Contents LOOKING AHEAD “I don’t believe Telfed Magazine targets IN THE MAIL ...... 2 readers in the 20-35 year age group,” asserts PEOPLE ...... 6 Darren Rozowsky, a South African-born FEATURE ...... 17 student at the Interdisciplinary Centre (IDC) in Herzlyia. FEATURE ...... 20 12 “What is my affiliation to the Southern FOCUS ON TELFED ...... 25 African community?” he asks. “If Telfed is NEW ARRIVALS ...... 32 concerned about continuity and where it will BETH PROTEA ...... 33 be in say 15 years, it should start focusing KEREN TELFED ...... 34 more on the younger generation.” NUPTIALS ...... 38 Prophetic views in the light of Telfed’s 19 recent Retreat, where members of the NOTICE BOARD ...... 39 Executive met to discuss the ‘Fed’s’ future. FEATURE ...... 40 As if in response to Rozowsky’s incisive BUSINESS BRIEFS ...... 43 observations, the articles in this issue focus HEALTH AND BEAUTY ...... 44 mainly on the younger generation. They also reflect Telfed’s readiness to embark on IN MEMORIAM ...... 46 youth-orientated programmes that promote CLASSIFIEDS ...... 47 29 a strengthening of the bonds between Israel and the younger members of South Africa’s Jewish community. Production During the past few months, Telfed has Editor and Chief Correspondent: David Kaplan Design and Layout: Becky Rowe been in high gear welcoming youngsters Editorial Committee Chairman: David Bloom on short and long-term programmes. With Media Committee: Dave Bloom (Chair), the launch of the Jewish Agency’s MASA Sharon Bernstein, Gershon Gan, Pearl Feldman, programme — offering as many as 32 diverse David Kaplan, Becky Rowe, Naomi Heim, Neil programmes for South Africans — Telfed is Schwartz, Kevin Kenigsberg, Maurice Ostroff, preparing for an increasing number of young Leonie Barel visitors to Israel. Advertising: David Kaplan, Lena Nulman Proofreading: Sharon Bernstein, Marvyn Anticipating a busy schedule in the years ahead, Hatchuel, Jack and Rae Galloon, Ralph Telfed will be looking to the twentysomethings Lanesman, Harriet Levin, Leon Moss, Sidney like Rozowsky to play their part. Shapiro, Marcelle Weiss David Kaplan, Editor Extra or back copies of Telfed Magazine are available at NIS 15 per magazine. Contact Lena at (09)744-6110. South African Zionist Federation (Israel) Views and comments expressed in this publication are not 19 Schwartz Street, Ra’anana 43212 necessarily those of the South African Zionist Federation (Israel) or of the Editorial Board. SAZF (Israel) is not tel.: (09)744-6110, fax: (09)744-6112 responsible for articles and advertisements which appear herein. [email protected]; www.telfed.org.il

1 IN THE MAIL MAKING A DIFFERENCE I read with interest your excellent Good luck to the able people who Chronology of Contributions in Telfed run Telfed magazine and wishing you magazine celebratory issue (October all the best for years to come. 2005). However I wish to focus atten- Rona Kruger, Netanya tion on the contribution of the regional committees, Netanya in particular. THE OCHBERG SAGA During the years of 1973-1974, my Dear Editor, husband Jeff started the Netanya branch for the absorption of olim to help them It was with great pleasure that I read integrate into the Israeli scene. A net- the article “The Ochberg Orphans” work was established of people from in the October 2005 issue of Telfed Netanya as well as from neighbouring Magazine. I was so overcome with moshavim and kibbutzim. The groups emotion. My mother, Andja Avin, was were wonderful and many people met one of those children. their life long friends at those early Ochberg rescued my mother in house meetings that were held weekly. Warsaw, Poland and brought her to Social activities, organizing trips for Cape Town, where she lived until she our olim to supermarkets, civic places came on aliyah in 1960 with my father and banks, arranging gatherings with and four daughters. Initially settling the locals as well as welcoming visiting on Kibbutz Kfar Blum in the Upper groups from South Africa were all part Galilee, the family soon moved to and parcel of our work as was assist- Kiryat Gat. My mother passed away ing in job hunting, helping to find the in 1984. right school for the kids, advising Yvette Shiloh, Haifa Please Note: which Kupat Cholim to join, and T h e d a t e o n finding babysitters. the right corner Many people came to of your mailing settle in this area, knowing label indicates that Netanya Telfed was the date of your there for them - anytime. last payment for At one time there were so Telfed Magazine. many bowlers in the town If no date appears, that you had to just stand we have not yet in the street wearing white received payment and a car would stop to from you. offer a lift.

2 IN THE MAIL Celia seen Dear Editor, (bottom right) My late mother was one of the at a Habonim many children that accompanied Isaac camp in 1935. Ochberg from Poland to Johannesburg. She often spoke of “Papa Ochberg”. She was born Phyllis Ratzer in 1908 but was adopted by the Woolf family and took Ed. note: In the their name. She married Paul Sherman Ochberg article, Sam in 1933 and died in Johannesburg in Levin surmised that it 2002 at the age of 94. was unlikely that there were any Ochberg My husband and I are olim cha- orphans alive today, dashim and always look forward to particularly in Israel. So, you can imagine the surprise receiving your great magazine. when one Cecilia Harris (nee Zaika/Harris) of Haifa called Rene Simpson, Tel Aviv to advise that she was one of them. She left Russia for South Africa at the age of three with her two sisters and was adopted by the Harris family in Johannesburg. Her sister Lisa Zaika, a nurse, “came to Palestine from South Africa on holiday in 1937 on an Italian boat and stayed,” says Cecilia, who joined her many years later. “She was always dodging the British authorities who were looking for her, but always managed to stay one step ahead of them. She had a friend in the police force that would send his son to warn her whenever they were about to raid her room. They never found her.” Lisa passed away in 2003. continued on next page

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3 IN THE MAIL SIMIE REPORTING….. Dear Editor, A photo of my father, Simie Weinstein, appears Chaim Gershater, fifth in your Telfed Magazine from the left. (Oct. 2005). JOURNEY OF A JOURNALIST I was extremely moved Simie Weinstein, Dear Editor, to see his picture, which took me back broadcasting What an emotional surprise to rec- the news in almost 50 years. ognize my dad, Chaim Gershater, in Afrikaans. I can recall as a child, we would a photo in the 30-anniversary edition listen to his broadcasts at our neigh- of Telfed magazine. He was standing bours who owned a radio with a short in amongst a group of South African wave receiver. Being very young, I journalists taken in 1951 in Eilat, couldn’t understand how my father’s escorted by Telfed Director Sam Levin voice was coming out of a box. I’ll be (far right in photo above). very grateful if you could assist me in Educated in Vilna, and a graduate obtaining the original picture. of the Vilna Tarbuth Teachers’ College, Eli Avni, Ramat Gan he immigrated to South Africa in 1926. clockwise from Using the Tanach and its English top: Percy HABONIM REVISITED Manheim, translation, he taught himself English Wellesley Aaron, Dear Editor, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree, Max Spitz and Following your report on Habonim’s majoring in English. Jack Raphael. 75th reunion at Kibbutz Yizreel In 1929, he accepted the position of in the October issue of Telfed, Headmaster at the Hebrew School in I thought some of your read- Bulawayo. Many well-known members ers would be interested in this of the Jewish community, who went photo from my archive. It on to occupy senior positions in the includes the founder of World Rhodesian Government, were among Habonim Wellesley Aaron, his pupils. who is seen here with South In 1942 he took up the post of editor Africans Percy Manheim (top of The Zionist Record in Johannesburg, left) and in the front row, Jack a position he held until his untimely Raphael and Max Spitz. They death in 1959, at the age of 54. He represented Israel at the 1953 visited Israel on many occasions Maccabiah in bowls. recording much of the early years of Norman Spiro, Tel Aviv its Statehood.

4 IN THE MAIL He wrote numerous articles on Rabin’s memorial in Johannesburg, as Israel, a collection of which was pub- he would have had to share the podium lished in a book, “30 Days in Israel.” with a Reform rabbi. He interviewed and wrote on Ben You would think that a young, Gurion who invited my dad to join savvy, modern Jew, raised on the him on the first ticker tape parade in liberal tenets of the “new” South New York, travelling in the car behind Africa, the rainbow nation, the Israeli premier. He also flew on El would be more open-minded, Please Note: The Al’s inaugural flight from Johannesburg more out-reaching than we older, editor reserves the to Tel Aviv. “verkrampte”, world-weary lot. right to shor ten In a book titled “The Jews of South Instead - the opposite! Either this and edit letter s Africa,” he authored the chapter on guy has become arrogant beyond as well as to post the History of the Lithuanian Jews in reason during his short reign, or same instead on the South Africa. he is unbelievably stupid and Telfed Website, where short-sighted. Either way, thank magazine space is Mayera Glassman, Jerusalem goodness we’re here in Israel, limited. Furthermore, dealing with our own arrogant, RABIN REBUFFED no letters will be stupid and short-sighted leaders, published without a Dear Editor, who at least realise and practice name and address I was pleased to see Telfed’s lead- the value of togetherness when of the sender. ership coming out strong in a recent it comes to the most profound report in Ha’aretz against South and moving day of remembrance in Africa’s Chief Orthodox Rabbi, Warren modern Israeli history. Goldstein’s refusal to attend Yitzchak Linda Barron, Kfar Saba

5 EOPLE P by David Kaplan and Fonda Dubb A CASE STUDY An old romance unpacked There is a charming soldiers, written second-handsecond-hand EnglishEnglish from their battle- Bookstore on Allenby fronts to Ophra, a young lady with Street in downtown Tel whom they were both madly in love. Aviv called Halper’s The one soldier was an Israeli serv- Books. Some years ago ing in the Jewish Brigade, the other a Telfed Magazine ran a Rhodesian, Haig Kaplan serving with story when the proprie- the Southern Rhodesian Armoured tor, Yossi Halper, phoned Car Regiment in East Africa. Haig Telfed to say he had come had met Ophra while stationed with into possession of boxes, the Scottish Regiment in Palestine, which turned out to be a before being shunted off to confront treasure trove of corre- Rommel’s African Corp. spondence of the late With a wry smile, Yossi surmises Rabbi Duschinsky of that from Haig “the young lady received the Schoonder Street only letters, while from the Israeli, who shul in Cape Town. was closer to home – possibly also flow- Well Yossi has again ers.” In the end she made her choice struck gold. Riding to and married the Israeli. In one of his work on his bicycle, final letters, Haig admits to tearing up Yossi noticed a decrepit all her letters, so devastated was he. old suitcase on the Not Ophra. She kept all the letters pavement in Allenby from her two suitors and in the early Street. Keen to stop 1950s handed over a suitcase contain- and take it, he resisted ing all their correspondence to her Haig the temptation and rode sister. When the sister, who lived in an and onto work. Unable to quench his insa- apartment in Allenby Street, recently Ophra tiable curiosity, he went back, grabbed passed away, the suitcase was dumped the discarded case and returned to his outside on the pavement. Were it not store. for Yossi’s inquisitive nature, the story What emerged were numerous letters may have ended there. from the early 1940’s from two young Further investigation led to the

