Seminar poster
Seminar posterIsrael news photo

The Disengagement, Amona, the destruction of outposts, the eviction of Jewish families, perceived police and judicial hostility, the construction freeze, media antagonism – the list of items with the potential of alienating young religious-Zionists from their beloved country is long.

To counter this effect, and to bolster the feelings of pride, belonging, and belief in the historic value of the State of Israel, Yeshivat Ohr Etzion is holding a day-long seminar entitled, “Clarifying Our National Awareness.” It will be held at the yeshiva, in Moshav Shafir on the Kiryat Malachi-Ashkelon highway, on Thursday, from 3:30 until 9:30 PM.

Aimed at 11th and 12th graders from yeshiva high schools, the subtitle is, “Now It’s Your Turn.”

Asked to explain what that means, one of the organizers, Elchanan Shmuel, told Israel National News, “This seminar is essentially a follow-up to a special Shabbaton [Sabbath-long event] that we had here about three weeks ago, on a similar topic, in which Rabbi Chaim Druckman and Rabbi Shlomo Aviner spoke at length. However, there was a feeling that the students themselves didn’t get enough of a chance to speak and express themselves – and therefore, tomorrow's event will be one in which the students will do the talking.”

He said that the students will discuss among themselves what is and what should be their approach to the State of Israel, the government, and the historic process unfolding before us. Rabbis from the yeshiva will be on hand to provide guidance.

Two workshops will be held, on the topics of “The Army and Me” and “The State and Me.” Afterwards, the students will gather together for a decision-making session as to how to get the message out throughout Israel.

Rabbi Menachem Manne will speak about his experiences during the expulsion from the Gush Katif town of Netzarim, and Rabbi Elisha Vishlitzky and Rabbi Druckman will also speak.