In the middle of October a group of young people from Australia who came to Israel on the Netzer "Shnat" program spent a Shabbat in the Central Arava. The aim was to hold an "Australian Jewish" Shabbat experience for Arava youth, which would deepen their awareness to their Jewish identity, and also help to develop and reinforce strong, long-term connections between Israeli and Australian youth, based upon a meaningful experience.

The program took place on two moshavim at the same time (Ein Yahav and Tsofar), working with two age groups on each of the moshavim (9th + 10th grades, and 11th + 12th grades), with a total of about 40 boys and girls. The Netzer group ran various activities for the Arava youngsters, and were hosted by local families. All of the "Shnatties" remarked on the warmth and hospitality of the host families, and enjoyed the experience of leading Israelis and of staying on a moshav.

Both sides felt that the weekend had been a great success, and hope to repeat it next year, taking into account the feedback made in order make the experience even more effective. The meeting with young people from Australia whose lifestyle is special and different from that of the Israeli youngsters helped them to expand their horizons, and the Australians felt that the exposure to a different type of community living added to their understanding of Israel. The Shnatties even said that the Shabbaton should certainly take place every year with each shnat group - at least once!