Young Zionist leaders turn ideas into action

Around 80 bogrim, young Zionist leaders from Australia and New Zealand youth movements, gathered for the annual Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC) Bogrim Seminar, a three-day program focused on leadership, professional development and Jewish identity.

Supported by JNF Australia and the Milly Phillips Foundation, the seminar brought together participants from Habonim Dror, Betar, Hineni, Tzofim, Bnei Akiva, Netzer, Jazy and AUJS, among other organisations.

Through mixed-group activities and facilitated discussions, the youth movement leaders explored shared responsibilities while engaging with a broad range of perspectives across different ideological, religious and educational traditions.

Habonim Dror representative Nat Nachman said the gathering created connections that were difficult to build within individual movements.

“Each movement has its own identity, values and way of doing things, but we are also dealing with many of the same challenges,” Nachman said. “The seminar gave us the space to learn from one another, have honest conversations and return to our communities with new energy and practical ideas.”

A session of the weekend involved participants pitching initiatives designed to respond to needs within their communities, judged by representatives from the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), JNF and AZYC. Selected proposals received AZYC support to help develop the ideas further.

Among the initiatives presented was a proposal to establish a family camp in Adelaide, bringing together families and community members of different ages rather than limiting the program to children.

Jazy youth movement madricha Maddy Jeffrey said the idea emerged from the realities of sustaining youth engagement in a small community.

“In Adelaide, we cannot always rely on the same models that work in larger Jewish communities,” she said. “A family camp would allow children, parents and young leaders to participate together. It is about creating something that fits our community and helps more people feel connected to Jewish life.”

Participants also took part in professional development workshops and a mock Royal Commission examining antisemitism in universities and workplaces, sharing their own experiences and discussing how young Jewish leaders can respond to a challenging environment.

AZYC executive officer Anat Dror said young educators in Australia had told her they were afraid to identify themselves as Jewish to colleagues and friends.

“The seminar provided an opportunity for them to be who they are, to take the space they deserve, while also making space for others around them,” Dror said. “Bringing together bogrim from across movements gives young leaders the opportunity not only to strengthen their own networks and leadership skills, but to understand the responsibility they share for the future of Jewish and Zionist life in Australia and New Zealand.”