Habonim Dror Southern Africa

Rapahel Chaskalson
20 March 2012
After the notable achievements of Machaneh Bonim Atid 2011 – which brought together over 1000 dynamic, young Jews at its peak – Habonim Dror Southern Africa (HDSA) has hit the ground running in 2012. Last year was an enormously successful year for HDSA and we aim to build on those achievements in the next 10 months, taking our movement forward to new heights. Preparation for our Johannesburg and Cape Town Mini Machanot to be held at the end of this month (23-25 March), is in full swing. Signups from channichim, who can look forward to an education and fun-filled three days, are streaming in. Planning for our Shorashim programme for Grade 10s, to be held in June, is also underway. Off the back of an inspiring Sollelim Machaneh last December, they can look forward to three of the most memorable weeks of their lives in Israel, getting to know the country, its politics and its unique society and culture.


Our Kenim in Johannesburg and Cape Town have successfully organised two months’ worth of Friday night meetings for Grade 11s and up, which have been a constant source of fun and educational stimulation for the Bogrim body. This year, we have streamlined the functioning of the Mazkirut in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the committee that ensures that events are run for channichim of all ages during the year. Our goal is to improve on the good work done in 2011, with the intention of running at least 1 monthly event for each age group of channichim per month.


A generally upbeat mood is permeating through HDSA as I write this article. Events over the last two months, such as Friday night meetings and voting for leadership positions, have witnessed unusually high levels of energy and participation in the Bogrim body. As excitement for Mini Machaneh 1 builds, it is clear to everyone involved in HDSA that a stimulating, ideological and fun-filled year lies ahead.