Minister Pandor lashed out at the SAJBD, threatening us and one of our leaders. Why? Because we dared to challenge her. Hamas, in addition to brutally murdering 1400 Israelis in one day, is currently holding 239 hostages. Not once in her statement did Minister Pandor even mention this fact. Instead of campaigning for Hamas to release these hostages, something that could make a ceasefire possible, Minister Pandor has attacked the South African Jewish community, singling out ou

OPINION: Hatred for Israel drives the pro-Hamas voices writes SAJBD Associate Director David Saks. Read article here

Anti-Israel protesters descend on Jewish areas. We will not be intimidated. Today, 28 October, anti-Israel protesters came into our Jewish suburbs, waving their Hamas flags and chanting anti-Israel slogans, in an effort to bait our Jewish community. They provocatively chose to do so on our Holy Sabbath. They made their way through our areas to the Jewish community centre, Beyachad. Sadly for them, they simply stood outside an empty building, venting their spleen to the wind.

Listen carefully for the echoes of antisemitism\ Read article here

OPINION: Silence in the face of slaughter - by our national director Wendy Kahn Read article here

Our comment regarding statements by Julius Malema in Pretoria on 24 October. Mr Malema prides himself on causing division among fellow South Africans, using his trademark hateful rhetoric. He is a man full of hate. Julius Malema has been remarkably quiet for the past 2 weeks but chose now to associate freedom fighters with rape, murder of babies and kidnapping. We differ with this interpretation as we have never seen any evidence to suggest that such tactics were used by Sout

Yes. This is South Africa now. Hundreds sing the Israeli national anthem as they express support for the Jewish state.

We note that in her address to the UN Security Council, Naledi Pandor for the first-time expressed sympathy for the Israeli victims alongside the victims in Gaza. She also condemned the Hamas atrocities against Israeli civilians resulting in 1400 deaths on 7 October. The SAJBD expresses its deepest sympathy for all the innocents who are suffering and those that have lost their lives. We also acknowledge the Minister’s reiteration of our government’s support for a two-state so

OPINION: A harrowing account of the frenzy of anti- Israel and Jew baiting at the ANC protest on Friday. Read article here

DIRCO has confirmed that Minister Pandor had a call with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to pledge support.

President Ramaphosa we are outraged by your callous disregard for the systematic and targeted mass murder of Jews last week and lack of concern for the 200 Jews taken hostage by Hamas including elderly, women and young children. You have betrayed us. See our letter in the Sunday Times today.

Prof Karen Milner, National Chairperson of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies responds to President Cyril Ramapahosa’s betrayal of the SA Jewish community. Listen to the audio above, or download the file below:

Following offensive comments made by 94.7 host Zweli Mbhele, we have engaged with Primedia Leadership. Please see their apology below. Following offensive comments made by 94.7 host Zweli Mbhele, we have engaged with Primedia Leadership. Please see their apology below.

SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY STANDS WITH ISRAEL The horrific images coming out of Israel have left the entire world shocked and disgusted. There can never be justification for the barbaric murder, kidnapping and disrespect for human life that has emerged over the past weekend. The terrorist group Hamas’s unprovoked and barbaric attack on innocent Israeli civilians include the massacre of teenagers at a music festival, the abduction of children and elderly women and the kill

The SAJBD stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel at one of the most devastating times of the Jewish state’s existence. We mourn the brutal murders of over 659 Israeli citizens and the barbaric kidnapping of over 100 hostages, including, elderly, women and children, taken for the clear purpose of blackmail and extortion. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, for the thousands of injured and for those who have not been accounted for. We also r

On 4 October the SAJBD and SABC Religion celebrated Sukkoth at Pine Street Shul. Rabbi Motti Hadar and Rebbetzin Temmi Hadar explained the symbolism of the holiday. Following that, the group of journalists and interfaith visited Satyagraha House – also known as Gandi House. Yashika Singh, head of SABC Religion, gave information about Gandi and what he stood for and believed.

We were delighted to host The Speaker of the Johannesburg City Council, Colleen Makhubele and her team for lunch at the Great Park Synagogue Sukkah. Thank you to Rabbi Hazdan for your sharing your insights about Sukkot and for showing us around your beautiful shul.

David Saks responds to Alexander O'Riordan's article that appeared in the Daily Maverick Read the article here

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) extends its heartfelt condolences to His Majesty the King Misizulu kaZwelithini, the Royal Family and the Buthelezi Clan on the passing of Inkosi Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi. The passing of this iconic statesman, wise counsellor and devoted public servant has left a great void in our body politic. A patriot to his core, Prince Buthelezi combined a lifetime of loyal and unstinting service to the people of KwaZulu-Natal provinc

A South African Legend – Raymond Ackerman (1931-2023) The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is saddened by the passing of Raymond Ackerman, visionary business leader, retail legend and unstinting philanthropist. Throughout his long life, Mr Ackerman’s extraordinary achievements in the business field were combined with his equally impressive record of contributing to the greater society. He was a true patriot and nation builder. He was also an active, identifying