Israel back to moon in two years, Kahn says

JORDAN MOSHE

The South African-born Kahn made the declaration on stage at Israel’s 71st Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem last week. He and one of the company’s co-founders, Kfir Damari, were invited to light the first of the ceremony’s 12 symbolic torches.

Before kindling the torch, the 89-year-old mogul put his glasses on to read prepared lines, but then looked up and launched into an entirely unprepared speech.

Veering entirely from the script in his hand, he announced that he was prepared to fund the second Israeli mission to the moon – in two years’ time – much to the apparent confusion of Damari.

After paying tribute to those who had made the first attempt possible, which nearly reached the moon in April, Kahn recounted a conversation he had had with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We were two moments away [from the moon], but we didn’t get there,” he said. “The prime minister turned to me and asked, ‘How much will it cost?’ and I gave him my estimate.”

In spite of Damari’s attempts to interrupt him, Kahn forged ahead. “He asked, ‘How long will it take?’ and I said, ‘Two years’. He asked if I was willing to contribute again, and I said I would consider it. Tonight, I am responding, and the answer is yes.”

Kahn’s evidently unscheduled announcement was met with amusement and excitement by the crowd, with a grinning Netanyahu thanking him from his seat, and audience members standing to applaud him.

Although Kahn pledged his support for the second attempt last month, it was clear that neither the event organisers nor Damari wanted him to continue with his address.

Reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder, Damari attempted to guide Kahn back to the script. However, even with Damari handing him the torch, Kahn was determined to continue.

“Morris wants to speak,” the news commentator can be heard saying. “And the audience wants to hear him.” Kahn attempted to continue speaking, cheered by the audience, but his oration was evidently cut short by turning off the microphone, and the announcement of the next torch lighter.

Kahn’s determination to see Israel take another crack at the moon landing is certainly no surprise. He provided a sizeable percentage of the $100 million (R1.4 billion) required to build and launch the first spacecraft, stating days after the crash that he would ensure the creation Beresheet 2. “We started something, and we need to finish it. We’ll put our flag on the moon,” he said.

Although his office would not comment on his plans for the second spacecraft, it is clear that the business boffin from Benoni remains committed to Israel’s moon landing.