Habonim Dror Southern Africa

Since February 2011, the ‘VP’, elected by the Hanhagga (National Executive), has envisaged, led, planned and executed every facet of Machaneh Bonim Atid, from the educational direction to all aspects of the massive logistical operation.

Rosh Machaneh – Ross Engers
Mazkir Klali 2011, Camp Organiser Machaneh Koach Le’Shanot 2010, Rosh Bogrim Seminar 2010, Camp Organiser Machaneh Olam Chofshi 2009, S’gan Rosh Ken Cape Town 2009, Rosh Mini-Mach 2008, S’gan Rosh Bonim Winter Camp 2008, Shnat Participant 2007 Ross Engers' first machaneh as an inspired Shomrim channich in 2005 set the tone for the rest of his Habonim career. As Mazkir Klali this year, he has steered the movement from strength to strength in 2011. This is Ross' third year on the VP and there is no doubt that his two years of experience as camp organiser, combined with his unrivaled passion for the movement, will make this machaneh one of the greatest in Habonim history.
S'ganit Rosh Machaneh – Gabriela Altamirano
National Youth Worker 2011, Rosh Sollelim Machaneh Koach Le’Shanot 2010, Rosh Ken CT, Rosh Amelim Machaneh Olam Chofshi 2009, Rosh Bogrim CT 2008, S'gan Rosh Shtilim Machaneh Tnua LeTzedek 2008, Rosh Shomrim CT Mazkirut 2008, Shnat Participant 2007 Gabi started her Habonim career in 2001 as a young Bonim channicha. After completing her degree in 2010 she moved to Jo’burg this year to work full time for the movement. Excelling at all that she undertakes, Gabi really is the logistical queen - from booking your plane tickets to planning the machaneh calendar. With six years of experience behind her, Gabi will ensure that your journey this machaneh will be one that you won’t soon forget.
S'ganit Rosh Machaneh – Gemma Cowan
Head of Publications 2011, Rosh Amelim 2010, Leadership Tour Participant 2010, S'ganit Rosh Bogrim 2010, S'ganit Rosh Sollelim 2009, Rosh Garinim CT Ken 2009, Veida Tzevet 2009, Shnat Participant 2008 Gemma Cowan has been a dedicated chavera of the movement from the moment she set foot on the campsite for the first time in December 2005. After going on Shnat in 2008, she led successful Sollelim and Amelim machanot and has been central in revolutionising Habonim's publications and communications. As S’ganit Rosh Machaneh, Gemma will be key in maintaining an organised and smooth running camp.
Rosh Chinnuch – Julian Kesler
S'gan Mazkir 2011, S'gan Rosh Ken Cape Town 2010, Rosh Chinnuch Machaneh Koach Le’Shanot 2010, S’gan Rosh Shomrim Machaneh Olam Chofshi 2009 To do a position for two consecutive years takes passion, dedication and true commitment that Julian Kesler certainly possesses. Our S’gan Mazkir Klali of 2011 has been a devout Habonim chaver since he first graced the campsite as a mere Sollelim channich in 2003. As they say, the rest is history. After a successful camp in 2010, Julian comes back a second time to light the Shabbat magic, spark fresh ideas, stimulate questions and drive the education at this year’s machaneh.
Camp Organiser - Bianca Sossen
Camp VP Assistant Machaneh 2010, Rosh Meoravut Cape Town 2008, S’ganit Rosh Mini Machaneh Perech Sameach 2008, Rosh Eastern Cape 2009, Rosh National Meoravut and Southern Africa 2010 After her successful role as VP Assistant at machaneh last year, Bianca returns to us to take up the role of Camp Organiser. Balancing 4th year medicine and a VP tafkid, she is without a doubt the organisation Guru! We can expect nothing less than perfection from her and can be confident that nothing will be left to slip through the cracks with Bianca on the job.
VP Assistant – Josh Lazarus
Rosh Eastern Cape 2011, Shorashim Madrich 2011, S'gan Rosh Sollelim 2010, Cape Town Shnat Co-ordinator 2010, Rosh Mini-Machaneh Chibur Le'Enoshut 2010, Shnat participant 2009 Josh Lazarus has been a proud member of Habonim since before he can remember. He spent his gap year with Habonim on Shnat in Israel and since then he has come back to Cape Town and is currently studying Engineering at UCT. Josh’s ability to think on his feet and problem solve, will make him a great asset to the team.
The Va’ad Machaneh (Machaneh Executive)
The ‘VM’ is the elected leadership of the machaneh. It is made up of the Roshim and Sganim of the shichavot, as well as the Mitbach and Chetz leadership teams. The individuals who make up this body are democratically elected by the Bogrim of the movement. Election to the Va’ad Machaneh is in recognition of one’s commitment and dedication, educational strength, overall ability and leadership skills. The Va’ad Machaneh has received additional training in childcare, peer leadership and other skills related to the running of machaneh. Habonim Dror has the utmost confidence in this year’s VM to plan, direct and ultimately run an unforgettable three week experience.