בני עקיבא העולמית World Bnei Akiva

Bnei Akiva from Belgium and Austria 🇧🇪🇦🇹 are currently here on a three-week journey across the land of Israel 🌍🇮🇱, exploring from north to south on Machaneh Yisrael Camp.

The chanichim have made a collective decision that their camp experience would not be complete without showing appreciation to their Israeli brothers, the soldiers guarding the northern border. They extended a heartfelt thank you ❤️🙏, from the depths of their hearts, showing that the entire Jewish people, around the world 🌎🕊️ are behind them. And of course, they also brought some treats 🍬🍪 and notes 📝.

On behalf of the all am Yisrael – thank you! 🙌🇮🇱🌟

מחנה ישראל של בני עקיבא מבלגיה ומאוסטריה - בו משתתפים נוער יהודי מהתפוצות מטיילים בארץ לאורכה ולרוחבה במשך 3 שבועות. החניכות והחניכים החליטו שהמחנה שלהם לא שלם בלי שהם הולכים ללוחמים ששומרים על גבול הצפון ואומרים להם תודה רבה מכל הלב ולהעביר להם מסר חד משמעי שכל עם ישראל בכל העולם! מאחוריהם. וכמובן הביאו להם ממתקים ופתקים!
בשם כל עם ישראל - תודה!

Bnei Akiva Wien
Bnei Akiva belgium

Annual BA Germany BBQ in Jerusalem

This Sunday, about 60 Olim, Shlichim, and Bogrim from Bnei Akiva Germany came together for our annual BBQ. Gathering at Gan Hapaamon in Jerusalem, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle, make new friends and re-connect with old ones – all of us share the connection being part of the Bnei Akiva family, which is truly something unique and special.

This event has become a cherished tradition, and held each year at the time when our returning Shlichim re-join us in Israel, and before our new Shlichim embark on their journey to Germany. It's always fun to reminisce about our experiences with the Jewish community in Germany and to offer help and support to one another as we continue to build our lives here in Israel.

A huge shout-out to everyone who joined us – your presence added so much to the event. Be on the lookout for more exciting gatherings and opportunities to connect in the future.

ברביקיו השנתי של בני עקיבא גרמניה בירושלים

ביום ראשון הזה, כ-60 עולים, שליחים ובוגרים מבני עקיבא גרמניה הגעו יחד לברביקיו השנתי שלנו. נפגשנו בגן הפאמון בירושלים, וזה היה אירוע נהדר שנתן הזדמנות להכיר ולהתערב, לפגוש חברים חדשים ולהתחבר מחדש לישנים - אנחנו כולנו חלק ממשפחת בני עקיבא, וזהו משהו באמת מיוחד וייחודי.

האירוע הזה הפך למסורת אהובה, נקיים בכל שנה כשהשליחים החוזרים אלינו בישראל, ולפני שהשליחים החדשים מתכוונים לגרמניה. תמיד כיף להשתגע ולזכור את החוויות שלנו עם הקהילה היהודית בגרמניה, ולהציע עזרה ותמיכה לאחד לשני כשאנחנו ממשיכים לבנות את חיינו כאן בישראל.

הוד גדול לכל מי שהצטרף - הנוכחות שלך הוסיפה המון שמחה לאירוע. תהיו עיניכם פתוחות לאירועים ולהזדמנויות מרגשות לחבר ולהתחבר בעתיד.

Bnei Akiva Deutschland

Shlichim of 5784 – coming soon to snif near you!

This Sunday’s emotional and inspiring "Birkat Haderech" ceremony was an unforgettable event as we bid farewell to our newest Shlichim, who are now heading off to communities around the world near you!

The ceremony took place on the beautiful rooftop of the Migdal Oz Midrasha, offering a stunning aerial view of Gush Etzion amidst the setting sun. Generously supported by KKL, over 200 guests, including the Shlichim, their families, dignitaries, WBA staff, and partners of the movement, gathered to honour the new shlichim before they head off on their all important mission.

During the ceremony, we had moving speeches from Mazkal Rav Zvi Elon, CEO Tzachi Megnagy, Chairman Dov Meyer, and other blessings and words of encouragement by partners and supporters.
The highlight of the evening was the heartfelt joint "Birkat Shiluach Banim" by all the parents to their children, sending them off with blessings of peace, safety, and success in their mission to strengthen the youth's connection to Judaism and Israel.

