About ESCA
Hi, we are ESCA
The English Speakers Club of Ashdod (ESCA) is an organization which brings together immigrants, coming from "Anglo-Saxon" countries, with other English speakers who have settled in Ashdod and environment. It was founded in 1983.
Our mission
The club sees as its task:
- Absorption of immigrants; helping them to have a successful "Aliyah".
- Networking, public relations, volunteer work, referrals to other organizations.
- To provide programs, cultural as well as educational; an occasional excursion and social get togethers.
- To provide information relating to on-going cultural events in Ashdod and surroundings.
Past and on-going activities
When possible we try to organize home hospitality, sometimes even overnight, for visiting groups at the request of other groups and organizations. Our most memorable experience was hosting the American Sixth Fleet and being hosted by them. Members of our committees have participated in meetings with other volunteer organizations and officials from the Municipality and government in order to enhance relationships and further the cause of absorption of immigrants.
We boast a membership that includes people from around the world and continually welcome new members. We have no formal membership requirements. We send our newsletter to anyone interested in knowing about, or participating in, our activities.
We have hosted a speaker from IBA news, Israel Business Today and the Jerusalem Post. Other activities include such annual events as an International Food Night, bowling night and a Lag B'Omer campfire.
Once every 2 months we send out a newsletter in order to inform our readers, not only of our activities, but also of the other cultural programs in town. We regularly attend openings of new exhibitions, and are well represented at various concerts as a result of this effort. Since this newsletter reaches organizations outside of Ashdod as well, we also contribute to drawing people to Ashdod's cultural events and the attraction of more English speaking people to settle in our city.
ESCA in photos
Join us
ESCA has been part of Ashdod's English-speaking community for many years, and we believe there is still room for new people, new ideas, and new energy.
Whether you are a new immigrant or a long-time resident, if you would like to be part of a community, meet others, and help bring new life into the club, we would be happy to hear from you.
Sometimes all it takes is a few good people to begin something new.
If this speaks to you, please visit our Contact page and get in touch.
About this website
This site was established in memory of Frieda Artmann-Casirer.
Regular features
Our Friday 'Meet and Great' get-togethers are now in Bleecker Bakery, the City Hall floor between -1 and 1 on the elevator (lift to our British friends). We're a lively group of chatterboxes. Meeting from 12 Noon til two o'clock every Friday except holidays and when other cafes are closed. Drop by sometime. We'd like to meet you.
The ESCA Hymn
Written by Anita Raymond on the occasion of our 10th ESCA anniversary in 1993. Sung to the tune of "Davey Crockett".
1. First saw the light in '83 - Not many members, actually two or three But years have passed, a half a score And now we number a hundred and more.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
2. People come to Israel from far and near. Once they've made it, it's very clear It's good to travel and nice to roam But best is to hear a voice from back home.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
3. Here's how it started or so they say. People took a look around one fine day They said we need to lend a hand And help each other in this strange land.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
4. Things started slowly when at all. A meeting in the Spring, the next in the Fall But our new committee is dynamite They're having meetings every other night.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
5. E is for English, and let me say... All of you should practice it every single day Because you'll find that if you don't Then you'll speak English but your children won't.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
6. S is for the speakers who have survived. Speaking English keeps our heritage alive And when your hopes become minute Remember S is also "savlanut."
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
7. C is for the club, the one we're in. C is for collecting dues, someday we'll begin C is for comrades whose help we need And C is for this country we hope will succeed.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
8. A is for Ashdod where we reside. A is the activities we provide. English speakers will still have fun When the century changes to twenty-one.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.
9. Now in conclusion I'd like to note... our lives across the sea are distant and remote So aren't you lucky to be among So many people who speak your native tongue.
CHORUS: English - English speakers! You're in good company.