By L. Goldberg

(50 years to Hibat Zion, 30 years to The Jewish National Fund)

A. Fifty years ago the people were passive. There were thoughts, imagination and ideals, great love of the Land of Israel, but no action or solution.

They floated like a boat on the stormy sea, their faces towards safe land.

Pogroms and blood libels and great hatred were the threatening waves and the only solution was the safe Land of Israel. They must act.

Hibbat Zion was based on emotional drives. Now, action was preached. Pinsker pointed at the dark and weak position of the Jews among the nations. Ahad Ha’am

Preached to enlarge the small-scale settling in Eretz Israel and prepare the people to turn The Land of Israel into a spiritual center.

B. Thirty years ago – a goal was set – a Jewish State. Herzl was an important promoter of political action. He tried to convince kings and statesmen but also his own people.

The Jewish National Fund was to replace the settling of individuals and groups in pieces of lands bought with private or donation money. The Fund will buy land for the people – all sharing in this venture – and the people would share Hebrew culture.

C. Now after the decree of the Sefer HaLavan we are left with the need to teach our youth about these two Jubilees – two enterprises – and carry on towards attaining their set goals.

L. Goldberg (Grade 8)