Our Roots

The UPZ was founded by the veteran social Zionist youth movements, Habonim Dror and Hashomer Hatzair, along with two of the American Jewish organizations most associated with liberal Jewish values – Meretz USA and Ameinu.

Habonim Dror, founded in 1935, is a Progressive Labor Zionist Youth movement whose missions include the building of a personal bond between North American Jewish youth and the State of Israel and the creation of Jewish leaders who will actualize the principles of social justice, equality, peace and coexistence in Israel and North America. Habonim Dror runs seven summer camps across Canada and the United States, two Israel summer programs, and a year-long Israel program.

Hashomer Hatzair is a socialist-Zionist youth movement based on the principles of Progressive Zionism, social justice, Progressive Judaism and self-actualization. Hashomer Hatzair is dedicated to achieving peace and equality in Israel. Hashomer Hatzair runs seven branches and two summer camps in Canada and the United States, two Israel summer programs, and a year-long Israel program. 

Meretz USA supports peace, pluralism and democracy for Israel, and advocates the negotiated establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. Meretz USA is a member of the World Union of Meretz, whose Israel affiliate is the Meretz-Democratic Israel party which was a partner in the Rabin, Peres, and Barak governments, and now leads the opposition to the government of Ariel Sharon. Check out frequently updated commentary on Meretz USA's blog.

Ameinu envisions Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, at peace with its neighbors, and committed to religious pluralism, social justice, and economic parity for all its citizens.  Ameinu supports the efforts of Israel's Labor Party to end the Middle East conflict with a negotiated peace with the Palestinians and the Arab states.  Ameinu mobilizes those who share our vision.  Ameinu is the parent organization of Habonim Dror, our partner and source of leadership, in our efforts on behalf of peace, pluralism, and progress.