here - The World Union for Progressive Judaism

Netzer Olami's International Conference - 2011
NETZER in the FSU
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עשת -ר"
צנ לש תימלועה הדיעוה
Introduction:
Netzer Participants, leaders and madrichim, provide an important link
between adolescence and the adult generation. Netzer is an inseparable
entity of the overall Reform movement, ensuring the future of strong,
viable Reform Jewish communities in the FSU.
Netzer is active in the countries of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and the Baltic States.
History:
Netzer - World Zionist Youth Movement for Progressive
Judaism, was established in the FSU in the mid 1990s.
Belarus - 1993 – the first Netzer youth camp was held
1998 – the first Netzer youth club was opened
Russia – 1996 – the Netzer movement was
established
Ukraine – 1996 – the Netzer movement was established
Baltic States – 2004 – the Netzer movement was established in Riga,
Latvia.
Netzer in the FSU today:
Netzer operates programs in 18 youth clubs and Progressive Jewish communities in the
FSU. This number has decreased considerably due to the economic crisis that resulted in
the closure of a significant number of clubs in various cities.
That being said, Netzer is still the largest religious youth movement in Belarus and Ukraine,
and the only one in the Baltic States and Russia.
There are 800 Jewish children, teenagers and university students actively involved in
different Netzer programs on a regular basis all over the FSU. These members regularly
attend events such as weekly Shabbat services, snif (club) activities and participate in
different Netzer projects and initiatives.
In addition to these 800 members, the number of participants increases to up 1,500
adolescents and young adults for bigger events such as: summer
camps, educational leadership seminars, celebration of
the Jewish festivals (Rosh Hashannah, Chanukah,
Purim, Pesach, etc.).
Netzer mission and goals in the FSU:
4. To support, enrich and continue the development of Reform Jewish life in the FSU
using a Progressive Jewish model of Jewish Zionist Reform ideology and education.
5. To provide Jewish youth with the opportunity of strengthening their Jewish identity
and realizing their knowledge through actual practice.
6. To educate professional young leaders within the movement framework in the
future, strengthening Reform communities in the FSU and ensuring their future.
MAIN ACTIVITIES IN 2010:
Summer camps:
• A total of 8 summer camps and 5 seminars took place and the overall total for the
summer camp season was 964!
Seminars & conferences:
A learning seminar for Netzer madrichim and leadership took place in 2010 (February
18-21) at the new Moscow Center for Progressive Judaism. Netzer staff, numbering 45
from all over the FSU, took part and led prayers and gave lectures on different topics.
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