ZIONIST ANNUAL REPORTDGNJSR

The Jewish AgencySouth Africa:A Year in Review

2013

DGNJSR TABLE OF CONTENTSABOUT THE ISRAEL CENTRE 2

GREETINGS 4-6

ISRAEL ENCOUNTER 2013 7

THE JEWISH AGENCY MISHLACHAT 8-9(DELEGATION) TO SOUTH AFRICA 2013-14 THE ISRAEL QUIZ 2013 10 ZIONIST CARAVAN 11

ALIYAH2GETHER 12

HIGHER EDUCATION EXPO 13

CYCALIVE 14

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER ARTISTS DELEGATION 15

ALIYAH NOW EXPO 2013 16

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER COEXISTENCE SOCCER DELEGATION 17

ZIONIST YOUTH MOVEMENTS 18-19

SAZF ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT 2013 20-23

JNF ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT 2013 24-25

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION 26

ABOUT THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL 26

ABOUT THE ISRAEL CENTRE

The Israel Centre represents The Jewish Agency for Israel in South Africa. We are committed to strengthening the connection between the South African Jewish community and the State of Israel, through various programmes and comprehensive Zionist Education.

Through Partnership2Gether, we are proud to join with the Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda region in Israel and Washington DC to connect Jewish Communities in Israel and the Diaspora.

Working closely with our Shlichim, we maintain vital ties with our Zionist Youth Movements.

The Israel Centre offers various educational programmes, including Israel Encounter and Masa Israel Journey gap year, study abroad, post-college and volunteer programs in Israel. With over 200 unique programmes on offer, the Israel Centre does its best to match the most suitable programme to the individual. Through our Maoz Education Program, the Israel Centre works closely with the formal and informal Jewish education systems to create and maintain the vital bond between young Jews and Israel.

Aliyah is the cornerstone of our work and Israel is the number one immigration destination for South African Jewry. Through the eligibility of the Law of Return, we provide a smooth transition to Israel for anyone wishing to make Aliyah, by assisting with all the necessary documentation, flights where applicable and various Ulpan Programmes. We ensure that every Oleh has an absorption plan.

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ZIONIST CARAVANGREETINGS GREETINGS

On behalf of the South African Jewish community, I would like to congratulate the South African Zionist Federation and the Israel Centre on leading our community with creative and relevant events, both educational and social, all of which connect our community to our beloved State of Israel.

I would specifically like to pay tribute to the Chairman, Mr Avrom Krengel, his Executive Committee and professional staff, Mr Shimon Shamila, Israel Centre Director, and his team of staff and Shlichim, on leading our community with such excellence, passion, and commitment in deepening and giving expression to our community’s Zionism. The vibrancy and professionalism of the South African Zionist Federation makes an important contribution to our community.

At this time we also remember and pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices and suffering of all those who have fought to establish and protect the State of Israel. We pray for the soldiers who are being held in places unknown and incommunicado by those who seek our destruction. Also, at this time, let us, with humility and gratitude, acknowledge the awesome miracles and blessings that G-d has showered upon us from the very beginning of the establishment of the State of Israel, right through to the present. We realise that without our loving Father in heaven we would not have been privileged to see the re establishment of Jewish sovereignty in the holy land of Israel after almost 2000 years. May G-d continue to bless the Jewish People and the State of Israel with His abundant goodness.

Kind regardsChief Rabbi Warren Goldstein

Shalom Haverim!

South African Jewry has a proud history of commitment to Zionism and Zionist activity. From pre-state days until today, the South African Jewish community has always stood side by side with the State of Israel. Over twenty thousand South Africans have made their homes in Israel, and thousands more visit every year.

Today, within the South African Jewish community, Zionist activity is spearheaded by the SAZF and the Israel Centre. Zionist youth movements that span the political spectrum; the recent visit by the mixed girls football team from the Peres Centre for Peace; services to potential olim; trips to Israel and public advocacy are just a part of the huge breadth and scope of activities that offer a range of opportunities for people to be involved with and to connect to Israel.

The commitment is mutual. Israel remains deeply connected to our brothers and sisters in “Drom Afrika” and sees our ties to be unbreakable. We have a shared destiny and confidence in the strength of Israel as a democratic, diverse and successful home for all Jews and all of its citizens. As we enter 2014, I see great potential and opportunities for the bi-lateral relationship between Israel and South Africa and am confident that Israel and South Africa relations have a bright and positive future, and I encourage all to play a role in strengthening those ties and showing how we can further partner together.

