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Home , Arthur Lenk, Beit Kama, Betar, David Horovitz, Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish Federation

ZIONIST ANNUAL REPORT

DGNJSR The Jewish Agency South : A Year in Review

2013 DGNJSR TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THE CENTRE 2

GREETINGS 4-6

ISRAEL ENCOUNTER 2013 7

THE JEWISH AGENCY MISHLACHAT 8-9 (DELEGATION) TO 2013-14

THE ISRAEL QUIZ 2013 10

ZIONIST CARAVAN 11

ALIYAH2GETHER 12

HIGHER EDUCATION EXPO 13 ABOUT THE ISRAEL CENTRE The Israel Centre represents The in South Africa. We are committed CYCALIVE 14 to strengthening the connection between the South African Jewish community and the PARTNERSHIP2GETHER ARTISTS DELEGATION 15 State of Israel, through various programmes and comprehensive Zionist Education. NOW EXPO 2013 16 Through Partnership2Gether, we are proud to join with the -Mateh Yehuda region in Israel and Washington DC to connect Jewish Communities in Israel and the PARTNERSHIP2GETHER COEXISTENCE SOCCER DELEGATION 17 . ZIONIST YOUTH MOVEMENTS 18-19

Working closely with our Shlichim, we maintain vital ties with our Zionist Youth SAZF ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT 2013 20-23 Movements. JNF ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT 2013 24-25 The Israel Centre offers various educational programmes, including Israel Encounter and ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION 26 gap year, study abroad, post-college and volunteer programs in Israel. With over 200 unique programmes on offer, the Israel Centre does its best to match the ABOUT THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL 26 most suitable programme to the individual. Through our Maoz Education Program, the Israel Centre works closely with the formal and informal systems to create and maintain the vital bond between young and Israel.

Aliyah is the cornerstone of our work and Israel is the number one immigration destination for South African Jewry. Through the eligibility of the , we provide a smooth transition to Israel for anyone wishing to make Aliyah, by assisting with all the necessary documentation, flights where applicable and various Programmes. We ensure that every Oleh has an absorption plan.

2 GREETINGS GREETINGSZIONIST CARAVAN

Shalom Haverim!

South African Jewry has a proud history of commitment to and Zionist activity. On behalf of the South African Jewish community, I would like to congratulate the From pre-state days until today, the South African Jewish community has always stood South African Zionist Federation and the Israel Centre on leading our community with side by side with the State of Israel. Over twenty thousand South Africans have made creative and relevant events, both educational and social, all of which connect our their homes in Israel, and thousands more visit every year. community to our beloved State of Israel.

Today, within the South African Jewish community, Zionist activity is spearheaded by the I would specifically like to pay tribute to the Chairman, Mr Avrom Krengel, his Executive SAZF and the Israel Centre. Zionist youth movements that span the political spectrum; Committee and professional staff, Mr Shimon Shamila, Israel Centre Director, and his the recent visit by the mixed girls football team from the Peres Centre for Peace; services team of staff and Shlichim, on leading our community with such excellence, passion, to potential olim; trips to Israel and public advocacy are just a part of the huge breadth and commitment in deepening and giving expression to our community’s Zionism. and scope of activities that offer a range of opportunities for people to be involved with The vibrancy and professionalism of the South African Zionist Federation makes an and to connect to Israel. important contribution to our community.

The commitment is mutual. Israel remains deeply connected to our brothers and sisters At this time we also remember and pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices and suffering in “Drom Afrika” and sees our ties to be unbreakable. We have a shared destiny and of all those who have fought to establish and protect the State of Israel. We pray for the confidence in the strength of Israel as a democratic, diverse and successful home for all soldiers who are being held in places unknown and incommunicado by those who seek Jews and all of its citizens. our destruction. Also, at this time, let us, with humility and gratitude, acknowledge the awesome miracles and blessings that G-d has showered upon us from the very As we enter 2014, I see great potential and opportunities for the bi-lateral relationship beginning of the establishment of the State of Israel, right through to the present. We between Israel and South Africa and am confident that Israel and South Africa relations realise that without our loving Father in heaven we would not have been privileged to have a bright and positive future, and I encourage all to play a role in strengthening those see the re establishment of Jewish sovereignty in the holy after almost ties and showing how we can further partner together. 2000 years. May G-d continue to bless the Jewish People and the State of Israel with His abundant goodness. B’Kavod rav, Kind regards Arthur Lenk Chief Ambassador for the State of Israel

4 5 VIDEO GREETING ISRAEL ENCOUNTER 2013

Every year, the Israel Centre sends approximately 200 participants from across South Africa on Israel Encounter, a memorable 12-day student program in Israel. In 2013, four groups of Grade 11 students -- a group, a group, a Religious Boys group, and a Religious Girls group -- saw young Jews discover Israel, starting in the North and ending in .