6 EOPLE by David Kaplan and Fonda Dubb P

discovery that both Ophra and Haig are still alive. Ophra is living in Tel Aviv, Haig in Zimbabwe. What’s more Haig has a son Yoram, living in Eilat. Telfed Magazine’s Eilat correspondent, Fonda Dubb visited Yoram and filed this report. Walking into Yoram and Karin Kaplan’s home filled me with nostalgia Haig and a – their collection of stone and metal young kibbutzniks, offered protection young Yoram sculptures from Rhodesia adorned against Arab marauders. (on left) with their shelves, and their walls are filled fellow South Africans on with fascinating artwork. I could have FRONTIER LIFE Ma’ayan spent many hours musing in this “little Living on the frontier for a young Baruch. museum” listening to their love and child of six was tough. “While there knowledge of African art. were quite a few babies, there was no Born in Kfar Hittin overlooking one else on Maayan Baruch my age,” the Sea of Galilee, Yoram attended says Yoram. Just how tough it was for school in Kfar Giladi but grew up on the young lad was evident early one Kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch. His father cold winter’s morning in 1947. “It was Haig had been one of the founders of pitch dark and I was being taken by cart the Kibbutz together with fellow South to school at Kfar Giladi. We were only Africans Leib Golan, Monie Chemel, a quarter of a mile from the kibbutz, Harry Salber and other members when we were ambushed in a Wadi by of Southern African Habonim and an Arab gang.” Accompanying Yoram HaTnuah HaMe’uchedet. for protection was a young Israeli of eighteen, Zalman Winter and a South “My father, because of his wartime African Kalman Hack. “Kalman, experience,” relates Yoram, “was the although wounded in the back, ran military commander of the new kib- for help. Zalman took three bullets but butz. It had been hurriedly established, still managed to hold his rifle and fired and was, of course, illegal. A British at the attackers. His persistent firing paratroop unit was ordered to surround frightened them off. No sooner had they the kibbutz, but fate lent a helping retreated, he died in my arms.” hand.” It turned out that the commander of the British unit was a wartime buddy Yoram’s father, who had heard the of Haig, so instead of removing the shooting, suspected his son had come

7 PEOPLE under attack and ran. The scene that had related about life in Africa! greeted him was of his son holding Yoram completed his schooling in his dead protector. “Zalman saved my Rhodesia, but in 1960, at the age of life,” says Yoram who until this day eighteen, returned to Israel. He joined remembers the incident as if it were Nachal “and teamed up with a bunch of yesterday. The War of Independence South Africans – Ivor and Roni Wolf, took a heavy toll on the young kibbutz. Maurice Wilensky, Neville Greenblatt, “Eleven of its members were killed Eli Klass, Pearl Novick, Itamar Joffe although none were South African,” and Yossi Gaitelband. (see photos on says Yoram. page 28).” The Kaplan family later moved In 1965 Yoram married Karin at the to Rhodesia where Haig resumed his Telfed Hostel in Givatayim, officiated by friendship with the very commander the late Simie Weinstein and have lived of the British Paratroop Unit that had in Eilat ever since. At the time of the protected the Kibbutz. He had settled interview, Yoram was making arrange- in Rhodesia and who knows, maybe he ments to visit his parents in Zimbabwe. had been taken up by the stories Haig No doubt, there will be much to talk and

A TASTE OF ISRAEL Liron In reaching out to the Jewish youth in the Diaspora, the Swartz Jewish Agency each year sponsors the sending out of young in her emissaries. Liron Swartz, at 17, was one of the youngest to join Scouts a 90-strong delegation from Tzofim (Israeli Scout Movement) uniform. to attend last year as a counsellor at a Jewish youth camp in the US. The aim of the programme is to bring a ‘taste of Israel’ to Jewish youth across America. Daughter of former South Africans Jonathan and Belinda from Tzur Yigal, Liron attended a camp in Pennsylvania, where “we taught Israeli songs, dances, made Israeli food and participated in discussion groups. The big issue at the time was the Disengagement from Gaza.” Liron stresses the importance of “kids being exposed to perspectives from people their own age with whom they can identify. I was constantly asked questions like - what life is like for a teenager in Israel, was I afraid to go out because of the security situation or how I feel about going into the army.” She stressed that what was also “very important was that I was seen as someone who was not religious. Diaspora kids have a lot of preconceived notions, so it is important that they are presented with a balanced picture of what life is like in Israel.” •

8 PEOPLE reminisce about. As for bookseller Yossi Halper, Whose past shall he unearth next from our extraordinary Southern African community? • KEEPING ONE’S HEAD ABOVE WATER by David Kaplan This past year has seen our vul- thinking, “Don’t worry. It’s nerable planet viciously battered and probably like a flash flood bruised by Mother Nature. From tiny like we have in the Negev. villages to major cities, there has been It disappears as quickly as abundant death and destruction. Last it comes.” above: The December was the first anniversary of remains of But not this water, as the Tsunami that killed 275,000 people. Yona’s coach. Yona and millions of others across One lucky survivor was Yona Wiseman, below: Yona South East Asia were very soon to a former South African living in Tel Aviv. with her grandchildren. discover. “Suddenly there was a crash What saved her? “My training in yoga,” as the first coach dislodged itself from reveals Yona. the engine and rolled away like a barrel. Our coach December 26th found Yona and her remained on the tracks.” Yona’s friend Danny friend Danny on a crowded Sri Lankan made contact with Colombo on his cell phone, but train en route through the jungle to when he heard the ‘bizarre’ instruction “to get off Galle. Stopping at a small village, “we the train and catch a taxi back” Yona and Danny were startled by sudden screaming. realized that if they were to survive, they would Looking out the window we saw a have to rely on their own wits. group of girls holding balloons. “Why Lulled into a false sense of security, “the muddy are they screaming? Is it some sort of water did subside and a sense of calm began to game?” I thought, as I saw an old man spread among the surviving passengers. There was pedalling his bike as if he was chasing talk of whether to leave the coach or not. Then I them. Then a huge monster of a wave heard a tremendous roar and saw a towering wall came spilling out of the jungle churning of water descending upon us. People struggled to mud along its inexorable path. The girls get out of the windows and then the coach began tried to scramble onto the train but were filling up with water. I felt myself swirling around swept away.” in a brown whirlpool. Drawing on my yoga train- As the watery mud began oozing ing, I kept reminding myself “Be calm and don’t into Yona’s compartment, she recalled panic. Just push up and get some air.” I reached the

9 PEOPLE top of the brown darkness and gasped horror. In an instant they disappeared for air but felt myself being sucked from sight. And then, came another down again. Someone was standing massive crash.” on my shoulders pushing me down, This one however saved Yona’s using me as a ladder to climb for air life. The water flung her coach into a and life.” house - fortunately a concrete build- THE WILL TO LIVE ing - bringing to an end the perilous Determined to survive, “I pushed up, tumbling. Finally perched on higher using every bit of mental and physical ground, the water was able to drain power. My training in yoga allowed out. Yona climbed to the top of the me to contort my body and struggle roof stepping over dead bodies. It was upward. Again I poked my head above a horrific site of death and grotesque water and sucked in air. Our coach disfigurement. “The thought of another was now lying on its side, swirling avalanche of water was too terrible to and turning like a tin can in the strong contemplate. I was exhausted, sapped current of surging water.” of all energy.” Sitting down on the roof of the coach, Yona looked around at Yona noticed a man offering his bodies floating by. hand to pull her out. He managed to grasp her fingers, but he had no strength Where was Danny?And then, as if left in him. “I started talking to myself rising from the dark depths of Hades, again.” Fleetingly fantasizing about the her friend appeared. “How can I explain future - “If only it was tomorrow” - the fact that I wasn’t even surprised? Yona willed herself back to the present, I knew he would make it. We just “I have to get through this, the NOW,” looked at each other. He told me that she reminded herself. when I eventually said something, he didn’t recognize my voice, my South She hooked her elbows over the top African accent was so much stronger of the open window and heaved herself upwards. “My arms felt as if they were than usual. Must have come out of about to dislodge from their sockets. my guts.” I reached the top of the window just And something else about her South as another torrent of water tossed the African roots would be with Yona coach back onto its wheels.” Yona step by step. Leaving the scene of the clutched onto the windowsill as water disaster, she would have to walk for rushed around her, but managed to keep many hours through the jungle bare her head above the water. To her right feet. “I didn’t mind. Even for that I a woman was holding onto her child was trained. As a child in Rustenburg, “looking at me, her eyes pleading with I always used to walk barefoot, so my

10 PEOPLE soles were rock hard.” because you have given or because Today, apart from being a yoga you work here, I thank you. You have instructor, Yona works as a tourist guide Israel’s Shimon taking people on walking tours around Peres, Former the city she loves - Tel Aviv. • US President BIll Clinton and Beit Issie Shapiro THE MAIN BILL founder and Where and whenever former US director, Naomi Stuchiner. President Bill Clinton appears, he invariably brings in the crowd and makes an impact. His appearance done something that I care a great deal at Beit Issie Shapiro’s Celebratory about, helping people with disabilities Silver Ball at the Binyanei Ha’uma in to find independence, inclusion and Jerusalem to some 540 guests “dressed empowerment.” • to the nines in their ballroom gowns and suits” was no exception. “You honour not only Beit Issie Shapiro this evening, “MAY YOU LIVE IN but some 160,000 children in Israel with developmental disabilities,” said INTERESTING TIMES.” Naomi Stuchiner, Executive Director a Chinese curse. at the 25th anniversary fundraiser. For a journalist in Israel “it’s more like a blessing,” says former Johannesburger Established 25 years ago, Beit Issie Paula Slier. “It never ceases to fascinate me Shapiro is named after Naomi’s late how much news there is here in one day.” father, a renowned South African phi- lanthropist and founder of the Selwyn Less than a year in Israel, Paula Segal Hostel in Johannesburg for the is the Middle East correspondent for Russia’s new mentally challenged. From a modest English-language Channel, called ‘Russia Today.’ beginning in a small house where it Set up by President Putin to provide a Russian per- provided treatment to sixteen children, spective on international news, “Russia Today” is today its wide range of services impact “being marketed as the Russian BBC”, says Paula. on some 15,000 people each year. Televised internationally, it went on the air (Yes) in Israel last December . Said Clinton, “the productivity of our society will depend in no small Paula has certainly been covering the hot spots. measure on our ability in letting every During the Gaza Disengagement, she was in the thick human being have a chance to live up of it, freelancing for the SABC’s current affairs pro- to his or her God-given capacities. So gramme, Carte Blanche. Then, immediately follow-

11 EOPLE Paula Slier P reporting from Caesaria. No such sympathy was evident in Amman.” Paula reveals that it is far dif- ferent reporting about the Middle East stationed in Israel, than covering it for the SABC “while sitting in Johannesburg.” There she felt she “lacked the personal integrity and needed to be here to objectively report. There are so many layers that one has to peel ing the devastating bombings in Amman, off to arrive at the core story.” At times Paula joined a group of Israeli journalists Paula admits to sadness. “Spending who were the first of the media people to a lot of time in the territories I find descend on the Radisson Hotel. so much hatred. Palestinians hating In a world anesthetized by almost daily Israelis and vice versa.” suicide-bomb coverage, the Radisson One misconception that Paula has bombing nevertheless reached dizzying dispensed with is the simplistic per- heights of global revulsion. The perverted spective that often prevails in South irony - a wedding reception ripped apart Africa, that because “of their successful by a relatively young married couple? political transition, people believe that How does one make sense of this? This it could be achieved as easily in Israel. irony was further amplified for Paula, It is unrealistic to apply the South where amongst the mangled mess of hair, African experience to Israel, which blood stained tablecloths and shoes lay a has its unique complexities.” single baby’s bottle. I thought, “Where was that baby? Where are her parents? And for many of our readers who th A reception that should symbolise life, attended the Habonim 70 Anniversary defiled by death!” at Kibbutz Yizreel, some of you may have recognised Paula manning the TV Paula interviewed the hotel security video camera while former Pretorian and staff, as well as the general public. and English News anchorwoman, “Everyone was angry. They could not Leah Zinder was interviewing for understand why they had been targeted. Israel TV. • I did not go out into the countryside like some of my colleagues. They might “Russia Today” can also be seen on www.rttv.ru have found a different perspective, more sympathetic to Al Qaeda or Al Zikawi.