B’Kavod rav,

Arthur LenkAmbassador for the State of Israel

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ISRAEL ENCOUNTER 2013Every year, the Israel Centre sends approximately 200 participants from across South Africa on Israel Encounter, a memorable 12-day student program in Israel. In 2013, four groups of Grade 11 students -- a Cape Town group, a Johannesburg group, a Religious Boys group, and a Religious Girls group -- saw young Jews discover Israel, starting in the North and ending in Tel Aviv.

During those 12 days, they visited Jerusalem, Tzfat, the Negev desert and Israel’s southern region, and Ein Gedi. Participants touched the Kotel and explored its tunnels, swam in the Dead Sea, rode camels, spent a night in a Bedouin tent, visited Massada, sat within Independence Hall, and felt the sorrow and pain of Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl.

They were fortunate enough to visit universities and colleges, and met representatives from various gap year programs who informed them about the opportunities that await them in Israel once they have finished school.

Since its inception six years ago, over 1000 students have participated in Israel Encounter.

VIDEO GREETING

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Click on the picture to watch the greeting by Shimon ShamilaDirector, Israel Centre-South Africa

JOHANNESBURG

Shimon Shamila, Director of The Israel Centre South Africa, grew up in Be’er Sheva. He was a captain the Golani infantry brigade, and holds a degree from Ben Gurion University in Economics and Business Management. Before performing his first Shlichut in the UK, Shimon was a madrich at various US summer camps. On his second day in the UK, Shimon met his wife, Renana; they have four sons. Back in Israel, Shimon joined a local southern NGO assisting with sustenance and education for underprivileged families. He then joined The Jewish Agency as a regional director for the Partnership2Gether project, working with Jewish communities in New Jersey and Deleware for joint programs in the eastern Negev region. Of his years in South Africa, Shimon says ‘this is the best job’ he’s ever had. Shimon was the recent recipient of an award from The Jewish Agency for being the best regional director within The Agency, worldwide.

Ori Leizer , Youth Movement Shaliach (Emissary) to Betar, is 28 years old, from Rishon L’Zion, near Tel Aviv. Ori has a BA in Government and Diplomacy from IDC Herzeliya, and worked at the Knesset as a Parliamentary Assistant for the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset. He worked at Jewish summer camps in the United States, and in 2010 was the director of the JCC camp in Copake, New York. Ori came on Shlichut to South Africa to bring back to life the Zionist Youth Movement of Betar. He also works as an Aliyah Shaliach at the Israel Centre, and has been instrumental in educating the community in the fields of Zionism, Hasbara, and the History of Israel through Maoz.

Yaron Shiponi, Youth Movement Shaliach to Habonim-Dror and the WZO, is 31. He is married to Noa; they have two sons. Yaron is from Kibbutz Beit Kama, near Be’er Sheva. Prior to his Shlichut Yaron was in charge of the informal education department for the regional council of Bnei Shimon. Yaron has a B.A. from Ben Gurion University, in Jewish History and Political Science. Yaron has been in South Africa since September 2012 and has enjoyed sharing the vibrant Israel he loves so much with this community. He looks forward to the remaining two years of his Shlichut.

THE JEWISH AGENCY MISHLACHAT (DELEGATION) TO SOUTH AFRICA2013-14

CAPE TOWN

Yaniv Nachmas is the Head Shaliach in Cape Town as well as the Community, Aliyah, and Habonim-Dror Shaliach there. He is 35 and arrived in Cape Town two years ago with his wife Maya and their three children. Yaniv has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Education, and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, both from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Before arriving in Cape Town, Yaniv worked as regional director for Perach, Israel’s largest tutoring and mentoring organisation.

Tamar Glauber and Eliraz Wohl are the Youth Movement Shlichot for Bnei Akiva in Cape Town. They arrived together just two months ago, and are working for the Jewish Federation and for the Bnei Akiva Youth Movement. They teach at Herzlia schools three times a week and organise activiteis, create relationships, and act as role models for the madrichim and chanichim in Bnei Akiva.

Tamar is 22. After completing high school she volunteered through the Israeli National Service in a home for underprivileged teenagers. She graduated from Ariel University with a B.A. in digital communications.

Eliraz is 20. After graduating from high school, she completed two years of National Service, volunteering in a primary school and running a branch of Bnei Akiva in Petach Tikva.

