The founding of Manof

By David E Kaplan

Below is a South African Zionist Federation (Israel) Production, narrated by Hirsch Goodman and was found in the Steven Spielberg Library. It was filmed at the beginning of the 1980s and is anchored on the annual Fun Run , where the runners of all ages start from Misgav and then sweat their way up the massive hill to Manof. Creatively, the effort and endurance that is required to make the finish line is compared with the same virtues to make a success of building a new– and at that time quite isolated - South African settlement like Manof.

Grit, determination and inspiration are the fuel to make it in both scenarios.

Some of you will recognize many of the faces and the people interviewed (such as Skip Traceman (former shaliach), Alan Caplan, Marlene Ferrer, Les Shul, Beverley Caplan, Lauren Swerdlow and others, all founding members of moshav Manof) and makes fascinating viewing increasing our understanding of our proud Southern African contribution to  Zionism and the State of Israel.

All the kids interviewed with their South African accents are today parents themselves, many of the young parents, grandparents. Time marches on, but the magnificence of Manof today – some 150 homes since the original 35 -  stands as proud testimony to the efforts of the past.

This movie presents a visual perspective of the nature and success of Southern African Zionist endeavours that has an impressive history and will continue to contribute no less to this country’s illustrious future.