STEVEN GRUZD
Last week, from August 27 – 29, the town hosted 35 African church leaders (from Nigeria, Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) to learn more about Israel.
The workshop was the brainchild of Modimolle clergyman Reverend Reuben Chapasuka, and was run by Mark Hyman, co-chairman of the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), an organisation promoting inter-faith support for Israel, especially among Christians, and Josh Trapido, a professional staff member from the South African Zionist Federation.
They travelled to Modimolle to educate participants about the history of Israel and its current situation. “There is a lot of misinformation and ignorance about Israel out there,” Hyman said. Only three participants had visited Israel.
Modimolle’s mayor, Councillor Kgaretja Elizabeth Lekalakala, attended the opening session. Participants were enthralled by Riad Hassoum, an Israeli Druze who was formerly the city manager of Daliyat al-Karmel, a city of about 16 000 outside Haifa, who spoke passionately about Israel and how it protects minorities.
Chapasuka said: “We are teaching African Christian leaders how to deal with extremist views on Israel. There are only 14 million Jews in the world, but there are billions of Christians. They need the truth about the Middle East to counter the propaganda.”
Chapasuka is working on developing an educational curriculum for home schooling that will incorporate both academic excellence in subjects like English, mathematics and science, as well as Israel advocacy, using digital technology. He is collaborating with Jonathan Davis, head of the Raphael Recanati International School and vice president for external relations at the Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya in Israel.
Hyman said SAFI was planning to visit Mozambique in December to help set up a home learning centre. “Christians desperately want us in their countries. The Ugandan delegate invited us to talk to 10 000 people there. Africa really wants a strong relationship with Israel.
“By going out to rural areas, we have great impact. They really respected our efforts and they enjoyed a Shabbat with us,” Hyman said.
Trapido added: “There is great value in projects like this, when people from different walks of life come together to learn about Israel and the Jewish community. Myths need to be dispelled.”
RIAD HASSOUN - ISRAEL
Sep 2, 2015 at 7:34 pm
‘I came from far ISRAEL to attend this Conference and to be with good Brothers and Supporters to the State of Israel , For me it was long way to fligh to SA, But it is very very short way to be on the Heart and mind of those lovely and wonderful people. The main Target for us is to create and establish and develop Christian Education Curriculm for Africa , and I`am here as the Israeli – Middle East Director to Support and develop all our needs , I`ll be your adress in Israel and the Middle East to arrange all needs of the people who will come to Israel as pilgrimage to Holy Land . Please contact me any time to my Mobile ; 00972-526-599602 – Email ; riadh16@walla.com In God`s Purpose we will Succeed , and Show to whom it may Concern what is the real good Face of Israel as a small Country – But very big and Strong Nation with Holy Spirit , and the only Dimocratic State in the Middle East , The Strong Nation on Education and Hightic ,The first to be Human and help when it was happend in Haiti or Tsunami in Japan or many Tragic Earth Quick that was happend in the World , and in giving Midical intinsive care for Syrian People in the Israeli Hospitals – even if were our Enymies and wants to fight Against Israel !!! Those things never and not to be found in other big Countries !!!! We do hope to see all or most of you in our Lovely and Friendly I S R A E L — YOU ARE MOST WELCOME UNDER YHE LORD`S BLESSINGS !!!’