AUCKLAND: Rami Sherman: August 27

Operation Entebbe after 40 Years: A personal recollection

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

In 1976, when an Air France place was hijacked and rerouted to Entebbe, Rami was the Operations Officer of the unit, under the command of Yoni Netanyahu.

In his capacity as Operations Officer, he was in involved throughout the week, preparing the unit for the Operation.

Among other things, he coordinated with Dan Shomron, the Commander of the Operation, and the Israeli Air Force.

Within the Operation, Rami was part of the 33 officers and soldiers who freed the hostages at the Entebbe terminal. He arrived with the first Hercules that landed in the airport, and was in the car that was driving behind the famous Mercedes.

After Yoni Netanyahu was injured, he drove him to the Hercules, where a team of medical professionals were waiting, but unfortunately they could not save Yoni’s life.

Later, Rami was the commander who led the rescued hostages to the Hercules.

Upon returning to Israel, Rami continued to serve in the unit, and was a Special Operations Commander until 1980.

After he was released from active duty, he helped establish the reserves unit.

Rami Sherman was born on 4 April 1953. His parents were Holocaust survivors and came to Israel in 1945.

Rami grew up on Kibbutz Lehavot Habashan, which is in the north of the country and was on the Syrian border until the Six Day War in 1967. He was educated in the Kibbutz system.

In 1972, Rami enlisted in the army and was accepted into an elite special forces unit, which today is allowed to be named – Sayeret Matkal (the Chief of Staff’s Special Forces). He successfully completed the combat soldier course and was sent to Officers’ School in order to return and receive command of a squad within the unit.

At age 50, he was released from doing reserve service.

Rami is married, has two daughters and grandfather to five grandchildren.

In 1990, Rami finished his studies in physiotherapy at the University of Tel Aviv, and since that time he has worked as a physiotherapist in various positions, including, among other things, as a physiotherapist for the Israeli Olympic team.

In 1993, Rami and his family moved to Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael, where they still live today.

CHRISTCHURCH: Rami Sherman: August 20

Operation Entebbe after 40 Years: A personal recollection

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

In 1976, when an Air France place was hijacked and rerouted to Entebbe, Rami was the Operations Officer of the unit, under the command of Yoni Netanyahu.

In his capacity as Operations Officer, he was in involved throughout the week, preparing the unit for the Operation.

Among other things, he coordinated with Dan Shomron, the Commander of the Operation, and the Israeli Air Force.

Within the Operation, Rami was part of the 33 officers and soldiers who freed the hostages at the Entebbe terminal. He arrived with the first Hercules that landed in the airport, and was in the car that was driving behind the famous Mercedes.

After Yoni Netanyahu was injured, he drove him to the Hercules, where a team of medical professionals were waiting, but unfortunately they could not save Yoni’s life.

Later, Rami was the commander who led the rescued hostages to the Hercules.

Upon returning to Israel, Rami continued to serve in the unit, and was a Special Operations Commander until 1980.

After he was released from active duty, he helped establish the reserves unit.

Rami Sherman was born on 4 April 1953. His parents were Holocaust survivors and came to Israel in 1945.

Rami grew up on Kibbutz Lehavot Habashan, which is in the north of the country and was on the Syrian border until the Six Day War in 1967. He was educated in the Kibbutz system.

In 1972, Rami enlisted in the army and was accepted into an elite special forces unit, which today is allowed to be named – Sayeret Matkal (the Chief of Staff’s Special Forces). He successfully completed the combat soldier course and was sent to Officers’ School in order to return and receive command of a squad within the unit.

At age 50, he was released from doing reserve service.

Rami is married, has two daughters and grandfather to five grandchildren.

In 1990, Rami finished his studies in physiotherapy at the University of Tel Aviv, and since that time he has worked as a physiotherapist in various positions, including, among other things, as a physiotherapist for the Israeli Olympic team.

In 1993, Rami and his family moved to Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael, where they still live today.

