Algemeiner's top 100 people: SAJBD National Director, Wendy Kahn

We are proud of Wendy Kahn for being recognised by the Algemeiner as one of the top 100 people influencing Jewish Life in the world today.

Wendy was specifically mentioned for her contribution to safeguarding Jewish life post October 7, especially in light of our government's harsh stance to Israel.

Algemeiner's top 100 people:

SAJBD National Director, Wendy Kahn

The first woman to hold the position when she was appointed as national director of the South African Board of Jewish Deputies (SAJBD) in 2006, Wendy Kahn's tenure in the role has been marked by a severe deterioration of South Africa's relationship with Israel, symbolized by the spread of anti-Israel boycotts, anti-Zionist ideology, and even official visits from delegations of Hamas terrorists. But the last year — in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas atrocities — has undoubtedly been her most challenging. South Africa has emerged as one of the world's most reliable supporters of Hamas, driving spurious accusations of "genocide" against the Jewish state in a case launched at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. One year after the pogrom, Kahn led the initiative to create an Oct. 7 Square in Johannesburg, whose goal, she wrote, was to challenge the "hideous African National Congress and Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions narrative that excludes the mass murder, rape, and abduction of hostages by Hamas in their messaging on Oct. 7."

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Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, we honor the memory of the six million Jewish lives brutally murdered by the Nazis and the resilience of the survivors who ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten.

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Together we stand. Together We Remember.

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While the funeral will took place in Israel, the Meshoe family arranged a memorial service for Olga which took place on Sunday, 26 January. All of the Jewish community were invited to attend with transport both to and from the memorial service.

Olga continued to show up for the South African Jewish community, now was our time to show up for her and give comfort to the family.

Please see Read More to view the YouTube recording.

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We continue to call for the safe and immediate release of all remaining hostages.