Click on the picture to watch the greeting by During those 12 days, they visited , Tzfat, the desert and Israel’s southern region, Shimon Shamila and Ein Gedi. Participants touched the Kotel and explored its tunnels, swam in the Dead Sea, rode Director, Israel Centre-South Africa camels, spent a night in a Bedouin tent, visited Massada, sat within Independence Hall, and felt the sorrow and pain of Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl.

They were fortunate enough to visit universities and colleges, and met representatives from various gap year programs who informed them about the opportunities that await them in Israel once they have finished school.

Since its inception six years ago, over 1000 students have participated in Israel Encounter. ISRAEL CENTRE: ZIONIST ACTIVITIES 2013 ACTIVITIES ZIONIST CENTRE: ISRAEL

6 7 THE JEWISH AGENCY MISHLACHAT (DELEGATION) TO SOUTH AFRICA 2013-14

JOHANNESBURG CAPE TOWN

Shimon Shamila, Director of The Israel Centre South Africa, Yaniv Nachmas is the Head Shaliach in Cape Town as well as the grew up in Be’er Sheva. He was a captain the Golani infantry brigade, Community, Aliyah, and Habonim-Dror Shaliach there. He is 35 and and holds a degree from Ben Gurion University in Economics and arrived in Cape Town two years ago with his wife Maya and their three Business Management. Before performing his first Shlichut in the children. Yaniv has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and UK, Shimon was a madrich at various US summer camps. On his Education, and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, both second day in the UK, Shimon met his wife, Renana; they have four from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Before arriving in Cape Town, sons. Back in Israel, Shimon joined a local southern NGO assisting Yaniv worked as regional director for Perach, Israel’s largest tutoring and with sustenance and education for underprivileged families. He mentoring organisation. then joined The Jewish Agency as a regional director for the Partnership2Gether project, working with Jewish communities in New Tamar Glauber and Eliraz Wohl are the Youth Movement Shlichot Jersey and Deleware for joint programs in the eastern Negev region. for in Cape Town. They arrived together just two months ago, and are working for the Jewish Federation and for the Bnei Akiva Of his years in South Africa, Shimon says ‘this is the best job’ he’s ever had. Youth Movement. They teach at Herzlia schools three times a week and Shimon was the recent recipient of an award from The Jewish Agency organise activiteis, create relationships, and act as role models for the for being the best regional director within The Agency, worldwide. madrichim and chanichim in Bnei Akiva.

Ori Leizer , Youth Movement Shaliach (Emissary) to , Tamar is 22. After completing high school she volunteered through the is 28 years old, from Rishon L’, near Tel Aviv. Ori has a BA in Israeli National Service in a home for underprivileged teenagers. She Government and Diplomacy from IDC Herzeliya, and worked at the graduated from Ariel University with a B.A. in digital communications. as a Parliamentary Assistant for the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset. He worked at Jewish summer camps in the , Eliraz is 20. After graduating from high school, she completed two years and in 2010 was the director of the JCC camp in Copake, New York. of National Service, volunteering in a primary school and running a branch of Bnei Akiva in Petach Tikva. Ori came on Shlichut to South Africa to bring back to life the of Betar. He also works as an Aliyah Shaliach at the Mor Arbel, Youth Movement Shlichah to Netzer, is 26 and comes Israel Centre, and has been instrumental in educating the community in from Yiftah in the upper . She holds a degree in Psychology the fields of Zionism, Hasbara, and the through Maoz. and Behavioral Sciences from Yezre’el Valley College in Israel. After her military service she worked at a summer camp in California, teaching Yaron Shiponi, Youth Movement Shaliach to Habonim-Dror Israeli culture and Zionism. The experience inspired her to come on and the WZO, is 31. He is married to Noa; they have two sons. Shlichut for a year. Her life motto is “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Yaron is from Kibbutz Beit Kama, near Be’er Sheva. Prior to his Shlichut Yaron was in charge of the informal education department for the regional council of Bnei Shimon. Yaron has a B.A. from Ben Gurion University, in and Political Science.