AUCKLAND: Holocaust Survivor: Peter Gaspar: August 23

How I survived the Holocaust in Czechoslovakia

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Peter Gaspar is a Holocaust survivor and educator, who uses his experiences to help inform young people about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. Peter was born in Bratislava in Czechoslovakia and survived the war by going into hiding. Along with his parents, Peter was hidden for three years and then during the last six months, Peter and his mother were interned in the Terezin Concentration Camp. Peter currently volunteers with the Courage to Care program in Melbourne inspiring young people to be more accepting and tolerant. This year he will also be travelling to schools throughout New Zealand, through the HOPE Project.

WELLINGTON: Holocaust Survivor: Peter Gaspar: September 3

How I survived the Holocaust in Czechoslovakia

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Peter Gaspar is a Holocaust survivor and educator, who uses his experiences to help inform young people about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. Peter was born in Bratislava in Czechoslovakia and survived the war by going into hiding. Along with his parents, Peter was hidden for three years and then during the last six months, Peter and his mother were interned in the Terezin Concentration Camp. Peter currently volunteers with the Courage to Care program in Melbourne inspiring young people to be more accepting and tolerant. This year he will also be travelling to schools throughout New Zealand, through the HOPE Project.

AUCKLAND: Holocaust Survivor: Peter Gaspar: August 23

How I survived the Holocaust in Czechoslovakia

Please note that the venue has been changed from Room 201 to Room 203 in the same building.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Peter Gaspar is a Holocaust survivor and educator, who uses his experiences to help inform young people about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. Peter was born in Bratislava in Czechoslovakia and survived the war by going into hiding. Along with his parents, Peter was hidden for three years and then during the last six months, Peter and his mother were interned in the Terezin Concentration Camp. Peter currently volunteers with the Courage to Care program in Melbourne inspiring young people to be more accepting and tolerant. This year he will also be travelling to schools throughout New Zealand, through the HOPE Project.

CHRISTCHURCH: Holocaust Survivor: Peter Gaspar: August 30

How I survived the Holocaust in Czechoslovakia

There will be public meetings also in Wellington and Auckland; keep an eye out on our website for notices of these events once the times and dates have been confirmed.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Peter Gaspar is a Holocaust survivor and educator, who uses his experiences to help inform young people about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. Peter was born in Bratislava in Czechoslovakia and survived the war by going into hiding. Along with his parents, Peter was hidden for three years and then during the last six months, Peter and his mother were interned in the Terezin Concentration Camp. Peter currently volunteers with the Courage to Care program in Melbourne inspiring young people to be more accepting and tolerant. This year he will also be travelling to schools throughout New Zealand, through the HOPE Project.

CANCELLED: CHRISTCHURCH: Stan Goodenough: August 12, 7pm

CANCELLED:  Folks, unfortunately recently implemented visa requirements have meant that Stan does not have the necessary visas required to enter Australia.  This has meant that the NZ leg of his speaking tour has been cancelled.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Coming of the Kingdom of Heaven: How God used the ANZAC nations to help prepare the way for the King.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Stan has lived in Israel for half of his life even though he was born to a Gentile couple serving on the mission field in the small kingdom of Swaziland. Following three years volunteering on Israeli collective farms in the 1980s, he worked as a political reporter for the South African newspaper, The Daily Dispatch – where his pen had its training during apartheid’s waning years. He has traveled to various nations, speaking to Christians about developments in Israel. In 2011 he was accredited by the Israel Ministry of Tourism as a tour guide, and takes individuals, small groups, families, busloads and helicopter-loads of Christians around God’s Land. Stan has lived in Israel for half of his life even though he was born to a Gentile couple serving on the mission field in the small kingdom of Swaziland. Following three years volunteering on Israeli collective farms in the 1980s, he worked as a political reporter for the South African newspaper, The Daily Dispatch – where his pen had its training during apartheid’s waning years. He has traveled to various nations, speaking to Christians about developments in Israel. In 2011 he was accredited by the Israel Ministry of Tourism as a tour guide, and takes individuals, small groups, families, busloads and helicopter-loads of Christians around God’s Land.

