. 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.

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

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.

“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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

From Pretoria to Johannesburg! A day that began at the University of Pretoria and concluded at the University of Johannesburg 20th Anniversary celebration - a testament to the power of connection, collaboration, and community. The SAJBD remains committed to engaging with universities across South Africa, fostering partnerships and meaningful dialogue on behalf of the South African Jewish community.

Today the SAJBD stands strong outside the Cape High Court to hear SC Adv Fagan’s legal response to UCT’s legal arguments on behalf of Prof Adam Mendelsohn. The case regards UCT Council’s adoption of resolutions to boycott Israel and on the definition of antisemitism. This is a watershed case, the outcome of which will help determine whether Jewish South Africans can continue to rely on constitutional protections when their dignity and safety are at risk in public institutions

Today Prof Mendelsohn’s legal Council Advocate Fagan will be responding to the oral arguments which were made on behalf of UCT last week in the Cape High Court. A brief summary of this case and why it is important for SA Jewry is below: UCT’s Head of the Kaplan Centre is taking UCT to court challenging the Council’s process, lack of consultation and the impact of these resolutions. In June 2024, UCT’s Council passed 2 resolutions 1.⁠ ⁠To Boycott Israel 2.⁠ ⁠To reject the IHRA

Read article here

Adv Geoff Budlender SC made submissions for South African Jews for Free Palestine. He questioned whether it was necessary to consult the Jewish community on how to define Antisemitism on campus stating that SAJBD and Mendelsohn are merely using this as a tactic to stop criticism of Israel on UCT. He argued against the need to engage with those impacted by Antisemitism ie Jewish staff and students saying that it was as important to also consult non-Jewish people on Antisemitis

Resolutions taken on by the UCT Council in 2024 are being taken on review by Prof Adam Mendelsohn