12 PEOPLE STARTING ALL OVER of a Labour government in the 1970s for purely ideological rea- Out but not down sons.” Residing then in a By David Kaplan 127-sq/metre apartment in Rechovot, the Goldschmidt family opted to exchange that for a modest 40-sq/metre home in Gaza. “We felt we The Goldschmidts’ home being demolished. were fulfilling the Zionist vision of settling the land.” Some five months ago Israel withdrew Michael’s South African roots made from Gaza. Telfed Magazine tracked big news in his native country. A few down the only known South African days prior to the evacuation, an inter- who was living in a settlement there at view with Paula Slier (see profile on the time of the disengagement. page 11) appeared in The Cape Argus, Michael Goldschmidt’s family is where Michael steadfastly proclaimed, currently living in a trailer park at Yad “we are not moving.” Binyamin near Gedera. It’s a far cry Now, six months from the 65 family strong settlement of later, he reveals, “We Ganei Tal, but “at least we are thankful never truly believed that all the families are still together. it would happen. It Our entire settlement was uprooted and came as a tremen- in two years time we will be moving to dous shock.” Despite our new moshav on land acquired from that the Knesset had a struggling kibbutz nearby.” approved the process Originally from Johannesburg, of disengagement, Michael went on a trip to the US with Michael believed “It his father in 1969. Opting to return would be stopped.” Rivka and home via Israel, “I was so captivated How? By whom? “From above,” says Michael Goldschmidt. by the place and stayed.” Attending an Michael. “We just could not believe it ulpan, he met his future wife Rivka and would really happen. We were wrong moved to Ganei Tal in 1977. and accept it was God’s will that we Come the election in March, “I will should leave.” not be voting. My Zionism remains Michael reveals that he maintains intact only in so far as the Land goes, contact with a few of his former Arab not the politicians. We feel very hurt. employees, “with whom I enjoyed a We moved to Ganei Tal at the time good relationship. They are still work-

13 PEOPLE ing in the hothouse that I sold to a “real parents, but I began looking at my private European consortium. The idea kids and how they relate to each other. was to salvage existing enterprises so I was constantly thinking – that’s what that Palestinian Gazans would not lose I never had and began to wonder: Do I their livelihood.” Ganei Tal employed have any brothers or sisters?” over 5000 Palestinians, most of whom What was to follow was akin to a are without work today. treasure hunt with one bit of information The week after their home was tantalisingly leading to the next. destroyed, the Goldschmidts returned Avi’s quest began some eighteen “one last time to have a look. I wanted years previously, but had been stumped to see the area where my house once “as I did not know my mothers name”. stood, my hothouse, the schools and the Last year his quest moved into high gear. Beit Knesset. I took a lot of photos so Avi, who grew up in Port Elizabeth, but that one day I can show future genera- had moved with his adoptive parents to tions of my family – this is where we Johannesburg, always believed that he once lived.”• had been born in Port Elizabeth. So he again wrote to the Adoption Office there as he had done many times before. This time, bingo! “I received a letter from a social worker advising that I had been registered Peter Kaplan at birth and that my mother’s name was Mary. The other illuminating piece of information was that I had been given up for adoption in Umtata not Port Elizabeth.” Mary! Umtata! These were new Avi HIrschfield leads. Avi then approached his friend, (far right) FAMILY TIES former Telfed Director, Itz Stein. with By David Kaplan newfound “Umtata? Yes I have a friend in Tel Adopted at birth and brought up as siblings Aviv, a Sonny Shmueli who came from in Port an only child, former South African Avi there.” Avi immediately phoned Sonny. Elizabeth. (Bram) Hirschfield set about finding “Yes, your mom’s parents, the Kaplans, his biological family. lived across from us. In fact your mother Living an idyllic life in the pictur- used to baby-sit me,” revealed Sonny. esque northern town of Kfar Vradim, The pace began to pick up. Sonny Avi felt “something was missing”. It recalled that a Zoë Slomowitz in the was not so much a case of finding his Telfed building in Givatayim knew

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Avi’s mother years later when [email protected] she was married. Avi hopped www.hirschfield-photo.com in his car and off he drove to Givatayim to see Zoe. “Your Mom used to baby- sit my sister,” revealed Zoe. Avi Hirschfield However neither Zoe nor Sonny had ever known about Avi. Zoe provided the next Photography vital clue. She had an older • Photo Library• Art Photography • sister, living in Johannesburg and had been Mary’s best • Photojournalism • Family Events • friend. Avi phoned her. • Nature • Workshops • “Yes, I know who you are”, • Studio Photography • the elderly voice carried over the phone from Johannesburg. This was the first person that acknowl- that the woman on the other end of the edged Avi’s existence. The words, “I line “could only be my sister.” Feeling know who you are”, reverberated over suddenly very weak, he sat down on a and over through his mind. chair and asked her name. “Ettie she said, which did not mean anything to Avi learnt that he was the fourth of me. I then asked if her mother’s name six children and that he was born at the was Mary.” time his mother was in the throes of divorcing one husband and marrying “Yes”, came back the reply. “I told the next. “I was probably in the way, her to prepare herself and when I told so she gave me up for adoption.” her the story, there was screaming and Avi also learnt that his mother had a brother, a Joe Kaplan, who was last H.L PAINTING LTD. Hylton Sher heard of living in Port Elizabeth. So out came the telephone directories. Reliable • Efficient • Clean There were only two Joe Kaplan’s. √ Painting The second one he tried, a woman, √ Complete Interiors and Exteriors answered the phone. “I asked for Joe Amishav 27/7 √ Carpet and Furniture Cleaning Tel Aviv Kaplan. The next thing I heard was √ Floor Polishing Tel: her screaming at someone to “Fetch (03)7320194 √ Steam Cleaning Uncle Joe’s number.” Mobile: √ Household Repairs (052)2529437 This was a bombshell. Avi realized E-mail: [email protected]

15 PEOPLE laughing. I had found my family.” Avi would learn that his mother had passed away some seventeen years record of 43 m’. The diver previously and that he had five siblings has to swim down and up all living in South Africa. using no means of propul- A week later Avi and his Israeli- sion except for his body born wife flew to Port Elizabeth where strength. The world record he met all his siblings. “It was very for men is 80 m’. emotional. It was the first time ever Red Fisher, The history of freediving can be we had all been together under the who recently broke the traced back some six thousand years, same roof.” Many months have passed Israeli when early man dived to gather sea- since Avi discovered his family. How freediving shells and other marine animals for does he feel about it? “Well for one record. their survival. thing, when my youngest kids and my grandchildren have to do their “The sea is in our family’s blood,” Shorashim (Roots) project for school, explains Red’s father, Colin who lives they will now have a lot more to write in a moshav near Nahariya. “I have about,” laughs Avi. been a commercial diver, worked at the Natal Sharks Board and been diving “A lot has been lifted off my shoul- since the age of 16. Red was quite ders. My adoptive parents, who are both literally born into it. My wife Ab, who deceased, were great. But now I know was a swimming instructor where I came from – Umtata, of all in South Africa was eight places and most important of all, that and a half months pregnant I now have brothers and sisters.” with Red and was still swimming 3-4 kilometres HOW LOW CAN out to sea.” A hulking tough guy, YOU GO Colin admits that when Former South African Red Fisher they phoned from Dahab recently broke the Israeli freediving to tell him of Red’s record- record at an International meeting in the Colin (Red’s breaking dive, “I burst into Sinai Peninsula resort of Dahab. Red, father) who tears. He entered the competition for began diving who is now ranked in the top eight in the experience and came away with at the age of the world, reached a depth of 50 m’ in 16 in Natal. the record.” the ‘Unassisted/Fixed Weights No Fins’ category, breaking the previous Israeli

16 FEATURE THE YOUNG AND THE By David Kaplan ADVENTUROUS

South Africans at IDC (l-r): IDC Vice-President Jonathan Davis, Ashley Israelson, Darren Rosowsky, IDC Director of Marketing Mimi Laufer, Gadi Cohen, Young South Africans are re-discovering Israel as an exciting country: as participants on Melodie long & short-term programmes or as students at Israel’s world-renowned universities. Mane, Karen A new and attractive option is the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya, whose Raphael Neumann, Recanati International School (RRIS) offers the only opportunity in Israel to study for Gideon Sher, select degrees in English. and Director At present there are 12 South Africans at the prestigious RRIS, which has attracted of IDC’s foreign students from over 43 countries - all studying in English. Telfed Magazine recently International School, Uri visited the IDC and met with the students, who were convened by IDC Vice-President, Head Goldflam. of the RRIS, and former shaliach (emissary) to South Africa, Jonathan Davis.

