SAJBD Response to ICJ Ruling 24 May

Every loss of life in the conflict between Israel and Hamas is tragic. Over the past seven months of this heartbreaking war, it has become increasingly obvious that peace needs to be made through political negotiations and not legal institutions. This is especially when the ICJ has no jurisdiction over the brutal terror organisation Hamas. South Africa could have done so much more to prevent loss of life from the outset, by using its relationship with Hamas and its history of engagement and dialogue, as a way to resolve conflict rather than these ongoing legal challenges. South Africa could have done so on the 8th October, with the potential of thousands of lives being saved.

As Professor Emeritus Andre Thomashausen has repeatedly stated, “thus far, with all its cases, South Africa has not saved one life”. They are using a legal processes for something that requires political solutions.

In its many damning statements, interviews and speeches the ANC Government has made against Israel, they have not once commented on the bodies of hostages that they have found in Gaza including three in Rafah in the past week. Neither have they acknowledged or condemned Hamas footage also found in Rafah this week, showing sexual threats by Hamas against young Israeli women captives. This shows the cavalier attitude that the ANC Government has regarding sexual assault of Jewish women and the murder of Jews. South Africa has forever tainted itself in its a willingness to overlook the horrendous crimes of Hamas, impugning its reputation as honest peace broker.

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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.