Israel's 60th Anniversay
Israel celebrates its 60th Anniversay this week and so does the South African Zionist Federation (Israel) - known as Telfed. Since 1948 Telfed has assisted in the absorption of the many thousands of Southern Africans who have made Israel their home.
Telfed salutes all those who have taken part in the building and contributing to the country's success to date and call on our fellow Jews in Southern Africa to join us in this continuing effort. Under the most adverse conditions of military and terrorist threats Israel has accomplished huge advances in the fields of education, agriculture, medicine, arts, science, high-tech and many other fields.
Today Israel has a population of over 7 million and has a world class economy but much work is still to be done in absorbing immigrants and raising the standards of living for all its citizens. The political and military challenges are far from resolved and the country still needs to be vigilant. At the same time Israel has shown its willingness to sit down and make peace with its neighbours. That job is far from over.
Since the early days of statehood when the first Machal volunteers arrived, through helping create kibbutzim, moshavim, new towns, new housing projects, rental housing, providing educational scholarships, retirement homes and more - Telfed has shown its commitment to meeting the challenges of aliyah and klita.
Telfed has set the standard for olim associations in its management and visionary activities over the years. Telfed will continue its services to the Southen African community in Israel and for the betterment of all our people.
We wish you all a Happy Independence Day - CHAG SAMEACH !!
(read an interesting perspective from the Wall St Journal - posted on our BLOG at
http://www.telfed.org.il/content/israels-60-year-test )