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The SAJBD appreciates the Cape Jewish and Christian communities support
📍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.
Oct 28, 20251 min read


Adv. Thembeka states that the UCT Council chose to bear the financial consequences of its resolutions
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
Oct 28, 20251 min read
Two suspicious objects were found in the Glenhazel
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.
Oct 28, 20251 min read
SAJFP legal team challenging the legal requirements of UCT Council to consult stakeholders, say non-Jews should be included
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
Oct 28, 20251 min read


Former Johannesburg mayor in hot water over pro-Hamas post
Read article here
Oct 28, 20251 min read


Cape High Court accepts SAJBD application to be Amicus Curiae - Adam Mendelsohn v UCT
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
Oct 28, 20251 min read


Adv Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC is presenting the UCT council’s case
Adv Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC is presenting the UCT council’s case Judge Sher has debated that weight needed to be attached to the financial consequences of the decision to adopt the resolution including financial loss of R200 million donation to the UCT from Donald Gordon Foundation, 288 students not being funded by the Dell foundation and the donation of a hospital to UCT. This was due to the fact that the resolution to change the definition of Antisemitism was in conflict to
Oct 28, 20251 min read


Graffiti at the protest by SA Jews for Free Palestine (SAJFP) and other anti- Israel activist groups
Graffiti at the protest by SA Jews for Free Palestine (SAJFP) and other anti- Israel activist groups included an inverted red triangle, a deeply threatening symbol widely recognised as having antisemitic intent. This symbol has become a rallying image for Hamas and its supporters globally. During the Holocaust, the Nazis implemented a systematic classification system for prisoners in concentration camps, using color-coded inverted triangular badges sewn onto uniforms. This al
Oct 27, 20251 min read
Resolutions taken on by the UCT Council in 2024 are being taken on review by Prof Adam Mendelsohn
On Monday evening, 11 November, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies celebrated its 120th anniversary with a gala dinner attended by more than 300 guests, including ministers; deputy ministers; the heads of parliamentary portfolio committees; representatives from eight political parties; members of the diplomatic corps; a 16-person delegation from the American Jewish Council; two chief rabbis; more than 40 journalists; student leaders; interfaith community representativ
Oct 22, 20251 min read
SAJBD has applied to be admitted as an amicus curia in the matter of Mendelsohn v University of Cape Town Council
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has applied to be admitted as an amicus curia (friend of the court) in the matter of Mendelsohn v University of Cape Town Council (UCT). This case concerns resolutions adopted by the UCT Council supporting a boycott of Israel. The case will take place this Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October. The SAJBD will provide relevant information regarding the hostile environment in which these resolutions were adopted, particularly their
Oct 22, 20252 min read
The SAJBD condemns the planned protest against the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) condemns the planned protest against the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre (JHGC) by a coalition of organisations, including South African Jews for a Free Palestine (SAJFP), Africa4Palestine, the Palestine Solidarity Alliance, and BDS South Africa. These groups represent a broader campaign of anti-Jewish activity in South Africa, which continues to disguise its agenda under a pro-Palestinian guise. Through coordinate
Oct 21, 20252 min read


Today Hope Has Come Home!
Two years ago, on the morning of the festival Simchat Torah, the Jewish world was shattered by a brutal attack. Today, as we stand on the cusp of Simchat Torah once more, our spirits lifted by the long-awaited release of those held captive. We extend our heartfelt thanks to America and the Arab nations, including our fellow African nation- Egypt, who have brought about this historical moment. Our hearts will be forever scarred by the knowledge that not all of the hostages are
Oct 13, 20252 min read


Opinion | Double standards, delegitimization: SAJBD rejects ‘moral blindness' accusations News 24 David Saks
Opinion | Double standards, delegitimization: SAJBD rejects ‘moral blindness' accusations News 24 David Saks Tony Karon’s would-be take down of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (‘Welcome to the club: SAJBD’s ‘Anti-Semite label reveals its own moral blindness’, 10 September) is predicated on the supposed “moral blindness” of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) in having baselessly affixed the ‘antisemite’ label onto someone, in this case Department of International Relation
Oct 10, 20255 min read


The SAJBD warmly welcomes the newly brokered peace deal to secure the release of Israeli hostages
The SAJBD warmly welcomes the newly brokered peace deal, led by the USA and Arab nations, to secure the release of Israeli hostages and bring an end to this prolonged war. We especially applaud the courageous world leaders who have chosen the path of dialogue, negotiation, and diplomacy over rhetoric and hate. Their principled leadership stands in stark contrast to those who have exploited this tragedy for political posturing rather than promoting genuine peace. Since the hor
Oct 9, 20251 min read


Commemorating the Second Anniversary of the October 7 attack
Commemorating the Second Anniversary of the October 7 attack October 7 marks the second anniversary of the brutal attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians in Kibbutzim and at a music festival in the south of Israel. Victims were tortured, raped and burned alive, resulting in a protracted and horrific war. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) abhors the tragic loss of all innocent life and the immense human suffering that has resulted from this war. For Jews worldwid
Oct 6, 20252 min read
The SAJBD has settled the matter with Adv. Shafia Mahomed
The SAJBD has settled the matter with Adv. Shafia Mahomed regarding the case we lodged with the Equality Court concerning her Facebook posts earlier this year.
Oct 3, 20251 min read


Jewish Report 11 - 18 September 2025
Above Board in this week's Jewish Reportby Prof Karen Milner Connection, recollection, condolence This week has seen the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) continue its vital international engagements, fostering connections that strengthen our community on the global stage. Our national director, Wendy Kahn, joined her counterparts from 60 communities around the world at the World Jewish Congress (WJC) National Community Directors Forum in Bratislava, Slovakia. Th
Sep 12, 20252 min read


SAJBD National Director Represents South Africa at Global Jewish Leadership Forum
SAJBD National Director Represents South Africa at Global Jewish Leadership Forum This week, SAJBD National Director Wendy Kahn attended the World Jewish Congress’s 10th National Community Directors Forum, held in Bratislava, Slovakia. The gathering brought together over 75 Jewish community leaders from 50 countries to share experiences, strategies, and mutual support at a time when Jewish life faces significant global challenges. Wendy Kahn had the honour of participating in
Sep 12, 20251 min read


Wendy Kahn's column in the latest edition of Jewish Life: Hidden Treasures - Our Living history
Wendy Kahn's column in the latest edition of Jewish Life: Hidden Treasures - Our Living history There is a little-known treasure trove in the Beyachad building that few have experienced. I have worked at the SAJBD for nearly 20 years, and I have used the archive periodically in my day to day work life, getting information for articles, legal cases or correspondence. Over the past month we have been in the process of moving our archive into the heart of Beyachad, making it mor
Sep 10, 20253 min read


Charisse Zeifert Joins ABSA, University of Johannesburg, and Qhubeka for Bicycle Distribution Ceremony at Hanyani School
Charisse Zeifert Joins ABSA, University of Johannesburg, and Qhubeka for Bicycle Distribution Ceremony at Hanyani School Charisse Zeifert recently attended a heartwarming event at Hanyani School, hosted in collaboration with ABSA, the University of Johannesburg, and Qhubeka. The occasion marked the distribution of bicycles to learners, aimed at improving access to education by easing their daily commute. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has been an ongoing s
Sep 5, 20251 min read
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