Mor Arbel, Youth Movement Shlichah to Netzer, is 26 and comes from Kibbutz Yiftah in the upper Galilee. She holds a degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences from Yezre’el Valley College in Israel. After her military service she worked at a summer camp in California, teaching Israeli culture and Zionism. The experience inspired her to come on Shlichut for a year. Her life motto is “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

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Shlichim and representatives of the Israel Centre took to the road to visit South African Jews from far and wide in the annual Zionist Caravan event, to reconnect them with the beautiful side of Israel.

The Johannesburg contingent started their informal education in Durban. The Shlichim program involved a brilliantly informative video on Israel called ‘Israel Inside’; traditional Mediterranean food was served and the event ended with a meaningful discussion about the State of Israel.

This same program was presented to Durban’s adult community, and time was also spent with Durban’s Jewish youth. En route to their second destination the Caravan stopped off in Umhlanga to visit the new Jewish Day School and give the kids an enjoyable surprise: ‘Bisli’ and ‘Bamba’ treats.

In Swaziland the Johannesburg team was welcomed into a member of the Jewish community’s home to enjoy a home cooked meal with six families from the Swaziland Jewish community. Much discussion ensued about Aliyah potential and living in the State of Israel.

Betar Shaliach Ori Leizer was thrilled to officially interview several people on Aliyah, army service and Masa programs.

At the same time, the Cape Town Caravan was making its way along the Garden Route to the smaller Jewish communities in the area to bring Israel to them.

This Caravan consisted of 5 bachurim from the Yeshiva of Cape Town (Dovi Knohl, Daniel Levian, Ido Lifshitz, Avishi Levin and Dotan Farangi), the 2 Bnei Akiva shlichot (Malka Solomont and Shani Yedidovitz), Netzer shlicha (Mor Arbel), the president of WIZO SA (Tamar Lazarus) and Director of the Israel Centre Cape Town (Yaniv Nachmias).

Armed with a 65 minute presentation, “65 Minutes of Pride” (for 65 years of Israel ), the Caravan visited five communities, including some Christian Zionist communities, and held seven exciting different events in George, Plettenberg Bay, Port Elizabeth, Oudtshoorn and East London. In total the Caravan met with more than 200 people.

The Zionist Caravan week made an enormous impact on the people living in these outlying communities who find it very difficult to stay in touch with and connected to South Africa’s greater Jewish community.

ZIONIST CARAVANTHE ISRAEL QUIZ 2013Hosted by the Israel Centre South Africa, the Israel Quiz aims to connect high school students in the Diaspora, to Eretz Yisrael by encouraging them to learn about Israeli history and current events through the medium of two study guides, compiled by the Israel Centre.

Students from major Jewish Day Schools in Johannesburg and Cape Town eagerly took part in the first round by writing an exam consisting of questions relating to every aspect of Israel including history, wars, policies, society, culture, the defence force, sporting and scientific achievements.

Of the original 100 contestants who participated in the first and second qualifying rounds, 15 students reached the finals. They came from King David Linksfield High School, King David Victory Park High School, Yeshiva Boys High School, Torah Academy and Hirsch Lyons Boys High School.

Keynote speakers Professor Moshe Arens, former Israeli Defence Minister; Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Freeman; and SAZF Chairman, Avrom Krengel , addressed the finalists before perennial question master Doron Klein, former director of the Israel Centre and now deputy Director of Telfed, Israel began the quiz.

The questions ranged from reasonably fair to rather difficult, but all the participants proved to be extremely knowledgeable, and conducted themselves with dignity and self-control.

Judges Shimon Shamila, Ori Leizer and Bev Goldman were well equipped to make the correct decisions and unanimously proclaim the winners.

1st Place: Dorron Joffe from Torah Academy who won a return flight to Israel and spending money

2nd Place: Moshe Wolberg from Hirsch Lyon’s who won an Ipad 4

3rd Place: Yossi Bank from King David Victory Park who won a return flight to Cape Town

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The Israel Centre hosts the Higher Education and Masa Expo in May of each year for young Jewish individuals in Grade 11 and 12 who are interested in studying, volunteering or taking part in an internship in Israel.

This year, the Expo was held in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. It offered visitors the opportunity to meet delegates from Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, a 3rd year engineering student and representative of the Haifa Technion, an AardVark gap year representative as well as many Johannesburg based representatives of Israeli institutions and gap-year programs.

