Youthful plenum
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies July plenum was dedicated to the youth movements and the special role they play within our community.
Betar, Bnei Akiva, Habonim, Hineni, Netzer, Tzofim and the Judean Scouts participated. Ari Sofer spoke on behalf of Betar, Leah Aharon from Bnei Akiva, Julia Meltzer from Habonim Dror, Bec Metzger from Hineni, Joel McCaroll from Netzer, Sarai Polk from Tzofim and Nick Wolf from the Judean Scouts.
This plenum was a first in which the youth movements collectively addressed the community at a Board of Deputies hosted event, an important milestone in the beginning of a developing relationship between the movements and the Board.
The youth movements play a key role within the community. They create egalitarian and exciting environments, through which they engage students from ages 6 to 18. They aim to develop Jewish identities, strengthen connections to the State of Israel and inspire their members to be socially active community ambassadors.
“Many members of the community have had an involvement with a youth movement at some point in our lives,” said Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff – who was a member of Betar in Zimbabwe. “This is the first time that a Board of Deputies plenum focused on recognising the key roles which they play in creating building-blocks for the community, developing Jewish identity and engendering support for Israel at a formative age. “
Joel McCaroll from Netzer spoke about the need for the community to recognise the importance that Youth Movements play and the additional need for the community to assist in their ongoing professional development.
“Being part of a youth movement changed my life”, said Leah Aharon representing Bnei Akiva.
The plenum also heard from the oldest Youth Movement, the Judean Scouts who are based in Bondi Beach. Nick Wolf from the Judean Scouts said ‘the community must do more to promote our youth movements to ensure their continuity and success’.
The plenum had a turnout of 100 people, evidence of the community’s keen interest in the success of the youth movements. The Board of Deputies looks forward to future collaborations with the movements to ensure they remain strong, viable and vibrant.
