Hadracha Highlight: Yonni Gabriel

11/5/2020

Our blog series "Hadracha Highlight" features members of our amazing Hadracha, sharing their experience in Hashomer Hatzair and a bit about themselves.

Our first Hadracha Highlight features Yonni Gabriel, from Kvutzat Barkai!

Tell us about your background/experience in Hashomer Hatzair and/or at Mosh?

I only started going to Mosh in 2017 at the age of 15. My parents wanted me to be a part of a Jewish community and my friend Rotem’s parents wanted him to go to summer camp. Rotem's sister went to Mosh and she thought Rotem would love it. Because it was a Jewish space, my parents didn’t mind me going there as well. I had never heard of it previously but my goodness, the way it impacted me as an individual...

What do you do outside of Hashomer Hatzair?

Outside of Hashomer, I have a very boring life. I’m a pretty simple guy who likes to go with the flow. I have been working full time for the past 5 months, I try my best to stay physically active by playing sports (mainly basketball) and I’m also trying to teach myself how to play the drums.

What is your favourite memory of being a chanichol?

It’s hard to pick a favourite memory based on all the good times I’ve had like pulling pranks, Peulot, Mesiba, Shira, Tiyul, Yedid. But what always stays with me is the bond that was created so quickly with my kvutza. 3 weeks with strangers that I have never met before and by the end we were a family. We still are a family. It’s a different kind of feeling than just a usual friendship. You’re connected on an intellectual, physical and emotional level. It sounds super intimate but it’s oddly normal.

What is the best part of being a part of Hadracha?

My favourite part of Hadracha is definitely having an impact, influence and being able to educate the chanichimot. One of the most validating feelings is when you are able to teach a younger generation. I also love spending time with all the kids. I’m a kid at heart and always will be so I like messing around and playing with all the kids.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Hopefully by 2021, COVID will be on the come down and Mosh will be on the COME UP!!! I’m super excited for all the opportunities that are gonna present themselves. I’m excited for new experiences, school, camp, friends and family.

Describe one way Hashomer Hatzair has impacted you.

If I wasn’t a part of Hashomer, I would not be the same person I am today. I know that sounds corny but I do believe this to be true. Hashomer has taught me so many things about myself, about the world and about the people around me. It has helped me discover the person I was, the person I am and the person I want to be.

If you had to sing one song at karaoke, what would it be?

Easy! Replay by Iaz. Shawty like a melody in my head that I can’t keep oh got me singing like!

What is your favourite meal at mosh - and why?!

Shnitzel. No doubt. The golden look of it, the crispy tender chicken. Dipped in just the right amount of ketchup and mayo. One could say a symphony for the mouth. Plus the shabbat dinner behind it all. Absolute classic!

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