Youth movements are an incredible way to say involved and have fun with friends. Jewish youth movements empower and engage their participants to be active in the community and look to make a difference in the world. In NSW and ACT there are a range of youth movements with different ideologies, so there is a place for everyone.
Betar
Betar is a worldwide Zionist Jewish youth movement. Betar Australia has independent Maozim in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, all of which unite for camps each year. In Betar, we strive to create a fun atmosphere for our chanichim, aiding in their social and personal development with high quality role models. We maintain a strong emphasis on core ethical values. Our activities instil a sense of Jewish identity through the unique Jewish community that Betar supports. We affirm all streams of Judaism, catering to all of them at our camps and functions. Furthermore, we teach our chanichim about the importance of Zionism as well as Israeli history, culture and contemporary politics. Betar has a keen focus on hasbarah and is active in Pro-Zionist events on university campuses and information sessions for the Jewish community. Betar runs regular activities in Sydney and we would love for you to get involved.
Bnei Akiva
Bnei Akiva is the largest Zionist Youth Movement in the world. Running activities for over 45,000 young Jews in 34 different countries, it provides a unique framework for the young Religious Zionist community, imbuing the ideals of Torah V’Avodah. This ideology combines an unwavering commitment to full Torah observance, coupled with the recognition that we have an obligation to actively involve ourselves in society. The maxim “Am Yisrael b’Eretz Yisrael al pi Torat Yisrael” – “The Jewish Nation living in the Land of Israel according to the Torah of Israel”, pithily sums up the movement’s ideals. Only through Aliyah, the highest form of Zionist expression, can the Torah be fully kept.
CatZ
Canberra Tnua Zionit (CaTZ) is a pluralist Zionist and Jewish youth movement and is the only Zionist and Jewish youth movement in Canberra. It has an integral role in Canberra’s Jewish communal life.
CaTZ is run by dedicated and passionate volunteer youth leaders (madrichim) who offer engaging activities that focus on Judaism as a culture and way of life, Zionism and Israel education, team building and communication skills, and Jewish socialization.
Participants make life-long friendships and form important bonds outside of a formal learning environment.
Habonim Dror
Habonim Dror is a Jewish, Socialist-Zionist youth movement that operates throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as all around the world. We strive to take responsibility for the Jewish People, Israeli society and the world. Through critically analysing the world around us, we strive to empower the youth, providing them with the ability to develop a meaningful Jewish, Zionist identity that exists in all spheres of life, which is to be used to improve oneself, the Jewish people and the wider world. The unique atmosphere created in the movement has ensured we are one of the largest Jewish youth organisations in Australia. Our vision for the Jewish people and for humanity is one in which all people understand the power of personal freedom, the importance of equality of human value (shivyon erech ha’adam), and the value of friendship, culture and community. We want to play our part in creating a world in which all people explore their identity, express their creativity, fight for morality and strive to improve society through critical analysis and communal teamwork. As a Jewish youth movement we believe that our contribution to this world picture should come through educating today’s youth through the lens of the principles of Socialist-Zionism.
HaTzofim
HaTzofim Australia is a branch of the Israeli Scouts youth movement. HaTzofim youth movement involves thousands of teenagers in Israel and around the world. Its programme gives the opportunity for every child and teenager to gain leadership skills and to integrate and take a meaningful part in Israeli society and the Jewish communities around the world. HaTzofim Australia have been active since 2013, with two operating branches “Shvatim”; Melbourne’s Shevet Onnot, and Sydney’s Shevet Shahar with a new Shevet opening in the Eastern Suburbs in 2023. We also run activities for the Israeli communities across Australia. We meet every Sunday and run activities in Hebrew which are centred around Israel and Israeli culture, leadership, Zionism, environment, friendship, current events and community values. We also experience scouting, hiking, camps and community events. Our activities start from year 3 to year 12. During year 8 and year 9 the youth participate in our Hadracha and Leadership Course and later becoming ‘Shachbag’, Madrichim.
Hineni
Hineni is an Australian-born Jewish youth movement. The movement fosters a warm and dynamic culture of education, individuality and fun. Our movement is ideologically based on Modern-Orthodoxy, Political activism and Zionism. Our approach to learning is a pluralist and open-minded one, whilst being grounded in a traditional, Modern Orthodox atmosphere. Hineni is a place where young people from all backgrounds can come together to strengthen their Jewish identity. In Sydney, the movement is affiliated with The Central Synagogue and this is where we run most of our events and activities. In Melbourne, Hineni is supported by and based at Caulfield Hebrew Congregation. Hineni also has a strong presence in Canberra, where we run events at the Canberra Jewish Community Centre. We invite all Jewish youth to come to Hineni for a uniquely inclusive atmosphere, a critical understanding of the world around them, long lasting friendships and a sense of true self confidence.
Netzer
Netzer Australia is a Progressive Jewish and Reform Zionist Youth Movement. Founded in Melbourne in 1979, Netzer Olami today has 18 sniffim internationally and is an affiliate of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Netzer facilitates immersive, informal education for chanichim/ot with a focus on our ideology and values in Tikkun Olam and social justice, intentionality and informed decision making. Netzer Australia is run by skilled volunteer youth leaders (Madrichim) of university age who have completed intensive leadership training and education on Shnat Netzer and Tzmicha (a year 13 program). Netzer Australia meets regularly in Sydney and has leaders in Canberra.