This August, we lit the fire and came together for a good old South African braai in the North. While there may not have been boerewors on the grill this time, there was no shortage of laughter, warmth, and the unmistakable South African spirit that binds us together.
For many families, this was more than just a social gathering. Some had only recently returned home after being evacuated, while others continue to carry the weight of living under heavy fire. Their lives have been uprooted for over a year, and not everyone in their communities will be coming back. Yet those who have chosen to stay do so with courage, resilience, and determination that inspire us all.
Kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch—with its deep South African roots—was the ideal setting for this gathering. It offered a space to breathe a little easier, to laugh, to share stories, and to remind one another that in hardship and in healing, no one stands alone.
At Telfed, it is our privilege to walk alongside these families: to support them, to strengthen connections, and to remind them that wherever life takes us, we are always stronger together.