Well over 3,000 "Bnei Akiva-niks" - members of the Bnei Akiva movement in North America as far back as the 1930's - gathered in Jerusalem last night for a massive reunion to kick off the movement's 70th anniversary weekend. Some 400 people flew in from Canadian and the U.S. to take part in the festivities and reminiscing.
The evening included displays of nostalgia and memorabilia, including an exhibition of photos from various Moshava camps, Hachsharot (preparatory camps), and local chapters. Seven Bnei Akiva members from Israel were selected to represent the contributions of Bnei Akiva to various facets of Israeli society: Jewish education, family, commerce and industry, social welfare, medicine, general education, and academia. Several smaller Bnei Akiva groups will be spending the Sabbath together in various Jerusalem hotels.
The evening included displays of nostalgia and memorabilia, including an exhibition of photos from various Moshava camps, Hachsharot (preparatory camps), and local chapters. Seven Bnei Akiva members from Israel were selected to represent the contributions of Bnei Akiva to various facets of Israeli society: Jewish education, family, commerce and industry, social welfare, medicine, general education, and academia. Several smaller Bnei Akiva groups will be spending the Sabbath together in various Jerusalem hotels.