Karen Neumann had completed mother is Israeli and my brother made three years of Engineering at Wits, aliyah alone at the age of sixteen. He before “being offered to play the lead in is also studying at the IDC.” a South African movie called ‘Howzit, Although fluent in Hebrew, this Bunny Child’.” Soon to be released on former member of Habonim Dror opted the South African circuit as an ‘arty for the IDC so she can take her degree movie’, Karen will not be there to in English. Karen says her experience receive the accolades as she is now a so far, “has been incredible. It’s great first year Business student at the IDC. coming to a country that you love.” “I come from a very Zionist family. My Much more exciting than the movies

17 FEATURE is how Darren Rosowsky would prob- Town. For this 3rd year Business stu- ably describe being a student at the dent it was the allure “to be at a truly School of Government, Strategy and international school where I can mix Diplomacy. Our lecturers are tops - at with students from all over the world. the cutting edge of what is happening I am fluent in Hebrew but the IDC has Ashley real-time in the world. an excellent reputation and Israelson “This is no ivory tower education, its graduates are known for but a hands-on practical degree that going far and fast.” equips students to enter the job market Ashley emphasizes the in these specific fields.” A highlight cross-pollination of ideas for Darren as a first year student was with “many of my lecturers participating in the school’s prestigious alternating semesters between Think Tank. “We studied the issues the IDC and some of the top intensely, working towards becoming business schools in the States. research assistants.” One of my lecturers from first Gadi Cohen is another graduate year is now head of the MBA of Habonim Dror (SA) and a 2nd year programme at Columbia.” Business student. Gadi is particularly Gideon Sher is another proud of the recent upsurge in Habonim Habonim graduate and asserts, graduates living in Israel and rattles “Being a madrich (leader) in on about this one having completed the Movement and attending ulpan, another soon to be joining the machanot (camps) at Onrus, IDF and a third having a great job planted the seed.” This first- and an Israeli girlfriend. “We are the year student at the School of right kind of people,” says Gadi with a Government, Strategy and beaming smile. “We hail from a youth Diplomacy revealed that he movement that instills the urge to take only learned of the IDC from up challenges and being in Israel is just the Centre’s advert in Telfed up our alley.” Questioned as to whether Magazine. “I was visiting my this was a new trend in Habonim and sister, Tal Sher, in Raanana sustainable, Gadi informs “there is and noticed the magazine on Melodie already a garin planned from South the coffee table. I was flipping Mane Africa for 2010.” through the pages and came across Ashley Israelson of Ra’anana the ad on the inside cover.” The rest arrived on aliyah with his parents is history. Mervyn and Mary in 1986 from Cape Shana Katz from Johannesburg

18 FEATURE

is another student in the Melodie Mane who matriculated at School of Government. a French school in Johannesburg and is Now in her third year, a niece of SAZF treasurer Ivan Ferrer this former Betar member says, “The IDC offers the foreign student “came to Israel on a visit an unbelievable experience, even if they and fell in love with the don’t settle in Israel. I know of many place.” Soon thereafter, French students who are not necessarily her entire family, includ- Zionists, who have opted to study at the Darren ing her grandparents, IDC instead of home in France. The Rosowsky made aliyah. She has a message to Centre offers a top education as well and Karen young South Africans who “have the as an adventure. We have 400 students Neumann. usual reservations.” At the IDC there here from 43 countries all studying in “is a genuine concern for the students. English. That’s very exciting.” I can’t imagine there is another uni- For more versity where your lecturers give MISSION POSSIBLE information about you their cell phone numbers so IDC Vice-President Jonathan Davis the IDC, contact Mimi Laufer: that you can call them if you is on a mission. “We have at present [email protected] have any problems.” some twelve South African students on Former Capetonian Ilana the International Programme. We want Erenberg agrees. Having studied at to double it. We can do it. Many of our UCT before coming on aliyah, she is alumni have gone on from here to study in a position to compare. “There is a at some of the finest universities in special dynamic between students and the world – Harvard, Yale, Columbia, staff. There is none of this separation Princeton and the London School of that you usually find at most campuses. Economics. Others have assumed top Even the president of the IDC, Uriel positions in Israel in commerce, indus- Gadi Cohen, Reichman is always accessible.” try and the professions, as well as in Shana Katz and government and diplomacy. We have a Ilana Erenberg. lot to offer students from South Africa, and have provided a unique opportunity for them unavailable in the past. They can now take their degree in English. Thereafter the world is their oyster.” Who knows, maybe they will discover that the oyster is to be found right here in Israel. •

19 EATURE F By David Kaplan IN WHOSE South Africa’s Minister of Intelligence, truth, he described the IDF Ronnie Kasrils, trades on his Jewish NAME, operations in Jenin and roots only when it suits him. That is, Ramallah as “reminiscent of when he wants to sign up South Africa’s the bloody suppresion of the Jewish community to join him in his RONNIE? Jewish uprising in the Warsaw favourite activity – Israel bashing. Ghetto during the Second No surprise he has hardly any The Zimbabwe World War.” Harbouring such takers. His 2002 ‘NOT IN MY astute perceptions, Kasrils NAME’ campaign solicited only Disgrace was nevertheless elevated to a few hundred signatures out of a the position of Minister of community of some seventy thou- ‘Intelligence’. sand. As then Minister of Forestry, Kasrils believes that Israel must he could have been talking to the be ostracized from the international trees with his declaration “When we community and is a strong supporter see this barbarism, this criminality of a boycott of Israel and Israeli that Israel perpetrates…...I am goods. Responding to the Jewish forced to say: Not in my name.” community’s lack of support for His argument that “Since Israel his campaign, he scoffed “We purports to speak and act in the know the confined nature, narrow name of Jews, I must cry out, as point of view and bigotry of the I do with other like-minded South established leadership of Jewish African’s of Jewish descent: No, not in people in South Africa.” my name. Never.” So how did Kasrils shape up recently Hardly one to be distracted by the when his country and Zimbabwe signed

ZIMBABWE’S Reports Dave Bloom, Chairman of CAZO Reputable sources have described Zimbabwe as being in the process of “economic meltdown” affecting much of DWINDLING the country’s population. An estimated 2-3 million people are facing starvation. The country’s once vibrant Jewish JEWISH Community has not gone unscathed. Dwindling in numbers over the last 25 years, the community has dropped from a high of some 7,500 in the mid 1970s, to a paltry 280 souls COMMUNITY and struggling to maintain itself. In a recent interview to

20 Amnon • Expert in locating and repairing leaks Telephones Plumber • Bathroom renovations (direct) 24-hour • express service • Installation of hot water 050-5308104 boiler systems • • Agreements with all (09)7749016 insurance companies • (09)7715556 FEATURE an agreement to strengthen defence and agreements with Zimbabwe, which has “a intelligence ties? At the signing ceremony poor human rights record”. Embarrassed in Cape Town, Intelligence Minister by this pertinent question in front of his Kasrils said, “Our two countries share a Zimbabwean guests, Kasriels forgot the common world view” and would “march meaning of democracy and the nature of shoulder to shoulder”. It did not bother a free press and berated the hapless cor- the ‘Not In My Name’, Kasrils that he respondent; “I find it rather insulting that was embracing a renegade and rogue you should level such a question here at regime internationally criticised for its us with this delegation from trampling of human rights. Zimbabwe.” Kasriels felt the need to further “apologize on POLITICAL CLOWNS this historic occasion” after Worse, the customary cool Kasrils the Zimbabwean security went berserk after being taken to task by minister, Dydimus Mutasa, a reporter asking how South Africa, with invoked biblical parlance, a “good human rights record”, could sign blabbering about the “Lord

Haaretz, the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Jewish Board of Deputies, Peter Sternberg, reported that “some members of the community receive a monthly pension that is less than the price of a loaf of bread, others rarely attend events because they cannot obtain the gasoline needed to get there and there was barely a minyan for prayer services on the second day of Rosh Hashanah this year.” “Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, but not everyone in the community can leave. There is not always somewhere to go to,” Sternberg said. Reports say that inflation is run- ning anywhere between 600-800 % a year and continued government mismanagement and corruption leaves little hope for the situation to improve. continued on next page

21 FEATURE forgive him (the reporter) for he does not Is the Mugabe regime truly a partner know what he is saying. The liberation with which South Africa wants to “march struggle was much more painful than the hand in hand”? insults we are getting from some of these What irks Dave Bloom, Telfed Vice- misguided creatures.” Chair and CAZO chairman (CAZO repre- OPPRESSIVE sents the interests of former Zimbabweans living in Israel), is “the double standards With Security Minister Mutasa having in South Africa’s foreign policy on the publicly defamed the free press as “mis- question of Zimbabwe. The issue of Israel guided creatures,” Zimbabwe’s Home has been raised on numerous occasions Affairs minister, Sydney Sekeremayi in the South African parliament, with then proclaimed: “All our lives we were representatives of the government taking dedicated to fighting for freedom and it is strong critical positions on its policies. an insult to say we are abusing or violat- On Zimbabwe, its northern neighbour, ing human rights.” Oh boy! Tell that to conspicuously silent!” the families of opponents that have been murdered, the over 5000 white farmers Out of step with most of the Free World forcibly removed from their commercial in condemning Zimbabwe’s atrocities, farms, to the newspapers that have been Bloom takes issue with South Africa for shut down and its reporters jailed. What consistently “obstructing debate on this of the opposition leaders that are routinely issue at world forums and going out of harassed and arrested on trumped-up its way to prop up the regime. This is charges and the thousands of people strange for a country that has proudly been recently removed en masse from their a role model to other nations grappling shanties outside Harare with nowhere to go with internal conflict. I have welcomed - about 700,000 of them. This is a nation the participants in South Africa’s Truth on the brink of starvation brought on by a & Reconciliation Commission addressing grotesque and tyrannical government. audiences in Israel in an effort to learn

Some 100 members of the community live in Bulawayo, of whom some 40 live in the only Jewish Old Age home in Zimbabwe - Savyon Lodge. A recent fundraising campaign helped to collect money to help the home continue its operations but the day-to-day job falls on the very few younger members of the community. Rabbi Nathan Asmoucha - the only Jewish spiritual leader in Zimbabwe, has done a valiant job in keeping the small community going. Carmel, the Jewish-day school, has only 3 Jewish children amongst its 150 students. In Harare the communities are still split between the Sephardi and Ashkenazi Shuls although each can barely put a minyan together on Shabbat or chaggim. There are only six Jewish children at ‘Sharon’ the Jewish-day school in Harare, which has over 200 pupils.

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23 from their expe- rience. While oo Busy to Watch our situations may be dif- Your Investments ferent, it was Between work, raising your children, and good to hear enjoying your grandchildren, do you feel that how they set your investment portfolio has been neglected? about the task With the volatility of current markets you can’t and it was admi- afford to ignore your portfolio. rable of South Know what you own - know why you own it. Africa to export For a free portfolio consultation call Aaron their expertise Katsman, 02-624-2788 or 03-524-0942. in this unique field. However, if they show such concern for areas far removed geo- g r a p h i c a l l y, PO Box 7074, 2 HaMaalot Street, Jerusalem 91070 why are they Tel. (02) 624-2788 or (03) 524-0942 www.profile-financial.com not showing the same inter- Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc., Member NASD, SIPC, SIA. Clearing through NFS, a Fidelity Investments Company, Member NYSE est for human rights abuses in their own neighbourhood?” house in the region with the resources. BLEAK FUTURE as well as the political and moral clout to effect a change, remains silent. What For Bloom, this new South Africa- it lacks is the political will.” Zimbabwe security agreement sends a “disturbing message and does not bode Kasrils has often lambasted Israel on well for the future. We have been exposed its “Wall of Shame”, referring to Israel’s in recent years to horrific revelations of controversial security barrier. With regard State-sponsored massacres in Rwanda, to Zimbabwe, the world decries South Burundi, the Sudan and the Democratic Africa for its ‘Wall of Silence’. • Republic of the Congo. Are we to wait years later for international commissions For further information on the to emerge and then cry, ‘Why was nothing Zimbabwean Jewish community and done?’ South Africa, being the power- its history, visit - www.zjc.org.il

