926

  • Issue: May 2013
  • Designer: Meir Eshel
  • Stamp Size: 30 mm x 40 mm
  • Plate no.: 915
  • Security mark: Microtext
  • Sheet of 5 stamps, Tabs: 15
  • Printers: Joh. Enschede, The Netherlands
  • Method of printing: Offset

The Hashomer Hatzair Movement, the first Zionist youth movement, and probably the first Jewish youth movement, marks its 100th anniversary in 2013. During those 100 years, the Movement has served as a model for other Jewish youth movements established in Israel and throughout the world. Tens of thousands of its "graduates" have made Aliyah to Israel, established its kibbutzim and, over the years, played key roles in Israel's national leadership through the Mapam (United Workers) party.

The Hashomer Hatzair Movement was founded in Galicia, Poland in 1913, expanding from there to other countries in the Diaspora.

During WWII the Movement continued to operate in the educational realm. Later, it successfully established a widespread underground newspaper network and from 1942 onward, was among the leaders of the Jewish Resistance in the ghettos. In the summer of 1942 Hashomer Hatzair was one of the founders of the Jewish Fighting Organization (ZOB) in Warsaw. Hashomer Hatzair member Mordechai Anielewicz was the commander of the Ghetto Warsaw uprising. In 1927, Hashomer Hatzair graduates who had immigrated to Eretz Israel founded the Kibbutz Artzi Federation.

Today, the Hashomer Hatzair Movement operates in numerous different realms of life as it continues its perpetual Zionist endeavors: the youth movement in Israel; the worldwide youth movement; dozens of kibbutzim and a movement of graduates with 300 members. Those graduates live in communes and urban kibbutzim throughout Israel and work in education, which they consider to be the national project for the 21st century, and a continuation of the historic mission of the Hashomer Hatzair Movement.

For 100 years the key principles of the Hashomer Hatzair Movement have consistently been Zionism, socialism and peace among nations. These values are the essence of the Movement, both as a youth movement and as a pioneering and land settling movement.

Itay Zaidenberg
Director General, Hashomer Hatzair

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Hashomer Hatzair Movement Centennial