Eurovision season is coming up, and World Bnei Akiva participants are warming up for the biggest day of the year: The World Bnei Akiva Eurovision contest in Amsterdam, which will take place in March.

World Bnei Akiva ‘Snifim’ (branches) have been organizing Pre Eurovision contests all over Europe in order to determine: Who will represent their country in the European competition.

Every year a new theme is introduced to the Bnei Akiva youth, this year the theme was obvious: 60 Years for Israel. The songs must discuss the different aspects of Israel’s 60th Birthday and many other elements, for instance: The songs must be partially in Hebrew, discuss Israel and be educational. 

This weekend will be celebrated by Scandinavian Bnei Akiva participants. Jewish teenagers from: Norway, Sweden and Denmark will spend Shabbat together, followed by the event they have all been waiting for: The Pre Eurovision Contest of Jewish Scandinavia.

The World Bnei Akiva youth movement plays an integral role in the Jewish life of Scandinavia. The assimilation rate is about 90%! World Bnei Akiva in conjunction with the Jewish Agency and the WZO is the only Zionist Youth Movement which sends Shlichim (emissaries) to Jewish Scandinavian communities. 

There are 10 World Bnei Akiva Shlichim in Sweden and Denmark alone in partnership with The Department for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora of the WZO.

Zeev Schwartz, Director General of World Bnei Akiva: “World Bnei Akiva is the largest Jewish youth movement in the world, therefore it is only natural that our songs teach about Israel. The Bnei Akiva Eurovision is more than a contest; it is an educational tool to bring the Diaspora Jewish youth closer to Israel and Judaism. During this upcoming weekend, the teenagers from all over Scandinavia will have a chance to keep Shabbat, and be with other Jewish teenagers – things which they probably cannot do at home. For some, it will be the first Shabbat they will have ever celebrated. Bnei Akiva is the largest Aliyah Movement in the World, and will keep promoting Aliyah for years to come”.

Last year the main Bnei Akiva Eurovision contest took place in Austria, and the first place went to Hungary.