Jews4Jozi: Proudly Walking the Talk
What a powerful experience for the Jews4Jozi Walk the Talk team! From boarding the Gautrain to shlepping through the inner-city streets of Jozi and past its iconic landmarks, we walked proudly as Jews and as South Africans, celebrating the city we are so privileged to call home.
At a time when Jews around the world are feeling increasingly isolated, we are incredibly fortunate to live in a country where we can be openly and proudly Jewish, while feeling an integral part of the diverse South African family. We never take that for granted.
The SAJBD was proud to partner with SAUJS on this joint initiative, bringing generations together to celebrate our Jewish identity, our South African identity, and our shared sense of belonging.
Proudly Jewish. Proudly Jozi. Proudly walking the talk.
The SAJBD received this message and we felt we just had to share …
“At 83 years of age, I had the privilege of joining thousands upon thousands of enthusiastic South Africans in the 702 Walk the Talk at Ellis Park on Sunday. Participants could choose between the 5 km, 8 km and 15 km routes. I felt the 5 km was the perfect challenge for me, and crossing the finish line was a moment of great joy and gratitude. It was an experience that will remain in my heart for a very long time.
The atmosphere was simply electric. Everywhere I looked there were people of every age, race and culture walking together, singing, dancing, laughing and encouraging one another. It was a beautiful reminder of the extraordinary Rainbow Nation we are so fortunate to call home.
As I walked through the streets of Johannesburg, so many treasured memories came flooding back. Passing Ellis Park reminded me of my schoolgirl days and the many exciting sporting occasions held there. Seeing the Alhambra Theatre brought back memories of a bygone era, while Ellis Park also reminded me of the years when my daughter played tennis there. Every landmark told a story and reminded me how rich Johannesburg's history is.
What made the day even more meaningful was walking with the Jews4Jozi group, an initiative of the SAJBD in partnership with SAUJS. It was inspiring to see Jews of all generations proudly walking together, celebrating both our Jewish identity and our South African identity.
Wendy Kahn you expressed it beautifully:
"From boarding the Gautrain to shlepping through the inner-city streets of Jozi and past its iconic landmarks, we walked proudly as Jews and as South Africans, celebrating the city we are so privileged to call home."
Those words resonated deeply with me. At a time when Jewish communities around the world are feeling increasingly isolated, we are truly blessed to live in a country where we can openly and proudly express our Jewish identity while embracing the diversity and warmth of South Africa. We should never take that privilege for granted.
The partnership between the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and SAUJS brought generations together in a celebration of community, belonging and hope. It was far more than a walk, it was a celebration of who we are as Jews, as South Africans and as proud citizens of Johannesburg.
As I crossed the finish line, I felt immensely grateful, not only for being able to complete the 5 km walk at 83 years of age, but for sharing the experience with thousands of fellow South Africans who reminded us that there is so much more that unites us than divides us.
The day left me with one overwhelming feeling: gratitude. Gratitude for good health, for friendships old and new, for the privilege of living in this beautiful country, and for the opportunity to be part of an event that celebrated unity, diversity and the wonderful spirit of Johannesburg.
Age is not about counting the years; it is about embracing every opportunity to keep moving, keep participating and keep celebrating life.
Proudly Jewish. Proudly Jozi. Proudly Walking the Talk.
As a functional medical nutritionist, I have spent decades encouraging others to stay active and look after their health. Completing the 5 km Walk the Talk at 83 reminded me that it is never too late to practise what we preach.”
From boarding the Gautrain to shlepping through the inner-city streets of Jozi and past its iconic landmarks, we walked proudly as Jews and as South Africans, celebrating the city we are so privileged to call home 👟🇿🇦✡️
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