Above Board 23.8.19

Meeting with Dirco

This week, a delegation comprising representatives of the SAJBD and SAZF met with Minister Naledi Pandor at the offices of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The discussion revolved around advancing peacebuilding between Israelis and Palestinians, and was very cordial and constructive. We reiterated our view that our country has a potentially unique and important role in this process, but that in order to do so it needed to engage with all the parties. While we differ over details, we share a common desire for the parties to work towards a negotiated, two-state solution. Minister Pandor committed herself to continuing the dialogue with us on local and international issues, and in all, we felt that our concerns had been heard.

American Jewish Committee visit

As reported in my last column, a delegation comprising the top twenty leadership of the American Jewish Committee visited South Africa last week, led by AJC President Harriet Schleifer and two long-standing friends of our community Stan and Marion Bergman.

The Board assisted by setting up meetings with influential government representatives, where ways in which the AJC’s Africa Institute could build bridges between African countries and America and practically assist South Africa in addressing its current challenges were discussed.

In the course of the visit the delegation met with Ministers Pravin Gordhan, Ebrahim Patel and Zweli Mkhize, former President Thabo Mbeki and Judge Albie Sachs. An event was also organised for them to engage with the Gauteng Jewish leadership, including the Chief Rabbi, SAZF, SAUPJ and Chevra Kadisha, and there was also a business leaders event hosted by Adrian and Lauren Gore.

Another Limmud success

At the time of writing, Johannesburg Jewry has just enjoyed yet another successful Limmud weekend, while Durban and Cape Town are gearing up for their own Limmud events later this week. From across the political, ideological and religious spectrum, community members flocked to enjoy a true smorgasbord of top-level presentations on a rich diversity of Jewish-themed topics. One only has to glance through this year’s programme to get an idea of the sheer range of subjects on offer, in addition to the impressive stature of the speakers. For those present, it was often a matter not so much of deciding what session to attend but which, regrettably, would have to be missed. Just like at the Grahamstown Festival of the Arts, to which Limmud is sometimes compares, patrons really are spoiled for choice.

The SAJBD has been a firm supporter of Limmud since its founding twelve years ago. Like Limmud, we strive for inclusivity so that so far as possible, all members of our community feel they have a voice and are represented. Board representatives regularly speak on Limmud platforms. This year, National Vice-Chairman Prof Karen Milner took part in a panel discussion on antisemitism and Associate Director David Saks spoke about SA Jewry under apartheid. Our Cape Executive Director Stuart Diamond will be appearing on one of the panels in Cape Town.

• Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00-13:00