On Hanukkah, Planting – Seeds of Unity

It was the first night of Hanukkah when I got to witness glimmers of hope at the Unity Congress of Garinei Udi – Seeds of Unity. A tradition that started in 1994, six months after the tragic loss of Udi Elgrably z”l. That same year, Udi’s parents Mordechai and Georgette Elgrably launched a Hanukkah event bringing together youth from across religious and political affiliations, the Bnei Akiva and Tzofim youth movements, for a unity gathering that continues to this day!

This year’s unity gathering was truly unique and divided into two parts:

Unity Congress:
A gathering of Udi Garin members aged 16–18, both religious and secular. This year, the focus was on wounded IDF soldiers, exploring ways in which we, as part of Seeds of Unity, Garinei Udi, can give back to the wounded soldiers and their families. The ideas shared were heartfelt and inspiring. Attached is a short greeting from the young members of “Garinei Udi” in English.

The second half of the evening featured a fascinating panel discussion followed by an extraordinary performance by the “Ensemble of Piyyut” and the talented Riff Cohen.

If there were ever a time to double down on Jewish Peoplehood, on Am Yisrael, it is now. Now is the time to invest in our youth, our next generation charged with forging their link to the chain of Jewish continuity here in Israel and around the world!

For more information on Seeds of Unity – Garinei Udi – click here .

Happy Hanukkah!