Who are we?
The International Forum of Jewish Scouts are the world body for Jewish scouting and holds consultative status with WOSM - World Organisation of the Scout Movement.
What is a World Scout Jamboree?
Every 4 years a World Scout Jamboree takes place in a country around the world after a bidding process and then they get to work in organising this event that will host 45,000 youth (14-17yrs) and 10,000 staff plus day visitors from over 200 countries around the globe. The activities that take place are based on adventure, education and leadership skills. This event has been described as the 'Olympics of Scouting' as its the largest gathering in the world of youth for one single event...and it all takes place under canvas at a site that is a mile long!
This summer it's South Korea's turn to host this event.
Why are we crowdfunding?
One important part of the programme at the WSJ is the Faith & Beliefs Zone (FAB) where 10 faiths organise activities to educate the attendees, run interfaith activities, and show how faiths can live in peace side by side. This in turn will help combat racism including antisemitism.
The IFJS organisers have been organising such events since WSJ 2007 so have lots of experience and knowledge as to what works best. Our team made up of Jewish Scout leaders from Australia, Brazil, France, Greece, Israel, UK & USA would like to put on great activities in our tent including an interactive exhibition about Judaism, hands on artefact workshop, making Dreidels, Menorahs, Hebrew name bookmarks, Kippot/Yamulkes, Challahs & Latkes and many many more. We do these hands-on activities to break the ice and give the scouts a safe space to ask questions. On top of this we organise kosher food and prayer services throughout the Jamboree and host Shabbat Meals for all the Jewish attendees, Jamboree organisers and members of other faiths.
This comes at a cost, and this is where you come in.
We do not receive any funding, only donations for the work we do. Our team is made up of volunteers who are giving their own time at their own expense as they understand how important this project is. The majority of attendees at this event will have never met a Jewish person in their lives. With rising anti-Jewish rhetoric, verbal and physical attacks increasing across the world, this is our chance to help combat it at youth level so they can go back to their communities with a better knowledge about Judaism from being in a positive, welcoming and warm environment.
The full costs to run this event is approx US$36,000/GBP£30,000
Your help is greatly needed to ensure this project goes ahead as planned, so please dig deep, and help us out with whatever you can afford.
Thank you from all of us at the International Forum of Jewish Scouts.
Useful Links:
www.2023wsjkorea.org/index.jamboree
www.jewishscoutsforum.org
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