Our Mandate
Combating antisemitism is a cornerstone of the SAJBD’s mandate. For more than 120 years, South African Jews have looked to the SAJBD to confront anti-Jewish prejudice, which it has done effectively with a variety of methods — including legal action, education, political engagement, restorative justice, and media activism. Today, it works closely with all communal organisations and structures in monitoring and appropriately responding to all instances of antisemitism in the country.
The Board compiles and publishes an annual report on antisemitic activity in South Africa, which is shared with international organisations such as the Kantor Center at Tel Aviv University.
To carry out this critical work, timely reporting from the community is essential. Anyone who experiences or witnesses antisemitism—whether personal or observed—should report it to the SAJBD. This includes not only abusive acts targeting individuals, but also defamatory or derogatory content appearing in social media, news media, culture, or educational spaces.
You are our eyes and ears. With your help, we can identify and effectively respond to antisemitism whenever and wherever it occurs in our country.
Please email David Saks at david@sajbd.org or call 011 645 2536.
Global and International Representation
The SAJBD is the official representative body for the South African Jewish community. In this role, it liaises with counterpart Jewish organisations around the world, such as the World Jewish Congress, the Anti-Defamation League, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and the American Jewish Congress.
It also regularly engages with members of the diplomatic corps — hosting and attending events, and addressing issues relevant to the Jewish community.
Archives
The SAJBD Archives houses an extensive collection documenting the history of the South African Jewish community, its people, and its organisations. The collection includes newspapers dating back as far as the 1840s, shipping manifests from the 1920s and 1930s, naturalisation certificates, minute books from community organisations and societies, press clippings, photographs, films, and historically significant scrapbooks.
Continuously and actively growing through daily acquisitions, the archive is a vital resource for academic and independent researchers alike.
For any enquiries regarding the archive, please contact Adam at adam@sajbd.org or Eric at eric@sajbd.org
