The Board celebrates the release of South African hostages from Gaza

The SAJBD celebrates the release of South Africans, Aviva Siegel (64 years old) and Channah Peri (79) from Gaza. Both were captured by Hamas terrorists during their heinous and unprovoked attack on Israel on 7 October.

Aviva is a kindergarten teacher and was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, together with her American husband, Keith, who is still being held.

Channah Peri was from Kibbutz Nirim. The mother of three, one of her sons, Roey, was killed on 7 October. Her other son, Nadav, is still being held hostage.

The SAJBD thanks Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the USA for facilitating the ceasefire and release of hostages and allowing the enabling of South African citizens being freed. We also express our disappointment that the South African government has played and continues to play no meaningful role in the release of the hostages, which is the factor that has ultimately resulted in this temporary ceasefire.

The SAJBD continues to call for the release of all the hostages. We respect the families’ need for privacy and continue to offer our prayers and support to them at this very difficult time.

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October 7 Square, a powerful memorial space where we could express the day’s meaning and impact through our eyes

On October 6 & 7, the South African Jewish community came together to reflect on the Hamas attack against Israel last year on October 7. Then, Hamas brutally killed, raped, burnt, murdered and kidnapped innocent Israeli civilians, leaving over 1 200 dead.

Our various community organisations united to put together a powerful memorial space, October 7 Square, in which we could express the day’s meaning and impact through our eyes. The exhibition was open to the public from 12h00 to 19h00 and concluded with a vigil from the youth movement. The “square” was well-attended and appreciated by the community.