ABOUT
Habonim Dror Southern Africa
HDSA is a Jewish Youth Movement based in South Africa, running programmes for Jewish youth between the ages of 9 and 24 since 1929. We specialise in informal education making learning fun! Our education focuses on local and international issues, spreading love for cultural Judaism, building up Israel, and championing freedom and human rights for all. HDSA focuses on making sure Jewish youth feel connected to our people and land, equipping them with key leadership skills, expanding their minds through critical thinking. However, and most importantly, our pride and joy is giving kids the best memories of their lives.
Aleh ve'Haghsem!
Rise up and Fulfill!
PROGRAMMES
HISTORY
Originally started in the United Kingdom, inspired by the scouts movement, ‘Habonim’ was formed with the intent to create a culturally Jewish Youth Movement.
1929
1930
Habonim spread to other countries with a vibrant Jewish Community and, in 1930, Norman Lurie started Habonim South Africa.
Dror, founded in 1915 in Poland, was formed as a socialist-Zionist Movement and played a crucial role in the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
1943
Habonim and Dror merged to become Habonim Dror. Habonim Dror worked closely with the kibbutz movement, pioneering the land.
1982
1980's/90's
HDSA were active against the Apartheid regime, both actively and educationally. HDSA continued to teach it’s members values of equality and freedom, whilst organising protests against the Apartheid government.
HDSA partnered with the Treatment Action Campaign to help assist in tackling the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis.
2000
HDSA continues to play an active role in empowering the Jewish Youth of South Africa to be active members in the local and global community, championing goals of progression and universal rights.
2025
MACHANEH LEADERSHIP
Sasha Rodenacker
Rosh Macheneh
Brad Gottschalk
Rosh Chinnuch
Shira Heyns
Campsite Organiser
Sami Gottschalk
Rosh Travel
Bethia Milner
Rosh Projects
