Report from Netzer Veidah

The theme of Netzer Veidah this year was leadership- and leadership it did show and it did teach. The week started with a easing into things with a few snif presentations and a welcome from Maoz. Then we got serious. We examined different leadership figures in Israeli history- comparing Herzl to Begin, focussed on modern day politics (lead by Noar Telem) and learnt some great new tunes for ma’amadim. And then there were the asephot. Netzer Veidah struggles a little with asephot due to the lack of written (or ratified) structure which means the chair just makes it up as they go along (simple majority to pass? Why not!). This generally didn’t lead to too many upsets apart from a very angry FSU delegate who didn’t quite support our bureaucratic POC v POI list system- arguably a fair complaint.

What did we actually do? Good question. Well, Asepha One lead to the restructuring of the Southern hemisphere Shnat Netzer programme which means in practise a more cost effective programme but less contact between Southern and Northern shnatties and also Southern shnatties will not be able to come on Machane Shemesh. RSY-Netzer, in the interests of our shnatties and their experiences voted against the motion- the motion passed. Asepha One also saw a motion passed which would call for a role being introduced or being amended to include looking at Aliyah. A final motion for Asepha One was brought by LJY-Netzer who proposed a boycott of Ir David. After going away and researching this motion was brought forward to Asepha Two where is caused a lot of commotion and eventually failed spectacularly. RSY-Netzer abstained from voting on this on. We did so because Twitter was telling us that the movement might be uncomfortable with boycotting as a concept but more so because, whilst two RSY delegates were in full support, there was a very vocal split and we eventually came to the conclusion that if we couldn’t decide within ourselves, how could we represent the whole movement. This particular movement worker however, is very uncomfortable with the idea of abstaining from such an interesting vote in a forum such as Netzer Veidah- what do you think? Is abstention a powerful tool or are we silencing the movement when we should be empowered to represent it.

Asepha Three introduced the idea of a pen pal system for all ages of participants across all sniffim. This was discussed at length and passed, although not unanimously as you might have expected. The final motion (also brought by LJY-Netzer) was about creating an ethical consumerism va’ad with contributors from each sniff with the aim of creating a policy which would be ratified next Veidah. Sound appealing?

Overall, Netzer Veidah was an interesting and varied experience. It was amazing to see how engaged with the movement the shnatties were, particularly (if I do say so myself) our own Jemma who brought a passion for Netzer and RSY to the table (not so mention an excellent game called Superstar). The Veidah was not necessarily a Veidah as we know it and lacks certain things- like authority or power over sniffim, but is an exciting forum to discuss bigger picture and logistical Netzer related issues. Got any spare time? How about drafting a Netzer constitution with a few standing orders and maybe a motion structure thrown in for good measure?

Shnupdate - 1-12-2011

K – Kibbutz option is going well, about the week we will tell

I – Instead of Abby cutting trees, Jemma now sweeps up the leaves

B- Because Jemma got a rash, now Abby is giving the Refet (Cows) a bash

B–Birthday fun was had for Jess, but we got in trouble because of the mess

U- Up to the pub we went together, it seemed we danced forever and ever

T– To our host families we have been for dinner, the food was so good we wont get thinner

Z- Zooming past the time is flying, “live shnat” is what we are trying

W- Wednesday was the day we met the kibbutz kids to play

E- Eating after with the Shinshinim, who aren’t yet in the army but about to go in

E- Everyone sang in the shnatshabbat choir, but to say it sounded nice would make us both liars

K- Keen is everyone on their jobs, everyone doing different bits and bobs

L- Learning more Hebrew will start next week, and then of course fluently we all will speak

Y- Yesterday most of us celebrated Sigd, on spicy Ethiopian food all of us pigged 

R- Recently the boys ordered P90X, to improve their biceps, abs and pecs

E- Everyday they plan intense workouts, how long this will last the girls all share doubts

P- Pancakes for breakfast we had on Tuesday, they were so good we shouted hooray

O – Out of the Bustan we will move in a rush, into rooms with hot showers and toilets that flush

R- Really that’s all we have got to say, hope you’re well we miss you everyday

T- That’s all folks!

Free Trip to Israel

Free trip to Israel anyone?? 15th- 21st is Netzer Veidah and one lucky Boger has the chance to be flown out to Israel and attend Veidah with one Movement worker and one Shnattie :) All you have to do to be in with a chance is email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

Guest speaker announced for Community Youth Awards 2011!

RSY-Netzer is delighted to announce that World of Children Award winner Luke Lancaster will be our guest speaker at the Community Youth Awards Reception.

Read more: Guest speaker announced for Community Youth Awards 2011!