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