THE IARU REGION I CONFERENCE

The president of our society Joseph Obstfeld 4X6KJ, was the one and only representative at the IARU Conference at Lillehammer, begins in this issue reporting about the meeting in Norway. This is the first instalment. In the following issues we will bring the rest of his report. Lookout for our next issue were you will learn how the wind is blowing in the member societies of IARU Regoion I in regarding ‘shall we keep the CW examination as part of the RadioAmateur licensing.You will be astonished!

We would like to extend our thanks to 4X6KJ, Joseph Obstfeld who helped us along to produce this issue of HaGal International by writing the articles on the conference for us.
 
 

Arriving at “Gardemoen” airport we were greeted by 2 members of the volunteer staff, after more delegates arrived, all were transported by shuttle bus to our destination. The bus ride was about 1 ½ hours, as Lillehammer is 135 km from the airport. Arriving at the “Radisson SAS” Hotel, we checked in, received our badges, folder for the conference papers, greeted by those that had already settled in, slowly we made our way to the dinning room as it was already late in the evening. We had a bite to eat. Lingering around the lobby, meeting many of the delegates / representatives, that had been in Tel Aviv, 3 years ago.

Meeting others that came for the first time, to this important conference
 
 

In IARU Region 1, there are 87 countries today (Sept.’99).

41 countries were physically present & participated, and there were 12 proxies.

The largest delegations were from; DARC 14 delegates, RSGB 12 delegates,

NRRL 8 delegates, Veron 6 delegates, REF 5 delegates.
 
 

The total number of persons attending the Conference was less than 200.
 
 

For the first time ever, Ethiopia (EARS) was represented, as well as Tunis (ASTRA), as they only joined IARU this past year.
 
 

The Syrian representative, Omar Shabsigh YK1AO, refused to have his meals, sitting at the same large table with the 4X delegate.

On the same note, he did not want to hand over his voting envelope to the Israeli representative, even this person was duly elected to the Election & Ballot Committee (EBC). Another intermediary received his voting envelope and passed it on.

QSL’s for Kuwait, and Tunis, will be handled by 4X6KJ, by special arrangement, as there is not yet a regular postal service functioning between the respective countries.
 
 

Contest Manager: The new Contest Manager, Paul O’Kane EI5DI was elected unanimous.

HF Manager: The new HF Manager, Carinne Ramon ON7LX was elected 36 votes in favour, 8 votes for Collin G3PSM and 1 abstention.
 
 

Finance Committee: After much debate, (which took the greater part of the week), arguments, politics, etc. it was decided to raise the membership fee to 1.80 Swiss franc per licensed society member.

The present treasurer Rossella I1RYS, did not stand for re-election and was replaced by Elisee Bismuth F6DRV.

We wish all newly elected, all the best of good luck in their new jobs.
 
 

A SAD ANNIVERSARY

It is almost a year ago since the death of our good friend Ariel Roth 4X1MR. Organised by 4X1ZX Doron Aviv and the family of Ariel, there was a get together of his friends. The auditorium, which could hold 200 persons was full to its brim.

One after the other RadioAmateur friends of Ariel, colleagues of his workplace and, of course ,. Members of his family came up to the podium and spoke about Ariel.

Ariel’s daughter Meri sang a very moving song of ‘someone is waiting for me’. In lieu of the family, the sister in law of Ariel gave her recollection of Ariel and at the end read as poem written by one of Ariel’s son, Ido, which was especially moving and not a single eye remained dry.

A group of 5 singers helped to carry the evening along.

Never before had a Silent Key be honoured by his friends and relatives like Ariel. It was a very dignified evening and I feel honoured to be among the invited guests.
 
 

UPDATE ON YANKELE

For all of you, who dropped us a line, inquiring about the coffee shop they could meet with Yankele and his E-Mail address - here are the details.

The coffee shop is at Dizengoff St. 99, close to the Dizengoff Circus, the one with the special water fountain, commissioned by the mayor former mayor of Tel-Aviv to the artisan Yaakov Agam, which creates a special effect of ‘Water and Fire’. The fountain is ejects a stream of water and has a torch in its centre. The entire structure is rotating while music is being played. So if you have a problem finding the Yankele's place, just ask anybody about the fountain. – There isn’t a single Tel-Aviv citizen who give you an exact description of how to reach the site. The E-Mail address is r4x1ah@hotmail.com.

By the way, this fountain isn’t turning etc.all day long. There are special hours during the day and night while this display is on. Just drop into the coffe shop or to Yankele’s television rapair shop, which is on 5, Beilinson St. Yankele will tell you the times of day the fountain is in operation – and don’t forget to bring your camera along!
 
 

STOP THE PRESS

Just as this issue is going to the printer the following news item arrived at our desk.

Motorola Israel, who always stood by the IARC in the past, just did it again. The IARC received a big check to help our society along financially.

We take this opportunity to thank all the managers of Motorola Israel for their personal involvement resulting in a generous donation.
 
 

Until next time, 73 de Ahron and Ron