IN THEIR OWN WORDS
This Section presents some of the 100 pages of quotes submitted by the 2000 Habonim Dror alumni as part of the Survey responses in this Study.
| LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS | CAMP'S EFFECT ON ALUMNI | JEWISH LIFE & IDENTITY | ||
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| Bogrim frequently mentioned the role of Habonim in forming close relationships with friends, a deep sense of community, and the feeling of “family.” Bogrims’ positive sentiment included such phrases as “life-long relationship”, “connectedness,” and “sense of belonging.” Many also wrote that the Habonim Dror experience contributed to their sense of identity and feeling accepted, often in ways different from their non-Habonim Dror friends. | Bogrim specifically mentioned the role, impact, and experiences that camp (as opposed to Habonim Dror) provided for them. For many bogrim, camp represented an opportunity to explore and learn about themselves. Specifically, camp was a “coming of age experience,” an opportunity to live Kupa (organized group sharing and decision-making), learning about leadership, and learning how to get along with others. |
We asked respondents to assess the extent to which their experience with Habonim Dror affected them in a variety of ways … political views, life-long friends, attachment to Israel, and engagement in Jewish life. In broad terms, solid majorities, ranging from 53% to 68%, provided the most positive response (“to a great extent”). About a quarter or more (25% to 34%) answered, “to some extent.” Only a few (5% to 20%) answered, “a little or not at all.”Indeed, selected comments enrich our understanding of how bogrim believe Habonim Dror made a significant impact of their lives.
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