Yaron has been in South Africa since September 2012 and has enjoyed sharing the vibrant Israel he loves so much with this community. He looks forward to the remaining two years of his Shlichut.

8 9 THE ISRAEL QUIZ 2013 ZIONIST CARAVAN

Hosted by the Israel Centre South Africa, the Israel Quiz aims to connect high school students Shlichim and representatives of the Israel Centre took to the road to visit from in the Diaspora, to Eretz Yisrael by encouraging them to learn about Israeli history and current far and wide in the annual Zionist Caravan event, to reconnect them with the beautiful side of Israel. events through the medium of two study guides, compiled by the Israel Centre. The Johannesburg contingent started their informal education in . The Shlichim program Students from major Jewish Day Schools in Johannesburg and Cape Town eagerly took part in the involved a brilliantly informative video on Israel called ‘Israel Inside’; traditional Mediterranean first round by writing an exam consisting of questions relating to every aspect of Israel including food was served and the event ended with a meaningful discussion about the State of Israel. history, wars, policies, society, culture, the defence force, sporting and scientific achievements. This same program was presented to Durban’s adult community, and time was also spent with Of the original 100 contestants who participated in the first and second qualifying rounds, 15 Durban’s Jewish youth. En route to their second destination the Caravan stopped off in Umhlanga students reached the finals. They came from King David Linksfield High School, King David Victory to visit the new and give the kids an enjoyable surprise: ‘Bisli’ and ‘Bamba’ treats. Park High School, Boys High School, Academy and Hirsch Lyons Boys High School. In Swaziland the Johannesburg team was welcomed into a member of the Jewish community’s Keynote speakers Professor , former Israeli Defence Minister; Deputy Chief of Mission home to enjoy a home cooked meal with six families from the Swaziland Jewish community. Michael Freeman; and SAZF Chairman, Avrom Krengel , addressed the finalists before perennial Much discussion ensued about Aliyah potential and living in the State of Israel. question master Doron Klein, former director of the Israel Centre and now deputy Director of Telfed, Israel began the quiz. Betar Shaliach Ori Leizer was thrilled to officially interview several people on Aliyah, army service and Masa programs. The questions ranged from reasonably fair to rather difficult, but all the participants proved to be extremely knowledgeable, and conducted themselves with dignity and self-control. At the same time, the Cape Town Caravan was making its way along the Garden Route to the smaller Jewish communities in the area to bring Israel to them. Judges Shimon Shamila, Ori Leizer and Bev Goldman were well equipped to make the correct decisions and unanimously proclaim the winners. This Caravan consisted of 5 bachurim from the (Dovi Knohl, Daniel Levian, Ido Lifshitz, Avishi Levin and Dotan Farangi), the 2 Bnei Akiva shlichot (Malka Solomont and Shani 1st Place: Dorron Joffe from Torah Academy who won a return flight to Israel and spending money Yedidovitz), Netzer shlicha (Mor Arbel), the president of WIZO SA (Tamar Lazarus) and Director of the Israel Centre Cape Town (Yaniv Nachmias). Moshe Wolberg from Hirsch Lyon’s who won an Ipad 4 2nd Place: Armed with a 65 minute presentation, “65 Minutes of Pride” (for 65 years of Israel ), the Caravan visited five communities, including some Christian Zionist communities, and held seven exciting 3rd Place: Yossi Bank from King David Victory Park who won a return flight to Cape Town different events in George, Plettenberg Bay, , and East . In total the Caravan met with more than 200 people.

The Zionist Caravan week made an enormous impact on the people living in these outlying communities who find it very difficult to stay in touch with and connected to South Africa’s greater Jewish community.

