March 2002

Dear Friend,

Today it is conventional wisdom that an Israel educational experience is one of the most significant instrumentalities for countering assimilation and alienation while generating aliyah and Jewish communal participation. Fifty years ago and more the situation was quite different. American and Canadian Jews were still getting used to the very idea of a sovereign state of Israel, let alone relating to it personally, organizationally, or ideologically. But even then, in the early 1950s our youth movement had a hunch about all that, and decided not just to dream or deliberate, but to dare and to do. Accordingly, in 1951, Habonim had closed all of its institutions for training leaders or chalutzim across the continent. In their place it established a dynamic, pioneering program located in Israel for high school graduates. Thus was born the Youth Workshop in Israel.

In the ensuing decade other Zionist youth movements followed Habonim's example, and in due course just about every Jewish agency got into the act. Meanwhile, the Habonim Dror Workshop has held its own. As of this writing the 51^st Workshop is completing its year and adding to the record of the oldest continuing Israel experience program under the sponsorship of any organization anywhere in the Diaspora.

Please join us in marking this major anniversary not only in our movement but also in Jewish life. We invite you to contribute to a special greetings section of our Chadashot newsletter, with the proceeds helping assure the future of our youth movement. We invite you to participate in the anniversary celebration itself the weekend of June 8-9 in New York. Even if you don't live in the New York area, making the effort to attend the full weekend of activities will afford you the opportunity to see old friends and enjoy a movement experience again. Collect your frequent flyer points, organize car pools, or charter a bus, but come and join us for this 50 year anniversary celebration! We look forward to your early response. A reply envelope is enclosed.

Sincerely,

P.S. In addition to all of the above, please hold late December- early January for a Workshop anniversary and Foundation mission to Israel. Details to follow.