Israel’s 60th anniversary year 5767/5768

The Dudu Fisher Concert

The Western Province Zionist Council commenced Israel’s 60th Anniversary celebrations with THE DUDU FISHER CONCERT. This outstanding performer entertained a full house at the BOE Auditorium, with many people disappointed at not being able to get seats.

Adv Jonathan Silke and Moonyeen Castle met with a very high profile Israeli delegation, which included Silvan Shalom — former Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ronit Tirosh — Member of the Knesset and Ambassador Levanon — the Israeli Ambassador in Geneva, who were in South Africa for the Inter Parliamentary Union Conference.

Well done, Tamar Lazarus

We congratulated Tamar Lazarus, the recipient of the 2008 Herzl Award, which was presented to her at the WPZC Conference by the chairman of the SAZF, Avrom Krengel. Barney Singer was the proud recipient of the Jerusalem Award, presented to him at a luncheon in his honour by Ze’ev Bielski, chairman of the Jewish Agency and WZO.

The Youth Council, under the chairmanship of Tahlia Yesorsky, commemorated a very moving and well organised tekkes for YOM HAZIKARON, which was well attended by all sectors of our community.

Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations

YOM HA’ATZMAUT was once again held at Ratanga Junction, with an attendance in excess of 3500 people. Rabbi Levitz led the Tefillah Chagigit, which was followed by the sounding of the siren, after which a prayer to the State of Israel and its fallen soldiers was recited. It was a proud and emotional experience for all, with the singing of Hatikvah and the raising of the Israeli flag.

This was followed by an awesome pyrotechnics display and the lighting of an ahtovit eish. Hundreds of blue and white balloons descended from the ceiling into the audience as the Machalniks, Hagshama, Youth movements, SAUJS, Bnoth Zion WIZO, Maccabi and Herzlia Middle School pupils marched into the main arena led by two Harley Davidson motorbikes. The Herzlia pupils formed a ‘60’ in front of the stage.

Ambassador Ilan Baruch, together with the WPZC, hosted a brunch at the Albow Centre, where former State President FW De Klerk was the guest speaker.

Ethnic Aroma Festival

The WPZC, together with Partnership 2000 and Bnoth Zion WIZO, were privileged to host a delegation from the partnership region Beit Shemesh Mateh Yehuda, of 6 ETHNIC COOKS together with 2 highly rated professional Israeli chefs. The professional co-coordinator and driving force behind this contingent was ex South African Mickey Blumberg, liaison to SA for Keren Hayasod IUA and P2K.

All members of the delegation were hosted in home hospitality. A highly successful Ethnic Aroma Gala Dinner was held in an ethnically decorated hall in which the Moroccan, Tunisian and Kurdistani cultural backgrounds of the cooks were reflected in the exotic culinary fare provided. A second event took place in the form of an Ethnic Aroma tea which was much enjoyed by all who attended.

On the Friday night of their visit each cook was hosted by a Cape Town family. The cooks prepared an Ethnic Shabbat supper for their host and guests, providing an opportunity for an exchange of cultural practices and backgrounds.

The proceeds of the Ethnic Aroma Festival went to the P2K Empowerment Programmes for Women, of which the visitors were excellent ambassadors.

Once again, together with the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape Council) the WPZC hosted DR DAVID HIRSH, a renowned British academic and Human Rights advocate, who spoke about Anti- Zionism and the new Antisemitism, and why words such as ‘apartheid’, and ‘occupation’ are easily but incorrectly used.

Dr Hirsh addressed the community at a public meeting at the Albow Centre, and met with a small group of members of the press to facilitate dialogue. Habonim hosted him to a Friday night supper at their campsite, after which he addressed their senior leadership and madrichim.

SAILING 2008. Together with the Jewish Maritime League, the Western Province Zionist Council and the SA Progressive Reform Congregation hosted a group of Arab Israelis and Jewish Israelis who were visiting South Africa to sail together with South African youth.

The Western Province Zionist Council was privileged to host a remarkable woman, Dalit Rochman, marketing and local fundraising director of ‘Table to Table ’. Her husband is involved with the Israel Food Bank.

‘Table to Table’ is a non governmental funded organisation, which is a national network for food rescue in Israel, supplying over 150 organisations that help feed the hungry. It is very well supported by the various Israeli environmental groups.

Representatives from MonkeyBiz, Aquilla Game Farm, Pick n Pay, Norries Caterers, Avron’s Place, Meals on Wheels, Catholic Welfare and Development, The Haven, Lions Food Project, Ikamva La Bantu, Union of Jewish Women and Foodbank were present. This proved to be a most worthwhile evening, as some of the local organisations were not aware of the work some of their counterparts on their doorstep are doing. Strong connections were formed.

On Monday 12 May we were honoured to host REV REBECCA BRIMMER, CEO of Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem, with her husband and our special Christian Zionist friends. The love and wonderful work done by them for the State of Israel is an inspiration.

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