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For 16 days of Activism the SAJBD chose action 💜✊
Our team joined hands with TEARS Foundation to pack comfort bags for boys and girls who have experienced rape or abuse. The initiative aims to not only spread awareness about GBV but also to make a meaningful difference to those suffering.
Dec 10, 20251 min read


Not consulting Jewry renders UCT resolutions 'unlawful'
“The irony is that Mendelsohn is on the side of UCT, and UCT isn’t,” lamenting that in court, the lawyer representing the institution “never represented UCT’s interests, only those of its chairperson and executive [Exco].” Read article below about the University of Cape Town court case regarding councils adopted resolutions to boycott Israel and change the definitions of Antisemitism. Read article here
Nov 11, 20251 min read




International Holocaust Remembrance Day: we sadly remember the six million Jewish lives tragically lost
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember the six million Jewish lives lost and reflect on the lasting impact of the Holocaust. We turn to the SAJBD Archive to share some of the many original Holocaust-era documents that bear witness to this history. The SAJBD continues to preserve these stories for future generations, ensuring they are never forgotten. For more information on the SAJBD Archive, located at Beyachad, please contact Eric@sajbd.org
4 days ago1 min read


Finally they are home 💛
Today we take off our yellow pins, removing the weight of 843 days. Finally they are home 💛
4 days ago1 min read


SAJBD Condemns appointment of Thapelo Amad despite SAHRC finding
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is deeply concerned by the appointment of Mr Thapelo Amad as MMC for Community Development in the City of Joburg . Mr Amad was found to be in contravention of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and ordered to issue an unconditional apology. To date, he has not complied with this remedy. It is wholly unacceptable for a person with
4 days ago1 min read


The SAJBD stands with SA in loss and grief during this time of tragedy
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies notes with deep heartbreak the national tragedies affecting South Africa. Severe flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has claimed lives, displaced thousands, and caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure. This loss has been compounded by a tragic road accident on 19 January, in which 13 schoolchildren lost their lives and others were critically injured. We share in the nation’s grief and extend our de
Jan 221 min read


SAJBD welcomes decision by the Film and Publications Board
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) welcomes the decision by the Film and Publications Board (FPB) to issue a “Refused Classification” ruling regarding the film Hebrews to Negros – Wake Up Black America. In terms of the ruling, the distributor has been requested to remove the film from all platforms in South Africa. The SAJBD approached the FPB to reclassify the film on the grounds that it propagated racist stereotypes against Jewish people and as such amount
Jan 191 min read


The SAJBD extends its full support and solidarity to the Bet Israel Congregation
The SAJBD extends its full support and solidarity to the Bet Israel Congregation of Jackson, Mississippi, and to the American Jewish community following the appalling arson attack in the early hours of the Sabbath. Images of a burnt-out synagogue and destroyed Torah scrolls fill Jewish communities around the world with horror and dread. Disturbingly, this attack is the latest in a global escalation of antisemitic violence. It follows, among many others, the brutal terror atta
Jan 131 min read


Visible and unafraid December 11, 2025
Over the past few days, a great deal of concern has engulfed our community regarding a document referring to an “Apartheid Bill” put forward by the Al Jama-ah political party. I must reiterate that what exists at present is merely a notice of intention to introduce a private members’ Bill, together with an invitation for public comment. No draft text has been tabled, no wording released. We are under no illusions about the motives of this party, nor about the antisemitic agen
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Ties that bind across faiths December 4, 2025
There are weeks when the soul of our country feels a little lighter, when the ties that bind us across faith and tradition grow visibly stronger. Last week was one such week. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) was privileged to take part in two significant interfaith gatherings: a conference co-hosted by the Institute for Global Engagement and the South African Council of Faith Based Fraternals; and a session of the Gauteng Ethics and Anti-Corruption Council.
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Gender-based violence – a communal issue November 27, 2025
The campaign 16 Days of Activism started on 25 November, a global drive to combat the devastating impact of gender-based violence and femicide (GBV) on women, children, and vulnerable groups. This is a cause so immediate and pressing in South Africa and within our community. Last Friday, 21 November, women from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies participated in the “national shutdown against GBV” at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. The gathering, which was timed to
Dec 18, 20252 min read


A credible, united Jewish voice November 20, 2025
A credible, united Jewish voice November 20, 2025 As we approach the South African Jewish Board of Deputies’ (SAJBD’s) national executive conference next weekend, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable origins of the Board. Established in 1912 through the amalgamation of the Jewish Board of Deputies for the Transvaal and Natal, founded in 1903; and its Cape counterpart, in 1904, the SAJBD emerged at a time when our community sought a unified platform to articulate its co
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Selfless leaders and winners November 13, 2025
There are moments during the year when the vibrancy of our community is on display for all to see. Past weeks present such a moment. Starting with the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards on 2 November, which were so robustly supported, filling the Sandton Convention Centre, and highlighting the exceptional contributions of our community to the fabric of South African society. Hot on its heels came the Chevrah Kadisha Pillars event on 9 November, another gathering that drew our co
Dec 18, 20253 min read


Storm wall against politically motivated resolutions November 6, 2025
Over the past two weeks, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies has been involved in a Western Cape High Court case: Professor Adam Mendelsohn versus University of Cape Town (UCT) Council. The case centres on the alleged lack of correct process followed by the UCT Council in its decision to pass a boycott resolution against Israel. The resolution that was passed ultimately contained two key elements which are highly problematic for us as a community: a boycott of all co-o
Dec 18, 20253 min read


The South African Jewish Community stands with Sydney
. A night of hope and unity hosted by the SAJBD, Chabad and Kosherworld with meaningful messages by SAJBD Chairperson Prof Karen Milner, The Australian Acting High Commissioner and United States Charge d’affaires. Together we will bring light in this time of darkness.
Dec 17, 20251 min read


Antisemitic Hotline
Dear Community Members Please report any incidents of antisemitism, hate or intimidation to the SAJBD Antisemitism and Intimidation hotline 078 259 4147. You are not alone the SAJBD are here to help. In the coming weeks, SA Jewry will be traveling for the summer holidays. We remind the community to maintain vigilance. If at any point you are concerned for your safety or aware of any threat to the community you can use any of the following numbers: CSO JHB/DBN/PTA/ or anywhe
Dec 17, 20251 min read


SAJBD expresses solidarity and sympathy with Australian Jewish community
The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) expresses its heartfelt solidarity and sympathy with the Australian Jewish community following the heinous terror attack in Sydney as the community joined to light Chanukah candles. We condemn this despicable shooting against Jewish people congregating for the first night of Channukah. This horror of this vicious terror attack resulted in the callous death of 11 community members with 29 seriously injured. We remember the antisemitic
Dec 17, 20251 min read


SAJBD devastated to hear of the terror attack in Bondi
We are devastated to hear of the terror attack targeting Australian Jewry who were gathered to light candles for the first night of Channukah. We stand with our Australian brothers and sisters and send our solidarity and prayers. We are in contact with our counterparts in the Australian Jewish community and we will continue to offer our support.
Dec 17, 20251 min read


SAJBD at the G20 Social Summit
A meaningful day at the G20 Social Summit, where voices from civil society, grassroots groups, and faith-based communities came together. The SAJBD is proud to continue engaging with the broader South African society on behalf of our Jewish community. 🤝🌍 #G20SouthAfrica #g20socialsummit
Nov 20, 20251 min read
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