Masorti Youth Reunite - Dallas 2016
6 days, Masorti youth leaders from 12 countries, from 6
continents in one Sheraton hotel in Dallas Texas. Now when I look
back on it, it seems a little surreal and hard to believe it
actually happened. However, at the time it felt like the most
natural thing; to be spending such an intensive week with USYers
from USA and Canada, together with NOAM Olami representatives from
Brazil, Chile, Argentina, UK, Germany, France, Israel, Australia,
Uganda and Ukraine. On December 22, 15 youth leaders from Masorti
youth movements around the world came together for our annual NOAM
Olami seminar which takes place in a different country every year.
This year it was hosted by USY in Dallas, Texas, on the weekend
before their biggest event of the year, IC (International
Convention).For the first part of the week at our NOAM Olami
Seminar, we were 15 leaders from all over the world. We first
learned about the youth movement structure and activities in each
of the different countries, and got a full picture of how different
groups work in each place. We then moved on to discuss one
challenge we all face today: The growing alienation from some of
our basic values. The reason for this is not that we no longer
believe in them, but rather that their expression in our reality
has changed. Thus, there is a pressing need to redefine these
values in terms that are relevant to the present day. As a result
of this discussion, we had sessions about Zionism in the 21st
century when the State of Israel already exists as a complex
society, and a session about LGBT in Masorti Halacha and how we, as
Masorti youth leaders, approach related issues in our day to day
work with our youth. In the third part of the seminar, we took all
of what we learned about each other and the knowledge we gained and
shared, and tried to define what kind of joint projects we can do
together as the global movement of NOAM Olami, and what the
different countries can contribute to one another.I think I speak
for all the seminar participants when I say how eye opening,
inspiring and empowering it was to realize that we share so much:
our activities, our values etc. - even though we are all scattered
around the world. In addition, it felt like what we learned during
the seminar was just a taste of what we have to offer each other
and learn from one another. The defining feeling we all left with
was one of pride and motivation. We are proud to be a part of a
global family and are motivated to use this great power and tool to
develop our groups individually, with NOAM Olami as our global
movement.On Sunday evening, we joined 800 USYers at their
International Convention. The opening session was outstanding and
touching as all of their 16 regions went up to the stage to
introduce themselves, and then we came up to introduce their 10
other ‘brother and sister’ youth movement groups from NOAM around
the world. Even though it was the first time this had ever happened
at IC, it felt like it had been part of the program forever. It was
as if we were reuniting a family, in a very natural way. During the
next few days of IC, our representatives spent the time creating
connections with the USY regions who they have been paired with for
one of our new joint projects that will run during the year. In
addition, they were all taking part in educational sessions, great
meals and most importantly -- having fun.This event finally broke
down barriers that have existed for no other reason than a simple
lack of awareness of each other!Now that we have a genuine feeling
of a global movement, it is our responsibility to strengthen the
connections and use the great strength it gives us to grow and
develop NOAM Olami and the Masorti youth groups around the
world.Thank you again to all the participants, hosts and organizers
who were involved in such a successful week. I look forward to
continuing our work together!
Reut YahavDirector of NOAM Olami
