Apart from what transpired in the past month or so - as covered in this issue - August is a most interesting as well as exciting month for Capetonians. And cold though the weather may be, people will be venturing out in their droves to taste the fare that is on offer.

So, as one pages through this issue, one will find evidence of both what’s been and what’s to do. Of course, the best approach is to start at page one, following up on the ‘continued ons’ and ‘see pages…’, and then you go back to page one to start on the next article, to repeat the process.

And however tempting, try to hold back, if you can, on checking out the wedding pages. Then it’s on to page 2 and 3 and all the 33 pages ahead, never quite sure what’s coming up next. Well … I wonder if anyone will take this advice!
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Following years of growing concerns over Irans nuclear intentions, the crisis has now moved to a new and more dangerous level. After months of stalemate on the diplomatic front, and as the public statements, pronouncements and mind games have been ratcheted up, we have now seen dramatic statements on the military front by both Israel and Iran.

On July 9 Iran grabbed the headlines by claiming to have test-launched a set of Shahab-3 missiles, which they claim have a range of some 2,000km (1,240 miles) that would put all of Israel in its reach in addition to state-of-the-art shore-to-sea, surface-to-surface and sea-to-air missiles.
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Sitting here surrounded by a half unpacked suitcase, with the sand of the Negev still in my shoes, I cant help but feel that Ive left some piece of myself back in that hot, dusty land of Israel.

Together with six enthusiastic Capetonians and an energetic, lively group of eighteen young Jews from Johannesburg, I recently had the profound privilege of participating in the YAD/ Kesher United Jewish Campaign South African Young Leadership mission to Israel. A trip that promised insights into the challenging daily life faced by the Israeli people, as well as exposure to the achievements of that great country, exceeded everyones wildest expectations, to become a truly inspiring once in a lifetime experience.

Our tailor-made South African mission preceded and followed our involvement in the Yachdav Keren Hayesods Youth Leadership Conference, which brings together missions from all over the world. This year being the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, an exciting and broad programme of events was planned and we all relished the opportunity to be in the Jewish homeland at such an auspicious time.
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On Friday, 6 June, MaAfrika Tikkun, in partnership with The City of Cape Town, launched the Mfuleni Community Park in Mfuleni.

The parks main aim is to provide a safe recreational and learning space for the community, contribute towards increased food and social security and improved health and to facilitate skills development and selfemployment opportunities.

The community park already employs 69 staff, with around 400 community members involved in MaAfrika Tikkuns programmes on a monthly basis. The food garden and food kitchen feeds an estimated 200 people per day, who are unemployed, disabled and sick, the majority being patients from the health programme.
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My brief was to interview Eliot and Bernard Osrin, as it is thought to be the first time that a father and son have simultaneously occupied the top leadership positions of a communal organisation, in this case Highlands House. But this was easier said than done Eliot firmly refused my request, saying he preferred to fly under the radar.

Eliot is chairman of the Board of Trustees of the home, while Bernard is its president, but, according to Osrin the elder, his sons involvement came about in spite of his own, not because of it.

I ask Bernard what it was like growing up in a home where his parents between them have headed most of Cape Towns communal organisations.

Certainly I was very aware of it, he begins, but there was never any pressure on me to get involved.
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This monthís issue reflects some of the suffering and the serious problems people are facing both locally and beyond our borders, near and far, which touch the hearts, senses and sensibilities of our readership and our community. We show the efforts our community are making, wherever possible, in their commitment to make a difference, whatsoever the extent and impact. These main stories are featured on the front page, with follow-up reports and pictures on pages within the paper.

Then too, we give you the lighter and brighter aspects of our lives down here in the Cape - the happy events, successes, celebrations and the normal ërun of the millí.
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