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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Stifling Voices and Promoting Antisemitic Tropes We find ourselves amid a troubling controversy stemming from a contentious interview conducted by SABC journalist Juliet Newell with Dr Mamphela Ramphele of the Desmond Tutu Foundation. During the exchange, Newell challenged Dr Ramphele on her claim that Israel is perpetrating a “Holocaust” in Gaza. This regrettable incident casts a stark light on two deeply concerning trends: the rise of Holocaust inversion and the systematic

SAJBD Meet with the amaHlubi Royal Family On Friday, 29 August 2025, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) had the honour of meeting with the Royal Family of the amaHlubi nation, including HRM King Langalibalele II and Queen of Amahlubi, HRM Mzamose ka Sobhuza. The amaHlubi nation dates back to the 1300’s, residing in KZN, EC, WC, FS, GP, MP, and Lesotho and compromise of over 3 million South Africans. During the meeting, both the SAJBD and the amaHlubi Royal Fam

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Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending and presenting at Limmud, an event that over the years has truly become a cornerstone of our communal calendar. It stands as the most invigorating platform we have for exploring the rich diversity of Jewish views and topics that shape our community, dealing with issues that simply aren’t addressed with such depth and openness in any other forum. What makes Limmud so special is the space it creates: one that’s constructive, produc

Desperate Dangor’s antizionist rant In recent weeks, the SAJBD has observed a rise in increasingly hostile efforts to challenge the perspectives of our community organisations and silence “mainstream” Jewish voices. In this case, “mainstream” Jewish refers to community members who are traditionally Jewish in observance (be it orthodox or progressive), and Zionist in orientation. Yet, the discourse has shifted, increasingly framing Zionism itself as beyond acceptable bounds, t

The Daily Maverick has a Jew problem by David Saks and here's why