It all began with Hal Crystal, who loved his people, especially those involved with amateur radio. Knowing him and his ideals, it was conceivable that his work toward the linkage of Jewish Hams would continue, even after his untimely death. The first group to perpetuate Hal 's dream was the Washington D .C. Chaverim. They published a newsletter,a continuim of what Hal started. Travelling to Florida by way of Washington, Henni Poliakin, WB4DSP, visited with Dave Wharton,K3STM, and Jim,N3JW, discussing the possibility of a Florida Chapter. With their blessing, Henni was on her way. Her first contact was with Myer Delnick,KC4ML, who together with an old friend and neighbor,Julius Rosen, AJ1W, in Massachusets had started a net that became known as the "Mishpocha Net". It is now known as the "Myer Delnick Mishpocha Net" Sometime in 1984, discussion started on the net and continued via telephone and letter writing with the idea of starting a group in the Florida area. About sixteen of us gathered for the first meeting. Other meetings followed, one in a hotel arranged by Myer and other meetings in the homes of many of the original sixteen. Henni Poliakin was elected to chair this "rolling stone" and it grew beyond our wildest dreams! In 1986, the ALEF CHAPTER was born and given the name, an acronym for Amateurs Living in Eastern Florida. The name was suggested by Henni and approved by the group. Author unknown

As the first "lady" president, Henni concentrated on the other ladies in the chapter. If they were happy, she reasoned, the men would be happy too. Meetings were primarily social, opening with coffee and cake, often baked by members. At most meetings there were not enough seats to accomodate members and guests, usually more than a lOO at each meeting. Programs, arranged so that the ladies were included, were greeted with enthusiasm. While we only spoon fed them "ham radio talk" they were slowly being indoctrinated. In fact, several of our XYLs are now licensed amateurs. We also, very early on, introduced our newsletter, ALEF CHAVERIM, edited by Hy Fox, KlPSK, and distributed internationally. We must not forget the efforts put forth by Sid Goldstein, KF4AO, in obtaining meeting places for our chapter. He was able to supply these meeting places rent free. Harry Schneider, KB2SX, succeeded Henni as president and in 1990, Sid was our president. The members of ALEF CHAPTER have enjoyed many happy times together. We've been on boat rides, dinners, shows, an annual Chanukah party and a trip to Israel. The first Alef Chaverim Convention was started here in Florida by Henni and is now thriving as an annual event. We hope Hal, somewhere,somehow, knows how we've worked to make his dream a reality.

Editor's comment: The above was found in a 1990 ALEF Directory and was read at our February 2005 meeting in honor of our visiting guest, our founder, Henni Poliakin, WB4DSP