Sitting here surrounded by a half unpacked suitcase, with the sand of the Negev still in my shoes, I cant help but feel that Ive left some piece of myself back in that hot, dusty land of Israel.

Together with six enthusiastic Capetonians and an energetic, lively group of eighteen young Jews from Johannesburg, I recently had the profound privilege of participating in the YAD/ Kesher United Jewish Campaign South African Young Leadership mission to Israel. A trip that promised insights into the challenging daily life faced by the Israeli people, as well as exposure to the achievements of that great country, exceeded everyones wildest expectations, to become a truly inspiring once in a lifetime experience.

Our tailor-made South African mission preceded and followed our involvement in the Yachdav Keren Hayesods Youth Leadership Conference, which brings together missions from all over the world. This year being the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, an exciting and broad programme of events was planned and we all relished the opportunity to be in the Jewish homeland at such an auspicious time.

On the 6th of July this year, corresponding to the 3rd of Tammuz, we will commemorate the 14th Yortzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe obm. On this auspicious day we reflect on the life of the Rebbe, his teachings and his vision for a better world. We share with you here a story that conveys in part the great love that the Rebbe had for the land and people of Israel, as well as the Rebbe’s inimitable approach and ability to transform even the most challenging and tragic events in our life into an impetus for positive change and growth.

On the eve of Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day) last year, as the bonfires were being raised on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, the lights were burning also in Tzafrir (Kfar Chabad), the Chabad-Lubavitcher village in the Lod Valley.

Rosecourt, on the corner of Breda and Vriende Streets in the Gardens, is in the process of major transformation. The original house is to be restored, as it is a heritage site and has to remain, but the old hall is being demolished at time of going to press.

The property was given to Jewish Sheltered Employment in the 1980s and in 1986 the hall was converted into accommodation for 10 residents with special needs. And so the first group home was established.

Yom Haatzmaut Western Province Maccabi back in the game!

For the first time in a few years, WP Maccabi set up a colourful information stand at Ratanga Junction for the Yom Haatzmaut communal celebrations.

The aim was to publicise the rejuvenation of our organisation and to encourage sports people of all ages, to join the WP Maccabi sporting family.

The launch of Volume 3 of the SA Friends of Beth Hatefutsoths Jewish Life in the South African Country Communities, at the Albow Centre on Thursday 12 June, was yet another of those wonderfully nostalgic and reminiscence- ful evenings that characterised the launches of Volumes 1 and 2.

Volume 3, focusing on the central to Eastern Cape settlements as far as the old Transkei, is dedicated to Phyllis Jowell, who so sadly passed away in August 2006, and whose involvement, commitment and passion played so indelible and significant a part in the success of the project. With Jacob Gitlin Librarys Dr David Scher as chair, speaker after speaker paid warm tribute and extolled the virtues of this fine woman, greatly missed by all. Her husband, Cecil Jowell, described the warm relationship she always shared with the platteland volk.

Ella Blumenthal shares her experiences and deliver s a cogent message
I was born in Warsaw, the youngest in a family of seven children. I had seven nieces and nephews. My father was a chasid, a respected and well-to-do textile merchant. My mother and the entire family were very frum. I was a happy teenager until the invasion of Poland. I will never forget the images in the Warsaw ghetto – of starvation, epidemics, streets lined with corpses, starving children in rags begging for a piece of bread, human hunting, roundups, raids and deportations. In spite of surviving three concentration camps, after the liberation I tried to integrate into a normal society and after getting married, raised and educated my four children. But, I wasn’t able to talk about my suffering and fight for survival because the open wounds were still bleeding.

Now after many years, the tears have dried up and the scars have healed and I am now able to share it with you. It is now a few days after Pesach. At this exact time but in 1943, 65 years ago, the Warsaw ghetto was set alight and I was there.