The Burma Road
Photo: GPO
5,000 Jewish youths reenact 1948 war
60 years after Burma Road to Jerusalem was first breached in War of Independence, war veterans and Diaspora youth march down road; event marks end of year-long Masa program promoting Zionism, Jewish identity
Some 5,000 Jewish youths from around the world taking part in the Zionist “Masa” (journey) project, will participate in a reenactment of the breaching of the Burma Road during the War of Independence in 1948.
During the war, while heavy battles were being waged on the road to Jerusalem, around Latrun, the Jewish forces paved a temporary road to the city called the Burma Road to insure communication with the city. On Monday, which marks the anniversary of the founding of the Palmah, the military arm of the Hagana, the historical event will be reenacted by veteran soldiers alongside Jewish adolescents from around the world.
The “Masa” project was initiated by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2004. In conversations with his close confidante Yisrael Maimon, Sharon expressed his concern over the increasing assimilation of Jews around the world. Maimon, who serves as joint chairman of Project Masa’s Steering committee alongside Dr. Alan Hoffman, head of the education division of the Jewish Agency, described the origins of the project. “Sharon told me (two years ago), ‘If we don’t address the assimilation issue now, the young generation’s distancing from Judaism and Israel won’t ever be dealt with.’”
On Monday thousands of youths will march down the Burma Road and will participate in various activities educating them on the Palmah and Israeli history. They will hear stories of battles from soldiers who fought in the war, including Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Amos Horev, Haim Hefer and others. In the evening, the thousands of youths will reach the memorial in Latrun to mark the end of the year of Masa activities.
Youths partaking in the project reside in Israel for a few months up until a year. During their stay they are exposed to Israeli culture, learn Hebrew, Jewish history and current events. In addition, they are involved in community projects, meet Israeli youths and aid the elderly. In 2008, according to plans, some 20,000 Jewish youths will participate in the program.
The project’s organizers hope that many of them will chose to make aliya, or at least develop a stronger Jewish identity and become ambassadors for Israel in the world.
Maimon added that he spoke to Sharon often about the matter of Jews in the Diaspora. “It is proven that kids that are exposed to this type of experience marry Jewish spouses much more frequently, and almost all become positive ambassadors for Israel in their own communities in the world. There is a tremendous response to the idea among Jewish communities.”
In advance of the program’s closing ceremony Monday night in Latrun, Maimon said, “My dream is that one in every five who experience this trip to the Land of Israel and Judaism will move here. That would be Prime Minister Sharon’s vision coming true, and will promise the future of the people of Israel.”
