26
ZIM MAGAZINE
From the day she was born and until she began her career,
Revital Uzan was raised in a family characterized by the
lifestyle of an officer in the Israeli merchant marine – a lifestyle
that was a clear inspiration for her developing personality.
The seaman’s profession is a very
special way of life, deeply affecting
family dynamics and child rearing. If
one had to summarize the uniqueness
of the seafaring lifestyle in a single
sentence, one could say that it is
diverse, with both extreme contrasts
in every area. The lengthy separations
from family and loved ones are sometimes heartbreaking,
yet the happy reunions after a voyage are incredibly moving
and joyous. Some people call this the ‘second honeymoon’
with your loved ones. When Dad is away on a voyage,
the children at home are sad. But when Dad is on shore
leave, he spends every hour of the day at home with his
children, giving them unforgettable moments of happiness
and precious memories.
Routine work on a ship at sea can be monotonous, day
after day – but for all that, specific moments can turn into
an amazing adventure that as no precedent.
The unique seafaring life
also has some advantages
for the family. A seaman’s
wife and the mother of his
children, without her rock
and support beside her,
manages to cope with her
daily tasks alone, becoming an expert at solving problems
without a man by her side. To the children, this mother is
seen as a strong, hard-working, and all-powerful woman.
The father is also a positive role model, as he brings home
a great deal of happiness when he returns from the sea.
The very distance creates an intimate connection between
the children and their parents. Voyages with the family
enrich the children’s world, opening up new horizons for
them. Crossing oceans, sailing between continents, and
getting to know various cultures – this is the best and most
direct geography lesson there is, a nature documentary
and reality show in real-time, before their very eyes. Living
among the ship’s crew helps one internalize values such
as responsibility, professionalism, coping with challenges,
and withstanding risks.
When she started school, Revital was given a bag with the
ZIM logo on it. An album of photos of Revital’s childhood
Revital Grew Up with ZIM
Chief Engineer Shimon Uzan, one of ZIM’s ships' superintendents,
writes about his family and about his daughter, Major Revital Uzan.
From the day she was born and until
she began her career, Revital Uzan
was raised in a family characterized by
the lifestyle of an officer in the Israeli
merchant marine
When she started school, Revital was
given a bag with the ZIM logo on it. An
albumof photos of Revital’s childhood
is decorated with ZIM ships from her
voyages with her family
