26 April 2012 - Yeshiva College

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOLS
Dear parents
On Tuesday 24 th April 2012, we had a commemoration service, paying tribute to the heroic South African men and woman
who volunteered to go to Israel, to fight in the War of Independence in 1948.
As we all know, this was before Israel had the means to defend itself. All the Arab nations surrounding Israel had declared
war on the fledgling state. Because the British would not allow young men who had the potential to defend Israel to enter
Israel openly, these brave South Africans, some of whom were not Jewish, got to Israel by disguising their true intentions in
various ways.
We screened the incredible documentary 804, which was produced by one of the mothers of our school, Sharit Krengel. I,
for one, was absolutely spellbound by this wonderful production and learnt a great deal about this event in our history. As I
said when I concluded the program, I have obviously always been a proud Jew and a proud South African, but I have never
been more proud than I am now, having learnt about the selfless patriotism shown by the South Africans who acquitted
themselves so magnificently in this War of Independence.
It was clearly stated that without the exceptional experience, knowledge, commitment and expertise of the volunteers, the
outcome of the war might have been different.
We had a number of honoured guests at this program. It was attended by Sharit Krengel as well as a number of parents
and grandparents of the school, whose husbands and fathers were part of the South African group who defended Israel.
Mrs. Selma Friedland and her daughter- in- law, Trudy Friedland was there as Mrs. Friedland’s husband, Bernie, fought in
the war. Unfortunately Dr. Richard Friedland was overseas on Tuesday and could not attend, but we did have a video
which he made, in which he recorded an extremely moving tribute to his late father.
Mr. Johnny Egdes spoke on behalf of his mother Hazel and his sister and brother in law Dana and Anthony Druin. He
relayed most meaningfully his father Morris’s role in the war, as well as what he and the entire family has learnt from the
example he set.
Mrs. Joan Levin who was present with her mother Shirley Schachat, also held us all enthralled by her recollections of her
father Mokkie’s commitment to Israel in 1948. She also brought a number of photographs which had been taken at the
time.
Lastly, Dr. Robin Hodes told the assembly how, despite his father Lionel’s poor eyesight and severe asthma he was totally
committed to being accepted as part of the fighting force of Israel. He went so far as to memorize the eye chart used in the
eye test, in order not to be disqualified from serving in this war.
I would like to thank all our honoured guests for attending the commemoration and for adding to our understanding about
this important time in the history of the Jewish people and the Jewish state. I know that everyone who attended left with a
great deal more knowledge and pride in their Jewish and South African heritage.
Wishing everybody an enjoyable Yom Ha’atzmaut, a restful long weekend and wonderful Shabbos.
Warm regards
Denese Bloch
26 April 2012 - 4 lyar 6