkun, this striving for improvement and action,
must take place at various levels of our lives in terms of: ourselves as individuals
(Tikkun Atzmi), our own communities (Tikkun Kehila), the Jewish State (Tikkun
Medina/Chevra), the Jewish People (Tikkun Am), and the whole world (Tikkun Olam).
We strive to be involved in developing and improving the world through social justice
at all times. In that sense, we are both 'individualistic' and 'universalistic'- that is, we
are concerned both with ourselves, the Jewish People specifically, and also with
the rest of the world.
• Reform Zionist Community
We recognise the importance of building strong Reform Zionist communities in both
Israel and the Diaspora. In order to help our chanichim (participants) around the world
flourish as people and as Jews, we give them the strength and skills to build their own
Reform Zionist communities. As Netzer, we believe in the power of a Reform Zionist
community to support the constant betterment of Medinat Yisrael. We commit
ourselves to being part of the process of growing Jewish communities with purpose,
participation, and mutual support.
56

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