Delegates and representatives spent a week addressing high school students and parents at various events, and informing them of all their options.

HIGHER EDUCATION EXPORachel Reinfeld and Jeff Langford came to South Africa as part of the 2013 Aliyah2Gether delegation from the Partnership2Gether region of Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehudah where they both reside. Rachel made Aliyah from Johannesburg and was a former member of Bnei Akiva, while Jeff made Aliyah from Cape Town and was a former member of Habonim Dror.

While in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Rachel and Jeff participated in several events and activities to strengthen the bonds with the Partnership, enlighten the community with their knowledge of the Partnership and what the Partnership does. They also spoke about Aliyah to Israel and gave a personal side to the story of making Aliyah from South Africa.

They discussed their first years in Israel and the current lives they lead. The audience was fascinated by their stories. It was gratifying to see the response of the Jewish community to these two ex-South Africans and the vast demographic that the audience represented, from those young adults in Youth Movements right up to families with children looking to make a future for themselves in Israel.

The overall result was a successful event where ex-South African Olim were able to connect with the Jewish community of Cape Town and Johannesburg, presenting not only the beauty of the region, but also the beautiful (and sometime complex) sides of Israel through personal touching stories.

ALIYAH2GETHER

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As part of the 16th annual CycAlive event in August 2013, four students from the P2G region, Beit Shemesh, together with grade 11 boys from Torah Academy, Moletsane High School and Pace Commercial Secondary School, both from Soweto, united in the enormous challenge of cycling the 700km from Johannesburg to Durban.

Accompanied by teachers and principals from the three schools, and a support team of medics, the 32 cyclists set off for Durban on Sunday 4 August from Torah Academy Boys High and arrived at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday 8 August after five days of spreading goodwill and learning about themselves and others along the way.

In Durban, the boys had the opportunity to learn about the Jewish community of South Africa and the dynamics of its youth, while spending a wonderful Shabbat with the Durban community.

Sponsored by private and public donors, the proceeds of this project are used to fund the ride and to make significant improvements to educational projects in the participating schools. The ride is designed to build bridges and form bonds between young South Africans and their respective communities, to inspire ubuntu (optimism and commitment for the common good of a positive future in South Africa), to raise funds for educational projects and to highlight the importance of road safety and the ARRIVE ALIVE campaign particularly relating to cyclists.

Most importantly, the ride encourages leadership and a spirit of adventure, personal challenge and self-confidence amongst the boys who participate.

CYCALIVE

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As part of the Israel Aliyah Expo, Partnership2Gether and the Israel Centre welcomed a delegation of artists and photographers from the Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda region to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Two artists, Amit Zehavi and Irit Alhassid, and two photographers, Shaike Eitan and Eyal Tagar, ran creative activities and workshops with an Israeli theme within the Johannesburg and Cape Town Jewish Communities. These included wonderful workshops held in schools which are twinned with Beit Shemesh-Mateh Yehuda schools, and included Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School, Herzlia Constantia and Herzlia Middle School, all in Cape Town, and King David Linksfield, Victory Park and Sandton schools in Johannesburg.

In Johannesburg,the photographers held a photo walk around Newtown to teach photography to 18 young adults, while arts & crafts workshopswere hosted by generous members of the Johannesburg Jewish community.

In Cape Town the artists hosted activities where young pupils decorated magnets or placemats with an Israeli theme. They also ran photography workshops, and had the opportunity to see some of the beauty of Cape Town.

This delegation proved to be successful for the greater Jewish communities in Johannesburg and Cape Town due to the personal connections that were established, adding yet another dimension to our already successful and extraordinary partnership.

PARTNERSHIP2GETHERARTISTS DELEGATION

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ALIYAH NOW EXPO 2013The annual Aliyah Expo was once again held in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and this year’s theme was Aliyah Now: Why Aliyah may be the best choice for many, right now.

Delegates came from Israel to discuss many differing topics. One of the participants was Rabbi Kline, Deputy Director of Telfed. The Israel Centre was also privileged to host Alan Green, Director of Programmes in The Jewish Agency for Israel. He was joined by his colleague Baruch Kostsewa, Director of the Ulpan Etzion Jerusalem Programme, one of the premier programme options for young professionals making Aliyah to Israel.

