WHAT IS BETAR?
AIMS
 
Betar is a worldwide Zionist Jewish youth movement. Betar Australia has independent Maozim in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, all of which unite for camps each year. In Betar, we strive to create a fun atmosphere for our chanichim, aiding in their social and personal development with high quality role models. We maintain a strong emphasis on core ethical values. Our activities instil a sense of Jewish identity through the unique Jewish community that Betar supports. We affirm all streams of Judaism, catering to all of them at our camps and functions. Furthermore, we teach our chanichim about the importance of Zionism as well as Israeli history, culture and contemporary politics. Betar has a keen focus on hasbarah and is active in Pro-Zionist events on university campuses and information sessions for the Jewish community.
 
ACTIVITIES
 
Betar runs meetings/functions on Sundays for kids from grades 3-12:
(Contact the Mefaked of your state to find our more information about Times/Dates of meetings/functions in your state).
In year 10, our chanichim go through an intensive Hadracha (leadership) training course, designed to develop their abilities to educate children, present complex ideas and information and behave as proper role models. Then, in Year 11, they become Madatsim, supervised leaders for the chanichim in younger year levels. After year 12, most of our chanichim go on shnat, a year long program in Israel facilitated by Betar Olami (world Betar). Betar Shnat includes a four month university style course focussing on Israeli culture, history and politics, Hebrew, Jewish studies, and advanced leadership techniques. Also, Betar shnat includes a three month volunteering course, a two month Israeli army course and seminars throughout the country. On completion of shnat, “shnatties” become Bogrim (graduates), fully equipped with the skills required to run the movement.
 
Betar also runs a winter camp (years 3 – 10), a summer camp (years 3 – 7), a federal camp (years 8 – 12) and a senior seminar (years 10 – 12). We run casual functions for all of our chanichim throughout the year, such as laserforce, go karting and movie nights. Fundraisers are the primary source of income for Betar and a great opportunity for the parents to become involved with the movement. Feel free to contact us if you would like to participate in any of these events.
 
The gradual transition from participant to leader in Betar ensures that a high calibre of education, morality and intellectual development is maintained in the movement. The youth movement atmosphere provides children and teenagers with experiences that they can find almost no where else. In Betar, chanichim will discover fun weekly meetings, a nurturing community of friends and mentors, along with the opportunity to adopt responsibilities in the Jewish community, which leaves one with a sense of worth, self confidence and ability.
 
 
IDEOLOGY
 
Betar has a strong focus on ethical values together with Zionist ideals in a time of growing apathy. First and foremost, Betar is a Zionist youth movement, meaning that we support the existence and development of the Jewish state of Israel.
Betar’s ideology has two core universal values: Hadar, the idea that respect for one’s self and all other people is absolutely essential, and Tagar, the notion that we should stand up for what we believe in. Tagar roughly translates to tenacity and opposes arm chair Zionism.
 
These are the foundations of Betar’s ideology but this is just a small part of our culture and beliefs. The diverse writings of Jabotinsky and other seminal figures in Betar’s history act as regular sources of debate and inspiration. We have a rich body of knowledge which we draw on to trigger the ethical and conceptual growth of our chanichim.
 
HISTORY
 
Betar was founded by the Zionist youth of Latvia together with Ze’ev Jabotinski in 1923 when they challenged him to come up with a way to save the European Jewry from anti-semitism. They were inspired by his ideas and, with his leadership, formed Brit HaNoar Ha’Ivrit Al Shem Yosef Trumpeldor (The Covenant of the Youth in the Name of Joseph Trumpeldor). Its acronym is Betar. By 1927, Betar had taken root in Austria, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Germany, France and Israel. The Jews were searching for a way to get out of Europe and into Israel and Betar provided training and transport for Aliyah. Naturally, Betar grew substantially in a very short amount of time. At its peak in 1934, Betar Poland had over 40,000 members out of a total of 70,000. Betar organised illegal immigration into Israel for tens of thousands of Jews from all over Europe for the next fifteen or so years. 
 
The 50s, 60s and 70s saw consistent growth for many Betar Maozim. Betar Australia was highly active at this time and then diminished in size in the 80s and 90s. Our numbers hit their lowest point in the late nineties and we have been working hard and yielding significant growth in Betar’s participation since then. We in Betar Melbourne are proud of our heritage, which we use as a springboard for future development. Our bogrim have developed friendships with Betarim from around the world, particularly during the shnat program in Israel, which many Betar maozim from Europe, South and North America participate in.
 
To find out more about Betar, go to our contact page.