24

FOCUS ON TELFED Compiled by SharonSharon BBernsteinernstein

VISITING GROUPS During the last two months of 2005, comprising 12 South Africans and 12 Telfed welcomed two Israel Now tours, Australians heard a presentation on each with 25 participants. Organized immigrant rights, career options and by Reeva Forman, the groups visited Telfed’s general activities. Modiin where they were welcomed Over 20 South African Christians Stanley by the mayor and taken on a tour by Milliner of participated in the Bridges for Peace Kochav Yair the deputy mayor to Telfed’s hous- mission to Israel. Visiting the Telfed with two ing project. They were also met by offices, members of the Executive Cape Town members of the local Telfed Regional learnt of the many projects and activi- participants on the committee. ties in Israel that they support. “Encounter Six young participants of WIZO Aviv Over 200 South African students Program”. met recently aged 16-17 visited Israel during Janu- with members ary on the Israel Encounter tour. of the Telfed During a session of home hospitality E x e c u t i v e organized by Telfed, the five busloads CALLING ALL EX- MUIZENBERGERS a n d l e a r n t of youngsters were divided between The Chairman of the Muizenberg Historical Society, o f Te l f e d ’s Raanana and Kfar Saba. They met George Hill, is interested in receiving family stories a c t i v i t i e s with Israeli youngsters of their own and anecdotes from ex-Muizenbergers. Write yours and projects. age - many of them in local youth now and send it to George Hill, 6 Sea View Road, Bnei Akiva’s movements - who threw out challeng- Muizenberg or email to [email protected] . “Tafnit” group ing questions to their South African For futher information you can call 24 Ruth Bordelay at 09-882-7613. 25 FOCUS ON TELFED Two bedroomed apartments with counterparts. Many of them said, “A HOUSING PROJECT UPDATE kitchenette to rent or purchase ten-day trip is not long enough” and Following in the successful tradition were seriously considering returning of Telfed’s many housing projects, to Israel after matric on either short or Modiin has proved to be no excep- long term programmes. tion. Some 42 apartments have so far The Encounter group also visited been sold to Southern Africans, many the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in of them to buyers from South Africa. Herzlia, where members of Telfed and Centrally located and destined to be Israel Centre director, Dorron Klein, the fourth largest in Israel by 2015, joined the South African students. A Modiin is squarely on the map for South clear indication of the positive response Africans considering Aliyah. was reflected in over 70 participants Ganei Sharonim filling in forms to learn more about OUTREACH the IDC as a possible option for the Beautiful Retirement home A Channukah party was held at future. Dave Bloom, Telfed Vice Chair in Even Yehuda Telfed for recent young immigrants addressed the students at the IDC together with South Africans studying advising on the support they would Security • 24 hour medical service • at the IDC in Herzlia. Accompanying • receive from Telfed should they decide the IDC students were the Center’s Heated swimming pool • Gym •Library to study in Israel. There are 12 South Israel Centre’s Marketing Director, Mimi Laufer •Cultural and Social activities African students currently studying Director and Uri Goldflam, Director of the at the IDC, many of whom addressed Dorron International School. the Encounter group on campus life. Klein with Coordinated by Dorron Klein of the Chairmen Dave MODI’IN’S ATHLETES Israel Centre, emissaries from the IDC Bloom & OF THE YEAR will be visiting South Africa in March. Annette Telfed was honoured to present Staff liaison Naomi Heim, ext. 219 Milliner at the Telfed medals and Certificates of Merit to nine offices. Modi’in sportsmen and women who excelled in their fields of sport. Notwithstanding the torrential rain, over 500 friends, relations and fans turned out to applaud the sportsmen and to enjoy the outstanding gymnastic displays and dance routines. The Modi’in Sports Centre organ- Top on their agenda for discussion - as seen by the displayed ized the evening, with the assistance pamphlets - was the new MASA programme which enables of Telfed’s Regional committee. thousands of Jewish young adults to spend a semester or a One of the special guests was Dr. Ian year in Israel in one of over 100 approved programmes.

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At the Awards Froman, President of the Israel Ceremony in Modi’in: Tennis Center, who presented (l-r) Modi’in Mayor NACHAL REUNION 1956-61 Moshe Spektor, Dr. Telfed’s special plaque to Shachar th Assisted by Telfed, former Nachal Ian Froman and Pier, who ranks 45 in the world th Telfed Director Sidney in women’s tennis. Mayor Moshe volunteers will be holding a 50 anni- Shapiro. Spektor and versary in June 2006. 1948 saw the Telfed Direc- birth of the State of Israel and the new tor Sid Sha- country was immediately involved in piro presented its first war of survival and Jews from the medals and all over the world volunteered to join certificates. the fledging Israeli army. They were called Machalniks. Eight years later in 1956, prior to the Mivtzah Kadesh - The Suez crisis - Israel felt again threatened and the

27 Nahal Volunteers 1959-1961 Reunion (l-r): Eli Klass, Pear Novick, Roni Wolf, Martin Simon, Itamar Joffe, Yoram Kaplan (see page 6), Morris Wilensky. seated: Ivor Wolf, Yossie Gaitelband. Sidney Shapiro represented Telfed at the reunion.

Nahal Volunteers at To update the Nahal database, please Ease (l-r): Roni Wolf, send your name, address, telephone num- Syd Shapiro, Brian Liebman, Eli Klass, ?, bers and e-mail to Tzemach Bloomberg a Yoram Kaplan, ?, Ivor [email protected]. For further Wolf, Yossie Gaitelband. information contact Tzemach Bloomberg (09)7433189. •

Zionist Federation of South Africa TELFED VOLUNTEER AWARDS organized the next generation of Over the years Telfed has honoured the voluntary volunteers - the Nachalniks to join work of many members in the Southern African the IDF. This time the volunteers community for their outstanding contributions to would serve in a special Nachal Israeli society. Brigade, doing army service as well as working on a kibbutz. At a ceremony at the Shivtei Yisrael synagogue in Raanana in December, judges, Naomi Stuchiner, The organizing committee is seek- Mickey Blumberg and Walter Robinson recognized ing to update the list of people who the outstanding work in a truly neglected sector in served in Nachal from 1956-1961. our society that cannot speak for itself – Israel’s They are also appealing for photos animal community. and articles and any other memora- bilia, which would be displayed at Accordingly, the Telfed Volunteer Award for 2004, the reunion. sponsored by Barney Mark and family went to Hilda Friedstein who started her voluntary work with the ISPCA in 1950. “During those early days,” says Hilda,

ENDOWMENTS & SCHOLARSHIPS (E & S) Maish Isaacson, chairman of the E&S com- mittee presented Dr.Yuval Dor of Hadassah in Jerusalem with the Committee’s 2005 Award for his research into the mechanism of re-vascularization of the cardiac muscle in diabetic induced mice. The award is sponsored by the Louis Chor Memorial Trust, which is administered by Telfed.

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Hilda “the British anti-cruelty laws were not enforced, leaving Friedstein many injured, starving and abused presented animals abandoned and helpless.” the The nature of the work was always Volunteer Award by a constant quest for “finding food, Vice-Chair maintaining animal shelters and Hilary above all, educating the public, Kaplan. particularly the children, about Paul and treating animals in a humane May Arieli Barney Mark, manner.” Fundraising played a presented sponsor of the vital role in fulfilling all these tasks. the Telfed Volunteer Certificate of Award and Telfed For the past 55 years, the Society has never Recognition Chairman, Itz closed its doors; not even for a single day. (CR) by Kalmanowitz, Hilda was elected chairperson of the ISPCA Vice-Chair light the first Annette Chanukah candle. in 1970 and still heads the Society today. Milliner. There were five other nominees - Paul and May Arieli, Freda Keet, Israel Myerson and Motti Weiner; all worthy of top honours. Hilary Kaplan, Vice Chair of Telfed Freda Keet and members of her Events Committee presented them each presented with a ‘Telfed Certificate of Recognition’. the CR The Arielis, previous recipients of the Award in the early by Toni 1990’s, were again worthy nominees for recent contributions Milliner.

29 FOCUS ON TELFED they had made to the residents of Haifa. Having donated the funds to build the magnificently landscaped promenade in memory of their son, Louis, Motti the Arielis also contributed generously to the renovation Weiner of the Haifa Zoo, a public amenity enjoyed by parents presented Telfed’s CR and children alike. by Marcelle Having made aliyah from Rhodesia in 1963, Freda Weiss. Keet became known to the English-speaking public as the Voice of Israel. It was this special attribute that set Freda off some 20 years ago constantly touring America Israel at her own expense, explaining Israel’s position to Myerson sometimes hostile or ignorant audiences. A self-styled presented ambassador, Freda has addressed thousands of people Telfed’s CR by Janine Gelley. across America, conquering the minds of mainly the Evangelical Christian community. When Israel Myerson and wife Lola settled in Or Akiva three years ago, they looked for something worthy to volunteer for. Very soon, they formed a branch of – Sherut Leumi LeMevugarim – National Service for the Aged. Amongst the many services that Issy organizes and supervises, is the daily distribution of food to over 30 families, teaching English to Matric students, paying particular attention to children from neglected backgrounds, and working with former drug addicts. After working voluntarily for three years at the Ra’anana Trampiada run by the Soldiers Welfare, Pretoria-born Motti Weiner was approached some thirteen years ago by ESRA to run its ‘Nearly New’ shop in Ra’anana. Within a few years the shop moved to larger premises and then a second shop was opened in Kfar Saba. Today the shops have over 60 volunteers, operating under Motti’s guidance and the income is used to support ESRA’S 30 community projects. •

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30 TELFED PAYS TRIBUTE Beth Protea was recently the venue for Telfed to pay tribute to the volunteers from Southern Africa who volun- teered during Israel’s War of Independence in 1948 and the Migdal Teperson towering over Events Committee members (l-r) Michelle Wolff, Hilary Kaplan, Toni Milliner, Janine Gelley, Suez Campaign in 1956. Marcelle Weiss and Sharon Bernstein. Included among the many former volunteers who came from all over Israel, were Guests of Honour, Reuma Weizman, the Artist wife of the late President who fought alongside the Southern African Harold pilots, former Tel Aviv mayor, Shlomo Lahat, Braude, creator another former comrade-in-arms and the chairmen of this of Machal in Europe and Australia, Stanley Medicks model and Barney Myerson respectively. of the Machal Telfed Chairman, Itz Kalmanovitz questioned Emblem the enormity of his brief: “How do you pay tribute Ilan Bach and Dina Wolff and say thank you to people who have done what who laid a wreath for the they have done, South African fallen. gone through what they have gone through and experienced what they have experienced?” They were a Les Amdur special breed of individuals who spoke Machalniks who put their lives on on behalf Smoky the line “for an ideal, of Nahal. Simon, Maurice a purpose and for a driving sense of mis- Ostroff sion and a dedicated sense of history.” and Dr. Sid Telfed Vice Chair and MC, Hilary Kaplan Cohen praised the contribution of the Southern Africans, which represented one of the Telfed Chairman Itz proudest chapters in modern Jewish history, Kalmanowitz and when ordinary people behaved quite Stanley Medicks. extraordinarily. “As Ben Gurion, put it,” said Hilary, “The war was not won by heroes. It was won by ordinary men and Telfed Vice-Chair women rising above themselves.” and Tribute Organizer Hilary Apart from addresses by Smoky Kaplan with Reuma Simon, Chairman of World Machal, Weizman. continued on bottom of next page

31 EW BRUSH UP YOUR HEBREW N Conversational Hebrew for English speakers. ARRIVALS Are you tired of searching for words at the Aliyah increased by 25% in 2005 as supermarket, bank and your neighbours? compared to 2004.  The 30–44 age group showed an 80% Join in now (small Michal Zacks, M.A. groups). We chat, 054-4413100 increase. broaden our vocabulary 09- 7748578 and more…. Raanana RECENT ARRIVALS Levin, Michael (project manager) Shlomo Lahat, Stanley Medicks, Mau- Mlodik, Boris rice Ostroff and Les Amdur there was an Shamoa, Sivan (travel agent) impressive photo exhibition put together Solomon, Carri (Bsc) by David (Migdal) Teperson. Taylor, Dena The continuity of the Southern African Karpes, Aliza contribution was poignantly encapsulated Shantall, Samuel & Talia by the laying of a wreath by two young Mansano, Sarit IDF soldiers (of South African parents), Ilan Bach and Dina Wolff. The wreath was laid in front of a magnificent model PILOT TOURS of the Machal emblem created by artist Due to the new agreements between the Harold Braude of Beth Protea. Jewish Agency and immigrant associa- For a full account of the Telfed tribute, tions, Telfed is arranging individual pilot log onto http://telfed.blogspot.com/ and tours from SA. This includes aliyah and look for articles posted on Tuesday 15th employment counselling, housing options and meetings with former Southern Africans Nov - David Kaplan’s in The Jerusa- in Israel. Should you wish to offer home lem Post and Jill Cartwright’s in the hospitality, please contact staff liaison, Susan Haaretz.• Sharon ext. 204.

