The importance of Jewish spaces

The opening tekes for Machaneh 2022 on the Habonim Campsite

By Jeffrey Gutman, Rosh Chinnuch for HDSA Machaneh 2023

Globally, Jewish communities have been shocked and the world has been shaken to its core over the gruesome events in Israel. 

These events have sparked a rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric and actions around the world – leaving Jewish communities scrambling for safe spaces. 

Working for Habonim Dror, I interact with children on almost a daily basis. I have seen the effects that this situation has on children and their psyche. Now, more than ever, is the time when children need the sanctuary of a Jewish space. And the anti-Semitic rhetoric has emphasised how important my job is: to give Jewish children a springboard to engage with other South African Jews, to grapple with tough concepts – and ultimately to allow children to come together for a month just to experience unbridled fun.

Fun feels like an abstract sense right now but it is during these times that giving children the opportunity to experience fun is most crucial. As Habonim Dror Southern Africa, we will not be stopped in our mission to provide the best space for South African Jewish youth in December, and we urge the wider community to help us in achieving that goal for our youth.

Keep up to date!
Habonim: website: Habonim Dror SA, Facebook HabonimSA
Netzer: website: Netzer.org.za, Instagram netzer_southafrica
Bnei Akiva: website: Beni Akiva South Africa, Facebook Bnei Akiva Cape Town
SAUJS Western Cape: Facebook @SAUJS, Instagram @saujs_westerncape
Diller Teen Fellows: website: Diller Teen Fellows , Facebook Diller Teen Fellows, Instagram @diller.capetown
BBYO South Africa: Instagram @bbyo.sa, website www.bbyo.org

Find the SA Zionist Federation – Cape Council online:
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• Published in the November 2023 issue – Click here to start reading.

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