Michal Levy's report on the seminar, organized by Daniel Bogunovic, Maccabi-Serbia Chairman and the chairman of the student’s organization and youth club of the community.

Last weekend I traveled to Belgrade, Serbia, to participate in Post-Taglit (Birthright) Seminar, organized by Daniel Bogunovic, Maccabi-Serbia Chairman and the chairman of the student’s organization and youth club of the community. Along with Tommy Buchler, Jafi “Massa” and Educational Coordinator, we arrived to Belgrade on Friday morning. About 18 participants attended the seminar; most of them have visited Israel in January 2010, as part of Taglit Project. Except for Danny, who is also a professional tennis player, and participated in the 17^th Maccabiah Games in 2005, a number of football players of Maccabi Serbia also attended the seminar.

The seminar was opened with Kabalat Shabbat at the Synagogue, and Kiddush and dinner at the community building, conducted by Rabbi Assiel, who also led the Shabbat’s songs medley. After the fantastic dinner, the group took part at a Limud session with Rebbi Assiel, on the subject of “The Jewish people and the land of Israel”, that was directly related to their experiences from the journey in Israel. We closed the first day in a local club, been introduced to the night life in Belgrade and to other young people from the community.

On Shabbat morning we woke up to a snowy morning, a fact that made the day start later than expected. We had two workshops guided by Tommy and me. The first one was a Dilemma Café on the subject “My Jewish Identity”. This activity led to a discussion about what is “been Jewish” means. The activity and discussion was very fruitful, and a heated debate took place. Later we had a workshop about “Israel Advocacy- How Can I Help?” After talking with the group members and hearing their discussion during the Limud session, we decided to arrange an activity that will give answers and practical tools to deal with Israel Advocacy. We asked the group to describe how they felt during their trip to Israel when they saw the Security Fence; we used their answers to show how the world community sees it in different aspects. Then we shared facts about the fence and practical tools of dealing with arguments on the Israeli subject. The group showed big interest during the discussion, and the conversation continued during the free time as well.

The day continued with an introduction of "Massa" programs and Maccabi organization and its activities in Europe. The seminar was closed with Havdala at Rabbi Assiel’s house, together with his wonderful family.  I met during the seminar young people who are enthusiastic, creative and want to be involved within Maccabi Serbia and EMC, and I’m sure together with Daniel’s leading great things can be done. I would like to thank Daniel and the group for the warm hospitality and the wonderful seminar. (To view pictures from the seminar, please enter this LINK)

Have a great weekend!

What is your experience with Israel Advocacy? Please tell me about activities you attended or ideas to future activities involved in this issue.

Michal
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