Durban-based TaMaR/Arzenu held a ‘Night to Honour Israel’ at the Durban Jewish Club recently that was attended by almost 400 members of the Jewish community and Christian Zionists. It was so successful that more ‘Night to Honour Israel’ events are now planned.

We already brought Shtetlers the STORY & PICS from the even two weeks ago and published that keynote speaker Prince Mangosuthu Buthlelezi had told the pro-Israel audience that he is ashamed and embarrassed of how SA has sidelined Israel in favour of Palestine.

Now the event-hosts have sent us some videos. It was hosted by the young adult Jewish Zionist movement known as TaMaR and the worldwide reform Zionist political party for the Jewish Diaspora known as Arzenu.

TaMar Durban director Jenna Reinbach acknowledged the place of non-Jewish supporters of the State of Israel within the Jewish community. “In 2001, Durban hosted the world conference against racism which ended up in an anti-Semitic mob. Jews found themselves alone except for the handful of Christian Zionists who stood by us,” she told the gathering.

“From the painful lessons of the past it became clear that our Christian Zionist friends and non-Jewish supporters of Israel can be counted on and that their support must be valued and appreciated,” said Reinbach.

“Tonight we are joining hands in friendship to start a common journey together - of discovery, understanding and a common interest,” said TaMar Durban’s director.

Other speakers on the evening included Rabbi Hillel Avidan from Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation and Shimon Shamila, Director of the Israel Centre in Johannesburg.

Additional Information:

For more information on TaMaR Durban you can phone Jenna Reinbach on:
(+27) 83 298-7591 or tamargroup@gmail.com.

Their Websites are:
http://www.netzerolami.org/eng/tamar/about-TaMaR.asp
http://www.arzenu.org.il/