A Visit to the Betar Youth Towns of Israel -- June 1999

Ever had lunch with 700 teenagers? That is exactly what I did recently on a visit to Israel.

While visiting Israel recently, I went along to visit some of the Youth Towns and at the same time find out (for myself ) how they function and what they were all about. I fell "in love" with one of the Betar Youth Town's situated near Tel Aviv (Lod).

While having lunch with (700) seven hundred teenagers, each one an individual - representing different threads (cultures) to form and weave into one beautiful rich tapestry. (our heritage) All part of one people, diverse and different , which is what makes Israel and the Jewish people unique. Watching and interacting with this interesting mix -( our very own "United Nations"!!) - I was amazed at what was being achieved by the small and very dedicated group of workers.

What started as Hebrew classes in a few huts for 12 orphaned children from Europe in 1948 - has grown into the successful "Betar Youth Towns" of Israel. Instrumental in taking up the challenge to help new Olim from diverse cultures. Often traumatized - some from disadvantaged backgrounds - many with little knowledge of Judaism, and mostly none of Hebrew; they are being helped to integrate into the social mainstream of Israeli society; as Israeli's -as equals - as Jews - contributing towards the future of Israel.

Youth Towns of Israel brought and continue to bring -youth with or without their parents from areas of turmoil, providing for their educational, social and personal needs. The diversity of the youth is what makes it so special. Youth from areas and countries as diverse as Lithuania -Ethiopia -Chechnya-Yugoslavia -USA -Uzbekistan -Ethiopia are receiving developed programs tailored to their needs.

As this goes to print - Israel awaits the arrival of 3,000 Kuwara (Qwara) Jews to be rescued from the northern area of Ethiopia in distress; and possibly many thousands more from Russia this year, where anti-Semitism has erupted openly over last few months.

Youth Towns of Israel are there to welcome and help those children in need, and will continue this valued service with your help and the motto; Our children are our greatest treasures -Our future and our hope.

Rufina Bernardetti Silva Mausenbaum
Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
T/ 27-11- 4475721
F/ 27-11-8802962
PO Box 85359, Emmarentia, 2029, Johannesburg,
South Africa.
rufina@netactive.co.za