10 11 ALIYAH2GETHER HIGHER EDUCATION EXPO

Rachel Reinfeld and Jeff Langford came to South Africa as part of the 2013 Aliyah2Gether delegation The Israel Centre hosts the Higher Education and Masa Expo in May of each year for young Jewish from the Partnership2Gether region of Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehudah where they both reside. individuals in Grade 11 and 12 who are interested in studying, volunteering or taking part in an Rachel made Aliyah from Johannesburg and was a former member of Bnei Akiva, while Jeff made internship in Israel. Aliyah from Cape Town and was a former member of . This year, the Expo was held in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. It offered visitors the opportunity While in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Rachel and Jeff participated in several events and activities to meet delegates from Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, a 3rd year engineering to strengthen the bonds with the Partnership, enlighten the community with their knowledge of student and representative of the Technion, an AardVark gap year representative as well as the Partnership and what the Partnership does. They also spoke about Aliyah to Israel and gave a many Johannesburg based representatives of Israeli institutions and gap-year programs. personal side to the story of making Aliyah from South Africa. Delegates and representatives spent a week addressing high school students and parents at They discussed their first years in Israel and the current lives they lead. The audience was various events, and informing them of all their options. fascinated by their stories. It was gratifying to see the response of the Jewish community to these two ex-South Africans and the vast demographic that the audience represented, from those young adults in Youth Movements right up to families with children looking to make a future for themselves in Israel.

The overall result was a successful event where ex-South African Olim were able to connect with the Jewish community of Cape Town and Johannesburg, presenting not only the beauty of the region, but also the beautiful (and sometime complex) sides of Israel through personal touching stories.

12 13 CYCALIVE PARTNERSHIP2GETHER ARTISTS DELEGATION

As part of the Israel Aliyah Expo, Partnership2Gether and the Israel Centre welcomed a delegation of artists and photographers from the Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda region to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Two artists, Amit Zehavi and Irit Alhassid, and two photographers, Shaike Eitan and Eyal Tagar, ran creative activities and workshops with an Israeli theme within the Johannesburg and Cape Town Jewish Communities. These included wonderful workshops held in schools which are twinned with Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda schools, and included Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School, Herzlia As part of the 16th annual CycAlive event in August 2013, four students from the P2G Constantia and Herzlia Middle School, all in Cape Town, and King David Linksfield, Victory Park and region, Beit Shemesh, together with grade 11 boys from Torah Academy, Moletsane High Sandton schools in Johannesburg. School and Pace Commercial Secondary School, both from Soweto, united in the enormous In Johannesburg,the photographers held a photo walk around Newtown to teach photography challenge of cycling the 700km from Johannesburg to Durban. to 18 young adults, while arts & crafts workshopswere hosted by generous members of the Johannesburg Jewish community. Accompanied by teachers and principals from the three schools, and a support team of medics, the 32 cyclists set off for Durban on Sunday 4 August from Torah Academy Boys In Cape Town the artists hosted activities where young pupils decorated magnets or placemats High and arrived at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday 8 August after five days of with an Israeli theme. They also ran photography workshops, and had the opportunity to see spreading goodwill and learning about themselves and others along the way. some of the beauty of Cape Town.

In Durban, the boys had the opportunity to learn about the Jewish community of South This delegation proved to be successful for the greater Jewish communities in Johannesburg and Africa and the dynamics of its youth, while spending a wonderful with the Cape Town due to the personal connections that were established, adding yet another dimension Durban community. to our already successful and extraordinary partnership.

Sponsored by private and public donors, the proceeds of this project are used to fund the ride and to make significant improvements to educational projects in the participating schools. The ride is designed to build bridges and form bonds between young South Africans and their respective communities, to inspire ubuntu (optimism and commitment for the common good of a positive future in South Africa), to raise funds for educational projects and to highlight the importance of road safety and the ARRIVE ALIVE campaign particularly relating to cyclists.

Most importantly, the ride encourages leadership and a spirit of adventure, personal challenge and self-confidence amongst the boys who participate.

14 15 ALIYAH NOW EXPO 2013 PARTNERSHIP2GETHER

The annual Aliyah Expo was once again held in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and this year’s theme was Aliyah Now: Why Aliyah may be the best choice for many, right now. COEXISTENCE SOCCER DELEGATION

