Post Pesach Update

Hi all,
Since returning from the Pesach break, the shnatties have plunged into the frenzy of national holidays in Israel. Thus far we have commemorated Yom Hashoa (Holocaust remembrance day), Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror Attacks) and Yom Ha'atsmaut (Israel Independence Day).
On Yom Hashoa, all the Habonim Dror shnat groups from around the world gathered at Lochamei Hagetoaot, a kibbutz near Acco that was founded by fighters in the Warsaw ghetto and members of Dror, which also contains a very unique musuem [that we will visit as part of the Poland preparation process]. Every year the official ceremony to close Yom Hashoa is held at the Amphitheater. It is a very special and unique ceremony, often with a focus towards the Youth movements in Israel. This year the ceremony involved many different survivors, whose stories were both heartbreaking and fascinating. Before the ceremony itself, we held a small Habonim Dror remembrance ceremony which was prepared by the madrichim.
This past weekend, we held a joint Habonim Dror Olami english-speaking weekend, where all the shnatties from North America, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia met at Kibbutz Afikim near the Kinneret for an intense and fun weekend together. The aims of the weekend were both to learn historially about May Day, and look at what effect the gaps in society have on the relationship between individuals/governments. It ended with a look at solidarity and how Habonim Dror as a worldwide movement, can have a collective outlook for an alternative society. A highlight of the weekend was the viewing of a movie "Shvita" (Strike) which looks at the struggle of a group of workers in the South of Israel. One of the reasons it was so interesting was because of the very personal look it gave into people's lives and the unique socio-economic situation in the South of Israel. The weekend also gave everyone a great opportunity to discover more about Habonim Dror worldwide.
Monday night and Tuesday were Yom Hazikaron. On Monday the Boneh group had a special tour around Ein Gev with renowned historian and frequent guest lecturer Muki Tsur, who is also a member of the kibbutz. Ein Gev for many years was a border settlement and came under heavy attack in the '48, '67 and '73 wars in particular. It was really significant to link the place where the shnatties are living to events from history. The shnatties also participated in a tekes (ceremony) on the kibbutz.
On Tuesday both Machon and Boneh groups were at Har Herzl, the largest military cemetery in Israel, where the official ceremonies are also held. Afterward the Boneh group met with 2 soldiers who fought in the 2nd Lebanon war and lost members of their platoon, and heard their stories. Later in the day the Machon and Boneh groups went on a short walk - limmud beshetach (outdoor learning)- on the Burma Road - the road that was created during the Independence War and enabled Israeli fighters to get to Jerusalem and bring food and supplies. Throughout the walk, they heard stories of the battles that took place. The day ended with a short ceremony at the Machal monument (Machal - Overseas Volunteers who came to fight in the Israeli army) that signified the changeover between commemoration and celebration. Physically being in Israel at this time lends an extra special significance to these events and the meaning behind them.
On Tuesday night and Wednesday the shnatties enjoyed celebrating Yom Ha'atsmaut at various parties and events throughout the country, particularly in downtown Jerusalem, and the "RockAtzmaut" festival in Rishon L'tzion.
Tomorrow is May Day celebrations in Tel Aviv, which will hopefully prove to be an exciting and interesting experience for most shnatties, as they celebrate this holiday for the first time. There is a gathering in Kikar Rabin, and a short march through Tel Aviv streets, followed by performances, dancing and singing. This event is done together with a few thousand members of youth movements in Israel - Hanoar Ha'oved V'lomed, Hashomer Hatzair, and Machanot HaOlim.
Just a short note for any parents concerned about the cases of Swine Flu reported in Israel. Up to date there have been only two confirmed cases, and each has been very mild with no complications. The government at this time has not classified this as a serious public health threat and has stated that no preventative treatment is necessary. We will of course continue to monitor this situation and will update you all if there are any significant changes to protocol.