This moving ceremony marked the end of an week-long preparation seminar at Midreshet Migdal Oz, where our experienced team trained the outgoing Shlichim, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and tools for their impactful mission ahead.

Over the next few weeks and months, our Shlichim will begin their journeys, and we'll be sharing their final farewell pictures right here!
We want to extend a huge thank you to all the staff of World Bnei Akiva for their professionalism and inspiration throughout the seminar. And, of course, a special shoutout to our newest Shlichim for their dedication and commitment!



שליחי תשפ"ד - בקרוב אצלכם בסניף!

טקס "ברכת הדרך" המרגש והמרשים התקיים ביום ראשון שעבר. היה זה אירוע בלתי- נשכח בו נפרדנו מהשליחים החדשים שלנו, שמגיעים כעת לקהילות ברחבי העולם, ובקרוב גם אליכם לסניף!

הטקס התקיים תחת כיפת השמיים על גג המדרשה במגדל עוז, עם תצפית של שקיעה מרהיבה על גוש עציון. תודות לתמיכתה הנדיבה של הקרן הקיימת לישראל נכחו באירוע יותר מ-200 אורחים, בהם שליחים ומשפחותיהם ושותפים לתנועה, שהתאגדו כדי לכבד ולהוקיר את השליחים החדשים לפני שהם ממשיכים למשימתם החשובה.

במהלך הטקס, נשמעו נאומים מרגשים מהמזכ"ל רב צבי אלון, המנכ"ל צחי מגנאג'י, ויו"ר העמותה דב מאייר, והשליחים קיבלו ברכות ואיחולים חמים של חיזוק מהשותפים של בני עקיבא העולמית ותומכיה.

רגע השיא בערב היה "ברכת השליחות לבנים"- ברכה מרגשת מאת כל ההורים לילדיהם, של שלום, ביטחון והצלחה במשימתם לחזק את הקשר של הצעירים ליהדות ולישראל.

הטקס המרגש הזה היה הסיום האולטימטיבי לסמינר ההכנה הנהדר שלנו במדרשת מגדל עוז, שבו הצוות המנוסה שלנו הכשיר את השליחים היוצאים, החל מהמשפחות ועד לשליחים הצעירים, וסייע בהענקת הידע, הכישורים והכלים למשימה הבאה המשפיעה שלהם.

בשבועות ובחודשים הקרובים, השליחים שלנו יחלו בנסיעותיהם.

אנחנו רוצים להודות מכל הלב לכלל צוות העובדים בבני עקיבא העולמית על המקצועיות, ועל ההשראה במהלך הסמינר. וכמובן, אנחנו רוצים לשלוח ברכה מיוחדת לשליחים החדשים שלנו על ההתמדה והמחויבות שלהם!

An international mifkad, in the forest of Birya! 🇮🇱🇮🇹🇿🇦🇬🇧

Over 350 Bnei Akiva Chanichim from the UK, Italy (Rome and Milan), and South Africa joined together today at this famous Bnei Akiva site. Despite the language and culture differences, they were all united as Jews and chanichim of BA, and sang the anthems of Bnei Akiva and Israel together in unison.

The 8 busses of chanichim aged 15 and 16, are here for 3 weeks on their Israel Hadracha camp, touring all around Israel and learning about leadership, Zionism and Israel.

Birya is a significant place to Bnei Akiva because it is the site of a famous battle between a group of Bnei Akiva members who were Palmach soldiers and the British Mandatory authorities in 1946. The battle was a major victory for the Jewish forces, and it helped to boost morale in the lead-up to the War of Independence. Every year, 9th graders in Bnei Akiva across Israel go to Birya to commemorate the battle and to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of Zionism and religious Judaism.

It's summer camp time in Europe!🏞️😎 BA Antwerp headed off with 40 chanichim and Madrichim to a small town in the France 🇫🇷. The 10 day camp is jam packed with activities, heaps of fun, friends, and Zionism 🇮🇱 !
Enjoy!!