Delegates came from Israel to discuss many differing topics. One of the participants was Rabbi The Israel Centre and Partnership2Gether, in conjunction with The Peres Peace Centre brought a Kline, Deputy Director of Telfed. The Israel Centre was also privileged to host Alan Green, Director delegation of eight teenage girls, four Jewish and four Arab, to South Africa to play soccer. The of Programmes in The Jewish Agency for Israel. He was joined by his colleague Baruch Kostsewa, Co-Existence Girls’ Soccer Team proved that participation in sports encourages interaction among Director of the Ulpan Etzion Jerusalem Programme, one of the premier programme options for people of different faiths, colours and creeds; and that promoting bridge building and coexistence young professionals making Aliyah to Israel. through sport has been one of the many excellent ways in which the Peres Centre has sought to break down stereotypes and change attitudes towards the “other” between Jews and Arabs in Israel. There were also Israel Centre representatives present to discuss Na’ale Elite Academy, a schooling option for pupils to finish their final high school years in Israel. Ori Leizer, Aliyah and Betar Shaliach, The visit encompassed a variety of activities for the girls, in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, provided information on how to find a job in Israel and the intricacies of an Israeli CV. where they were able to meet young South African female soccer players, to show off their soccer skills, and to counter the widely-held misconception that there is no communication between Representatives of the city of provided information about the opportunities for those and Arab Israelis, and that the country is little more than a conflict zone. interested in settling in Ashkelon. Home in Israel real estate agents were available to talk about property for those more drawn to Netanya and its surrounds. In Johannesburg and Cape Town, the co-existence team participated in a soccer round robin together with local teams and clubs. They also had the opportunity to have a practice session with In Johannesburg, Bayley Worldwide provided shipping information and Leon Harris from Harris Super Sport United, they visited schools in Cape Town and Afrikka Tikkun in Alexandra Township, Consulting and Tax provided useful insight into the new Israeli tax laws. they visited Parliament and they toured the mother city.

This and much more was offered in providing potential Olim with all the know-how necessary to Though the Arab and Israeli teens live minutes apart from one another, this program provided make a smooth transition in Israel after making Aliyah. one of the more positive and practical opportunities they have to interact. Ultimately one of the Jewish girls summed up the aims of the Partnership2Gether Coexistence Soccer Delegation and The Peres Peace Center itself: “It’s not ‘them’ and ‘us’, it’s ‘we’ together!”

16 17 Mini Machaneh, the Purim Carnival, Yom Ha’atzmaut , Yom Yerushalayim, Gurim Seminar, Winter ZIONIST YOUTH MOVEMENTS Camp and Durban’s Camp Snoopy were all incredibly well attended over the year, as were Hadracha Tzeira, a 3 week programme in Israel and Kfar, a 3 month programme, both for Grade 10’s.

Highlights from the year included Shabbat Aliyah, with a guest speaker from Israel, Shevet Yuval, an outreach initiative catering for people with special needs and celebrating the Big Shabbat/ Shabbat Project on the Yeshiva Campus. 12 made Aliyah during 2014 and 15 are currently serving in the IDF.

Betar The Betar Movement is a world Zionist youth movement founded in 1923 by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, and is today active in many world branches, promoting Jewish and Zionist activism.

Betar SA is re-kindling the strong Zionistic spirit that it once held, and was involved in community projects - Yom Hazikaron, Yom Hashoa, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Walk the Land during 2013. Netzer Netzer South Africa is the non-profit, Progressive Jewish and Reform Zionist youth movement of Two Betarim attended the Betar Shnat program in Israel to learn the skills required to become South Africa; and is a branch of the international Netzer movement, Netzer Olami (worldwide) - representatives of the movement. In March 2013 Betar South Africa launched a Leadership Course situated in Jerusalem. for High School and University Students. Our main focus is Tikkun Olam (social action), which we try and instil through Jewish education. In July 2013, the Mazkirut (Committee) of Betar South Africa hosted a weekend to facilitate The Jewish values of equality, tolerance and respect for all humanity form the core of our ideology. learning about the ideology of the movement and its great leaders. Our 5 Pillars of ideology are Progressive , , Tikkun Olam, South Africa and Youth Empowerment. We aim to educate our channichim and empower them so that we can put Since August 2013, Betar has had a presence at Jewish schools, during break, to hold fun activities our ideology into practice. As we love to say: “Nilmad ve’na’aseh! - We will learn and we will do!” for the students and invite them to Betar SA monthly activities. 2013 was an exciting year in the Netzer world, with an amazing 14-member Mazkirut (leadership In 2014, Betar South Africa is planning monthly fun activities for kids, Mini-Machaneh and body) running the movement. Shabbatonim. In addition, in July 2014 Betar SA will host its first Israel Tour for students ages 15-17. Highlights from the year included 2 Netzer members going to Israel for Netzer Olami’s worldwide Veida, where decisions are made about Netzer policy and ideology as a world movement, a very successful Tikkun Day at the JHB Zoo, WinterMachaneh Chakirah – an Ideology and Leadership camp in Durban which took place for the first time in 4 years, resulting in some positive changes to the movement.

