May 10, 2004 - May 20, 2004
once again the South African Zionist Federation concludes a spectacular tour.
During the year 2002, as a member of the board of Deputies, I kept on hearing that there had been no solidarity tours to Israel from SA for ten years or more. The perception was that it was due to the horrific suicide bombing, and the onslaught of negative publicity that Israel was receiving in the media. Believing strongly in the Zionistic nature of the vast majority of SA Jewry, and realising that the economic situation of many SA Jews had worsened.....I decided to initiate a tour to Israel with the help of the SAFZ. The tour was to be affordable...i.e. partially subsidized, and was to ensure an understanding of the current complex situation in Israel, from all points of view... political, academic, social, economic, etc. Most importantly to be part of living history, to touch, feel, see and be with our family in Israel at this most crucial period!
With the help of generous sponsors and participating SAZF organisations here, and the Department for Zionist Activities of the WZO, Telfed & the Jewish Agency in Israel... this came to fruition.... The first tour went in November 2002... to date we have completed four tours, with 180 people who are now part of the Israel Now Tour family..... We are currently promoting the next Tour in November 2004...
We literally cover the width and breadth of Israel. The last tour in May this year, included amongst other highlights, wine farming in the Negev, The Ramon air force base, Ben Gurion University, Haifa Technion, Yom Yerushalaim Ceremony, AND Shabbat in Jerusalem!
Today the Israel Now Tour is a "brand" in its own right, known for its excellence in showcasing Israel, to reveal her true strength as a miracle of a vibrant democracy, standing with the utmost faith in her hour of adversity... maintaining at all costs a haven of safety and welcome for Jews worldwide.
The nicest remark from one of the tour members was that this tour not only helps you understand the complexity of the situation in Israel and deepens your love for Israel, but is a life changing experience for the individual...
I am very grateful to all who have helped put this tour together, as on my own I would have not have been able to achieve my goal
Reeva Forman