There were also Israel Centre representatives present to discuss Na’ale Elite Academy, a schooling option for pupils to finish their final high school years in Israel. Ori Leizer, Aliyah and Betar Shaliach, provided information on how to find a job in Israel and the intricacies of an Israeli CV.

Representatives of the city of Ashkelon provided information about the opportunities for those interested in settling in Ashkelon. Home in Israel real estate agents were available to talk about property for those more drawn to Netanya and its surrounds.

In Johannesburg, Bayley Worldwide provided shipping information and Leon Harris from Harris Consulting and Tax provided useful insight into the new Israeli tax laws.

This and much more was offered in providing potential Olim with all the know-how necessary to make a smooth transition in Israel after making Aliyah.

The Israel Centre and Partnership2Gether, in conjunction with The Peres Peace Centre brought a delegation of eight teenage girls, four Jewish and four Arab, to South Africa to play soccer. The Co-Existence Girls’ Soccer Team proved that participation in sports encourages interaction among people of different faiths, colours and creeds; and that promoting bridge building and coexistence through sport has been one of the many excellent ways in which the Peres Centre has sought to break down stereotypes and change attitudes towards the “other” between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

The visit encompassed a variety of activities for the girls, in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, where they were able to meet young South African female soccer players, to show off their soccer skills, and to counter the widely-held misconception that there is no communication between Israelis and Arab Israelis, and that the country is little more than a conflict zone.

In Johannesburg and Cape Town, the co-existence team participated in a soccer round robin together with local teams and clubs. They also had the opportunity to have a practice session with Super Sport United, they visited schools in Cape Town and Afrikka Tikkun in Alexandra Township, they visited Parliament and they toured the mother city.

Though the Arab and Israeli teens live minutes apart from one another, this program provided one of the more positive and practical opportunities they have to interact. Ultimately one of the Jewish girls summed up the aims of the Partnership2Gether Coexistence Soccer Delegation and The Peres Peace Center itself: “It’s not ‘them’ and ‘us’, it’s ‘we’ together!”

PARTNERSHIP2GETHERCOEXISTENCE SOCCER DELEGATION

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BetarThe Betar Movement is a world Zionist youth movement founded in 1923 by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, and is today active in many world branches, promoting Jewish and Zionist activism.

Betar SA is re-kindling the strong Zionistic spirit that it once held, and was involved in community projects - Yom Hazikaron, Yom Hashoa, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Walk the Land during 2013.

Two Betarim attended the Betar Shnat program in Israel to learn the skills required to become representatives of the movement. In March 2013 Betar South Africa launched a Leadership Course for High School and University Students.

In July 2013, the Mazkirut (Committee) of Betar South Africa hosted a weekend to facilitate learning about the ideology of the movement and its great leaders.

Since August 2013, Betar has had a presence at Jewish schools, during break, to hold fun activities for the students and invite them to Betar SA monthly activities.

In 2014, Betar South Africa is planning monthly fun activities for kids, Mini-Machaneh and Shabbatonim. In addition, in July 2014 Betar SA will host its first Israel Tour for students ages 15-17.

Bnei AkivaBnei Akiva South Africa is part of the World Bnei Akiva movement, a religious Zionist youth movement, which has branches in 35 countries and over 100 000 members. Bnei Akiva believes in a life of “Torah ve’Avodah,” and its motto is “The Land of Israel, for the People of Israel according to the Torah of Israel“. Bnei Akiva guides its members to live a life of Torah observance, and Am Yisrael, the People of Israel, is a large focus of the movement. Bnei Akiva stands for a united Jewish People, strongly supporting the State of Israel with a traditional and moderate Modern Orthodox outlook.

After a very successful Machaneh Ahavat Olam in 2012, the 2013 Bnei Akiva year reached new heights. There were meetings on Shabbat in both Cape Town and Johannesburg; a weekly maddies shiur & supper, Sunday morning shacharit & breakfast and Bnei Shul on Shabbat with a brocha and shiur.

ZIONIST YOUTH MOVEMENTS

NetzerNetzer South Africa is the non-profit, Progressive Jewish and Reform Zionist youth movement of South Africa; and is a branch of the international Netzer movement, Netzer Olami (worldwide) - situated in Jerusalem.

Our main focus is Tikkun Olam (social action), which we try and instil through Jewish education. The Jewish values of equality, tolerance and respect for all humanity form the core of our ideology. Our 5 Pillars of ideology are Progressive Judaism, Reform Zionism, Tikkun Olam, South Africa and Youth Empowerment. We aim to educate our channichim and empower them so that we can put our ideology into practice. As we love to say: “Nilmad ve’na’aseh! - We will learn and we will do!”

