Dance With Bnei Akiva In 20 Countries To Celebrate 12th International Convention Today

World Bnei Akiva's 12th International Convention starts today, January 12, 2011, in Jerusalem.  Approximately 150 delegates from 23 countries around the world will arrive in Israel for the convention, with a special tribute to the movement's shlichim (emissaries) around the globe. 

The delegates will come from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Hungary, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, Great Britain, Israel, the US, Canada, Germany and France.  Bnei Akiva's Shlichut network has been in existence for close to 80 years, in 30 countries around the world, providing education in Judaism, Zionism and Aliyah.

World Bnei Akiva's convention takes place every four years, with the local branches sending delegates to Israel. During the convention, the delegates, youth and young leadership, will vote on the movement's ideology, projects and future.

Thousands are expected to attend Bnei Akiva's main event at the Jerusalem Theater today.  Shimon Peres, Israel's President, will salute Bnei Akiva Shlichim throughout the years, together with key figures in Israeli society.  Also performing are the Maccabeats, the Yeshiva University a cappella group, who will sing together with the Bnei Akiva participants at the opening ceremony for the first time in Israel.

To celebrate the start of this convention, World Bnei Akiva has produced a video showing members dancing all over the world to the song Am Yisrael Chai (The people of Israel live!)  And everywhere means everywhere from a snow-covered Zurich forest to the sandy beaches of Rio de Janeiro to a shoe store in Detroit.  Enjoy!