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NetzFest 2010 - GREAT SUCCESS!

Written by Raya Epstein, Netzer Olami's educational coordinator. Raya.netzer@wupj.org.il

29/07/2010

 

NetzFest 2010

Every year, Netzer Olami, the youth movement of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, hosts a "mega event" for all teen groups in Israel during the summer months. This year, on July 19^th, 120 participants from RSY (Netzer-UK), 35 from LJY (Netzer-UK), 20 from France (Netzer France) and 120 from NFTY in Israel (Netzer-North America) came together in the Judea hostel for a day of fun, learning, socializing and praying together. There were over 350 participants in total including the madrichim, who arrived in Jerusalem and were immediately welcomed by Netzer's Shnatties (Shnat-Netzer is a year in Israel for Netzer's future leadership after high school) from the southern hemisphere (namely Australia).

Upon arrival, each Netzfest participant received a Netzer Olami bracelet and was walked to the stalls where the Shnatties ran all sorts of activities, like learning the Netzer song or cheers, learning about Gilad Shalit or vegetarianism, or making friendship bracelets and chamsot. Loads of fun! Then we had our opening Tekes where we sang songs together and heard Maoz Haviv, Netzer's general Mazkir, speak to us about how important it is to be part of a world-wide Zionist youth movement.

We then split up into small groups according to the children of Israel – 13 groups all together (yes, 13. Jacob has a daughter named Dina!) – the Australian Shnatties ran "get to know you" games with the mixed groups (putting 16 year old Americans, Canadians, Scottish, English and French kids in one room, with Australian madrichim, can be quite overwhelming!) and then Netzer ideology activities. After lunch, we split up into different groups according to personal choice: Pool, Israeli dancing, competitions in a classroom or ball games. Obviously the pool got the most attention, but the ball games were super fun and the competitions hilarious! Finally, we ended with a closing ceremony and Ma'amad Mincha where we talked about Tish'a BeAv, prayed together and saw pictures from the day's events.

A HUGE thank you goes to the Shnatties for helping Netzer Olami run such a successful event. On Shnat Netzer they have all learned hadracha skills which we're SURE went into good use. To sum it up, Netzfest 2010 was fun, exciting, packed with people with strange accents when they speak English, and most importantly, a chance to spend time with HaMishpacha – the NETZER FAMILY!

Join our facebook page and keep in touch \ see photos from the event! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=133218540050940&ref=ts

 

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