Overcoming racism in our society requires legislation, including having in place effective vehicles through which to enforce it. However, while laws and penalties help to discourage the public expression of racist sentiment, they do little to eradicate the underlying prejudice that gives rise to such incidents. For this to begin to happen, there has to be a profound shift in the way people – as individuals - think about and treat each other. Last week, SAJBD National Vice-President Zev Krengel was centrally involved in the launch of an inspiring initiative by the organisation Active Citizens, the aim of which is to encourage people at all times to respect the dignity of their fellow citizens, even (and indeed, especially) when disagreeing with them. It is very much this culture of respect for those who differ that has been severely undermined of late in this country, and which it is incumbent on all of us to fully restore.
Recent Articles
Above Board 27 August
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, thereby deeming aligned groups inherently problematic. What stands out, however, is that the campaign against mainstream Jewry is increasingly desperate, incoherent, and too often driven by a quest for attention rather than substantive dialogue.
Unpacking Holocaust Inversion: A Deep Dive into Jewish Plurality and Ideological Battles
Unpacking Holocaust Inversion: A Deep Dive into Jewish Plurality and Ideological Battles
Above Board 21 August 2025
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.