6 Adar II, 5760
Jerusalem

Youth Movements and Jewish Agency Emissaries in Aid Mission for South African Flood Victims

Devastating floods overcame the South African Black Township of Alexandra near Johannesburg last week. As a result thousands of inhabitants were left without basic foodstuffs and hundreds of homes were left without roofs.

At an initiative of Jewish Agency emissaries, heads of Zionist youth movements, student organizations and the Jewish community, 6 tons of equipment were collected to be distributed to the stricken flood victims. The equipment included sheets, tents and food.

Tal Glazer, head of the Jewish Agency's education emissaries in South Africa, approached Amos Hermon, Chairman of the Jewish Agency Education Committee, for permission to enter the Alexandra Township renowned as a kidnap spot. Amos Hermon directed Tal Glazer to request city authorities to accompany the relief convoy into the township.

When the trucks entered the township they bore signs with the message "Do not hijack the trucks, they are bringing equipment and food to help us". As a result of the involvement of the Jewish youth movements and students organization, Nelson Mandela, former South African President, agreed to head the voluntary relief agency "Repair" which helps the impoverished population throughout South Africa.

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