2013 was an exciting year in the Netzer world, with an amazing 14-member Mazkirut (leadership body) running the movement.

Highlights from the year included 2 Netzer members going to Israel for Netzer Olami’s worldwide Veida, where decisions are made about Netzer policy and ideology as a world movement, a very successful Tikkun Day at the JHB Zoo, WinterMachaneh Chakirah – an Ideology and Leadership camp in Durban which took place for the first time in 4 years, resulting in some positive changes to the movement.

Cape Town hosted an annual Netzer Night Variety Show and Auction – a fundraiser for Machaneh and additional activities throughout the year across the country included Shabbatot, Mini-Machanot, Tikkun days, celebration of chaggim, movie nights and family days.

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Mini Machaneh, the Purim Carnival, Yom Ha’atzmaut , Yom Yerushalayim, Gurim Seminar, Winter Camp and Durban’s Camp Snoopy were all incredibly well attended over the year, as were Hadracha Tzeira, a 3 week programme in Israel and Kfar, a 3 month programme, both for Grade 10’s.

Highlights from the year included Shabbat Aliyah, with a guest speaker from Israel, Shevet Yuval, an outreach initiative catering for people with special needs and celebrating the Big Shabbat/Shabbat Project on the Yeshiva Campus. 12 chaverim made Aliyah during 2014 and 15 are currently serving in the IDF.

PRE-ELECTION DEBATEAn engrossing and entertaining pre-election debate, hosted by the SA Zionist Federation and the Israel Centre, aimed at raising interest and awareness of the Israeli elections in late January.

Moderator Harold Jacobs, vice-chairman of the SAZF, introduced the party representatives from Meretz; Likud / Yisrael Beiteinu; Hatnua; Hadash; Labour; and Shas and Habayit Hayehudi.

ISRAEL ADVOCACY SEMINARThe SA Zionist Federation hosted the Israel Advocacy Seminar attended by more than 150 people, many representing some of the major Christian Zionist organisations in South Africa. An audio-visual presentation of the previous year’s activities involving the Christian communities, and including such events as the Bible House Project, A Night to Honour Israel, the Africans for Israel March and the DTI labelling of goods issues, was highlighted. There was a fascinating panel discussion and talks on the very destructive international BDS campaign.

DAVID BEN DAVID and the ISRAEL AID MISSIONIsrael Aid Mission is a Jerusalem-based disaster relief organization that rapidly deploys security, shelter, food and medical aid to people who are facing life-threatening circumstances around the world. Immediately following the tragic 2012 earthquake in Haiti, the IAM sent an emergency medical team to the slums of Port au Prince, saving over 400 lives and feeding thousands during the four-week mission. The SAZF hosted a luncheon for Israel Aid Mission Director David Ben David, who gave an excellent presentation to the guests. SIMON DENG Former Sudanese child slave Simon Deng, in South Africa to speak on various campuses during Israel Apartheid Week, was guest speaker, hosted by the SAZF, at a dinner early in the year. Simon held the capacity audience spellbound with his story of enslavement, torture and incessant terror when, as a child of 9, he was kidnapped by Muslims and forced to work in conditions suited more to animals than to people. Also present that evening was Miri Eisin, former spokesperson of the IDF and guest of the SAZF, who during her stay addressed communal leaders, the Media Team, members of the SAICC and the SAUPJ, and various Jewish Day Schools. YOM HAZIKARON Over 2,000 people attended the annual Yom Hazikaron memorial service. Moving and dignified addresses by Israeli Ambassador Dov Segev-Steinberg, SAZF Chairman Avrom Krengel and guest speaker Glen Eilon were followed by candle lighting commemorating the wars fought by the young soldiers.

SAZF: ZIONIST ACTIVITIES 2013

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FAREWELL: AMBASSADOR DOV SEGEV STEINBERG AND YAAKOV FINKELSTEINThe SAZF hosted an official farewell for both Israeli Ambassador Dov Segev Steinberg and Deputy Chief of Mission Yaakov Finkelstein, who had been Israel’s representatives at the Israeli Embassy for 5 and 3 years respectively. Their terms of office ended in August this year, after which they returned to Israel.