MEET THE KOMUNARIT!
📍Gondar, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
"Hi Bnei Akiva Olami!!!
My name is Mirtenesh, I am the Komunarit of Snif Bnei Akiva Gondar.
In our Snif we have more than 250 Chanichim who study the weekly Parasha, Navi, Emunah, Middot Tovot/Virtues, holidays, and more. It truly brings me great joy.
There is really nothing like Snif Bnei Akiva Gondar. It has existed for 8 years. In short, the Snif is a house and foundation for the community!!! It brings love unity and faith.
Be'ezrat H" my goal is to bring more Chanichim closer to God's Wisdom 😍💪🏼 Kadima Bnei Akiva!"

See original:
"שלום בני עקיבא העולמית!!
שמי מרטנש,
אני קומונרית בסניף בני עקיבא גונדר.
הסניף שלנו קיימת 8 שנים והיום יש לנו יותר מי 250 חניכים שלומדים פרשת השבוע, נביא ,אמונה ,מידות טובות, חגים, ועוד. זה משמח אותי ממש.
באמת אין על סניף בני עקיבא גונדר. בקצרה, הסניף הוא בית הקהילה ובסיס לכל דבר!! הוא מביא אהבה, אחדות ,ואמונה.
בעזרת השם המטרה שלי היא לקרב יותר חניכים לדרכו של אלוהים😍💪🏼
קדימה בני עקיבא!"

Bnei Akiva Rocks Vienna!!
Bnei Akiva Wien (Vienna) really stood out at this year’s annual Vienna Jewish Street Festival! Their large stand offered coffee, cookies and a photo booth for attendees. The madrichim and oldest shevet "kaveh" ran the stand and even started a flashmob dance to the live music playing at the festival.

Additionally, participants from Australia and South Africa on World Bnei Akiva: Gap Year Israel Programs - הכשרה “Limmud” were in Vienna this Shabbat as part of their Europe tour before their Poland mission. They really connected with the local Bnei Akiva community and had a great time getting to know each other, and learning about each others cultures. In our Shlichim’s own words: “It was an extraordinary experience for us - a meeting of Jewish youth from around the globe, refreshing and invigorating. The energy and joy they brought with them were incredible! Such a Shabbat reception that shook the entire building - Vienna hasn't seen anything like it in years!”

Only in Israel!

Molly Seghi from Florida just completed her year in Israel with World Bnei Akiva: Gap Year Israel Programs - הכשרה - Kivun.

She has a great little podcast of her own, and towards the end of the program recorded all her Kivun friends sharing their personal anecdotes of unique experiences they have had while in Israel.

It's awesome! Have a listen on our blog:

Only in Israel! By Molly Seghi When you live somewhere, you get a much better understanding of the culture and society than if you were just to visit. Being blessed with the opportunity to live abroad in Israel for the year has highlighted the beauty of a country of one people, a family. After meeting people from a...

MEET THE MAZKIR!
📍México 🇲🇽
"Heyy! I’m David Islas, Mazkir from Bnei Akiva México❗️🇲🇽
I love Bnei Akiva, since I joined it has become my second family.
Being a chanich was a very important part of my identity and all of my memories during this time of my life are happy ones.
After becoming a madrich and sharing with my chanichim all the things that Bnei Akiva has taught me, I decided to take more responsibilities and became the rosh of one of the two sinfim we have in Mexico. The next year I took the gizbar position and finally this year became the Mazkir of the Bnei Akiva México family.
I’m very happy and proud of what I have done for this organization but nothing compares to the things it has given to me."

90 Aussies in the desert, lighting fires and heated discussions.

Australians on World Bnei Akiva: Gap Year Israel Programs - הכשרה -MTA & Limmud have been in the Arava for two days as part of a group of 90 Australians from various Israel programs and youth movements, at the annual AZYC (Australian Zionist Youth Council) seminar.

Taking place in a large tent in the desert, activities included desert craft and fire-making and many discussions about Israel, Zionism and their personal connection as Australians.

It was often thought provoking and confronting, as they learned about the ideologies and world views of the other movements which really opened their eyes.

World Bnei Akiva Mazkal Rav Zvi Elon joined on the final evening to address the entire group, and joined in a final kumzitz round the fire, with the Limmud and MTA participants.

Bnei Akiva Australia

Bnei Akiva at the Celebrate Israel Parade, marking 75 years of the State of Israel!

