Category Archives: Statements

#LeadTheHaboWay with Zandra Campbell

Zandra Campbell, a madricha at Camp Galil in Pennsylvania.

Summer 2020 is a unique one in Habonim Dror North America history, with machanot meeting virtually or for day camps during the coronavirus pandemic. We’re asking our dedicated madrichimot what it’s been like to continue to #LeadTheHaboWay during this unprecedented time. 

Why did you choose to be a madrichol this summer? 

I chose to be a madricha during the summer because it felt to me like it would be a really meaningful time where things were happening. It felt like a moment in which we actually got to choose if we want to engage in a radical process of living by our values, or in this time of hardship, are we going to say it’s hard and give up. For me, giving up didn’t seem like an option. It felt way more vital that now is a time to step up and demonstrate the power of the movement. 

We talk about youth autonomy and youth empowerment and this summer we got to build camp entirely from scratch and fully take ownership over it in ways that we don’t usually get to in summers and so it especially felt like a time to advocate for youth autonomy.

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Ma’apilimot Seminar 2020

Ma’apilimot Seminar is a time for ma’apilimot from all the machanot to gather before the summer to make plans and learn together. This year, Ma’apilimot Seminar will be an online event as we continue to prioritize safety and health during the coronavirus pandemic. Peulot will take place between Friday, May 22 and Sunday, May 24. 

Register and View Schedule Here!
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HDNA Alumni in Israel: Facing Coronavirus as a Movement

We are pleased to invite you to join us for a panel discussion on how HDNA alumni and friends have been facing the coronavirus crisis in Israel! HDNA Workshoppers and alumni are leading inspiring efforts to provide mutual aid and youth movement education in an isolating time. They will report on how it’s all going, and address the question: How do we build a just Israeli society while meeting its needs during a time of crisis?

WHAT: Panel on HDNA alumni and friends coronavirus response in Israel
WHO: HDNA ma’apilimot, bogrimot, and parents
WHEN: Monday, May 11, 2pm ET, 11am PT, 9pm Israel

REGISTER HERE!

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The beauty of listening to the other – reflections on Yitzchak Rabin Memorial Day

Last week, HDNA took a leading role in Remember the Murder, Stand up for Democracy, a coalition of Jewish and Zionist groups in New York City that came together to commemorate the anniversary of the murder of Yitzchak Rabin. The event welcomed participants from across the political spectrum for a rare and important chance for dialogue, a way to commemorate and resist the incitement that led to Rabin’s death. Below is the text of a speech read at the event by HDNA’s own Sadie Fowler (WS 68), which she read at the close of the event. 

Last year I was in Israel on a gap year program with Habonim Dror called Workshop. I spent the year living out my values of socialism and Shivyon Erech HaAdam, or equality of human value, with my kvutza (group). While I was volunteering at a youth movement center, I got to participate in Asepha Isarelite, together with other youth movement members. 

Asepha Israelite was an amazing experience for me. When I first got there, I was immediately overwhelmed because there were so many people. All of the youth movements in Israel had chanichim there. The sixteen of us from Workshop got separated into different circles. Each circle aimed to have people from each movement there. Every circle was tasked with debating a topic about Israeli society and coming to a common decision among them. 

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HDNA’s 2018-2019 Annual Report

Check out what Habonim Dror North America chaverimot have been up to this year in our annual report. Thousands of participants engaged at ken events across North America, a thriving teen activism program, and trailblazing Progressive Labor Zionist education…the stories are all inside. Happy reading!

Work at Camp Galil this summer!

Join us for a magical summer at Camp Galil!

Habonim Dror Camp Galil, a progressive Jewish overnight camp, is looking for radical, passionate people, ages 18 and up, to come work in Ottsville, PA., this summer. If you have an interest in social justice, education, youth empowerment, exploration of Jewish values, or cooperative and collective living, we are looking for you! Working at Camp Galil, you will live, learn, make decisions, and have fun with the people with whom you do meaningful and important work. Plus, we have the most beautiful sunsets, a huge swimming pool, and Owowcow, a delicious, local ice cream shop, just down the road! Job opportunities include working as a bunk counselor, visual arts specialist, life guard, ropes and hiking trip specialist, driver, or as a part of our kitchen staff. All levels of experience are welcome! To learn more about Camp Galil, please visit our website: http://www.campgalil.org/. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Head of Camp, Arielle Schwartz (rosh@campgalil.org) or Executive Director, David Weiss (david@campgalil.org).If you are interested in applying, the first part of the application is here: https://campgalil.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App

Summer camp follows Moshava’s lead on inclusion

This coming summer, a California camp is taking the lead from Habonim Dror Camp Moshava by adding all-gender housing for campers. Mosh has offered such housing since 2017, two summers ago.

“While the move is pioneering, it isn’t precedent setting: According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Habonim Dror’s Camp Moshava in Maryland has offered all-gender cabins since 2017, and the foundation itself offered the option to camp counselors attending its Cornerstone Seminar last year.”

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Habonim Dror participates in Hakhel conference

Habonim Dror North America, Habonim Dror Australia, Habonim Dror New Zealand, and Hashomer Hatzayir North America members gathered at the annual Hakhel conference.

HDNA members from our communities in Philadelphia, Manhattan, and Brooklyn gathered with other Jews creating intentional communities at the annual Hakhel conference — including many of our Habo friends from Australia and New Zealand, and our partners from Hashomer Hatzair!

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Maapilimot Seminar 2019

Maapilimot Seminar 2019 is over.

 

Maapilimot Seminar 2019 will be on May 23-27.

  • You can apply for scholarship for Maapilimot Seminar HERE. There is still scholarship available!
  • You can register for Maapilimot Seminar HERE. Please do so ASAP to ensure funds and space remain available.