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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


Charisse Zeifert's tribute to Steve Gruzd
“News of the brutal way in which he was killed, and his tragic death, went around the world in days. The loss is being felt widely. People from so many different walks of life have paid tribute to him, with many reaching out to me personally. Steven was both loved and respected. His loss has impacted us all.” - Charisse Zeifert Read full article in link here
3 days ago1 min read


Yom Hashoah Commemoration Tuesday 14 April | 17h00
This Yom HaShoah, join the Gauteng Jewish Community for a deeply moving evening of remembrance. Together, we honour the Six Million and hear the powerful testimony of Holocaust survivor Wanda Albinska. For decades her story remained untold. Join us for the rare opportunity to bear witness to her story firsthand. Tuesday, 14 April 2026 17:00 Johannesburg (venue details provided upon registration) Together, we remember. Together, we commemorate. Together, we ensure their st
3 days ago1 min read


SAJBD mourn the tragic loss of colleague and friend Steven Gruzd
We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the horrific murder of our esteemed colleague and friend Steven Gruzd, obm. His loss will be deeply felt by those privileged to have known and worked with him. The SAJBD benefited immeasurably from the many impressive skills that Steven brought during his years with the organisation. Beyond that, he will be remembered as someone of the utmost integrity, both in his personal and professional life. For all his many gifts, Steven w
6 days ago1 min read


SAJBD shocked and horrified by latest terror attack aimed at British Jewry
We are shocked and horrified by this latest act of terror aimed at British Jewry. Torching Jewish ambulances is reprehensible by any standards. No political belief can ever justify this act of hate. This is the latest in an alarming series of hate crimes against British and World Jewry.
Mar 231 min read


Anti-Defamation League Summit attended by the SAJBD
This week, SAJBD National Director Wendy Kahn and Cape Chair Simone Sulcas and Director Daniel Bloch represented South Africa at the Anti-Defamation League’s National Leadership Summit in New York — the world’s largest gathering of Jewish leaders tackling antisemitism and hate, with participants from 26 countries. Wendy presented on a panel at the conference on South Africa’s current situation on the topic of “One People: How Jewish Communities Around the World are Working To
Mar 191 min read


This is what respectful dialogue is
In a time of heightened tension, a conversation between Aubrey Masango and Mary Kluk on Radio 702 reminds us what respectful dialogue can look like. Their discussion on Jewish identity and antisemitism models meaningful dialogue. As Charisse Zeifert reflects in her article, these moments of thoughtful, nuanced engagement remain essential to a healthy democracy. They create space not only for understanding, but for listening across difference. Listen to the interview and rea
Mar 171 min read


SAJBD's response to chairperson of Helen Suzman's Foundation
“Helen Suzman was not only a towering figure in the struggle against apartheid, but she was a proud member of the Jewish community, deeply committed to its welfare and values. It is a profound betrayal of her legacy for the foundation’s chairperson to lend his platform and authority to the targeting of Jewish learners.” Read Wendy's article here
Mar 171 min read


Memorial of Mosiuoa Lekota
Today the SAJBD attended the Regina Mundi Church for the memorial of Mosiuoa Lekota — a courageous freedom fighter, statesman and devoted public servant. Over the years, many leaders have come and gone, and political winds have shifted. Yet throughout these changes, Mr Lekota remained a consistent and loyal friend to the Jewish community. He stood with us in times of celebration, but perhaps more meaningfully, he stood with us during times that were difficult and challenging.
Mar 121 min read


Apology from Samiir Mahlangu
In accordance with the agreement reached at the South African Human Rights Commission, @samiir Mahlangu has apologized unreservedly to the SAJBD for a hurtful and inflammatory statement. His apology is below. The SAJBD will continue to fight Antisemitism and hate speech in all its forms and on all platforms. Please report any incidents of Antisemitism to the SAJBD Antisemitism Hotline on 078 259 4147.
Mar 91 min read


When "Political Protest" targets Jewish children, it isn't political - it's Antisemitism
“When politics requires Jews to disappear from a sporting field, a classroom, or a civic space unless they first disclaim part of their communal identity, the problem is not definitional ambiguity. The problem is Antisemitism.” Click on link to read full article here
Mar 91 min read


Sad passing of Mr Mosiuoa Lekota
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) was saddened to learn of the passing of Mosiuoa Lekota, courageous freedom fighter, statesman and devoted public servant. Mr Lekota earned an honoured place for himself in South African history for the significant role he played in the struggle against apartheid and ultimately in ushering in a new era of non-racial democracy. Thereafter, he held a number of important government positions as well as serving as the first premie
Mar 51 min read


What the M&G didn't want you to know
Three weeks ago the Mail & Guardian published an article arguing that boycotting Jewish institutions that supported Israel was morally justified. The SAJBD submitted a response, which the M&G first ignored then eventually dismissed with a simple, “No, we won’t be using it”. Evidently, the M&G not only believes it is OK to advocate for anti-Jewish boycotts but that if Jews object they should be denied the opportunity even of replying. The SAJBD’s response has since appeared
Mar 51 min read


SA Jewish community represented at the 30 year anniversary of the Constitution
The SAJBD was deeply honoured to represent the South African Jewish community at the national launch of the 30 year anniversary of the Constitution, as guests of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi. As we reflect on three decades of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, we are reminded of the values that bind us as a nation - dignity, equality, freedom, and the rule of law. These principles not only safeguard our democracy, but
Mar 21 min read


Chag Purim Sameach
Amidst unfolding global tensions, the message of Purim is clear: resilience over fear, light over darkness, unity over division. We remain vigilant, engaged, and proud. Chag Purim Sameach.
Mar 21 min read


Apology from business who labelled customer Zionist killers of babies
The SAJBD was recently alerted to an incident in which a community member was refused service by a business and told: “We do not do business with Zionist killers of babies.” The matter was reported to us. As with every incident of antisemitism, we assessed the case and got legal advice. A formal legal letter was prepared and sent drawing attention to the defamation and unlawful nature of their conduct. As a direct result of this intervention; the business issued a full and un
Feb 271 min read


Charisse Zeifert: calling discrimination by its proper name
The decision by the Roedean School tennis team to boycott the Jewish tennis team from King David School was unashamedly and unambiguously anti-Jewish. Refusing to play a South African school because it is Jewish is not moral activism, nor does it advance peace or justice. It excludes children on the basis of identity. That is discrimination in its most recognisable form, regardless of the language used to justify it. In her piece in last week's Sunday Times, "Roedean should h
Feb 243 min read


Message from Prof Karen Milner at Sona 2026
Message from Prof Karen Milner SAJBD National Chairperson representing the Jewish Community at #SONA26
Feb 131 min read


SAJBD Statement on Roedean Apology
Roedean has issued an apology for its refusal to participate in a tennis match against King David, a Jewish School. King David has accepted this apology as a closure to this incident. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has worked closely with the South African Board of Jewish Education (SABJE) throughout this matter and welcomes Roedean's apology. We look forward to Roedean acting on their commitment to turn this unfortunate incident into a meaningful learning
Feb 131 min read
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