Cape Town hosted an annual Netzer Night Variety Show and Auction – a fundraiser for Machaneh and additional activities throughout the year across the country included Shabbatot, Mini- Machanot, Tikkun days, celebration of chaggim, movie nights and family days. Bnei Akiva Bnei Akiva South Africa is part of the World Bnei Akiva movement, a religious Zionist youth movement, which has branches in 35 countries and over 100 000 members. Bnei Akiva believes in a life of “Torah ve’Avodah,” and its motto is “The Land of Israel, for the People of Israel according to the Torah of Israel“. Bnei Akiva guides its members to live a life of Torah observance, and Am Yisrael, the People of Israel, is a large focus of the movement. Bnei Akiva stands for a united Jewish People, strongly supporting the State of Israel with a traditional and moderate Modern Orthodox outlook.

After a very successful Machaneh Ahavat Olam in 2012, the 2013 Bnei Akiva year reached new heights. There were meetings on Shabbat in both Cape Town and Johannesburg; a weekly maddies shiur & supper, Sunday morning shacharit & breakfast and Bnei Shul on Shabbat with a brocha and shiur.

18 19 SAZF: ZIONIST ACTIVITIES 2013

PRE-ELECTION DEBATE An engrossing and entertaining pre-election debate, hosted by the SA Zionist Federation and the Israel Centre, aimed at raising interest and awareness of the Israeli elections in late January.

Moderator Harold Jacobs, vice-chairman of the SAZF, introduced the party representatives from Meretz; / ; ; Hadash; Labour; and Shas and Habayit Hayehudi.

ISRAEL ADVOCACY SEMINAR The SA Zionist Federation hosted the Israel Advocacy Seminar attended by more than 150 people, many representing some of the major Christian Zionist organisations in South Africa. An audio- visual presentation of the previous year’s activities involving the Christian communities, and including such events as the Bible House Project, A Night to Honour Israel, the Africans for Israel March and the DTI labelling of goods issues, was highlighted. There was a fascinating panel discussion and talks on the very destructive international BDS campaign.

SAZF: ZIONIST ACTIVITIES 2013 ACTIVITIES ZIONIST SAZF: DAVID BEN DAVID and the ISRAEL AID MISSION Israel Aid Mission is a Jerusalem-based disaster relief organization that rapidly deploys security, shelter, food and medical aid to people who are facing life-threatening circumstances around the world. Immediately following the tragic 2012 earthquake in Haiti, the IAM sent an emergency medical team to the slums of Port au Prince, saving over 400 lives and feeding thousands during the four-week mission. The SAZF hosted a luncheon for Israel Aid Mission Director David Ben David, who gave an excellent presentation to the guests.

SIMON DENG Former Sudanese child slave Simon Deng, in South Africa to speak on various campuses during Israel Week, was guest speaker, hosted by the SAZF, at a dinner early in the year. Simon held the capacity audience spellbound with his story of enslavement, torture and incessant terror when, as a child of 9, he was kidnapped by Muslims and forced to work in conditions suited more to animals than to people. Also present that evening was Miri Eisin, former spokesperson of the IDF and guest of the SAZF, who during her stay addressed communal leaders, the Media Team, members of the SAICC and the SAUPJ, and various Jewish Day Schools.

YOM HAZIKARON Over 2,000 people attended the annual Yom Hazikaron memorial service. Moving and dignified addresses by Israeli Ambassador Dov Segev-Steinberg, SAZF Chairman Avrom Krengel and guest speaker Glen Eilon were followed by candle lighting commemorating the wars fought by the young soldiers.

