Dear Mickey,

I am writing to express how glad I was to meet in South Africa your group “Young Ambassadors For Tolerance” from Beit Shemish.

While recently on holiday with my family in Cape Town, my Dad heard that there was a mini – Habonim Machane at Ontrus and suggested I go. I’m so glad I did. I am a member of Noar HaOved in Kfar Saba, so I was keen to join the camp and learn more about Movement activity outside of Israel. However I admit I was a little apprehensive, as I knew only one other person my age that was going.

I was so happy I was when before boarding the bus outside Herzlia School, to see a group of Israeli kids my age. And what a great group. I shared a tent with them and we yakked away he whole night.

My Dad asked me to think of an example or incident that would convey the value in sending young Israeli kids to meet with South African kids. One amusing one comes immediately to mind. I heard one Cape Town boy say to another “Look at all these pretty Israeli girls. I wish I could understand what they are saying. Pity our Hebrew is so scrappy.” See – what better incentive to learn Hebrew!

It is now a few weeks since I’m back in Israel, and I am pleased to have made new Israeli friends in S.A. We keep in touch by email and ICQ.

Tishrei 5764 - October 2003