What does FZY mean to me?

Todays blog is not abut how I propose to change the movement, instead it is focused on how the movement has changed me in the seven years I have been involved for. Let me start in 2005 when i participated in my first chavurot meeting. Having not known what to expect I found myself to be quite shy. I was intimidated by people who knew each other from before hand when I had very few friends there. The main reason for going to that chavurot initially was the name FZY. it was a camp that I wanted to attend and by being a member I was told I would be guaranteed a spot on camp.

In that summer I participated on Ofek '04 and it was the first time I had been encouraged to voice my opinion and be outspoken, it felt good! I continued my journey as a chanich to tour and every year I grew in confidence. FZY was the first place that I was able to express my opinion without being judged or told I was wrong. In 2004 I was struggling with self belief and my lack of confidence in myself was effecting my behaviour as well as my school work and social life. FZY gave me the opportunity to turn that around and for that I am truly grateful.

Year Course was the first time that FZY really made an impression on the path of my life. Being in Israel for nine months gave me a passion to make a change. I wanted to help make a change for the chanichim that found themselves in the same position as me. Leading camp post year course was what I believed to be the most rewarding summer of my life and it inspired me to repeat the act a year later.

I was elected onto the Mazkirut and this created me with the opportunity to really delve deep into the workings of FZY and allowed me to continue my involvement to the highest level. The year 2011 provided me with the greatest summer of my entire life. It was not only fun but also challenging, inspiring and the most rewarding experience of my life to date. Taking tour was an highlight of my life. Simply having a connection with my chanichim was enough to make me so proud of them throughout tour in the manner in which they approached every challenge they had over the month. Tour was the moment I confirmed to myself my reasons for running for Mazkir.

I, Harry Jardine, the insecure young boy from Radlett, was able to inspire and lead 43 chanichim to better their knowledge and make a difference for Israel and the Jewish communities in the UK. Even typing it out makes me so proud to be part of a movement that gives the opportunity to everyone. It doesn't discriminate and it provides support where necessary. FZY is more than a youth movement to me. When I joined FZY it felt like a family and I believe I am the right person to connect our members together and become that family that always supported me. Without FZY i would be half the man I am today.