20 21 YOM HA’ATZMA’UT FAREWELL: AMBASSADOR DOV SEGEV STEINBERG AND YAAKOV FINKELSTEIN To celebrate and honour the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, the The SAZF hosted an official farewell for both Israeli Ambassador Dov Segev Steinberg and Deputy SAZF hosted two successful, triumphant functions. On the night of Monday 15th April, a capacity Chief of Mission Yaakov Finkelstein, who had been Israel’s representatives at the Israeli Embassy audience of some 1000 people attended the production of The Miracle of Israel – A Symphonic for 5 and 3 years respectively. Their terms of office ended in August this year, after which they Celebration, at the elegant Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City On Tuesday afternoon and evening 16th returned to Israel. April, the SAZF played host to more than 2,000 children at the annual Yom Ha’atzma’ut Carnival, also held at Gold Reef City. KASSIM HAFEEZ In August the SAZF hosted Kasim Hafeez, the young British Muslim who was influenced by Alan YOM YERUSHALAYIM CELEBRATION 2013 Dershowitz’s book The Case for Israel to change his life and the beliefs indoctrinated in him by The SAZF hosted guest speaker Shay Felber, Deputy Director of The Jewish Agency for Israel; and his background and home and school environments, turning him away from having been a simultaneously presented to the audience a musical journey through the past, present and future radical jihadist for most of his life into who he is today - a proud Zionist. Kasim gave a number of of the beautiful city of Jerusalem addresses to various groups during his stay; he was interviewed in depth by journalists of both print and electronic media; and he left a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to WALK THE LAND 65 meet and hear him. Again in honour of Israel’s 65th birthday, and as part of the Global Walk organised by the Afikim Foundation in conjunction with the World Zionist Organization and the Israel Ministry MOSHE ARONS of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, the SAZF and the Israel Centre hosted the Walk the The SAZF in partnership with Likud hosted Professor Moshe Arens, former Israeli Ambassador Land – Celebrate Life! event, highlighting the contributions that Israel has made to the world in to USA, former Minister of Defence and former Minister of Foreign Affairs. Professor Arens medicine, agriculture, technology, education, science, culture and the environment, all emanating addressed a number of various events on the situation in the Middle East and the prospects for from the profound value that the country places upon “LIFE”. peace in the region.

ISRAEL NOW ECONOMIST TOUR 2013 DAVID HOROVITZ on VIDEO Reeva Forman took a group of leading South Africa economists to Israel with the purpose of David Horovitz, founding editor of the online newspaper and speaker par highlighting the economic commonalities between Israel and SA as well as the common economic excellence, participated in a video conference from Israel. Among the issues David discussed were challenges facing both countries. those of the promotion of intra-Jewish tolerance and a plea to the Israeli leadership to devote more attention to the struggle for Israeli legitimacy on “the second battlefield” – in the media, the MACCABI FAREWELL legal arena and diplomatic forums. The SAZF together with Maccabi hosted a cocktail party in honour of the South African team participating in the July Maccabiah Games in Israel. This was the largest contingent that SA had “OUTRAGEOUS MYTH: ZIONISM EQUALS RACISM” BOOKLET ever sent to the Maccabiah; and it was also the largest team per capita based on the size of The SAZF published and distributed an excellent booklet illustrating the Palestinian claim to various Diaspora communities. and the Israeli rebuttal of the statement: Zionism equals Racism. The in-depth and intensively researched content was written by Media Team Israel member Monessa Shapiro. “WHAT WOULD WE DO IF WE DID NOT HAVE A JEWISH HOMELAND?” The SAZF and Israel Centre’s MAOZ programme hosted a video conference with Rabbi Yitzchak THE MEDIA TEAM ISRAEL Goldman who was speaking from Israel. The interactive debate with the audience touched on a As they had done in the past 12 years, the Media Team Israel ensured that they challenged and number of varied and contentious issues. confronted virtually every negative article, broadcast and item on Israel which appeared in either print or electronic media, including the internet. ALLAN GALE The SAZF hosted Allan Gale from Detroit, Michigan, to a special luncheon. Mr Gale is a prominent The Media Team’s own blog page - http://mediateamisrael.wordpress.com - on which all the letters member of the Detroit Jewish community. and op-eds are pasted, has been accessed by readers around the world, from the Scandinavian countries across to the Middle East, Africa and South America.

22 23 JNF: ZIONIST ACTIVITIES 2013 ZIONIST CARAVAN

TU BISHVAT Many Jewish day schools benefited from the exciting and innovative tree planting workshops by “Grow a Tree” which donated 15 indigenous trees (for the Tu in Tu Bishvat ) to each school.

YOM HA’ATZMA’UT 2013 This occasion saw the launch of the JNF viral “Forest of Giving” campaign. The video debuted at the community concert and was well received.

When former SA Ambassador to Israel Ismail Coovadia rejected his traditional gift of 18 trees at the termination of his office, this incensed the local community and the JNF created a trees campaign to counter it. Some 354o trees were planted in lieu of his rejection.

KKL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The JNF / KKL in Israel held its biannual Leadership Conference in June of this year, coordinating with the Presidents Conference which celebrated ’ 90th Birthday.