Following Telfed Magazine’s 30th anniversary issue, many readers were interested to know the past editors and editorial board chairmen. Telfed Magazine Editors: Hertzel Katz, 1975; Antony Pitch, 1976; Ethel Schwartz, 1977-1982; Sheila Meltzer, 1983; Rima Berns, Carol Novis, 1984; Vic Alhadeff, 1984-85; Fanny Robinson, 1986-1993; Adam Gordon, 1994; Nadine Dove, 1995; Becky Rowe, 1995-2004; David Kaplan, 2004-present. Telfed Editorial Committee Chairs:Hertzel Katz, 1975-76; Solly Liebgott, 1976-1981; Hertzel Katz, 1982-1983; Leon Charney, 1983-1986; Merle Guttman, 1986-1987; Hertzel Katz, 1988-1993; David Kaplan 1994-2003; David Bloom, 2003-present

32 BETH PROTEA, Serving The Community

The telephone rings in Ziona’s office. It is an international call from a young man who is desperately worried about his widowed father who lives alone in Tel Aviv and had become very confused during recent telephone conversations with his family. This plight is all too familiar and is just one of similar stories we hear regularly. Other questions arising are: “I am frail and cannot manage my daily activities. How can I be helped?” “My income has diminished, what are my civil rights and eligibilities?” “Where can I recuperate/rehabilitate after hospitalisation?” “Where can one recruit help when I am ill?” “How do I find retirement living suitable to my assets?”

PROTEA PLUS, the outreach program of BETH PROTEA HERZLIYA is one of the only free, professional counselling services for all elderly citizens in Israel (not only English-speakers).

Headed by the able Ziona Kemelman, MSW (below), PROTEA PLUS is a “hotline” for senior citizens and their families, dedicated to providing professional counselling as well as finding solutions for both everyday needs and crisis situations.

Services include information and/or advice on: •Eligibility for : Arnona Reduction, Social Benefits, Government Assistance •Handling bureaucracy with government offices If you are in distress or in need •Accommodation alternatives to suit of help (or know someone else specific physical, mental, social or who is), please contact Ziona: economic needs • (09)9595222/228 •Support in dealing with disabilities • [email protected] • www.bethprotea.org.il BETH PROTEA The Pride of Israel’s Southern African Community 33 KEREN TELFED Donors ...... Honorees

KEREN TELFED FUND Helen Lewis ...... Itz Shamos – 70th birthday Rinat Levenstein & Martine Ross .... Keren Telfed Michael & Elaine Fisher ...... Ivan Kantor – in appreciation Issy Schochat ...... Sam Levin – 90th birthday Hertzel & Lola Katz ...... Sam Levin – 90th birthday Smoky & Myra Simon ...... Sam Levin – 90th birthday Jeff & Lily Milstein ...... Sam Levin – 90th birthday Sheila Swiel & family ...... Roy Chadowitz – 50th birthday Jessel & Cynthia Mendelsohn ...... Natie Liberman – on his birthday Sheila Sacks ...... Phyllis Sachar – in appreciation Sheila Sacks ...... Annette Milliner & Baruch Giladi – in appreciation Sheila Sacks ...... Freda Raphael – in appreciation Bloomberg-Heim families ...... Lynn Lochoff & Beth Protea staff – in appreciation Annette Milliner & Baruch Giladi ... Stanley Lewis – second Bar Mitzvah Ivan & Shirley Kantor ...... Eddie Lipman – 80th birthday Cecil & Pat Breiter ...... Eddie Lipman – 80th birthday Barbara Mamlok ...... Hymie Negin – 60th birthday Thursday Bridge Girls ...... Hilda Garrun – 85th birthday Gerald & Freda Wolman ...... Arthur & Vivienne Wolman – Shana Tova Gerald & Freda Wolman ...... Berry & Shulamith Shwartz – Shana Tova Molly Behr, Leah Lotzof ...... For those in need, for the chaggim Bryan & Ruth Slater ...... Ralph Lanesman – 80th birthday Michael & Sharon Shine ...... Zipporah Segal – 80th birthday Michael & Sharon Shine ...... Mrs. Baker – 100th birthday Lindsay & Debby Amos ...... Mrs. Baker – 100th birthday Avraham & Channa Eidelman ...... Eliezer Lison – 90th birthday Nathan & Shirley Kansky ...... Selwyn Arenson – 70th birthday 95 year old Minnie Fleishman with her great-grandson. Donald & Naomi Solomons ...... Selwyn Arenson – 70th birthday Gerald & Freda Wolman ...... Nathan & Terry Mowszowski – Chag Sameach Gerald & Freda Wolman ...... Hillel & Jennifer Hurwitz – Chag Sameach Gerald & Freda Wolman ...... Larry & Rhona Shein – Chag Sameach

34 KEREN TELFED

Rafi & Jackie Schwartz ...... Natie Liberman – birthday Glen & Lucille Eilon ...... Gerald Ralph – 80th birthday Annette Milliner & Baruch Giladi ... Ivan & Ethel Widan – golden wedding Annette Milliner & Baruch Giladi ... Issy Joffe – 80th birthday Natie & Denise Tobias ...... Linda Glazer – 60th birthday Michael Katzman ...... Keren Telfed Robyn & Joshua Rotberg & sons ... Monty & Myra Zion – 55th anniversary Heim & Bloomberg families ...... Dr Rami Adunsky – in appreciation Niel & Pam Bobrov ...... Selwyn Arenson – 70th birthday Jack & Ruth Trappler ...... Gordon Futeran – 70th birthday Phillip & Estelle Chasen ...... Hillary Edelstein – special birthday Annette Milliner & Baruch Giladi ... Celia & Leonard Louis – golden wedding Ike & Natalie Gilinsky ...... George Wilk – 85th birthday David & Hilary Kaplan & family .. Gessie Borok - 80th birthday David & Hilary Kaplan ...... Jack Galloon - refuah shlemah Dave & Gail Bloom ...... Julius Melman - 80th birthday Dave & Gail Bloom ...... Joyce Lasovsky - 80th birthday Ronnie & Ruth Kaufman ...... Selwyn Arenson – 70th birthday David & Hilary Kaplan ...... Rollo Norwitz - birthday Ralph Lanesman on his th 80th birthday with his Ernest & Nesta Lessem ...... Michelle Wolff – 50 birthday grandson. Ernest & Nesta Lessem ...... Rob Ellert – 60th birthday Ike & Natalie Gilinsky ...... Boz Fehler – second Bar Mitzvah Sheila Swiel & family ...... Louis & Sadie Herscovitz – 60th anniversary Issy & Sonia Kacev ...... Gerald Weil – special birthday Rae Rabinowitz ...... Sylvia Rabinowitz – special birthday Joe & Eve Isaacson ...... Gretel Rosenberg – 90th birthday Joan Rubinstein & family ...... Jack & Rae Galloon - their grandson’s Barmitzvah Sally Levy ...... Keren Telfed Ida Berman ...... Derek Bernfield – in appreciation David & Hilary Kaplan & family .... Philip & Debbie Zabow on becoming grandparents David & Hilary Kaplan & family .... Aubrey Zabow on becoming a great-grandfather Annette Milliner & Baruch Giladi ...Jack & Shirley Milliner – special birthdays Jack & Ruth Trappler ...... Louis & Isobel Hare – golden wedding

35 KEREN TELFED Heim & Reigler family ...... Eric Reigler - 90th birthday Michelle Marcus ...... Keren Telfed Matanel Ross ...... Keren Telfed Harold & Edie Kaufman ...... Lawrence & Lynette Goodman – 40th anniversary Mickey & Sadie Symon ...... Avner Lampert – 90th birthday Rhona Sklar ...... Joyce Lasovsky – 80th birthday Martin & Toby Lewak & family ...... Pauline Lewak – 75th birthday Wolfie & Jean Kangisser ...... Jack Sher – 75th birthday Jeff & Lily Milstein ...... Akiva Groweis – 80th birthday Freda Raphael ...... Rae Rabinowitz – 75th birthday Belle Price ...... Doris Glago – 80th birthday Belle Price ...... Les Stoch – 80th birthday Orkie Chesed ...... Julius Melman – 80th birthday th Turning 70 - Rollo Norwitz Geoff & Valerie Clain ...... Sam Levin – 90 birthday watching his favourite sport - Julius & Thelma Jaffe ...... Joyce Lasovsky – 80th birthday rugby at the 2006 Maccabiah. Monty & Myra Zion ...... Sam & Molly Skudowitz – anniversary & Sam’s birthday Shimon & Yael Adar ...... George & Mavis Wilk – anniversary & arrival of their great-grandchild Joan Rubinstein & family ...... Lawrence & Lyn Goodman – 40th anniversary Sam & Harriet Levin ...... Rhoda Perel – in appreciation Sharon & Asher Hoffer ...... John & Lesley Zieff – with best wishes & thanks Fleishman & Rubinstein families .....Minnie Fleishman – 95th birthday Naomi Fredman ...... Walter & Fanny Robinson – grandson’s Bar Mitzvah Oscar & Ada Katzeff ...... Julius Melman – 80th birthday George & Mavis Wilk ...... Julius Melman – 80th birthday Rafi & Jacqui Schwartz ...... Julius Melman – 80th birthday Pauline Eisen ...... Julius Melman – 80th birthday Ray & Tee Kolnik ...... Julius Melman – 80th birthday Keren Telfed / Events Committee ....Naomi Stuchiner – in appreciation Keren Telfed / Events Committee ....Mickey Blumberg – in appreciation Keren Telfed / Events Committee ....Walter Robinson – in appreciation Keren Telfed / Events Committee ....Etz Hayim Choir – in appreciation Gerald & Freda Wolman ...... Larry Shein - birthday Solly & Stella Shippel ...... Orkie Chesed – birthday & birth of great-grandchild

36 KEREN TELFED Edgar & Joyce Kohll ...... Joyce Lasovsky – 80th birthday Edgar & Joyce Kohll ...... Gessie Borok – 80th birthday Rhoda Sklar ...... Gessie Borok – 80th birthday

