Bnei Zion Reunion
Even the hottest day of the year could not spoil the reunion of "vatikei" Bnei Zion at Moshav Timorim on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. People began meandering in to the very nicely air-conditioned moadon of the moshav around eleven a.m. and soon old friendships were renewed. By twelve, most people had arrived, though some continued to appear until some hours later. Each arrival was provided with a name tag prepared in advance by Gidon Katz, and paid a symbolic fee to cover expenses.
After singing Hatikvah, everybody sat down around tables and Lenny Cartoon welcomed all the participants. Haim Zehavy then welcomed everybody in the name of Timorim.
He was followed by Sinai Rome, who identified himself as the last surviving founder of Bnei Zion and entertained the company with the saga of his name. A very impressive gentleman. Zelig Milner, in an impromptu presentation, pointed out the amusing parallels between Sinai's experience and his own as regards the same Hebrew and English names. In the name of the S.A.Zionist Federation, Dave Kaplan said a few words, as a connected outsider, mentioning a new program to encourage settlement of the Negev. Gene Tamari added a more somber note, pointing out that, although those present represented a considerable triumph of the movement, all the youth movements in South Africa had in fact failed quite dismally in their mission of persuading South African Jewry to come on aliyah. Finally, Geoff Boner, in the name of the organisers, pointed out that all the hard work of preparing the event had been done by Gidon Katz, and "kol hakavod" to him. Everyone then got down to their picnic lunches.
The moadon was decorated with pictures and text from the days of the movement
(which only existed as an independent entity from 1945 to 1961), including video
presentations of camp and other activities, accompanied by lovely Israel music
and some South African tunes. Cakes and coffee were available throughout. A
lot of reminiscing and a lot of pleasant chatting took place, before the event broke
up at around two p.m. Some seventy people had participated and braved the heat,
while a number of others sent apologies.
Thanks again to Gidon and to Moshav Timorim for allowing our nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Judy Kirson.
List of participants
Bernie Basker Les Amdur Tova and Tzemach Bloomberg
Pam and Geoff Boner Itzke Joe Brenner Taube Dorfan
Selma and Lennie Cartoon Mickey Glass Elsa and Doddie Gordan
Hazel Goldblatt Hellen Milner Goldfoot Julie Hadar
Sara Greenblatt Judy Hurwitz Leah and Abe Isenberg
Sally Jarzen Eli Klass Alisa and Itemar Joffe
Sorrel and Gidon Katz Judy and Michael Kirson Zehava Richter
Riva and Ron Lapid Tamar Meyers Leah Newstead
Zelig Miner Rochie and Frankie Myers Sara and Dave Paiken
Beverly and Sinai Rome Estel and Errol Sapir Tzippy and les Sher
Pixie and Gene Tamari Doreen and Richard Wunsh Rochie and Haim Zehavy
Rosie Helper Chana Eidelman Lily and Harry Karabel
Ronit and Joe Livne David Kaplan Lynn and Mervyn Wolf
Hannah and Isaac Bloch Pnina and Shmuel Cook.
A few Coments.
Congratulations for an extremely well organised, expertly executed, magnificent,
wonderful Bnei Zion Reunion !
Kol Hakavod to you and your team!.
It was an emotional , memorable day.
I saw a few people, I haven't seen for up to 55 years (e.g. Bernie Basker, Selig Milner nd sister Helen).
Thank goodness for the name tags! (Didn't realise how time takes it's toll, on all of us! t was absolutely terrific to swop stories with such a lot of old friends and acquaintances.
The Timorim gang also deserve much credit, for a job well done!
All the best !
Les Amdur.
I just wanted to thank you once again for a really wonderful day!
It was absolutely fantastic to have seen everybody again! You are to be congratulated
for having organized such a magnificent day! Everything went off beautifully,
and I am mazed at the tremendous amount of hard work you put into everything.
Once again, thanks a lot for a great day and warmest regards,
Leah Newstead.
Letter of thanks to the Mazkir of Timorim.
Shalom Zvi.
We thank you for your help and support in arranging a very succesful Bnei Zion Reunion.
All present enjoyed themselves immensely.
Moving into the moadon saved the day.
Everything fell into place and we will all remember our get together
as a very special occasion.
We wish Beit Timorim Yom Atzmaut 60 Samauch and Shalom.
Judy, Michael, Pam, Geoff, Sorrel, Gidon and All Bnei Zion friends.
Many people took photos, Erroll Sapir has kindly let us his Picasaweb to see them.
Keep checking as new photos will be added as I get them.
http://picasaweb.google.com/errolsapir/BneiZionReunion08
Thanks to all who inspite of the heat of 0ver 38C joined us at
The Bnei Zion Reunion at Timorim.
Your presence added to the special day that it was.
Be well and Keep in Touch.
Gidon.
