ANT KATZ

The first official relaunch camp of Betar Southern Africa, Machaneh Hatchala Chadasha, was held over the week of July 6 – 13. All told 42 chnnichim, madrichim (some of the organisers pictured) and staff came together for a fun-filled and educational week at “The Teen Ranch” in Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal.

During the week the participants enjoyed tiyulim (hikes) to crocodile and banana farms and a hike to a stunning waterfall while climbing ropes.

Besides going to Port Edward beach daily, channichim enjoyed bonding activities with their counsellors and were challenged by the campsite obstacle course.

The new Betarim were educated about basic Betar ideology as a Zionist youth movement and enjoyed an “Israel Day” which turned out to be held on the day after Operation Protective Edge began.

During the weekend, all channichim and madrichim came together for an inspiring and spiritual Shabbos with three “bachurim” who proved to be a big asset for the atmosphere.

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After being missing from the Jewish youth movement scene for a few years, Betar has returned in style and this camp was a success beyond all expectations. Testimony to its success is evident by the comments on the Betar-SA Facebook page by both channichim and parents.

What campers had to say:

Some of the Comments posted on the Betar-SA Facebook Page (unedited):

• “Tel Hai – So I just want to thank all of you who made my past week the most amazing experience of my life; not only did I make new friends but I was accepted into a family and for that I am eternally grateful and I can honestly sayIi love each and every one of you so much that I am still crying. Haha I am officially a Betariah!”
• “May you grow from strength to strength and wishing all your madrichim and channichim to one day be able to think back to their Betar days and remember them as the best years of their lives, just like myself and all those who were in the movement in the 70s and 80s (and I’m sure before and after) do.”
• “Thank you for looking after our kids so well. I know someone is going to be counting the sleeps till December.”
• “You guys were amazing. Thanks so much for the greatest experience for our kids.”
• “Loved seeing all the pics posted. Looks like the kids had the best time. Thanks for an amazing week.”
• This was truly one of the greatest camps Betar has ever had. Rosh Machaneh, Hadley Shapiro mentioned at final Misdar how far the channichim had come and evolved in just 1 week, but what is also amazing is how far Betar has come since its relaunch.
• The tears were streaming as everyone said their goodbyes because most started off as strangers but left as a family. The consencus was that this was only the beginning of something greater than we could have ever imagined possible.