Yom Haatmaut on Dizengoff st.? or Yom Yerushalayim on King George? No, it’s 5th Avenue Manhattan, where World Bnei Akiva Shlichim serving all around America joined Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada madrichim, chanichim and 40,000 other marchers celebrating Israel’s 75th birthday at the annual “Celebrate Israel Parade” in New York!

Jews from the greater New York area have been coming together since 1965 to show their solidarity, love, and support for the State of Israel with Israel at the annual parade, which is organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) of New York and Greater New Jersey.

World Bnei Akiva: Gap Year Israel Programs - הכשרה - Kivun 5783 concluded today, marked by bittersweet tears as each member of the tight-knit family, forged over the past year, goes in their own “Kivun”, their own direction.

It was an extraordinary year in Israel, where a remarkable transformation took place. Around a third of the group will continue their journey here, while the rest will return to their communities, each with a rich new tool kit of life skills and experiences, and as strong, proud Jews, with deep roots in the land of Israel.

Check out this blog post by Kivun 5783 participant Josh Hutman from Montreal.

Kivun 5783. What a year! By Joshua Hutman; Montreal, Canada It is crazy to think that 10 months ago, I was boarding flight AC-82 to Israel on my gap year. I did not know what to expect. Sure I had some insight on what my year was going to be like, but this was my very first time leaving home for an extended period of time.....

Chag Shavuot Sameach!
As we celebrate receiving the Torah anew, let’s all find new ways to bring the Torah into own daily lives and share it’s light with the world!
Alo Na'aleh!
חג שבועות שמח!
בעת שאנו חוגגים את קבלת התורה מחדש, בואו נמצא דרכים חדשות להביא את התורה אל חיינו ולהפיץ את אורה בעולם!
עלה נעלה!

World Bnei Akiva- Hachshara's "Amazing Race"! Just before finishing off their year in Israel, Kivun participants from the UK, US, and Europe split into six teams, with snazzy fluoro shirts, and are now competing against each other as they run, bus, boat, train throughout Israel!
Follow us on FB or IG .gapyear for all the action!

יום ירושלים שמח!
🎉 Happy Yom Yerushalayim!

Today we celebrate 56 years since the reunification of our beloved city, and eternal capital - Jerusalem. 🇮🇱✨
As World Bnei Akiva, we stand together in love and solidarity with our brothers and sisters from around the world, celebrating our beloved Jerusalem - the heart of our nation and the home of our people.

Sneak peak behind the scenes!
Look out for a new weekly series of short and inspiring videos from World Bnei Akiva Mazkal Rav Zvi Elon, on the parasha.
Coming soon, in English, Hebrew and Spanish!

Happy Lag BAomer!
May it ignite your soul 🔥
And Happy Birthday to Bnei Akiva!! 94 years since the start of the movement!

Meet Jacob Lecerof, 19, from Sweden, a chanich on Kivun - a World Bnei Akiva shnat Hachshara program.

“Hallooo!! My name is Jacob, I'm from Lund, Sweden!! I am currently on Kivun and I am loving every second of it. I always knew that I wanted to do a gap year after high school and the Kivun structure and ideals really resonated with me. I came to Israel without really knowing anyone and now that the program is almost over I have made countless friends and memories that will last a lifetime, what an amazing year!! We are currently on shvil Israel where we hike in different locations all over Israel for two weeks. Even though Israel is a relatively small country it never ceases to amaze me how many new and amazing locations we've had the chance to explore, particularly during Shvil!”

MEET THE SHALIACH!
📍Gothenburg, Sweden🇸🇪
„Hey! My name is Amitzur Agassi and I'm 22 years old. My story with Bnei Akiva goes far back. From being a 'Chanich' in my childhood in Bnei Akiva Silver Spring in Maryland, USA I became a 'Madrich' in Bnei Akiva Efrat in Israel after making Aliyah when I was 15.
Bnei Akiva has given me so much, and to be honest, I am here in Gothenburg as a Shaliach because of many role models from Bnei Akiva I had in the form of Shlichim and Madrichim.
Bnei Akiva for me is a Community, organization, ideology and so much more that I am very proud to be a part of.“

MEET THE CHANICH! 📍VIENNA, AUSTRIA
"Hi, my name is Michael Jagudajev and I’m 15 years old. I have been a Chanich in Kwuzat Kave for almost a year now and I’m very happy that my friends convinced me to join BA.
The first time I went to Bnei Akiva was in the Summer Machane from 2022. On that Manchane I realized how much I wanted BA to be a part of my Life. I have a lot of fun seeing my friends every week in BA and spending time with them.
Since I don’t go to the Jewish school where my friends go, I mostly only see them on Saturdays in Bnei Akiva. BA gives me an opportunity to see my friends without having to go to the same school. The Chanichim, Madrichim and Schlichim are like a second family for me and appreciate every minute I get to spend with them.
I am very excited to become a Madrich next year and teach my Chanichim the things that my Madrichim tought me."