FOOD PARCELS FOR SOLDIERS/THE NEEDY Asher & Sharon Hoffer ...... John & Lesley Zieff – with thanks Louis & Isobel Hare ...... On their special anniversary

KEREN ALIZA FUND Marvyn Hatchuel & Lily Rose Michalowsky ...... Eddie Lipman – 80th birthday Les & Tiana Horwitz ...... Eddie Lipman – 80th birthday Danny & Janine Gelley ...... Lilian Schwartz – 65th birthday Danny & Janine Gelley ...... Gessie Borok - 80th birthday

VICTIMS OF TERROR FUND Janine Gelley (rt), Chairperson of Sharon Bernstein & family ..... Paul Bernstein – 60th birthday Telfed Kfar Saba presenting English Julius & Faye Weinstein ...... Sam Levin – 90th birthday textbooks to students at the Ort School, sponsored by Keren Aliza & Eric Cohen Books IN MEMORIAM Ruby Ellis ...... In memory of Jack & Phil Menachem & Michelle Fogel ...... In memory of Ruby Moscowitz – 3rd yahrtseit Phyllis Collins ...... In memory of Cecil Collins Rita Hillel ...... In memory of her mother Goldie Grevler

SPECIAL CAMPAIGN DONORS TELFED MAGAZINE 30th GREETINGS Harry & Roz Brodie Milton & Sharon Stander (Australia) Mike & Loraine Solomon Zellick & Fay Sendzul John & Lola Harris Basil Sandler Steve & Phillip Morell Basil & Edith Lotzof Allan Nestadt Max and Ruth Geffen

We apologise to the Gild family for the error in the previous entry under their names, which should have read as follows: Henry & Chippy (Is.), Hilary & Harold (SA)and Billy (USA) ...... In loving memory of Muriel Gild

Note: Donations are acknowledged in this column as soon as possible after receipt thereof.

37 NUPTIALS Sheri, daughter of Lazar & Janice Kassel of Rishon leZion, Mottie, son of Mervyn married Guy, son of Shmulik & Estelle Kruger & Nily Grimland of Raanana (formerly of Pretoria), married Tal, daughter of Ita & Arieh Maagen of Givatayim.

Mazal Dana, daughter of Ethne & Alex Tolkin married Tov Benny, son Yonatan, son of Harry of Ahuvah & & Nili Karabel of Berry Sarusy Ra’anana (formerly Bloemfontein) married Adi, daughter Tamar, daughter of Pamela of Pini & Michal and Justin Silver of Jerusalem Menachem of Alfei married Tzuri, son of Neville Menashe. and Hannah King of Kibbutz Alumim.

Ronit, daughter of Neville and Moira Pasvolsky Nani, daughter of Shuki of Raanana, Shai & Irit Shai-Kaplan, married Eran, married Guy, son of Yossie son of Yair and & Sylvia Heksch. Ita Guttman.

38 EXCITING EVENTS - 2006 Watch our website for details or phone our NOTICE office (09)744-6110. • Coffee and Chat with Yona Wiseman (Yona is a survivor of the tsunami) February 6 • Trip to Herzl Museum in Jerusalem BOARD February 17 • Trip to Galilee and Golan, March T HE C U RTA I N R I S ES … • “New Generation” Kenes, May Tel fe d M a g azi n e is planning a fundr aising • National Festival of Art and Culture, June pr oduction for sometime in December 2006. It is hoped that further income will help tow ar ds Telfed’s Hostel Building in Rehov Amishav, Tel pr oducing mor e issues. Aviv, is presently undergoing major renovation. C o m e on Tzo r a , Yis r a e l , Kf a r Bl u m , Maya n Ba r u c h , At the conclusion of this project in the summer Shluc ho t, Na c hso n, Shov a l, Ba r ka i, Ha b o nim, Ma no f of 2006 we will have a number of new 2- and many other s. T he theme will be the Souther n roomed apartments available for rental. A f r i c a n co n t r i but i o n to th e K i b but z & Mo s h av Mo v e - For further information call Pinchas Mo-Th ments. T he pr oduction will ca ptur e in dr ama, music 8:30-12:30 on 09-7446110, ext. 206. & da n c e th e hi s t o r y an d vi b r a n c y of th e jo u r n ey th a t br ought so many idealists fr om B A B A I T B AYA C H A D (At Home—Together) Southe rn Af r ica a nd cr e a te d a S h ould you w is h to become involved in this joint J e w i s h Ag e n c y unique w ay of life. & Te l f e d project of mentoring, adopting or as s is ting immigrant Anyone w anting to volunteer to be families or individuals, please touch base with our office. Susan, part of this extr av a g anza, please ext. 204 or Naomi, ext. 219 contact Dave Kaplan at (09) Al z h e eii mer’smer’s Ass o c i a t tii o n n e eded s En g l i s h -s p eaea kk ii nn gg 7672404,7672404, 050-7432361,050-7432361, [email protected]@netvision.net.il v o l u n t e ers t o p a r ti c i p a t e i n a p i l ot p r o j ec t i n t h e Telfed’s own on-line magazine S h a r o n a rea . C a l l G i l l S h er 03-7320194 www.telfed.org.il T IYU L ! For topical, up-to-date information Th e Ra a n a n a R e g i o n a l C o mm i tt e e h a s o r g a n i ze d a t iy u l t o t h e on aliyah, klitah, special projects, the exc i t i n g n ew H e r z l Mu s e u m i n Je r u s a l e m . community and much more. Fr i . , Fe b . 17, 2006; De p a r t i n g 8.30am fr o m t h e Ra’a n a n a Me r ka z H a k l i t a . 70 N I S i n c l u d i n g t i p f o r b u s d r iv e r. Fo r b o o k i n g, Ba r ry Pop in and see for yourself! K o r n e l 050-670 0154, k o r n e l@ n etvi s i o n . n et. i l B o o k ea r l y t o a v o i d d i s a pp o i n t me n t. For a l l o f yo u l iv i n g i n t h e S o u t h MA CHAL STILL NEEDS YOU Fab ulous Arts and Vo lunte e rs ne e d e d , mo rning s & a f te rno o ns to wo rk o n Crafts Fair the a rchive s o f the M a cha l M use um. M a s k e re t B a t y a , Fri d ay, Ap r i l 7 t h . Computer literate an added bonus, but not essential ContactContact SharonSharon forfor info:info: (09)744-6110,(09)744-6110, ext.ext. 201201 Contact Migdal Teperson, 09-9582718 3939 FEATURE by David Kaplan SUPREME SACRIFICE Telfed Magazine regularly covers the contributions and achievements of our com- munity in Israel. At the apex of this contribution are the young lives of 76 Southern Africans who have died in the defence of the State of Israel. We record here the final moments of Nitai, Dudi and Neil, as friends and family recently gathered at ceremonies marking the anniversaries of their deaths in uniform.

team were called upon to investigate and Nitai detected “Some 30 explosive devices, cunningly camouflaged as rocks. At least six of the devices were anti-tank, the others anti-personnel - a total of 150 k/g of high explosives,” related Nitai’s father Avri. “They had been arranged in such a way that the 2005 marked the 10th anniversary of first lot of explosives would be acti- Nitai Shefts on patrol in the death of Captain Nitai Shefts who vated against the daily supply convoy. the Negev. was killed in action in Southern Lebanon. Then, in the tumult of the death and He was the son of Avri and Galya from destruction that would inevitably have Kibbutz Nachshon, graduates of South occurred, the relief forces would have African Hashomer Hatzair. arrived on the scene setting off the anti-personnel devices designed to In September 1995, Nitai found cause maximum death and injury.” himself in Leba- non as a bomb It was later determined that the size disposal officer, and complexity of the explosives were in command of an the largest and most sophisticated the elite unit. Suspi- IDF had encountered so far by Hiz- cions were raised ballah. “Experts believed it involved concerning a sec- much planning, including foreign sup- tion of a vital road port. It was to have been a grandiose serving both the blow on the eve of the Jewish high SLA units and the holidays,” related Avri. IDF. Nitai and his Nitai detected the precise layout of Avri and Galya with Nitai.

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In Ra’anana, Call Allan, Tel: 09-796-8163, 052-225-9078 the explosives and painstakingly set book documenting the life of their about dismantling the bombs. It was son Nitai, who had been a madrich in nerve-racking work, but Nitai was the Hashomer Hatzair. After matriculating, best in the business and knew what he had deferred his army service in he had to do. order to volunteer and devote a year Camouflaged in the hills, Hizballah to hadracha, running the Movement militants were observing Nitai and centre in Ra’anana. “saw their plans going awry,” contin- . ued Avri. “ On the verge of dismantling On the 18th of October 1973, Dudi the last remaining bomb, they activated Silbowitz and Neil Freed, young it by remote control.” The IDF’s elec- South African Habonim graduates living tronic jamming equipment apparently on Kibbutz Yizreel found themselves failed to block the signal that would in tank 814627 about 5 km from the end the life of Nitai Shefts. Suez Canal. On the occasion of the 10th anni- The fifth tank in a convoy, they continued on versary of Nitai’s death, the Shefts entered the Egyptian Abu Sultan camps, next page family recently published a hardcover which appeared deserted. Lying in

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41 FEATURE Dudi Silbowitz, gave up a wait behind some Rhodes Scholarship to come on mud batteries were the Machon program. Egyptian forces. The first few Israeli going to a “hazkara,” and near Afula of tanks spotted the all places, they naturally assume that it impending ambush is for a recent bereavement. They are and manoeuvred invariably surprised, even impressed, out of the line of when I explain the circumstances that enemy fire. Dudi and even after all these years, this project Neil’s tank was not of remembering our so lucky. They received a direct hit. Chaverim Dudi and Although managing to limp on a short Neil is not just alive, distance, they were a sitting target. After but it is generated a second direct hit, their tank burst from a common un- into flames. There were no survivors. extinguished flame. Found later at the scene of the burned I have attended most out wreckage of tank 814627, was a of these gatherings sheet marked, “Ulpan Yizreel.” and looking back over Every year on Dudi and Neil’s the years, can recall Hazkara, former members of Habonim times when we could from all over Israel make their way to talk with optimism, their gravesites on Kibbutz Yizreel. Neil Freed, where brave deeds by Last year, at the “annual gathering of married only great leaders seemingly gave hope for the gang,” a letter written by the late seven months a better future, where it seemed that when killed in after centuries of strife, swords could David Marcus, who passed away action. shortly before the hazkarah, was read finally be beaten into microchips and aloud. The sentiments expressed in the that this troubled corner of the world letter reflect not only the high esteem could finally take its peaceful place felt by the ‘chevra’ for two special in the family of nations. long-departed friends, but also says “Sadly, Moloch’s voracious appe- much of the defining nature of the tite was not to be satisfied on the youth movement and the calibre of banks of the Suez Canal where Dudi its members. and Neil fell. The emotions associated with ‘haz- “Nations however are not built in karah’ contended David, “generally five years or even fifty. There are chal- degrade over time, not just our memo- lenges yet to be met and great deeds ries, but the passions that drive them. yet to be done before we can say, “We So when I mention to people that I am are here, we are a nation.”

