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In This Issue
Yom Hazikaron 2012
Yom Ha'atzmaut 2012
Yom Yerushalayim 2012
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Missed last year's Yom Hazikaron and Ha'atzmaut resources? Visit the Israel section of the USY Program Bank for the 2011 Resource list as well as other material for both program space and classroom.

Nissan-Iyar 5772April 2012
israel flag
Commemorate and Celebrate! Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut 2012/5772

 

Dear (Contact First Name), 

 

Ba'Eretz Ahavati (In My Beloved Country)

Lea Goldberg

 

In my beloved country the almond tree blossoms
In my beloved country a guest is awaited
Seven maids, seven mothers, seven brides at the gate.
In my beloved country a flag on the steeple
To my beloved country a pilgrim shall arrive
In a good time, a blessed time which eases all sorrow.
But who has eyes of an eagle to see him, and who has a wise heart to recognize him?
Who will not be mistaken, who will not err
Who would open the door for him?

We hope that this issue of Hakesher, will "open doors" for you to commemorate and celebrate "our beloved country" on Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers) and Yom Ha'azmaut (Israel's Independence Day). Last year, we distributed a full list of program resources for both Yom Hazikaron and Ha'atzmaut. This newsletter will only feature three new additions for 2012, divided into three different categories: Hazikaron, Ha'atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. For the 2011 list of Yom Hazikaron and Ha'atzmaut, click on the link on the side bar.

Ba'eretz Ahavati song
Ba'eretz Ahavati song

Yom Hazikaron 2012

April 25, 2012/3 Iyar

Honor those who gave their lives defending our beloved country using this resources:

 

1. Two DVDs worth viewing and discussing:  A Hero in Heaven and A Green Kippah. Both films are directed by Sally Mitlis and feature the story of Michael Levin (z'l), a USY Alum who was killed in combat in 2006

 

2. *FEATURED SITE* Makom: Israel. In Real Life. This site has tons of great articles, videos and educational materials for Yom Hazikaron, Ha'atzamaut and Israel education in general.

 

 3. JAFI- Jewish Agency for Israel Education Department- an excellent site for Israel education resources
Let's Celebrate! 64 and Many More

fireworks Yom Ha'atzmaut

 

 1. Celebrate Israel's achievements through film

Israel Inside: How A Small Nation Makes a Big Difference (DVD) This DVD focuses on building a love and appreciation of Israel through positve messages. Educational material is available with the DVD.  This is an effective tool to help train teens to advocate for Israel through positive messaging before they reach college campuses.

 

2. What Does it Mean to be Pro Israel?- Use excerpts from this Moment Magazine article for a great Shabbat discussion on a current "hot topic" for American Jews.

 

3. Israel and Women- FeminIsrael

Modern day Esthers! Given the painful and controversial disputes on religious issues of women in Israel this year, check out the resources available through FeminIsrael. Available on this site are guided discussions to Israeli film and poetry, focusing on feminist issues and achievements of Israeli women. Try the "Esthers of Israel" program complete with leaders guide and posters for download. 

Jerusalem of Gold

paratroopers Yom Yerushalayim

Jerusalem, with its accomplishments and challenges is a microcosm of the rest of Israeli society. Explore issues in Israel through a Jerusalem lens.

 

1. Jerusalem 2111 Sci-Fi video contest

See how contest contestants imaginec Jerusalem in 2111 through this sci-fi video contest. Discuss how each film depicts a vision of what Jerusalem could be like in 100 years and how its current issues have played out or changed the nature of the city. You can click on as many contest entries as you'd like to explore this topic (where it says "see all 24 videos"). Some of the entries are amazing!

 

JERUSALEM 2111 INTERNATIONAL SCI-FI CONTEST - AEREAL VIEW
JERUSALEM 2111 INTERNATIONAL SCI-FI CONTEST - AEREAL VIEW

 

 2. Michlelet Emunah V'Omanut Jerusalem 40 Poster Contest

Created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, these posters are a great great triggers to discussing the state and significance of Jerusalem. Please email Amy Dorsch to receive the file as it is too large to attach, but definitely worth checking out!

 

3. Celebrate Jerusalem Activities from JAFI

Hundreds of resources, programming and activity ideas for  

Yom Yerushalayim.

 

 

B'hatzlacha with creating meaningful and memorable commemoration and celebration! Please contact either of us for assistance with your programming needs.
 
B'shalom,
USY Education Coordinator and Central Shlicha.