Newsletter May 2012
Friends!
The past 3 months have seen a number of new and refreshing developments in our continuing efforts designed to perpetuate the memory of Isaac Ochberg.
The Diaspora Museum in Tel Aviv - Bet Hatfutsot - now has the story of Isaac Ochberg recorded under "Personalities" on the museum's database facility. Additionally, permission has also been granted to allow visitors to view the documentary "Ochberg's Orphans" on the museum's computers.
Visitors to the Ochberg Memorial Site in, and since, July 2011 - will have seen the square base designed to support the proposed observation tower, details of which were revealed at that time. The structure was to be a modest wooden platform some 2 to 3 meters high. We are pleased to advise that the updated plan provides for an elegant steel structure which will provide visitors with an unparalleled view of the surrounding area - including the original Isaac Ochberg Tract - from a height of almost 6 metres! Visitors will have access to a viewing platform 5 metres square - with wheelchair access - via a spiral construction supported by a central 9 metre steel pillar!!
Difficult to know how long this will last but I came upon this link which enables the viewing of the complete and original 58-minute version of the "Ochberg's Orphans" documentary from which many will have seen the edited version (38-minutes) which was entered for the 2008 Oscars. Try it here - http://dai.ly/kkpa2W
This is an experience to be savoured!
We have had a number of fruitful meetings with the education division of KKL/JNF
and considerable progress has been made in our efforts to ensure that the Ochberg heritage be taught at schools and youth movements. Appropriately, the pilot project will centre on the Megiddo area schools where the Memorial Site and kibbutzim Dalia and Gal-Ed are located.
Once again, we are acutely aware of the situation regarding the proposed DVD which covered the main event of July 2011 - the memorable 2 days of our gathering. There have, regrettably, been a number of glitches causing incessant delays and the colour of this paragraph correctly reflects the colour of our faces. No effort is being spared to correct the situation!
An example of enterprise and positive thinking! 'Kol Hakavod' to the Romanovsky family of Edmonton, Canada for organising the upcoming Gala Dinner scheduled for June 24th. The commemorative brochure will include an article on Isaac Ochberg by Sir Martin Gilbert, the eminent historian! Attendance is hoped to reach between 300-400 guests who are prospective donors to the fund-raising effort destined for Ochberg commemoration projects in Israel.
We wish them much success in this endeavour!
We
are in regular contact with various tour guide organisations here who
have responded positively to our recommendations and requests to have
the Ochberg Memorial Site included on the agenda for the estimated 7000
accredited tour guides operating in Israel!
Ochberg’s 75th Yahrzeit!!!
There will be a commemorative ceremony on that date at Maitland Cemetery where Kaddish will be held for Ochberg as well as an appropriate tribute to his memory.
