“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

“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

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

“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

“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

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

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

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

📍The SAJBD appreciate the Cape Jewish and Christian community who came to support our case both inside and outside of the Cape Town High Court today.

Adv. Thembeka stated that the UCT Council chose to bear the financial consequences of its resolutions because of the “moral imperative” to boycott Israel. Yet it seems UCT felt no comparable moral imperative to protect its own Jewish students and academics from the antisemitism and discrimination they have faced on the UCT campus — the very community the Council is meant to SAFEGUARD!! Nor did the Council appear moved by the plight of the 288 students whose funding would be j

Two suspicious objects were found in the Glenhazel area. The bomb squad was called in. They have checked both devices and they weren't explosive. The area has been fully opened.

SAJFP legal team challenging the legal requirements of UCT Council to consult stakeholders, say non-Jews should be included. We see the claim that "those who would be accused of antisemitism should also be spoken to" would be like demanding the AWB be consulted on definition of racism. #StopAntisemitismOnUCT @BroadattheBoard @CapeTimesSA @CapeTalk @sajewishreport @ADL @uctjustkidding @News24 @SABCNews

Read article here

A key issue in this case is UCT Council’s decision to reject the IHRA definition of antisemitism without consulting the Jewish community, who are the ones directly affected by antisemitism. The SA Jewish Board of Deputies has stepped in as a friend of the court, challenging the UCT Council decision. Ultimately, as Adv Adhikari eloquently points out, definitional debates are interesting, but one must not ever forget that antisemitism is experienced by people - their lived real