Zionism | Socialism | Judaism
Hashomer Hatzair's Ideology
The Three Pillars
Hashomer Hatzair is based on three fundamental pillars: Zionism, Socialism, and Judaism.
The concept of Hagshama requires us to realize our ideology and should look to include all elements of these firmly held beliefs because it is the unique combination of these that makes us who we are. Essential to our beliefs is that we engage in a continuous process of re-examination that responds to changing context and environment.
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Hashomer Hatzair, as a Tzofiut-based (Scouting) movement, believes that integral
to being a shomer*et is acting responsibly towards the environment. As a Chalutzic
(pioneering) movement, we encourage the realization of our ideology to be ground-
breaking and revolutionary in nature.
Zionism
Definition
Hashomer Hatzair’s Zionism stems from the belief that all peoples deserve a right to self-determination, and that Israel is the expression of Jewish self-determination. The Jewish homeland should be a safe haven for all Jews and the centre where Jewish culture and identity can flourish.
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Our vision is to create and maintain a self-critical balance between a socialist, Jewish society and a pluralistic, democratic and secular state that ensures social justice for all.
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Our Zionism consists of a mutual relationship between Israel and the Diaspora,
including dialogue and criticism. As a Zionist movement we believe that we have a big responsibility to contribute to Aliyah by educating our Chanichim to make a conscious and personal choice about it.
Educational Practice
Hashomer Hatzair educates its chanichim/ot to have a base of knowledge in order
to understand Israel today, its heritage and the relevance of their connection to it.
Programs need to include dialogue that is done under a pluralist and critical viewpoint.
We encourage long-term stays and programs in Israel that are relevant to the
movement’s ideology.
We educate our chanichim about aliya and help them on apath to make a conscious and personal choice for their future. The Shomer needs to actively express his opinion in matters related to Israel.
Socialism
Definition
Hashomer Hatzair socialism rests on the belief that humans are free, creative beings who deserve to live in a society that empowers them to develop themselves to their fullest potential. We take as central values social, economic, and political equality and justice.
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We believe Capitalism and other oppressive forces create fundamentally unequal, exploitative, and alienating modes of production that themselves create poverty, war, ignorance, ecological destruction, lack of freedom, and prevent people from realizing their full potentials. We see socialism as not only an alternative to this type of society, but an entirely new and revolutionary one that can stand on its own.
We envision a world of small, cooperative communities made up of individuals and
groups who practice intentional, free, egalitarian, and intimate relationships. We believe that these communities must have a balance between the individual and the collective – that the collective is actually a force that will free the individual.
We believe in a society where the people as a whole possess the ability to control their lives, work freely and creatively, and to participate in an equal and democratic society. We see soialism as a tool and way of life that allows people to live truly
human lives.
Educational Practice
Hashomer Hatzair educates towards unselfishness and being responsible, critical and active social beings. We teach Chanichim to live according to the values of humanistic socialism, both within the movement and outside of it, furthering the equitable treatment of people.
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We require of ourselves to be critical of society, not fearing to be against the mainstream and therefore standing behind these opinions. We must be socially responsible in all facets. In order to achieve this we put an emphasis on education about other cultures, the role of consumption and over- consumption, as well as the functioning of global and national politics.
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To these ends, we use tools such as political community action (Avoda Kehilatit), education through experience, group work, symbols (such as Chulzah and Kuppah), organization into Kvutzot and the treatment of the Chanichim.
Jusdaism
Definition
Hashomer Hatzair’s Judaism is a stream of Judaism and is based on the Jewish culture and our humanistic approach. We place the individual in the centre of our Jewish worldview. Our morals derive primarily from our sense of responsibility and respect to humankind. We believe in and practice a form of active Judaism that encourages everyone to give personal meaning to their Judaism within the Shomeric community.
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Our Judaism draws upon the vibrant culture, tradition, history and legacy of the Jewish people and connects us to our heritage. We view Jewish sources as inspiration and open for critical interpretation.
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Our approach stems from a thorough understanding of Judaism and the
development of a contemporary, meaningful way of expressing our Judaism.
Educational Practice
We provide our Chanichim with an opportunity to find their own access and approach towards Judaism and strive to shape confident individuals who found their place in Judaism and feel connected to their cultural heritage.
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Hashomer Hatzair extends knowledge in Jewish heritage, classical and modern Jewish literature and teaches about Jewish history, culture and traditions. The Shomeric activities fit the Jewish cycle of life including traditions.
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Hashomer Hatzair members will constantly review and, if needed, renew the Jewish traditions according to the current philosophy of the Chaverim.
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Our Judaism is open to every person that feels part of the ideals and is willing to take part in it. Every behaviour that does not follow the principles of secular Judaism can be kept at the condition that it does not contradict the organization and progressing of the activities.