YOM HASHOAH
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YOM HAZIKARON
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YOM HA’ATZMAUT
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MEANINGFUL WAYS TO COMMEMORATE, REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE
WHAT IS YOM HASHOAH?
At sunset on April 23, 2017, Jewish people all over the world will begin to observe a day of Holocaust remembrance known as Yom HaShoah.
This day is not observed like Shabbat or the High Holidays where we are supposed to refrain from work to fully immerse ourselves in celebration
of the holiday, but rather is a day filled with both solemnity and hope, where we remember those who perished in the horrific events of the
Holocaust, while also honoring the continued strength and growth of the Jewish people. With the recent wave of anti-Semitism experienced
around the world, we are part of a critical moment in history in which to bring our communities together to demonstrate our heritage and
strength.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO US?
mixvnn `vi `ed el`k envr z` ze`xl mc` aiig xece xec lka
B’chol dor vador chayav adam leerot et atzmo k’eelu hu yatza mee-mitzrayim
“In every generation one is obligated to see oneself as if s/he had gone out of Egypt.”
-Excerpt from the Passover Haggadah, Pesachim 116b
Every year at the Passover seder we read this passage and try to understand it as a personal obligation. Some may find it difficult to fulfill this
obligation, as this is a time in history that happened over 4,000 years ago. However, every year we come back to this same piece of text,
bringing with us new insight, challenges and successes. While this text is centered specifically around the theme of Passover, its resonance
expands to include many other parts of Jewish history, as well. As we think about Yom HaShoah, we strive to gain a true understanding of what
it was like to experience first-hand something so terrifying and awful, and as best we can, feel a personal connection and tie to these events in
our history.
WHAT CAN YOU YOUR CHAPTER DO TO GAIN A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO YOM HASHOAH?
WATCH – This year at International Convention (IC) we were honored to have Dr. Deborah Lipstadt share her story of strength, courage,
and determination in working to elevate the true story of the Holocaust to deniers everywhere. Dr. Lipstadt’s story, portrayed so powerfully
through the movie Denial, has resonated strongly around the world in both Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Dr. Lipstadt is the ultimate
gamechanger and truly demonstrates the importance of “seeing oneself” through a time in history that she did not live through, but feels
obligated to teach others about and make known throughout the world. Every BBYO region has access to a copy of Denial. Gather your chapter
together for a viewing and post-movie discussion.
DISCUSSION PROMPTS:
• How was Dr. Deborah Lipstadt a gamechanger?
• Based on Dr. Lipstadt’s actions, how do you think she would make sense of the text from the Passover seder?
• What values were demonstrated by other gamechangers portrayed in this film?
LISTEN – As we have learned through Global Shabbat, IC and other key moments throughout the year, there are Holocaust survivors ready
and willing to share their powerful stories of survival and incredible life journeys with Jewish teens everywhere. Invite a local Holocaust survivor
from your community to come and speak to your chapter and then have a follow-up Q&A session. How do you think Holocaust survivors read
the line above during the Passover seder and make sense of it? These gamechangers have heartbreaking and inspiring stories to share and
embody so many traits and values from which we can all learn a great deal.
WRITE – Genocide hits close to home for the Jewish people and for other non-Jewish groups throughout history, with atrocities targeting
specific people even today. With your chapter, learn more about present day acts of genocide, and commit together to make genocide
awareness a priority. After familiarizing yourself with this issue as a chapter, write letters to your local State representatives urging them to
mandate genocide education in schools. You are the gamechangers who will shape the future in which we live. Stand UP and let your voice be
heard! Find your local State representatives.
SOCIALIZE – Keep an eye out on social media for ways to stay connected to Alephs and BBGs during Yom HaShoah. You are gamechangers.
Your actions influence tomorrow. Together as one, forever united as one crew.
WHAT IS YOM HAZIKARON/YOM HA’ATZMAUT?
