The Bottom Line - 9 May 2003
The IUA-UCF Poland – Israel Tour will be taking place on 9 to 17 June 2003 with an option of staying on until 20 June. This tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see first-hand the depths of the pain and suffering experienced by our fellow Jews during the Holocaust and simultaneously relive the birth of the State of Israel, thus experiencing the triumph of the Jewish people over such adversity. Discover the rich history of a thriving Jewish community in Poland, from which emanated many great scholars. See how they lived – a vibrant people for hundreds of years.
With this in mind, a meaningful and packed programme has been planned, both in Poland and Israel. Significant places to be visited include the Warsaw Ghetto, Krakow, Auschwitz-Birkenau and various museums and monuments. Highlights in Israel include the Knesset, where the group will be addressed by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon or the Head of the Israeli Parliament, the Western Wall, Yad Vashem and Tel Aviv.
The work of Keren Hayesod will also be featured during the tour, thus allowing the community to see the concrete achievements of the Israel United Appeal / Keren Hayesod through their vital contributions.
Such tours are essential to building and maintaining strong bridges between Israel and the Diaspora and providing the closeness and emotional and financial support that Israel and her people so desperately require at this time of crisis. Remembering our past suffering and then witnessing the victory of our people in 1948, the building and flourishing of Israel, is a source of much strength.
This week was Yom Ha’atzmaut, when we celebrated Israel’s 55th birthday. The 5 Iyar is a benchmark of Jewish survival and success. Yet, as we commemorated Israel’s fallen on Yom Hazikaron the previous day, so the tour expresses this phenomenon in Jewish history. We cannot forget where we came from, for this is what makes us who we are today.
Don’t miss out on this journey through history. Seize the opportunity today, for it will, no doubt, be a memorable and profound one. For more information or to book, please contact our offices.
*************************
In 2001 Partnership 2000 (P2K) / IUA sent a delegation of South African teachers to Israel. Schools in Beit Shemesh-Adulam – our partner region – were instrumental in providing our teachers with first-hand knowledge of the Israeli educational system.
This week, we welcomed our Israeli guests on a reciprocal visit to South African shores, as part of a professional teachers exchange. After having split up into our regional centres, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, where each region has arranged a comprehensive educational programme, they will all return to Johannesburg for a week long visit. During this time they will meet with communal leaders, visit Jewish organisations and still have some time for sight seeing.
Thank you to all for making this programme a huge success, where the benefits are not only limited to the teachers involved, but will filter down to the children as well.