Maak kennis met Kaits (Meet Kaits)

Een nieuwe organisatie voor Israëliers in Nederland stelt zich (in het Engels) aan u voor. Let us introduce to you the new young Israëli group in the Netherlands. The name of the group is ?Kaits?, the initials of ?Kvutsa Israëlit Tseira? (Young Israëli Group), which create the word ?Summer? in Hebrew.

The association is intentional, as many of the Israëlis who live in the Netherlands miss the Israëli sun and the warmth of the Israëli culture. This is indeed one of the initial targets of the group: organizing cultural Israëli activities and events, creating a forum in which Israëlis can meet each other, communicate in their own language and make social contacts with people who share the same background. However, this is only one aspect of ?Kaits? activities.?Kaits? would like to create the possibility for Israëlis to explore their identity and experience their cultural integration within the Dutch society. Jewish identity is only one of the aspects of Israëli identity. The use of Hebrew as a mother language is a very important aspect, and the broad political involvement of Israëlis in anything that has to do with their home-country is another important aspect within the Israëli identity. To that we may add an explosion of creativity in all cultural aspects; from literature through theatre to music and humour. A complex of cultural vitality. So how are we to explore the Israëli identity here, in the Netherlands? What are the contact-points between the Israëli and Dutch cultures? How can Israëlis create an environment in which they can fulfil their social and cultural needs? These are the main questions asked by us as a framework for our activities.?Kaits? is trying to organize a broad variety of activities, that will suit the diverse taste, character and age of our members. Tours in Holland, lectures, Gallery-visits, parties with Israëli music, an Israëli-style celebration of Jewish holidays and Israëli films are only part of the activities that had been organized up until now. We try to organize an activity about once a month and we operate an internet site, in the English language. There we publish our activities; announce activities of interest of other organizations; operate an active message-board for those searching a job, a room, or anything else; place information for newcomers; and give you the possibility to contact us directly with any question or suggestion. On our site there is also a variety of links to other sites of interest and importance, such as services or products that Israëlis miss from home…The activities are open to all Israëlis and their partners, also if they do not speak Ivrit. We are trying to organize special events in which the language will not create a barrier. Of course, anybody who is interested in Israëli culture or would like to become acquainted with it is welcome to join our group and participate in our activities.You may join by writing in through the web-site. It is free of charge and invitations to our events will be sent directly to your e-mail address. The address is: www.kaits.nl and our e-mail: info@kaits.nlHope to see you all in our coming activities!