KASSIM HAFEEZIn August the SAZF hosted Kasim Hafeez, the young British Muslim who was influenced by Alan Dershowitz’s book The Case for Israel to change his life and the beliefs indoctrinated in him by his background and home and school environments, turning him away from having been a radical jihadist for most of his life into who he is today - a proud Zionist. Kasim gave a number of addresses to various groups during his stay; he was interviewed in depth by journalists of both print and electronic media; and he left a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to meet and hear him.

MOSHE ARONSThe SAZF in partnership with Likud hosted Professor Moshe Arens, former Israeli Ambassador to USA, former Minister of Defence and former Minister of Foreign Affairs. Professor Arens addressed a number of various events on the situation in the Middle East and the prospects for peace in the region.

DAVID HOROVITZ on VIDEODavid Horovitz, founding editor of the online newspaper The Times of Israel and speaker par excellence, participated in a video conference from Israel. Among the issues David discussed were those of the promotion of intra-Jewish tolerance and a plea to the Israeli leadership to devote more attention to the struggle for Israeli legitimacy on “the second battlefield” – in the media, the legal arena and diplomatic forums.

“OUTRAGEOUS MYTH: ZIONISM EQUALS RACISM” BOOKLETThe SAZF published and distributed an excellent booklet illustrating the Palestinian claim to and the Israeli rebuttal of the statement: Zionism equals Racism. The in-depth and intensively researched content was written by Media Team Israel member Monessa Shapiro.

THE MEDIA TEAM ISRAELAs they had done in the past 12 years, the Media Team Israel ensured that they challenged and confronted virtually every negative article, broadcast and item on Israel which appeared in either print or electronic media, including the internet.

The Media Team’s own blog page - http://mediateamisrael.wordpress.com - on which all the letters and op-eds are pasted, has been accessed by readers around the world, from the Scandinavian countries across Europe to the Middle East, Africa and South America.

YOM HA’ATZMA’UTTo celebrate and honour the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, the SAZF hosted two successful, triumphant functions. On the night of Monday 15th April, a capacity audience of some 1000 people attended the production of The Miracle of Israel – A Symphonic Celebration, at the elegant Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City On Tuesday afternoon and evening 16th April, the SAZF played host to more than 2,000 children at the annual Yom Ha’atzma’ut Carnival, also held at Gold Reef City.

YOM YERUSHALAYIM CELEBRATION 2013The SAZF hosted guest speaker Shay Felber, Deputy Director of The Jewish Agency for Israel; and simultaneously presented to the audience a musical journey through the past, present and future of the beautiful city of Jerusalem

WALK THE LAND 65Again in honour of Israel’s 65th birthday, and as part of the Global Walk organised by the Afikim Foundation in conjunction with the World Zionist Organization and the Israel Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, the SAZF and the Israel Centre hosted the Walk the Land – Celebrate Life! event, highlighting the contributions that Israel has made to the world in medicine, agriculture, technology, education, science, culture and the environment, all emanating from the profound value that the country places upon “LIFE”.

ISRAEL NOW ECONOMIST TOUR 2013Reeva Forman took a group of leading South Africa economists to Israel with the purpose of highlighting the economic commonalities between Israel and SA as well as the common economic challenges facing both countries.

MACCABI FAREWELLThe SAZF together with Maccabi hosted a cocktail party in honour of the South African team participating in the July Maccabiah Games in Israel. This was the largest contingent that SA had ever sent to the Maccabiah; and it was also the largest team per capita based on the size of various Diaspora communities.

“WHAT WOULD WE DO IF WE DID NOT HAVE A JEWISH HOMELAND?”The SAZF and Israel Centre’s MAOZ programme hosted a video conference with Rabbi Yitzchak Goldman who was speaking from Israel. The interactive debate with the audience touched on a number of varied and contentious issues.

ALLAN GALEThe SAZF hosted Allan Gale from Detroit, Michigan, to a special luncheon. Mr Gale is a prominent member of the Detroit Jewish community.

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ZIONIST CARAVANJNF: ZIONIST ACTIVITIES 2013TU BISHVAT Many Jewish day schools benefited from the exciting and innovative tree planting workshops by “Grow a Tree” which donated 15 indigenous trees (for the Tu in Tu Bishvat ) to each school.

YOM HA’ATZMA’UT 2013This occasion saw the launch of the JNF viral “Forest of Giving” campaign. The video debuted at the community concert and was well received.

