In January, the independent TV station ANN7 organised a panel debate on security in Sandringham for a programme it was making on the subject. It was reported that one of the panellists, Zahir Omar (of the Muslim Lawyers Association of SA), made explicitly antisemitic comments during the discussion. The Board contacted ANN7 to ensure that these were not included in what was broadcast and further asked that it be allowed to view the unedited footage of the debate in order to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the allegations. While no overt antisemitism featured in the programme subsequently broadcast, ANN7 declined to make the unedited footage available, whereupon the Board’s legal representatives formally demanded that it do so in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
ANN7 in due course responded, saying that sections of the footage had been deleted, that it distanced itself from Omar’s comments and that it would not make the remainder of the unedited footage available to the Board. The Board responded that ANN7 both acknowledged that antisemitic comments were indeed made by Omar and that it had taken steps to destroy the evidence rather than allow the Board to assess what was said and determine whether to take appropriate action in that regard. In view of the relevant footage having been deleted, it had been decided that there was no point in its pursuing this particular matter further. The Board remained committed to ongoing dialogue on the matter and any other matter issue going forward.
Recent Articles
Jewish Report 11 - 18 September 2025
Above Board in this week's Jewish Report
by 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. This gathering provides an invaluable space for open dialogue, where they share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.
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'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 more accessible and exciting for our community and the many people who use it.