To teach the chanachim about the discussion of a Jewish state in Uganda.

Israel or Uganda? The historical home or a safe refuge place for the Jews?

This dilemma bothered the participants of the sixth Zionist congress in Basle, 1903. Surprisingly (or not?), the idea was not waved automatically: Despite considerable opposition and a demonstrative walk-out by the Russian Zionists, the delegates agreed by 295 in favor, 178 against and 98 abstentions that a committee should be dispatched to examine the possibility of Jewish settlement in East Africa.

What is the opinion of our youth today? That is what we went to explore on the “Zach Niagara Falls Trip – 1999”.

What does Niagara Falls have to do with Zionism?

Just a few miles Southeast of the falls lays Grand Island, NY. In 1824, the island was surveyed by the state of New York. The land was divided into lots of not more than 200 acres, and sold at public auction. Mr. Samuel Leggett of New York City, acting for Major Mordechai M. Noah, purchased 2,555 acres as a refuge for Jews. The plan was to make Grand Island into a large and flourishing city. Major Noah ordered the cornerstone for his enterprise from the Cleveland quarries. He composed the inscription for it "Ararat, A City of Refuge for Jews, Founded by Mordechai Noah in the month Tizri 5586, September 1825 and in the 50th Year of American Independence."

So a refuge alternative to the homeland of the Jews was suggested here, in America, 98 years before Herzl’s proposition…

The Bnei Akiva Cleveland experience

A bus with 47 kids from Cleveland (7^th and 8^th graders), arrived at Grand Island on a rainy morning of Sukkut. As they get of the bus, they saw their Madrich (counselor), dressed up like Herzl, jump out of the bushes and suggest we forget about a Jewish state in Palestine – and consider staying here, at Grand Island. This sparked discussion, learning and self-searching among the Kids.

Next, we went to the Falls (Canadian side), met Bnei Akiva kids from Toronto and Detroit (a total of 120!!) and had a lot of fun boarding the Maid of the Mist together and making new friends while enjoying the excitements of the Street of Fun.

We concluded with Tefilat Mincha and a great Mifkad – roaring the Bnei Akiva and Israeli National anthems into the foggy evening clouds of Niagara Falls. This time, the words “to be a free nation in our land” had a new, deep meaning.