When former SA Ambassador to Israel Ismail Coovadia rejected his traditional gift of 18 trees at the termination of his office, this incensed the local community and the JNF created a trees campaign to counter it. Some 354o trees were planted in lieu of his rejection.

KKL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEThe JNF / KKL in Israel held its biannual Leadership Conference in June of this year, coordinating with the Presidents Conference which celebrated Shimon Peres’ 90th Birthday.

The conference was a spectacular affair with a good mix of learning, updating of JNF activities, and gala events.

WALTER SISULU ENVIRONMENTAL CENTREThe local JNF project WSEC once again did the organisation proud by winning its 5th National Award, this time for Bio Diversity. The Centre continues to educate over 10 000 pupils a year in sustainable living and sound environmental practice.

The affiliated project - “Greening Mamelodi” – was responsible for planting 7000 trees in the Tshwane District during 2013.

HARVEST OF PEACEAn exciting new project between the JNF-SA, Food and Trees for Africa, and the Catholics Bishops Conference was initiated this year. First step will be an educational demo farm in Brits. The JNF arranged for 2 agronomists from Food and Trees to travel to Israel to meet experts there and learn about the very latest in growing technologies and water saving measures.

GREEN SHULSThe JNF continues to encourage local Shuls to opt for greener solutions in their running and catering endeavours, and to encourage the “green element” and sensitive living, as in Torah study.

ANNUAL YOUTH CAMPSThe JNF continues to have a presence at the December Youth Camps to teach chanichim Zionist values and the importance of the JNF as the official developer of the land of Israel on behalf of all diaspora Jews.

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ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION

The SAZF is a constituent body of the World Zionist Organisation; and the representative in South Africa of the World Zionist Organisation.

The SAZF acts on behalf of the South African Jewish Community in all matters relating to Israel; and is the umbrella organisation responsible for all aspects of Zionist activity and for the range of the Jewish community’s multi-faceted relationship with Israel.

The Zionist Federation works pro-actively to reduce the amount of anti-Israel bias in the South Africa political system. It works at all levels to put Israel’s case of democracy and freedom across to key decision makers. This includes the governmental, party political, media, civil society, academic, diplomatic, business and religious communities. The Zionist Federation also helps to celebrate the many successes of the Jewish state, organizing important commemorative days, facilitating Zionist education and bringing the best in Israeli culture and technology to the South Africa for everyone to enjoy.

ABOUT THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has worked to secure a vibrant Jewish future. The Jewish Agency was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and we continue to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled us to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation.

Today, we connect the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews. We build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to rescue and bring Jews home to Israel from countries where they are at-risk.

More information can be found at: jewishagency.org

One of the reasons I am so pleased to be in Israel is as a tribute to the enormous contribution of the Jewish community of South Africa [to South Africa]. I am so proud of them.

-- Nelson Mandela

You declare, my friend, that you do not hate the Jews, you are merely ‘anti-Zionist.’ And I say, let the truth ring forth from the high mountain tops, let it echo through the valleys of God’s green earth: When people criticize Zionism, they mean Jews-this is God’s own truth. Anti-Semitism, the hatred of the Jewish people, has been and remains a blot on the soul of mankind. In this we are in full agreement. So know also this: anti-Zionist is inherently anti-Semitic, and ever will be so. Why ? Because Zionism is nothing less than the dream and ideal of the Jewish people returning to live in their own land.

-- Martin Luther King

for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

a land which the LORD thy God careth for; the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.

כי את כל הארץ אשר אתה ראה, לך אתננה, ולזרעך,

עד עולם.

ארץ, אשר ה’ אלהיך דרש

אתה: תמיד, עיני ה’ אלהיך

בה-מרשית השנה,

ועד אחרית שנה.

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Israel Centre JohannesburgBeyachad 2 Elray StreetRaedene, 2192011 645 2560 debbie@israelcentre.co.zajewishagency.org/sa facebook.com/israel.centre.9

Israel Centre Cape Town87 Hatfield StreetGardens, 8001021 464 6718aliyah@ctjc.co.za jewishagency.org/sa facebook.com/israel.centre.9

South African Zionist FederationBeyachad2 Elray StreetRaedene, 2192011 645 2510sazf@beyachad.co.zasazionfed.co.zafacebook.com/SAZionistFed

The Jewish Agency (Israel Headquarters)45 King George StreetJerusalem 91000+972 2 620 2222jewishagency.orgfacebook.com/jewishagencytwitter.com/jewishagency