On the calendar.

The 1971 reunion was held at Marco Van Emden in Cape Town. As Marco explains, “It’s hard to believe that almost 55 years have passed since our matric class of 1971 graduated! The years seemed to melt away during the reunion, attended by 13 of our fellow graduates — an incredible 20% of our class.

Several of our classmates were visiting from overseas, and for some of us, it had been over five decades since we last saw one another. Yet, as we reminisced and shared stories, all those years seemed to fade away. We laughed, remembered, and reflected on our time at Herzlia, and on how profoundly those 12 years shaped our lives.

The photos from the evening capture the enduring bonds between us, friendships that have not dimmed despite the passage of time, and the collective desire to keep these connections strong for the years ahead.

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, and Ivor Kasimov. 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.