Warmest greetings and blessings to you on this significant moment in the history of Bnei Akiva.

For six decades, through some of the most epic events in Jewish history, Bnei Akiva has played a remarkable role in capturing the imagination of successive generations of young people, communicating to them the sheer power of the vision of Shivat Zion, the historic return of our people to its land.

Bnei Akiva has been one of the great movements of religious Zionism. Through its work, hundreds have been inspired to make aliyah. Others have had their Jewish commitment significantly deepened. Many bogrim have gone on to become leaders within the Jewish community. Speaking personally, Bnei Akiva was one of the great influences in my life.

Anniversaries are times for reflection and rededication. This is true for individuals; all the more so for movements. Dor dor ve-dorshov. Each generation has its own searchers and its own search – its particular stage in the long journey of our people. What is ours?

The Gemara (Yevamot 62b) tells the tragic story of the disciples of Rabbi Akiva who died mishum shelo nahagu kavod zeh lazeh, “because they did not show honour to one another”. We do not know the precise historical context of this episode, but we do know that it left a profound mark in Jewish consciousness. To this day, our custom of mourning during Sefirat ha-Omer recalls that event.

Ours is a time when divisions are once again threatening the integrity of the Jewish people.  To be a true disciple of Rabbi Akiva is to remember the principle of kavod habriyot, the honour we owe to our fellow Jews. Bnei Akiva must set a living example of the great loves that define the Jewish spirit – love of G-d, of Torah, of the land of Israel, and of the people of Israel. To be a member of Bnei Akiva is to aim high. That has been the strength of the movement in the past. It will be its source of inspiration in the future. 

May you continue to bring blessings to the Jewish people, and may the Almighty be with you in all you do.

With every good wish