Maccabi Hatzair
The " Maccabi youth movement" (Hebrew: המכבי הצעיר, HaMaccabi HaTza'ir) is a Zionist youth movement established during the international convention of the Maccabi organization in Prague, Czech Republic in 1929. As the Maccabi movement is involved with promoting physical activity and sports among the Jewish people, the Maccabi youth movement was designated to focus on the informal education of the young generation, in light of the vision of Max Nordau and the idea of "Muscle Judaism".
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| Formation | 1929 |
|---|---|
| Type | Jewish Youth Movement |
| Purpose | Educational |
Membership | Youth |
General Secretary (Heb. Mazkir Klali) | Elad Cohen |
Parent organization | Maccabi World Union |
| Website | www |
The main values that characterize the movement are Zionism, leadership, good citizenship, friendship among members, persistence, and most and for all supporting the community on a self-fulfillment basis.
The Young Maccabi puts an educational effort in helping youth from all around the country to gain better manners and values, thus contributing to the community in a voluntary spirit through a wide range of services. The movement directs and educates its members for pioneering and service in all areas of life, according to the orders of the hour in ways of creative personal initiative.
Its uniform includes shirts and pants in bright brown colors, signifying equality, simplicity, and diversity. The "khakis" represent uniformity among all members, pointing out that we are all the same. The blue folded tie with the 3 white stripes stands for the state of Israel's flag. It also symbolizes the commitment to the values of Zionism. In this tie pins are displayed in order to show everyone each one’s personal journey in the movement.
The movements badge is made of the 2 first letters of its name in Hebrew. They are arranged in the form of the traditional "shield of David". The symbol creates a linkage between the movement and a well-known Jewish and Zionist symbol.
During the fore coming years until the formal establishment of the state of Israel, its main activity was recruiting young Jewish youth to establish the sports system in the emerging new country. Additionally, the young movement played a role in helping young Jewish juveniles in immigrating to Israel from abroad. Furthermore, members of the movement took an active part in the settling efforts as well as the defending of the young Jewish settlements.
As of today, the movement is active in 27 branches that are located throughout the state of Israel, as well as many others in the rest of the world, in countries like; Uruguay, Argentina, United States, Spain, Venezuela, Brazil. The principle of counseling older members to the younger ones is still being implemented.
The Young Maccabi movement also activates hikes and field trips to its young members, to endow the connection of the young generation to its land. The hikes include training in scouting skills as part of the general movement's apprehension.
During the routine yearly activities, the Young Makabi members participate in weekly meetings at the local branches that are spread countrywide. In this meetings members are presented with activities that teach the youngsters values tied to the movement.
As part of the connection to the roots of the nation's forefathers, the Young Makabi started the long-lasting tradition of the famed "torch trail". The event is considered as the main highlight of all the Young Makabi events. Since its utilization back in 1944, it is held consecutively ever since. The unique event takes part around Hanukkah, Feast of the Makabis, from which the movement got its name. Members of the movement take part in the unique event. It includes running with the torch through towns and settlements across the country and participating in various educational activities. As part of the mission of developing relations with Jewish communities overseas, local delegations go abroad with a symbolic torch thus distributing the values and principals of the movement.