On the evening of April 30, 2017, we will begin the day of observance, Yom HaZikaron, remembering soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces who
have fallen during war and acts of terrorism. This day of solemnity will transition during the evening of May 1, 2017, to one of celebration and
pride as we celebrate Yom Ha’atzamut, Israel’s Independence Day. The moment of transition is one of hope and strength, as we celebrate the
strength and future of the Jewish people.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO US?
“
-Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States
Real independence, means the freedom of expression, to
celebrate and enjoy the diversity of voices of all the people
in Israel, as different as they may be; whether we agree with
them or not. An inclusive nation, which knows to debate and
discuss with respect and understanding.
“
“
Freedom is never more than one generation away
from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the
bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed
on for them to do the same.
-President Reuven Rivlin, 10th President of Israel
The moments from Passover to Yom Ha’atzmaut tell the story of our nation and our people as we moved from slavery to freedom. It is sixtynine years later and Israel is still developing as a Jewish state – a home for Jewish people all over the world. And sixty-nine years later Jews
throughout the land of Israel are still asking themselves the same hard questions: What does it mean to be Jewish? What does it mean to live in a
democratic State? And based on our past and present, how can these values continue to work together to ensure a successful future?
WHAT CAN YOUR CHAPTER DO TO GAIN A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO YOM HAZIKARON AND YOM
HA’ATZMAUT?
WATCH – Watch these Yom HaZikaron-themed videos to inspire conversation around the themes of this important day.
After watching the videos, facilitate a discussion around some of the themes from these videos that resonate with the
group.
DISCUSSION PROMPTS:
• What are the ideals and principles you believe Israel was founded on and which of these do you think
resonate with those who serve in the IDF?
• What are the ways we can continue to remember and honor soldiers, beyond Yom HaZikaron?
• Is there something that you feel so deeply connected and dedicated to that you would risk your life for it?
Do you think this is a feeling inherent to all Israelis who join the IDF? Why or why not?
DISCUSS – On Yom Ha’atzmaut we think about our own personal freedom, our freedom as a Jewish people, and our
freedom as a Jewish state.
DISCUSSION PROMPTS:
• What does “freedom” mean to you?
• Does “freedom” mean different things whether you are talking about your individual freedom, religious
freedom, or freedom as a Jewish people?
• What is our individual and collective obligation to the State of Israel?
CELEBRATE – Use these prompts and resources to inspire and enhance your Yom Ha’atzmaut program:
• Moment of Silence- The transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut in Israel is a powerful moment. Within
seconds the country goes from mourning to celebration! Recreate that moment by beginning the program with a
discussion around themes related to Yom HaZikaron and then transition with a moment of silence to a festive
celebration.
• Tel Aviv Night- Create a festive atmosphere with music, food, and Israel/Tel Aviv themed activities to celebrate the
Jewish State of Israel.
• Israel Exhibition- ISRAEL21c has created an online exhibition exploring the humanitarian aid Israel is providing all
over the world.
• Know Your Facts- Think you know everything there is to know about Israel? Learn 68 facts here!
• Creating Change- Learn how Michal Barkai-Bordy channeled her rage about inequality for women in the army to
create change in this JDOV talk.
• 120 Years of Zionism- In August 1897, Theodor Herzl convened the first Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland. Learn
more about the history of Zionism here.
• Think Green. Think Blue. - Learn about the global impact that Israeli environmental initiatives are having here.
WATCH
THESE!
• Learn about the
heroism of an American
IDF soldier, killed in the
second Lebanon War in
Michael Levin - Fallen
Soldier of Israel.
• Many who travel to
Israel soon make aliyah
and join the IDF. Aliyah,
tells Max Steinberg’s
story and the story
of many others, who
risked their lives for the
homeland that quickly
become their own.
• Searching for Them
tells the story of two
brothers, who lost a third
sibling killed in combat,
and the chilling story of
what happens years later
as the two brothers fight
in Lebanon.
• Uri is the story of IDF
soldier Uri Grossman, a
compassionate, funny
and caring young man,
who grew up with the
same hopes and dreams
like thousands of other
IDF soldiers. Uri died in
combat in the Second
Lebanon War.
*Don’t forget to turn on closed captioning
for English subtitles CC