What is the definition of a Global Event or "Megaconference"? There isn't only one correct answer. It could mean that the number of participating sites is of "mega" proportions; or that the number of people participating from one location is "mega"-sized; or that we've organized a series of videoconferences to be held over several days – creating a "mega" event. Read on for examples of some of our most exciting megaconferences.
Bridging Globally
The number of sites capable of connecting to one videoconference is in the hundreds. The more sites that are added to the videoconference however, the more limited their interaction becomes. Still, it is always very exciting to see so many people from around the world interacting with each other in real-time.
YEARLY GLOBAL TU B'SHVAT - JEWISH SCHOOLS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
 |
|
For the past six years, the Resource Division has been hosting the renowned Tu B'Shvat Global Celebration, a mega-conference that unites Jewish schools across the globe to celebrate Tu B'Shvat, the Birthday of Trees. From Be'er Sheva to Belgium, Manchester to Montreal, and Toronto to Toledo, Ohio, hundred of students participate in a visual exchange via videoconference technology . More info on Global Tu B'shvat 2007 & 2008 Watch Video |
OPERATION ENTEBBE - 30 YEARS COMMEMORATION GLOBAL VIDEOCONFERENCE (1976-2006)
 |
|
On July 4th, 2006, over 250 people participated in an interactive videoConference to commemorate Mivtza Yonatan. The panel included IDF officers and hostages from the Air France flight, as well as our special guest, Cpt Michel Bacos, the Air France aircraft pilot. In addition to our Jerusalem studio audience, there were 4 other locations, at the following centers: Buenos Aires, Moscow, Kiev and Dniepopetrovsk in Southern Ukraine..
|
GLOBAL HASBARA EVENT - STUDENTS ON CAMPUS.
Featuring Neil Lazarus (Awesome Seminars) & Immanuel Nachshon (MFA)
 |
|
On May 7, 2002 eighteen student unions from all over the globe connected to one another via the Jerusalem-based Contact Center's videoconferencing system, in partnership with the Ohio State University. Students in locations as diverse as Washington D.C., Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Casablanca were able to talk, discuss, teach, and learn from one another as they participated in a visual exchange in real time of Hasbara, a presentation of Israel's case led by experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and from around the world. Watch video
|
Mega audience.
Each summer Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake in Upstate New York turns into a virtual Israel via the Contact Center's professional broadcasting and digital conferencing equipment. Throughout the summer campers participate in various educational videoconferences as they experience Israeli sites in real time through a unique visual exchange. The summer is topped off with a "mega" event for the entire camp, a sum total of about 500 counselors and campers.
In the summer of 2003, Camp Sprout Lake's megaconference was held on the saddest day on the Jewish calendar – Tisha B'Av. From deep within the Kotel tunnels, the campers talked about the significance of the day and shared stories, thoughts and prayers. Each group of campers presented its own essay, poem or piece of art. The campers discussed the meaning of Kinot (Lamentations), and at the end of the program students were able to dictate their own personal prayers and watch them being placed into the cracks between the Kotel stones.
Summer 2004's mega-event – "All Roads Lead to Jerusalem" – included a trip to the Judean dessert; a meeting with an ex-Israeli soldier who fought in the 1948 War of Independence; a discussion with a new immigrant who shared her experiences and feelings upon moving to Israel; and even a visit with a fellow Sprout Lake counselor who had just made aliyah. The variety of locations in the mega-event were connected via satellite.
Mega series
Above and beyond any other events, perhaps the Contact Center' is best-known for its megaconferences held in celebration of Tu B'Shvat and Yom Yerushalayim. Each year the Contact Center sets up shop at a local school (for Tu B'Shvat) – or at the Kotel (for Yom Yerushalayim) and connects with hundreds of schools around the globe for several consecutive days.
These megaconferences – or "Global Celebrations" – are always held on the holiday itself, but also extend to several days before and after the holiday, due to demand. In 2005 we connected with 21 schools over 4 days for Tu B'Shvat; and 12 schools over 2 days for Yom Yerushalayim, not including our pre-Yom Yerushalayim workshop videoconferences.
No matter what the variety of megaconference, audiences always leave with their Jewish identity a little stronger and their connection to Israel a little deeper.