ARSCC 3: Signing Ceremony #1 – Ra’anana Welcomes the Mayoral Delegation from Atlanta May 11 – 17, 2001

Pressing city business prevented Mayor Bill Campbell from leading the twinning delegation – Councilwoman Cleta Winslow, a strong supporter of sister cities, represented him. Ms. Sheila Jack, Assistant Director of Marketing for the City of Atlanta, represented the city government. I, of course, represented the new committee. Mrs. Glenda Minkin, Director of Marketing, helped finance and organize the mission. Mrs. Cocoa Jordan, ASCC Vice Chair, was to have represented the Commission but withdrew due to illness.

The mission was involved in planning sessions with the Mayor and municipal government officials, and visited Ra’anana’s public facilities such as the then new Aviv Senior High School, Ra’anana Park and Amphitheater and the Lev Ha’Park. Mixing business with pleasure, the delegation sampled outstanding Israeli wines at an upscale wine store in the modern and enclosed Ra’anana Mall.

At the Ra’anana Cultural Center, Cleta Winslow, Sheila Jack, and Arnold Heller placed wreaths at the Memorial to the Israeli and Ra’anana war dead.

Picture of Ra’anana and Ahuza Street, Ra’anana’s main boulevard, in 1925.

Arnold Heller and Sheila Jack during tour of Ra’anana Founders Hall that depicts Ra’anana’s pioneering settlement background.

Group photo with Mayor Bielski and Mrs. Jean Judes, Director of Beit Issie Shapiro, an innovative school and therapy center

for special needs people.

Mayor Bielski welcomes guests to the Signing Ceremony with the Atlanta Mayoral Delegation.

Cleta Winslow and Mayor Bielski sign the proclamation binding the two cities.

Mayor Bielski presents Cleta Winslow with a gift for Mayor Bill Campbell.

Mayor Bielski presents Arnold Heller with a gift from the Municipality of Ra’anana.

A very talented group of student performers entertained the audience.

Mayor Zeev Bielski and lovely wife Caryn celebrate the festivities with Arnold Heller and Sheila Jack.

Press release for first sister city signing ceremony and twinning visit.

Group photo taken with Lydia Weitzman, International Affairs Coordinator, in front of Ra’anana Municipal Center.

Sheila Jack, Cleta Winslow and I spent a day in Tel Aviv touring before catching our flight back to Atlanta. We were so impressed by

the mural behind us that we asked an Israeli to take a picture of us in front of it.

Copies of press releases published in Jerusalem Post and Ha’aretz, two national newspapers.

Copy of announcement in American – Israel Chamber of Commerce Southeast Division newsletter.

Report to the Atlanta – Ra’anana Sister City Committee:

Report to Mrs. Glenda Minkin, Director of Marketing, and Mrs. Maria Pease, External Affairs Coordinator.