Rabin Seminar and Rally

As mentioned in the last post, one week ago the OZ/NZ Shnat group travelled to Nordia Hostel to meet up with Shnatties from Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the US, Canada, England, Scotland, and South Africa, and together to have a joint seminar about the legacy of Yitzchak Rabin: the meaning of peace in politics and in education, the difficulty of educating for peace in times of ongoing conflict, and the obligation of Habonim Dror to take an active role educating towards peace and against violence and extremism. This incredible world-wide seminar brings together Habo members from so many different countries with different perspectives and understandings, around shared content which is very important for all of them, and so it is always an interesting and meaningful experience. The seminar included programs in mixed groups (with the option of Hebrew, English and Spanish-language groups), a guest speaker, fun bonding evening between the different countries, and a final tekes to commemorate Rabin and discuss Habonim Dror's role.

Around 150 Shnatties from around the world

The amazing Shnat madrichim relaxing during a break on the seminar! (Gabe, Ea, Merose and Amos)

The final tekes of the seminar

This Saturday night, the Shnatties met up again in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square for the Rally, the 15th annual memorial event since the assassination. The speakers included President Shimon Peres, members of the Rabin family, and prominent writers and public figures, and there were musical performances by noted musicians including Mosh Ben-Ari and Avraham Tal. Some of our Shnatties in attendance:

The sign behind them reads, "Fighting for Peace"

The square was packed

You can read more about the rally in Ha'aretz.