CHRISTCHURCH: Ambassador of Israel: October 15

UN Resolution 2334 and New Zealand

At the end of 2016, NZ used its position on the UN Security Council to co-sponsor UN Resolution 2334.  This resolution, among other things,  undermined Israel’s historical claims to Jerusalem as its historical and cultural capital.  In protest, Israel withdrew its ambassador from New Zealand.

Its reported that all but two (Bill English and Murray McCully) of the government caucus at the time, objected to New Zealand’s actions.  Gerry Brownlee has led the way for relations with Israel to be restored.  This will be the first time the Ambassador will be publicly speaking in Christchurch since relations were restored.

You are invited to a briefing on this controversy, and Israel’s views on how relations between our two countries can progress from here.

There will be an extensive Q&A time.

Admission is free but please bring a plate of finger food.  A collection will be taken to help defray expenses.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Prior to his appointment as the Ambassador of Israel to New Zealand, Dr. Gerberg was Director of Southern Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. He also served as Ambassador to
Georgia (2007-2012) as well as Ambassador of Israel to Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi (2002-2003).

Ambassador Dr. Gerberg is married to Shifra Gerberg
and they have three children.

Diplomatic Positions:

2007-2012: Ambassador to Georgia

2002-2003: Ambassador to Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi

1999-2002: Ambassador to Zimbabwe

1996-1997: Consul General, Israeli Consulate General in Shanghai (China)

1992-1996: Consul General, Israeli Consulate General in Bombay (India)

1985-1989: Second Secretary, Israeli Embassy in Manila (Philippines)

Academic Positions:

2014 – 2015 – Lecturer, University of Haifa

2005-2007 – Lecturer, Tel-Aviv University

Education:

 2002 -2009: Ph.D. in International Politics from University of South –  Africa (UNISA)

 1998-1999: M.A. in Political Science from Haifa University

 1998-1999: Israeli National Defense College – National Security

 1990-1991: Davis Institute- Direction in New World Order

 1990-1991: Truman Institute – Pre-Negotiation in Diplomacy

 1983-1984: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Foreign Affairs Cadet’s Course

 1982-1986: M.A. in Mass Communications from the Hebrew University          

 1979-1980: Teaching Diploma in Social Science from University of Tel-Aviv

1976-1980: B.A. in Political Science from University of Tel-Aviv

CHRISTCHURCH: KELVIN CROMBIE: THE BATTLE OF BATHSHEBA

KELVIN CROMBIE:  THE BATTLE OF BATHSHEBA

JULY 30, 7.30PM, PAPANUI BAPTIST CHURCH, CHRISTCHURCH

We are pleased to be able to host Kelvin Crombie in Christchurch on the 30th July, 7.30pm at Papanui Baptist Church. Kelvin is from Australia and is a historian with special interest in the ANZAC involvement during WW1, he has produced this DVD to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the battle of Beersheba in which the ANZACs played an essential role. We will be hosting a showing of the DVD which Kelvin will introduce and also answer any questions relating to the events mentioned. This is the second time we have had Kelvin speak and can heartily recommend him as an authority on world events at the time of the Great War and beyond.

Please feel free to pass on this notice to any interested parties churches/organisations or individuals that you feel would be interested in attending.

Please bring a plate of finger food for supper.  Coffee and tea provided.

 

AGM

It’s that time of the year.  If you would like to nominate another member for the committee, please send your nomination to our secretary, Rebecca (contact details below).

After the AGM we will be showing a hilarious episode of “Yes Prime Minister”, the episode when PM Jim Hacker discovers what his Ministry of Foreign Affairs really thinks about Israel.

Please bring a plate of finger food.  Of course, please exclude any pork and seafood products.