Orthodox Club Scouts – Jaffa
Founding and journey
The Orthodox scouting movement in Jaffa was renewed in the early 1960s, specifically in 1961. Through the efforts of young people of the Orthodox community such as the late Tony Tannous, the late Hanna Rantisi, Mr. David Mansour, the late Karim Hinnawi, the late George Saseen, and others, it was decided to revive the scouting movement by founding the Orthodox Club Scout Troop in Jaffa in 1961.
The beginnings were not easy, but with the enthusiasm of belonging and a passion for youth work that brings sincere hearts together, young people gathered who carried a deep desire to take part in building Jaffa’s community and forming an identity with a purposeful message and a fruitful path.
With the young people’s passion and thirst for action, the first step was taken and over time became constructive, fruitful work, and the troop grew into a broader framework more representative of the community. Its membership today, about 500, is not merely a number, but a qualitative leap carrying ambition and creativity to affirm presence and plant a spirit of giving, so that scouting remains a gathering place for all who believe in its mission.
The Orthodox Club Scout troop in Jaffa is among the active troops that grew from a genuine communal spirit. The idea began with a group of community youth bound by belonging and by faith in the scouting mission. With the support of the Orthodox Philanthropic Society they laid the first stone of a journey that has continued across generations. They carried the torch in a spirit of giving, discipline, and service, and their mark remains alive in Jaffa’s memory in general and Orthodox memory in particular, renewed with every generation that continues on the path of the ancestors.
The Orthodox Club Scouts are part of the local and worldwide scouting movement, yet they are distinguished by their bond with the Arab Orthodox community, by safeguarding its church, and by serving its society.
Historical overview
The roots of the scouting movement in general go back to the beginning of the twentieth century with Robert Baden-Powell in Britain, from where the idea spread rapidly around the world, including the Arab countries.
Orthodox scouting arose in Orthodox communities as part of Arab Orthodox activity, especially in Palestine, Jordan, and the wider Middle East. Orthodox scout troops began to form in the first half of the twentieth century to raise young people in Orthodox Christian values, strengthen Arab Orthodox belonging to church and community, and root faith and volunteer work. These troops were often tied to local communities and supported by Orthodox institutions and conferences.
Aims of Orthodox Scouts
- Developing an integrated personality physically, spiritually, and socially.
- Strengthening moral values such as honesty, cooperation, and discipline.
- Serving the community and instilling a spirit of leadership and responsibility in young people.
- Preserving religious and cultural identity and strengthening a sense of belonging.
Orthodox Scout activities
Activities are varied and cover religious, social, and recreational aspects. Among the most prominent:
- Taking part in religious celebrations and organizing processions on feast days.
- Helping to organize church activities of the Arab Orthodox community.
- Carrying out volunteer work, such as helping those in need, visiting the sick, clean-up campaigns, and supporting social events.
- Camping and nature trips, and learning survival and self-reliance skills.
- Drills in order and discipline, and scout music.
- Workshops, educational lectures, and leadership-skills development.
- Organizing cultural and sporting competitions.
Orthodox Scouts still play an important role today in preserving religious and cultural identity, building an aware and responsible generation, and strengthening a spirit of cooperation and belonging among young people.
Troop presidents over the years
In sequence from founding to the present:
- The late Tony Tannous
- The late Hanna Rantisi
- The late Nabil Rantisi
- The late Yousef Dick
- Mr. George Edmond Hanania
- Mr. Tony Jiries Hamati
- The late Rami Tannous
- Mr. Mario Dick
- Mr. Fadi Habash
- Mr. Najib Nassim Shaqr
- Mr. Issa Elias Hashmeh