The conference was a spectacular affair with a good mix of learning, updating of JNF activities, and gala events. JNF: ZIONIST ACTIVITIES 2013 ACTIVITIES ZIONIST JNF:

WALTER SISULU ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE The local JNF project WSEC once again did the organisation proud by winning its 5th National Award, this time for Bio Diversity. The Centre continues to educate over 10 000 pupils a year in sustainable living and sound environmental practice.

The affiliated project - “Greening Mamelodi” – was responsible for planting 7000 trees in the Tshwane District during 2013.

HARVEST OF PEACE An exciting new project between the JNF-SA, Food and Trees for Africa, and the Catholics Bishops Conference was initiated this year. First step will be an educational demo farm in Brits. The JNF arranged for 2 agronomists from Food and Trees to travel to Israel to meet experts there and learn about the very latest in growing technologies and water saving measures.

GREEN SHULS The JNF continues to encourage local Shuls to opt for greener solutions in their running and catering endeavours, and to encourage the “green element” and sensitive living, as in .

ANNUAL YOUTH CAMPS The JNF continues to have a presence at the December Youth Camps to teach chanichim Zionist values and the importance of the JNF as the official developer of the land of Israel on behalf of all diaspora Jews.

24 25 ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION One of the reasons I am so pleased to be in Israel is as a tribute The SAZF is a constituent body of the World Zionist Organisation; and the to the enormous contribution of the Jewish community of South representative in South Africa of the World Zionist Organisation. Africa [to South Africa]. I am so proud of them. The SAZF acts on behalf of the South African Jewish Community in all matters relating to Israel; and is the umbrella organisation responsible for all aspects -- Nelson Mandela of Zionist activity and for the range of the Jewish community’s multi-faceted relationship with Israel. You declare, my friend, that you do not hate the Jews, you are merely ‘anti-Zionist.’ And I say, let the truth ring forth from the The Zionist Federation works pro-actively to reduce the amount of anti-Israel high mountain tops, let it echo through the valleys of God’s green bias in the South Africa political system. It works at all levels to put Israel’s case earth: When people criticize Zionism, they mean Jews-this is God’s of democracy and freedom across to key decision makers. This includes the own truth. Anti-Semitism, the hatred of the Jewish people, has governmental, party political, media, civil society, academic, diplomatic, business been and remains a blot on the soul of mankind. In this we are in and religious communities. The Zionist Federation also helps to celebrate the full agreement. So know also this: anti-Zionist is inherently anti- many successes of the , organizing important commemorative days, Semitic, and ever will be so. Why ? Because Zionism is nothing less facilitating Zionist education and bringing the best in Israeli culture and technology than the dream and ideal of the Jewish people returning to live in to the South Africa for everyone to enjoy. their own land.

-- Martin Luther King ABOUT THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has worked to secure a vibrant Jewish future. The Jewish Agency was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and we continue to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled us to ,for all the land which thou seest ּכִי אֶת ּכָל הָָארֶץ אֲׁשֶרַאּתָ ה .address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation to thee will I give it, and to thy רֹאֶה, לְָך אֶּתְנֶּנָה, ּולְזַרְעֲָך, Today, we connect the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to .seed for ever עַד עֹולָ ם. Jews. We build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to a land which the LORD thy God אֶרֶץ, אֲׁשֶרה’ אֱֹלהֶ יָך ּדֹרֵ ׁש .rescue and bring Jews home to Israel from countries where they are at-risk careth for; the eyes of the LORD אֹתָּה:ּתָמִיד, עֵינֵיה’ אֱֹלהֶ יָך More information can be found at: jewishagency.org thy God are always upon it, from ּבָּה-מֵרֵׁשִית הַּׁשָנָה, the beginning of the year even .unto the end of the year וְעַדַאחֲרִית ׁשָנָה.

26 27 Israel Centre Johannesburg Beyachad 2 Elray Street Raedene, 2192 011 645 2560 [email protected] jewishagency.org/sa facebook.com/israel.centre.9

Israel Centre Cape Town 87 Hatfield Street Gardens, 8001 021 464 6718 [email protected] jewishagency.org/sa facebook.com/israel.centre.9

South African Zionist Federation Beyachad 2 Elray Street Raedene, 2192 011 645 2510 [email protected] sazionfed.co.za facebook.com/SAZionistFed

The Jewish Agency (Israel Headquarters) 45 King George Street Jerusalem 91000 +972 2 620 2222 jewishagency.org facebook.com/jewishagency twitter.com/jewishagency