As featured in last week’s SA Jewish Report issue, preparations are underway to commemorate 175 years of organised Jewish life in South Africa. The Cape Council of the SAJBD is already very active in this regard, given that Cape Town is the ‘Mother community’ of South African Jewry. A series of events – co-ordinated to engage the community, civil society and government – will take place throughout the year. Their purpose, as the Cape Council’s monthly bulletin to the community expresses it, will be to “showcase the Jewish community’s great commitment to and involvement in the development of South Africa”, while also using the occasion as an opportunity to “address how our community, together with fellow citizens, will continue to add to the growth of a free, democratic and prosperous South Africa”. Amongst the events being planned are a lecture series highlighting Jewish contributions to various aspects of South African life and an exhibition on the community’s history at the South African Jewish Museum. While the events will largely be Cape Town-based, we hope in the course of the year to ensure that this milestone is appropriately celebrated throughout the country as well.
Recent Articles
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 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.
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 returning alive. And our sympathies and unwavering love go out to the families of those hostages who will return only as mortal remains.