Habo’s 75th birthday

CELEBRATIONS are underway across Australia and the world for Habonim Dror’s 75th anniversary, with festivities to kick off in Melbourne this Sunday, October 18 at the iconic Habo House in Elsternwick.

The movement is hosting a community event to reunite eight decades of supporters to mark its achievements and the continuity of the movement.

There will be activities for all ages as well as falafel, afternoon tea, Israeli dancing and the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with friends, old madrichim and peers.

Federal mazkir Jarred Abrahams said, “It’s really empowering to be a part of something that, over the past 75 years, has changed so many lives and the Jewish people at large.”

When discussing the highlight of the day, event coordinator Adele Stowe-Lindner said the mizdar (opening ceremony) will be particularly moving as the leaders of the past and present stand hand in hand with current members. “Mizdar is the traditional opening ceremony, which happens at the beginning of every Habo activity, where we usually stand in age order … But this time, the ages will be young children to people in their 80s.”

Stowe-Lindner said the success of Habo’s recent initiatives, including its tikkun leil for Shavuot and the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, demonstrates how Habo is preparing for the future and giving back to the community.

“Watching so many school and university students discuss and positively build their relationship with Judaism, Israel and one another, you feel a huge sense of buoyancy about the future of the community and you see right there a generation of leaders.”

Costing $25 for an adult, the organisers are encouraging revellers to wear their old Habo paraphernalia and bring photo albums, as it promises to be an “afternoon of laughter and nostalgia”.

The event starts at 3pm at Habo House, 1 Sinclair Street Elsternwick. To book, visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/habo-75-community-day-tickets-18161374159.

ZOE KRON

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