42 BUSINESS BRIEFS the artist or crafts- man on display,” says Michael, but is quick to add, “There is much on sale at affordable prices.” Michael On sale is a wide selection of Judaica, arranging his exquisite pottery and jewelry and books display of raku ceramics. on Israel. Looking to buy a gift for a special occasion or treat oneself or loved one - pop into ‘Michael’. It may prove and now... FOR well, worth a visit. • SOMETHING MARKET WRAP DIFFERENT by Aaron Katsman One could be excused when entering As goes January, so goes the ‘Michael’ - a gift store in the attractive year, according to an old Wall Street saying. In fact, square off 124 Ahuza Street Raanana forecasters watch market action during the first few - for thinking that the merchandise days of January to get a sense of investors’ expecta- would be frightfully expensive. One tions for the rest of the year. has the feeling of being inside an art gallery. Wall Street started a new year in a bullish mood, with all major stock indices posting a strong gain in “We invested a lot in the décor,” the first week of 2006 trading. The technology-rich says proprietor Michael Heymann Nasdaq led the way, up 4.5%, but broader market who commissioned the talents of former gauges weren’t far behind with performance of 2% South Africans Jonathan Flink and to nearly 4%. As money flowed into stocks, investors Grant Crankshaw to do the interior lightened their exposure to bonds, sending Treasury design. “We are catering to people who yields slightly higher as prices fell. The yield curve want something out of the ordinary, (measuring the spread between long-term and short- not found in other stores. Most of the term bond yields) remained relatively flat. items are handmade, with the name of Aaron Katsman is President of Global Investments at Profile Investment Services. He is a licensed financial pro- fessional both in the U.S. and Israel, and helps people who open investment accounts in the U.S. Securities are offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. a registered broker dealer, Member NASD, SIPC, SIA. For more information, go to www.profile-financial.com or call (02) 624-2788 or (03) 524-0942, or email aaron@profile-financial.com

43 EALTH AND BEAUTY H by David Kaplan The Battle Of the Scalp KEEP YOUR HAIR ON While it appears fashionable for Israeli men to display their bare scalp, this phenomenon may be more a hapless display Providing the of defeat rather than an exu- ammo to take on berant statement of fashion. the ‘receding hair- line’ is British- tion of the androgen hormones.” born Irene Stein According to Stein her natural who has a 30-year formula “is a myriad of different track record in the ingredients that work separately manufacture and Irene Stein and together to help the hair to retail of unique health products. Having showing her be healthy, thick and glossy.” built a multi-million pound enterprise in unique product Battling for a share in this highly Great Britain, Stein was a runner-up for to Telfed editor competitive market has been quite liter- David Kaplan. ‘Business Woman of the Year’ leading to ally, hair-raising. The players include a visit from then Prime Minister Margaret some of the biggest pharmaceutical and Thatcher. “Maggie displayed a business as well health supplement companies in the world, but as a scientific interest,” says Stein “having Stein is up there with a proven track record been herself a chemist before switching to of success over three decades. politics.” Stein’s health products are today Ironically, Stein did not originally set sold worldwide. her sights on hair loss. “I was always more Since immigrating to Israel some five years concerned with matters of general health. ago, Stein has been aggressively marketing Then, over the years, many of my clients were her unique formula health products under the remarking that their hair was growing brand name ‘Irena’ from her offices in Herzlia Royal Flush: thicker whilst taking my unique Royal Stein’s elixir Pituach. Enjoying a meteoric increase in makes headline Jelly formulation, a pivotal ingredi- clientele from all sectors in the Israeli com- news. ent for maintaining a youthful munity, as well as many South Africans, appearance as well as providing Telfed Magazine visited Stein to find out abundant energy.” more about her product Irena. Some of Stein’s celebrated “Hair loss affects both sexes,” says clients include Sir Cliff Rich- Stein. “The most common cause is andro- ard “One of my longstanding genetic baldness which occurs due to a gene customers”, and the Duchess of for baldness combined with overproduc- York ‘Fergie’, who made front

44 by David Kaplan

minerals and amino acids essential for healthy hair growth or re-growth.” While many of Stein’s clients were happy to be interviewed, the writer chose not to quote any of them simply as they preferred to remain anonymous. It’s clearly an area where one wants to enjoy the success, without talking about it publicly. Stein maintains, “The way we perceive ourselves and others is strongly Prime Minister related to the appearance of our hair.” This page news in the 1980’s admitting Maggie is understandable says Stein, “given the way to taking Stein’s Royal Bee Jelly in Thatcher the media and film industry routinely portray order to fall pregnant. This natural pays a visit to beauty, sexuality and success with a full head extract produced by bees to feed their Irene Steins enterprise. of hair. If you consider that 96% of Caucasian queen, is reputed to increase vitality men will suffer some degree of hair loss, that and boost fertility. It may not have figure is hardly represented in movies or on saved the royal marriage, but it did produce a television, where you rarely see the lead few royal additions before the breakup!! role in a movie or the anchor man on a TV So much for the breakup, what exactly is the network, as bald.” makeup? Stein becomes technical rattling off the following natural ingredients - Saw Palmetto .…AND TO CROWN IT ALL Extract, Zinc, Silica, Capsicum Minimum, Stein believes that it is not simply a ques- Vitamins B5 & 6, Echinacea, Vitamin H (biotin), tion of vanity that fuels so many balding men Inositol and Damiana Aphrodisiaca. “The Saw and women to seek help for their hair loss. “It Palmetto works to inhibit overproduction of the is also the loss of self-esteem and confidence, androgens that contributes to androgetic bald- as well as feelings of frustration and anxiety ness and is backed up by the zinc and vitamin that impact on their daily lives. While men B, which not only inhibit excess androgenic do get sympathy, albeit often in a humorous production but are essential for the formation manner from their friends and family, women of healthy hair. Silica helps to slow down hair do not have the same support for hair loss; loss, as does the Biotin. Vitamin B5 prevents mainly it is felt to be a male issue.” grey hair but can also restore existing grey At 66, Irene has a full head of hair, untar- hair back to its original colour. Capsicum and nished by grey! Coincidence? “I think not,” damiana stimulate the hair follicles while the she confidently asserts. echinacea boosts the body’s immune system For further information on the benefits of a daily reducing the inflammation that may coexist dose of Irena Royal Jelly Formula, contact Irene alongside the hair loss.” Finally, concludes Stein at: 09-950 9850 or 054 5305125. See also Stein, “my formula contains all the vitamins, inside front cover. [email protected]

45 IN MEMORIAM The chairman Itz Kalmanowitz, members of the Executive, the Director and Staff of Telfed express heartfelt condolences to families whose loved ones have passed away in recent months:

Alethea Berman of Karmiel Lotte Urdang of Raanana Bernie Singer of Cape Town Mendy Vons of Givat Shmuel Elizabeth Rosen of Tel Aviv Merle Swerdlow of Lapid Emily Kark of Herzliya Rafi Salinger of Ramat Aviv Gimmel Glenda Gerson of Kibbutz Sde Boker Reg Donner of Tel Aviv Hannah Stakol of Herzlia Samuel Hurwitz of South Africa Jean Rosen of Kfar Saba Walter Meyer of Tel Aviv Lionel Rose of Jerusalem Zelman Feinberg of Johannesburg Aryeh Haimovitz of Toronto

s The Chairmen, Executive and Staff of the Jewish National Fund-South Africa and the South African Zionist Federations both in South Africa and Israel note with much sadness the death of Reg Donner in Israel earlier this month. Reg’s business acumen was superb, but it was his selfless involvement in communal affairs that defined him for the SA Jewish community. Among other positions he held were those of national Chairman and later honorary life presi- dent of the JNF in South Africa, member of the board of honorary officers and executive council and treasurer of the SA Zionist Federation, member of national and international executive of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, executive member of the SA Foundation, executive member of the SA Friends of Hebrew University in Jerusalem, national chairman of SA Israel Chamber of Commerce, national chairman of the SA Friends of the Technion, Honorary Life Governor of the Haifa Technion Board of Governors and a member of the Telfed Executive. He was truly a man of his people, a giant among men, and his devotion and dedication to the Jewish community were legendary. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the JNF-SA and the SAZF are with Eve and her family at this very sad time. Reg will be sorely missed by all who knew, loved and respected him. Ed. Note: A feature on the late Reg Donner will appear in the next issue of Telfed Magazine s The Chairman, Executive and staff extend their sincere condolences to the families of Marcus Gell and Harry Sandler, who had both served for many years on Telfed’s Regional commit- tees. Marcus served in Netanya while Harry, apart from his service on the Haifa committee, served as a shaliach to South Africa in the 1970s. s The Chairman, Executive and staff extend their sincere condolences to Gaby and Freda Haimovitz on the untimely loss of their son Aryeh. Gaby and Freda have been closely associ- ated with Telfed for many years.

46 CLASSIFIEDS All classified advertisements must be paid for in advance. Cheques are payable to SAZF (Israel), 19/1 Schwartz St., Ra’anana 43212. The basic charge is NIS140 for up to 30 words. For an additional sum of NIS 25 your ad can also appear on our website. One free ad will be granted to new olim from Southern Africa within the first year after arrival.

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47 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT VETERINARIANS Telfed Employment Service - Newsflash - Telfed Yanuv Veterinary Clinic - Dr. Bernard in-house service now in Ra’anana only. Call Hurwitz: comprehensive veterinary services Naomi, (09)744-6110 x219 and boarding, at discount prices. 24-hour Service. Moshav Yanuv near Kfar Yona. Tel.: FURNITURE STORAGE & MOVING (052)663-6646, (09)898-5773, (09)894-8001 Store-It-All, Ltd. Full service, courte- E ANT ous storage and moving professionals. W W Any China, household goods, tableware, silver Clean, “mini-storage” facility-units in plate, glassware, bric-a-brac or small furniture all sizes for personal/business needs. that you can live without? Or moving house? Owned and operated by American Olim. We’ll make you an offer you can live with. Call Telephone:(03)966-9682, (08)869-2491. Sol or Lorraine, Gallery Lauren, 83 Sokolov Street, Ramat Hasharon. Tel. (03)540-9481. GIFTS Debbie’s Stained Glass Art - Decorative items for the home: hot houses, jewelry boxes, candlesticks, Judaica and much more. Stained glass windows What you do is your business. and doors, feng-shui, windchimes. Mazkeret Batya (08)934-8664, (054)494-7691. When you want people to find out about it, it becomes our business. HANDYMAN Your handyman for all your home main- tenance requirements in the Sharon Area: Be smart and advertise •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Carpentry •Fencing •General Repairs •Pergolas. For a free quotation, call Craig (052)867-5235 in Telfed Magazine Whether you are in finance, property, the M-NET Moviemagic. Supersport of all 9 sports professions or a trade, Telfed Magazine channels including Rugby, Golf, Cricket & reaches the entire Southern African Formula 1. Special gift - Fast internet on our account for all new and existing subscribers, community across Israel. plus additional exciting options. Menachem (057) 5693111, [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you. TRAVEL & PHOTOGRAPHY Contact: David Kaplan at 09-7672404, Photographic and regular tours by the experts on Northern Cyprus and Southern Turkey as 050-7432361, Fax 09-7678826 well as all parts of Israel. Moshe (TMB Tours) [email protected] (052)229-4115, (03)687-5638. 48