Round-Up: Jewish Agency Sending 145 Young Emissaries Worldwide

A living bridge between Israel and Jews around the globe

In August, one hundred forty-five ShinShinim (gap-year emissaries) will depart for communities around the world on behalf of The Jewish Agency for Israel, to begin their year of voluntary service in order to strengthen world Jewry’s relationship with Israel.

The 145 ShinShinim, who spend a year in Jewish communities before mandatory army service to act as young ambassadors of Israel, are arriving against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, rising antisemitism, and a young generation of Jews who are distancing themselves from Zionism. They will serve all corners of the globe, including the United States, Canada, Paraguay, Mexico, South Africa, England, France, Hungary, Italy and, for the first time, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and Monaco.

Working closely with their local Jewish Federation and other Jewish organizations to provide educational activities for youth movements, Jewish day schools and community centers, “The Jewish Agency’s ShinShinim bring Israel directly into the lives of thousands of children and young people throughout the Jewish world… and act as a living bridge between Israel and Jews around the globe.”” said Director-General and CEO Amira Ahronoviz.  “Today, their mission is doubly important as most discourse around Israel takes place on social media platforms which ShinShinim know how to navigate.”

The ShinShinim program allows high school graduates the opportunity to defer their army service in order to volunteer in these Jewish communities prior to their enlistment. The application process is rigorous, with those interested required to undergo an extensive interview process that includes screening by Jewish community representatives. 

Bernie Narvey was passionate for life and family

The passing of Bernie Narvey, who died on August 6 at age 65, was “a tremendous loss to the film community in Winnipeg and Manitoba,” City of Winnipeg Film and Special Events manager Kenny Boyce told TheJ.ca. “He was part of the backbone of the industry.”

Born in Portage la Prairie to one of the few Jewish families then still living in rural Manitoba, Narvey took on many roles before becoming a legendary Location Manager and problem solver for movie productions in the province. Moving to Winnipeg after high school, he was a pioneer in the earliest development of the local commercial film industry, starting as an aspiring screenwriter with the Credo Group under the guidance of Derek Mazer (who passed away in February) and Joan Scott. His love of the creative process lured him away from pursuing a Master’s Degree in English and the change of career direction also changed many lives in his home province for the better.

His obituary noted, “Bernie loved his work and pursued it with ardent integrity. He worked tirelessly to make sure that the film producer’s needs were fairly balanced with the needs of the community who opened up their homes, businesses or public spaces as a film location.”

“My connection, both personally and professionally with Bernie, began 25 years ago,” Boyce explained. 

Hollywood filmmakers began to take note of the plethora of early 20th century urban architecture in the city. The producers of Legends of the Fall, which starred Brad Pitt and had a budget of $30M, wanted to film in the Exchange District area north of downtown, but their concept required the removal of trees, and a controversy ensued. With the city council having no real idea about how to deal with ‘Hollywood’ types, “Bernie appeared at city council to explain how the film industry is an integral part of our cultural industry.” 

He educated city leaders and the provincial government about the economic benefits of leveraging prairie scenery and settings to increase domestic production and create jobs in the local economy. His efforts resulted in the creation of liaison positions to assist film productions within both levels of government, including the civic office Boyce has now worked with for over 20 years.