Page 25 - Issue 8

If one’s first impression is the determining factor – the first thing I did was meet the
chanichim at a circus-themed birthday party.

I didn’t spend much time in the city itself, and I didn’t drink enough of its wonderful coffee.
But I did understand my chanichim anew.

On Rosh Hashanah with its endless meals, I was introduced to a Jewish tradition which aroused
inspiration.

During the ken’s mazkirut elections, I understood on a deeper level the thought processes and
movement elements here, which are deserving of the name youth movement, since it is the
wonderful result of inner responsibility.

This is a large and diverse ken, with the strength and ability to give each person a unique place.
It is permeated with male testosterone and things which cannot be discussed (it’s not your
fault, it’s Jewish Australia, and you really are doing a wonderful job at creating an alternative).

After a bit more than two weeks of meeting with the chanichim, the goal was defined.
To bring together anyone interested in garin aliyah into one room, with the question ‘how’.

At the Ma’apilim Seminar, I was exposed to another side of the movement sicha, which showed
the complexity and seriousness of the values and ideology of the Australian movement.
Even the difficulties and the disappointments managed to be discussed, and not just thrown
aside in anger and frustration.

A shimmering point stood opposite the difficulties that arose due to the manner in which
certain things are discussed: the conversation about creating the garin.
Members of shichvat Ofek came together in a room, and additional members joined and left the
circle during the course of the conversation.
Personal dreams were discussed, and things were said that linked this discussion to the
historical chain that began with the Zionist movement.
It was exciting.
The name “Ulai” (meaning ‘maybe') was chosen.
Garin Ulai – ילוא ןיערג
The second word of its name is appropriate to the journey that is full of the questions, the
doubts, and the fears that will come with the next step.
And the first word of its name represents the decision to be the hard core of a movement and
for yourself.

After this, I was ready to return home – to my kvutsah, to friends.

I have so many thoughts, questions, and new understandings. And to my delight, I also have
partners with whom I can clarify all of this.

I’ll finish with Herzl, since there’s no one like him when it comes to giving a clear direction for a
vision.
“All the Deeds of men are only Dreams at first. But, if you do not wish it, all this that I
have related to you is and will remain a fable.”