The Dizengoff Memorial Quilt

South Africa & Australia - April-May 2007

 

In April and May of 2007, the Dizengoff Memorial Quilt undertook its longest journey yet - to South Africa and Australia.

Visiting three major centres in South Africa - Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town - and four cities in Australia - Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne - the Dizengoff Memorial Quilt project received its widest ever exposure to Jewish communities and the general public.

The tour was highlighted by enthusiastic media response in both countries, with Marlyn being interviewed twice on national radio shows in South Africa; major articles appearing in mainstream South African media, and a television feature. In Australian Jewish media covered the presentations in full with major features appearing in print and electronic media.

South African Tour

Johannesburg:

• Beyachad Center, Raedene

A wonderful reception: The most amazing - and emotional - aspect of this talk, was meeting Barry Gordon, Tali Gordon's father. He introduced himself after the talk and told Marlyn how much the talk had helped him find a different way to remember Tali.

Durban:

• Yom Hazikaron Ceremony - Eden High School, Glenmore

Durban was an emotional homecoming! Presenting the Quilt in the city where we lived and where Gail was such a well-known member of the community - and on Yom Hazikaron - was so moving. Nearly 200 people - so many of the old friends - crowded into the Judaica Centre at the school to hear Marlyn's presentation.

Cape Town:

• Albow Center

A good turnout at the beautiful Albow Center in central Cape Town. Again many old friends and family in the audience, including a group from Christian churches which support Israel.

Australian Tour

Perth:

• WIZO - Jewish Centre, Yokine

A wonderful turnout in Perth, a most beautiful city. Many ex-Rhodesians (Zimbabweans) and South Africans who knew Sylvia and the family: amazing reaction from all concerned and very positive feedback.

• Carmel High School

More than 300 high school students sat in rapt attention as Marlyn presented her story.  Remarkable reactions as they asked questions and viewed the quilt. So many committed to living in Israel.

Sydney:

• Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Home, Randwick

Marlyn addressed the residents of this magnificent retirement facility in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Some wonderful responses from many quilters in the audience!

• Hagshama Meeting of Youth Madrichim - Bondi Junction

A great evening of discussion and exchange of ideas, questions, comments and insight from a core group of youth leaders from a number of different organizations. ALL committed to Israel, all planning their "Shnat" (year of study in Israel), all deeply moved and motivated by Marlyn's presentation - one of the tour highlights!

• Yom Yerushalayim Ceremony - Moriah College, Bondi Junction

An audience of 600 listened in absolute silence as Marlyn related the story of the Dizengoff Quilt, as part of a dynamic Yom Yerushalyim program. In the audience were Acting Israeli  Ambassador Mr. Yerushalmi; President of the Australian Zionist Council, Frank Chester; Chairman of the NSW Zionist Council, David Levy, and Greg Sheridan, Foreign Editor of The Australian and one of the most influential foreign affairs analysts in Australia and a recipient of the Jerusalem Prize. Amazing reaction and invitations to speak at other venues.

Adelaide:

• Rose Harrison Hall, 39 Hackney Rd., Hackney

Intimate meeting from a very committed WIZO group in Adelaide.

Melbourne:

• WIZO Conference - Beth Weizmann Community Centre, Caulfield

Another tour highlight, addressing the National WIZO Conference in Melbourne, with emotional and enthusiastic response.

• Hagshama, 25 Otira Rd, Caulfield - 8:00 PM

A meeting hosted in a private home  - packed to overflowing. Again, many ex-Rhodesians remembering Sylvia and Gail and deeply moved by Marlyn's presentation. Proceeds from this meeting were donated to The Association for the Commemoration of Bat-Chen Shahak (z"l).

• WIZO Group, Caulfield

Marlyn addressed a private gathering of WIZO members at a private home.

Tour Summary:

Overall, an amazing, deeply moving and gratifying tour. So many people gained so much from Marlyn’s talk - finding new ways to honor their loved ones, discovering a whole new approach to turning tragedy into triumph; and having the names and lives of all the victims of Dizengoff celebrated among Jewish and non-Jewish communities abroad.