Federation of Zionist Youth
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The Federation of Zionist Youth (FZY) is a Zionist Jewish youth movement. Israel and Zionism are at the center of all FZY activities and programming and over the last five years the numbers of young people participating on their Israel programmes has increased significantly [citation needed].
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[edit] History
FZY was founded in 1910, however, the name Federation of Zionist Youth dates back to 1935, when it was used to describe a new body, created to combine the Young Zionist Societies and the University Zionist Federation. The 2500 members were all of what would now be considered bogrim age and included Abba Eban, who went on to become Israel’s Foreign Minister. Many members went to serve in the British army during World War II and after the war, energies were put into the establishment of the Jewish State.
Those who remained in the movement after this event saw the need for close links between Israel and the Diaspora and in the mid 19 50s FZY boasted 30 societies across the country, including in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales!
The early Sixties however saw a period of decline to which the movement responded with a major restructuring. In 1964-65, the first Hafinjan weekly meeting societies were created that are still the backbone of the movement today.
FZY was given a boost by Israel’s triumph in the Six-Day War in 1967 and Project 500, FZY’s Glasgow society was born at this time. FZY played its own part in the war by giving its offices over to the Jewish Agency with many of its members volunteering in Israel.
The Yom Kippur War saw another regeneration of the movement, which became dominated by the young members of the Hafinjan societies in a time when Anglo-Jewry was rallying in support of Israel.
In the late 1970s FZY began to build links with Young Judaea, its sister movement in America. In 1978, eight FZYniks joined the Americans' year course programme in Israel, bringing FZY’s own year course to life.
This period saw a dramatic change in the educational strategy of the movement. Traditional lectures were replaced with activity based learning similar to today’s peulot and Israel programmes became central to the education of the movement.
Activism remained important and found its focus in the campaign for the freedom of Soviet Jewry, establishing defence of Jewish rights a prominent movement aim.
The growth of FZY’s programmes, especially Year Course, pushed further change in the movement. Returning Year Coursers brought back with them the seeds of the movements pluralistic outlook and were the driving force behind the creation of FZY’s first summer camp, Kesher.
Today FZY continues to develop in partnership with Young Judaea and the Israeli Tsofim movement in the context of the Atid framework, set up in 1997. The movement is growing with new programmes and increasing numbers each year whilst remaining loyal to the deep-rooted ideals of Zionism and Judaism. In the summer of 2001 FZY set an example to the whole world by leading nine tours to Israel despite the reluctance of Jews all over the world to go there in the time of the Al Aqsa Intifada; our Israel tours and Year Course programmes continue to grow with record numbers of participants.
[edit] Tarbut (Culture)
The Hebrew language is a critical tool in strengthening FZY members' connection to Israel. Through education and experience they aim to expose their members to the huge variety of Zionist and Jewish culture that exists.
[edit] Tzedakah (Charity)
FZY's current fundraising project is providing Bar and Bat Mitzva experiences for new Ethiopian Olim (immigrants) in Israel. As well as the ceremony in Jerusalem, FZY provides an educational programme, camp, new clothes and a party for all of the families. In the past FZY has supported kindergartens, Moshavim, Stress Prevention Centers and many other projects in Israel.
[edit] Aliyah (Moving to Israel)
FZY believes that all its members should be living in Israel. FZY educates towards Aliyah and provides opportunities for its members to visit and spend time in Israel. Aliyah is considered to be the greatest Dugma (personal example) that a member can set although in recent years at FZY this is being promoted as a choice that members should confront rather than a lifestyle necessity.
[edit] Magen (Defence of Jewish Rights)
FZY believes that Jews are responsible for one another all over the world. Through Magen, FZY members campaign to defend Jewish rights all across the world. In addition campaigns for Soviet Jewry, Ethiopian Jewry, Syrian Jewry and against antisemitism, FZY is also involved in the campaign to bring home Israel's MIAs (Soldier Missing in Action).
[edit] FZY Operates Within a Pluralist Framework
FZY educates within a pluralist framework. The movement sees Zionism within the context of a deep connection to Judaism. FZY celebrates all main streams of Judaism and strives to cater for committed members of all religious affiliations. On Shabbat at FZY events, Orthodox, Reform and Masorti services are typically held side by side and an alternative option is always offered. FZY prides itself on creating an environment where people of differing beliefs can strive together towards common goals and learn from one another.
