On the calendar.

It’s hard to believe that almost 55 years have elapsed since the graduation of our 1971 matric class. The years seemed to melt away at a recent reunion held at the home of Marco Van Embden in Mouillie Point attended by 13 of our Matric graduates, a remarkable event representing 20% of the entire matric class.

A number of graduates were visiting from overseas at the time, some of us not having seen one another for more than 5 decades. All those years seemed to fade away as we reminisced about the past and shared nostalgic and meaningful memories of our time at Herzlia and the huge impact of these 12 years on our lives.

The accompanying photos reveal the close relationship between us, which has not dulled despite the passage of so many years and the desire to maintain our strong connections in the future.

It was wonderful to co-coordinate this reunion, as already mentioned made all the more special by the presence of a number of overseas alumni who happened to be in Cape Town for the occasion.

Special thanks to Marco for hosting this memorable evening.

Benny Kaplinski

In attendance  – Roy Aronson, Marco Van Embden, Mark Eppel, Basil Dubb, Darron Swersky, Sorrel Hoffman (Abromowitz), Philip Orelowitz, David Kaimowitz, Brian (Bunim) Lipschitz, Shireen Flatt (Shulman), Johnny Zousmer, Ivor Kasimov and Benny Kaplinksi. Although David Kaimowitz and Basil Dubb arrived after the main photo was taken, they were very much part of the celebration and the shared memories of our class.

“When I was 17; It was a very good year …

But now the days are short; I’m in the autumn of the year

And now I think of my life as vintage wine

From fine old kegs; From the brim to the dregs

It poured sweet and clear; It was a very good year”

Lyrics: Ervin Drake

Singer: The one and only Frank!

The Herzlia High School graduation class of 1965, those of us who live in Israel, celebrating 60 years since we matriculated from a then tiny, unknown school at the tip of Africa. Sadly, there are those of our classmates in Israel who are incapacitated, or who have passed, but they are very much in our thoughts as we honor our school, and the huge impact it made on our lives.

In our year group, almost 50% made Aliyah, heavily influenced by the strong Zionist ethos embedded in our school, and together with the more than 700 Herzlians who over the years, similarly decided to make their home in Israel, each in our own way, hopefully made and are continuing to make a meaningful contribution towards the on-going building of our cherished country – through thick and thin.

But more than that, some 200 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of our graduating class, are a thriving and dedicated part of the beautiful tapestry of people and backgrounds that comprise the State of Israel today. The powerful effect of a Herzlia education – together with the influence of my late parents z”l, who gave to the annual community Israel fundraisng  campaign when they barely had  a red cent to their name, and the role that Habonim then, played in my life, all aligned to make us lifelong Zionists and lovers of Israel.

Solly Kaplinski

What a wonderful evening at the Herzlia Matric Class of 2015 milestone reunion! We had a fantastic turnout with plenty of reminiscing, laughter, and long overdue catch-ups under perfect weather. It was truly a trip down memory lane and a celebration of all things Herzlia. In the words of Michaela Franco, “It was incredible to see the way the schools progressed, transformed, and truly ensured it adapts with the key focus of bettering the students’ experiences at the forefront. From the aquatics center to the art facilities and more, what a beautiful space that made me feel very proud as an alumni.

Class of 2005 reunion was truly something special, filled with warmth, nostalgia and a strong sense of connection. Everyone was blown away by the stunning facilities, especially the Mercaz Mayim, and many expressed how meaningful the Herzlia baby bibs are, such a thoughtful gesture for a year group now filled with young families. Alumni shared how proud they are not only to be Herzlia alumni but also to have their children in the system and how hearing their kids sing the Herzlia song in the car gives them so much nachas. A few said they hadn’t planned on sending their children to Herzlia, but after experiencing the spirit and pride in the room last night, they changed their minds. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all and a beautiful reminder of the strength of the Herzlia family.