Magen

In FZY we stress the importance of Magen initiatives. By this we mean activism throughout the movement to promote honest and fair representations of Israel. Unfortunately we live in a troubling age where the safety of Israeli citizens is at constant risk.

Within FZY we have had different initiatives to help raise awareness about current and recent issues surrounding the safety of Israel. These have included the Sderot hoodies, as well as an MIA campaign for those soldiers who have yet to be returned from kidnapping whilst on duty with the IDF. FZY provides a platform for the youth to formulate opinions on the situation that Israel currently faces. The development of these opinions was very apparent this year at the release of Gilad Shalit. It only took a quick look onto Facebook the day of the release and it was obvious the FZY had succeeded in at least one of our initiatives. The sheer number of chanichim and bogrim that found themselves ecstatic and relieved for the Shalit family after there 5 year ordeal was truly inspiring. The feelings were reflected in the status updates as well as photos from all stages of our movement. This shows the manner in which our madrichim educate when given the appropriate opportunities.

Although Gilad was release there are still MIA's and there families waiting for closure about the situation their loved ones are in. FZY has a responsibility to raise awareness. If I am elected Mazkir I will strive to continue the good work of the previous movement teams and Mazkirut to raise awareness about the situation surrounding the MIA's and Sderot. As well as this I believe there is a potential to bring many jewish youth movements together by producing an MIA handbook peula. By this I mean an activity in which all MIA's are educated about and the stories learnt, in order to remember those that are still missing and waiting to be returned home, dead or alive.

Magen is more than just the MIA's and Sderot, it is the protection of the state of Israel, it is one of the major building bricks in Zionism and it is not biased. I believe that in order for FZY to have a strong movement that illustrates commitment to a greater cause in Israel it is important to educate about both sides of the story. Defending Israel is more than just backing every decision, it is critical analysis of legislation and actions that take place and understanding the reasons behind them. In order for our movement to have well educated members it is important for FZY to cover all sides of any particular situation. That is why I believe in the continuation of such experiences as meeting the Arab-Israeli community on Summer Tour as well as experiencing Druze hospitality and Bedouin Tents. I also believe it is possible for FZY to produce our own domestic inter-faith activities creating respect amongst local communities and providing a stage to show that peace is the only possible situation worth thinking about.