With the number of Covid-19 cases on the decline, thanks to an effective vaccination rollout, life in Israel is gradually returning to ‘normal’.
Pesach 2021 was truly a holiday of freedom, and our Olim community throughout Israel was eager to reconnect (while adhering to the gathering restrictions still in place).
Telfed’s Haifa Regional Committee took the lead with the first in-person event of 2021 and welcomed new Olim and veteran Olim in the northern city to a community braai. Haifa Municipality Project Director for Olim from English speaking countries, Smadar Stoller Porat, joined in the fun. Rabbi Doron of the Kiryat Eliezer community shared insights on the significance of the approaching celebration Yom Haatzmaut immediately after commemorating our Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.
Former Telfed Chairman, Dave Bloom, represented Telfed at the annual Yom Hazicharon memorial with World Machal (Mitnadvei Chutz La’aretz or overseas volunteers). In 1948, over 800 South African men and women volunteered to defend the newly established State of Israel in the War of Independence. These volunteers played an invaluable role, and we remember those who paid the ultimate price.
As a day of mourning leads to a day of celebration, Israelis across the country celebrated the State of Israel’s 73rd birthday. Telfed’s Rishon LeZion Regional Committee arranged a community picnic at Gan Ha’Ivri. A wide range of outdoor entertainment and activities were arranged by the local municipality, and our Olim in the Rishon region had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut with friends and family.
Over 35 young adults joined our Telfed Youth Committee for a La Ba’Omer braai in the gardens of Telfed’s Amishav Street building in Tel Aviv, and Telfed’s Jerusalem Regional Committee will be hosting an event with writer and publisher, Murray Greenfield.
In addition to upcoming regional events, the Telfed Team has already begun preparations for our first post-Corona country-wide event, scheduled for Chol Hamoed Sukkot.
As we slowly resume in-person events and welcome visitors to our offices (by appointment only), we are still making the most of our virtual events.
Hundreds of participants joined our entertaining Yom Haatzmaut Family Quiz, where we laughed and learned and celebrated our remarkable country. Topics ranged from the founding of the State of Israel to award-winning Israeli TV series. Thanks to the generosity of our Olim community, thousands of shekels in prizes were up for grabs, including coffee, biltong, books, photoshoots and personal training sessions.
A virtual event commemorating Yom Yerushalayim was arranged by Telfed’s Beit Shemesh Regional Committee. Telfed CEO Dorron Kline, a former ‘machalnik’ spoke about the events leading up to the Six Day War and Israel’s miraculous victory.
Twenty-seven new South African Olim landed in Israel in time for Yom Yerushalayim. Telfed’s Regional Committees will be welcoming them to their new communities.
Those considering Aliyah are invited to contact our regional volunteers to learn more about Israel’s dynamic and diverse communities. As a Klita organisation, we strongly recommend advance preparation for a successful absorption and integration into Israeli society. More information is available on our website: www.telfed.org.il.
Telfed www.telfed.org.il Email: info@telfed.org.il
• Published in the PDF edition of the June 2021 issue – Download here.
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