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.

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.

Former Johannesburg mayor in hot water over pro-Hamas post

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.

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 Antisemitism. In that he ridiculously argued that “those who are going to be accused of antisemitism should be consulted” when adopting a definition of Antisemitism.

Adv. Thembeka stated that the UCT Council chose to bear the financial consequences of its resolutions because of the “moral imperative” to boycott Israel.

Adv Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC is presenting the UCT council’s case

📍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.

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.

Many faces of a post - 7 October JR article in JR by Wendy Kahn

Resolutions taken on by the UCT Council in 2024 are being taken on review by Prof Adam Mendelsohn

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

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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 representatives; industry leaders; and prominent figures within the South African Jewish community. The broad spectrum of attendees underscored the Board’s continuing significance in South Africa, highlighting its mandate and its role as a pillar for the community and a bridge to wider society.

Statement by SAJBD and SAZF on the discontinuation of ELAL flights to SA

ELAL Airlines has announced that they will be discontinuing their weekly flights between South Africa and Israel. During our meeting with El Al last year, it became apparent that operating a once-a-week flight was economically challenging for them. Unfortunately, even increasing the frequency to three times a week did not attract the expected passenger numbers. As a private company, El Al's operations are driven by commercial viability.

Hundreds of enthusiastic protestors gathered outside the headquarters of Cricket SA (CSA) this afternoon to vent their outrage at the removal of David Teeger as captain of the SA u19 cricket side and to demand his reinstatement.

SAJBD comments following meeting with Cricket SA, 16 January 2024

At a meeting held today, Cricket SA (CSA) categorically failed to provide credible evidence that there had been any real security threats to the upcoming Under19 World Cup tournament on account of David Teeger being captain of the SA team. This, together with CSA’s vacillating and contradictory responses to the questions put to them reinforces our understanding that the excuse provided for Teeger’s removal as captain, namely ‘security concerns’, is trumped up and bogus. Moreover, even if there had been credible information of a possible threat, CSA could, had it chosen, taken appropriate steps to deal with it, such as moving the games or providing additional security.

We too are appalled that South Africa includes a notorious antisemite to join them at the Hague. Their choice of a man expelled from the Britsish Labour Party for antisemitism speaks volumes.

The decision by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to relieve David Teeger of his Under 19 captaincy of the World Cup team starting next week in South Africa is an outrageous act of antisemitism. There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish.

The decision by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to relieve David Teeger of his Under 19 captaincy of the World Cup team starting next week in South Africa is an outrageous act of antisemitism. There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish.

In the words of former Minister of Justice of Canada and human rights activist, Irwin Cotler, South Africa is inverting reality by accusing Israel of genocide. The fact that South Africa has bought into this inversion, to the extent that it has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), can only be interpreted as antisemitic.

Yesterday a pro-Palestinian March took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

We of course have no issue with South Africans right to protest, something enshrined in our constitution and that the SAJBD too has done in the past.

Naked Jew-hatred behind Kasrils’ feting of Hamas atrocities

“A brilliant, spectacular guerilla warfare attack”. Thus has Ronnie Kasrils described the systematic butchery of over 1200 Jewish civilians carried out by Hamas on 7 October (https://x.com/naeemjeenah/status/1728700438755639668?s=58&t=yfTSJWbHskZls3BB0cifPA). Speaking at a BDS SA event over the weekend, Kasrils made no attempt to conceal his glee over the massacre, the worst mass slaughter of Jewish men, women and children since the Holocaust nearly 80 years ago.

The SAJBD celebrates the release of South Africans, Aviva Siegel (64 years old) and Channah Peri (79) from Gaza. Both were captured by Hamas terrorists during their heinous and unprovoked attack on Israel on 7 October.

‘South Africa’s shift’ in The Times of Israel

The debate in Parliament today expressed a sentiment which we already know. It was a pointless exercise because Parliament does not determine the international relations of South Africa. It is especially pointless, given Israel’s decision to withdraw its ambassador for consultation.

Today, shocking images were posted by former Johannesburg mayor and Al Jama-ah city councillor Thapelo Amad showing him posing with an assault rifle while declaring his unequivocal support for the Hamas terror organisation.

🗳️ Make your voice heard! Register to vote on 18-19 November, 2023. Ensure your details are updated and let's shape the future together! 🇿🇦✨

Woolworths clarifies that the BDS groups once again fabricated support for their cause. We are pleased to hear that Woolworths will not be boycotting Israeli products. Furthermore we condemn attempts by anti-Israel hate groups to intimidate and threaten SA businesses. This bullying has no place in our country.

Hundreds of Christians (from different denominations) came together this Sunday to show their support for Israel.

The atmosphere was absolutely electric!