Netzer Australia (Inc) is the Zionist Youth Movement of the Progressive Jewish Community of Australia. We are part of an expanding world-wide movement, with Netzer branches in Israel, Europe, North and South America (we are in fact the largest Zionist youth movement in the world as of 2004). We are also expanding within Australia-we have chanichim (participants) in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Click here to read more about Netzer on their website.

Netzer Shnat departed for Israel 30 January 2012

Greetings from Netzer’s Machane Eifo Effie (camp Where’s Wally?)

We are at the end of our annual federal senior camp with ruach (spirit) high and the atmosphere buzzing. While welcoming back our new Sydney Shnattie, Jess Black, we were eager to see what new and exciting things he brought back into the movement! Machane Eifo Effie began as an extra special camp with both the Junior and Senior camps being run simultaneously on the same campsite, providing more of a Netzer community.

Once all Chanichim (kids) and Madrichim (leaders) saw the beautiful Birrigai campsite, in the ACT, it was known that this was a perfect location for one of Netzer’s best-run camps ever. Along with all human participants of the camp, we were constantly greeted by some particularly friendly furry friends! With more kangaroos than I have ever seen in my life, the wildlife of the campsite gave it an “Aussie outback” feel.

With the Juniors (years 3-8) enjoying breakfast hikes, a messy wide game and vibrantly colourful theme nights. The Seniors (years 10-12) boasted of meaningful programs, making new friends and getting to know all the Madrichim.

We were however, constantly reminded of the “main character” of the camp and found ourselves constantly asking the question, “where is this mysterious wally?” We did however, find him on several occasions, he was tackled by the juniors in the wide game, found by the seniors several times (if by mistake or accident) and his travels were heard  through postcards during the Kabbalat Shabbat service.

With almost 200 people together over Shabbat, the atmosphere was one of togetherness and harmony with all Chanichim banding together to create the special Netzer family, which forms part of the reason we all love coming back to Netzer Machane! We are also sad and excited however, to be farewelling our leaving Shnatties! We wish them all the best on their travels and cannot wait to hear of all the adventures they embark upon in the land of Israel. Enough from me, let’s hear what the Chanichim have to say…

“I love Netzer, it is probably the most fun I have had this summer!”  (Rochi, Kedem, Year 4)

“The best part was when the Rosh Machane had things thrown at her! Definitely Shabbat morning when we got to eat cake… we loved meeting new friends!” (Cassie, Ady, Maddy Mitzy)

“We are so sad that great leaders are leaving but we are so excited for new leaders to come in and inspire us!” “…It was so nice to meet new friends while keeping up with old ones; it’s so great to have a Jewish community your own age!” (MD, Year 7 & 8)

“Camp has changed so much from what I’ve known in my junior years” “…Definitely just as fun as any other camp I’ve been to!” (Mungo, Esh, Year 10)

“Amazing camp” “…I love all the people and the overall atmosphere of Netzer, everyone is so enthusiastic and make the camp experience so enjoyable.” (Steph, Shalhevet, Year 12)