Chag Atzmaut Sameach! Happy 75th to Israel, as World Bnei Akiva celebrates around Israel, and around the world!! 🇮🇱🎉🎊🎆🇮🇱

Each one had a name, a family, friends, and left a gaping hole for eternity in Am Yisrael, and in our tiny country.
May their memory be for a blessing.
יהי זכרם ברוך

World Bnei Akiva participants amongst 1000 Jewish attending today’s World Zionist Organization’s 38th congress, in Jerusalem.

In addition to the main congress - including members of dozens of different Zionist organizations - the youth conference brings together 18-23 year olds from Israel and abroad, representing 30 countries, from North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Australia. The young attendees are all members of Zionist youth movements, including Bnei Akiva.

Sergio Edelstein, member of the executive of the WZO who organized the gathering, said “The connection between the young people who are members of Zionist youth movements who will lead Diaspora Jewry and the State of Israel in the future is a strategic asset for the State of Israel. As educators, it is our duty to educate to build a bridge between the Diaspora and the State of Israel. A country with 75 years of prosperity, a country that is a home, a home that welcomes every Jew who wishes to live in it, where Jews live as the norm, a home where every citizen receives equal rights.”

Shout out to World Bnei Akiva: Gap Year Israel Programs - הכשרה Kivun, repesented us on stage, and even won second place out of the 1000 attendees in a gameshow style quiz at the event!

Bnei Akiva Austria joined March of the Living

16 Madrichim and Bogrim of Bnei Akiva Vienna, including our own bat Sherut Moriya Witt and her brother Benya, joined this year's March of the Living. They marched together with 10,000 Jews and non-Jews, survivors and young people from all over the world this week on Yom Hashoa, to remember our 6 Million brothers and sisters. They came with the Austrian delegation that consists of 1,000 students and 20 Young Jews organized by Morah Austria in cooperation with Likrat- Lass uns reden , which is a Jewish dialogue program for combating antisemitism.
The 20 Members of Likrat reached each of the 1,000 non-jewish students through dialogue, answering their questions about Judaism and the Holocaust and thereby showing them what Jewish life really is.

"It all didn't start with killing, it all started with words. Words are powerful. Take care of how you use words." (Said Gabriella, one of the Survivors who marched with them)

Today is Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day - a national day of commemoration on which the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust are memorialized.

See the incredible photos below showcasing Bnei Akiva's role during and directly after the Shoah.

Today we mark YOM HASHOAH - Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day - a national day of commemoration on which the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust are memorialized.

Bnei Akiva has been around since 1929, and thus played a role for many chanichim and madrichim before, during and in the aftermath of the Shoah. The photos in this online album give a glimpse into this world.

All photo credits to Yad Vashem: World Holocaust Center, Jerusalem, and their online photos archive.

Yad Vashem Photos Archive:
http://collections1.yadvashem.org/search.asp?lang=ENG&rsvr=7

Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day. We Remember.

Chag Sameach!
As we reach the finale of Pesach, recalling the miracle of the splitting of the sea, and Am Yisrael’s journey towards Eretz Yisrael – Unified, may we all be blessed with a peaceful and joyful Chag HaCherut – Festival of Freedom!

With our thoughts and prayers with the families still mourning, lets all come closer together as one strong unified nation.
עם ושראל חי!

World Bnei Akiva wishes you a Chag Kasher vSameach! 🥬🫓🥚🍗🍷🍷🍷🍷

As we come together to celebrate the festival of freedom, we wish you a joyous and meaningful Pesach blessed with happiness, health, and peace. To all our Shlichim, chanichim, madrichim, merakzim, bogrim, supporters and friends, in Israel, and around the world we look forward to celebrating together soon, here in Jerusalem!
!! לשנה הבאה בירושלים הבנויה
Chag Sameach!