S.A. Parliamentary delegation meets with Telfed

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25th June - Raanana.

A delegation from the South African Parliament's sub-committee on Foreign Affairs met with Telfed this week as part of their fact finding mission to the Mideast.

 The group headed by Mr Job Sithole were invited to an informal dinner and discussion with Telfed's management committee at its offices in Raanana. Other members of the delegation included Sheila Camerer of the DA and Mewa Ramgobin of the ANC.

 The delegation was greeted by Telfed's Chairman Maish Isaacson who explained to the group Telfed's role in supporting former Southern Africans living in Israel and emphasised it is an a-political organisation. Other Telfed represenatives included Hertzel Katz, Vice Chairman Dave Bloom, Adelle Bassin, Maurice Ostroff, Telfed Director Sid Shapiro and Chairman of the S.A.-Israel Chamber of Commerce Avram Joffe.

 A wide-ranging discussed ensued covering the current Palestinian- Israel issues and also involved South Africa's role in the Zimbabwe crisis. There was consenses on a number of issues including what was described as a "lack of leadership" of the stature of Nelson Mandela in resolving the conflict. The delegation were due to meet with Hamas leadership in Gaza and Fatah leadership in Ramallah and Telfed representatives sought their assistance in pressing for the urgent released of Gilad Shalit.

Below is a short slide show of the meeting - by Maurice Ostroff