The Movement for Reform Judaism

For the first time in 6 years, RSY-Netzer will be sending four full tours to Israel this summer. The 128 places have been filled in record time with only four places left.

115 places on the tours were filled up within three months of opening the applications. Last year, only three tours went to Israel. The scheme encountered its lowest numbers in 2002 and 2003 when, due to the circumstances in Israel at the time, RSY-Netzer were only able to send one tour. This was in stark contrast to the significant successes of 2000 and 2001 when there were eight and five tours respectively.

As a further sign of renewed engagement with Israel, there will also be at least 15 young adults from RSY-Netzer spending their gap year on the Shnat Netzer programme from September 2007. These young British Reform Jews are eager to strengthen their ties with Israel by participating in the long term educational and leadership programme provided by RSY-Netzer.

These improved numbers also reflect the outreach work being done by RSY-Netzer in Reform communities. Information evenings have been held in several Reform synagogues to inform people about Israel-related opportunities.

Diane Freeman, Mazkira of RSY-Netzer said: “We are delighted that our tours are full. This is a real sign that young British Jews are ready to re-engage with Israel, and that our Course Hadracha (leadership training programme) reaffirms our members on-going commitment to Reform Zionism and the Israeli people.”

One of the RSY-Netzer summer camps, Emunah which is for 13 year olds, is also full with a waiting list. Other camps are filling up, so anyone interested should contact Alyson Joseph in the RSY-Neter office as soon as possible.

For further details, please contact:
Andrea Newman, Movement for Reform Judaism Public Relations Officer

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WAHEY!! go RSY
written by a guest , February 07, 2007

Having been on RSY tour last summer and in the middle of hadracha at the moment I can say with certainty that these guys are going to have THE most incredible time of their lives, as for the shnatties, well I'm just plain jealous I still have a year to go!