During April, 2002 a group of 16 pupils aged 15 from Beit Shemesh/Adulam were sent to South Africa within the framework of the project called "Ambassadors for Tolerance". They were accompanied by two madrichot from the Moshavim in the Adulam region.

The group was very well prepared and not only did they participate with their South African peer group in seminars on tolerance in Cape Town and in Johannesburg, but they were briefed on the local situation. These briefings proved to be very valuable as the pupils were able to discuss the terrorist attacks and the effect on their lives.

The hospitality extended to the Israelis in South Africa was extremely warm and friendly and many life long contacts were established.

The reciprocal visit of the South African pupils took place during June, and was equally successful, in spite of the restraints imposed on the movements of the group. They were hosted by the Israeli pupils in their homes and they toured together, under very severe security measures. This year, they SA pupils were not allowed to have many free days for shopping and for walking through the Jerusalem Mall in the centre of the city as in the past, but we found ways to compensate them.

The highlight of their visit was meeting with Prime Minister Sharon. The Ethnic Dinner was a very emotional farewell party which summed up the two visits. The parents of the Israeli pupils prepared ethnic food and one of the parents, offered their home.

Looking around at the happy/sad faces at this party, made us realise that cultural differences can easily be overcome and it takes the right education to make people understand that with tolerance and knowledge, prejudices are easily put aside.

Av 5762 - July 2002