SA Jewish Board of Deputies calls on President Ramaphosa to condemn hate crime against the Jewish community

Last Thursday, a suspected explosive device was thrown over the wall of the Jewish communal offices in Gardens, Cape Town. This was an act of antisemitism aimed at the Jewish community, whether intended to intimidate or to cause physical harm. It was an illegal act that constitutes a hate crime. This incident is concerning not only to SA Jewry, but also to the greater South African society and has garnered much global attention. Arson and bomb attacks against Jewish institutions have become sadly commonplace in other parts of the world, but this is the first time in many years that a Jewish communal facility in South Africa has been targeted.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Melbourne following the deplorable arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue.

Such acts of hatred and intimidation against Jewish communities, whether in Australia or globally, are utterly reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest terms.

We call on authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring those responsible to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured worshiper as well as the entire Australian Jewish community as they face this harrowing incident.

We understand that a motion that was due to be tabled in the Johannesburg City Council regarding the renaming of Sandton Drive has been withdrawn.

The SAJBD was saddened to learn of the passing this week of Lionel Slier, a much loved and respected member of the Jewish community. Lionel was actively involved in many aspects of Jewish communal affairs, including many SAJBD initiatives, throughout his long life. He had a particular interest in recording, promoting and celebrating the history of the community, notably through his popular column "Community Buzz" in the SA Jewish Report as well as through his regular contributions to various publications such as the SAJBD’s journal Jewish Affairs, the Jerusalem Post and the Sunday Times.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) notes that former Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has been arrested and charged with fraud for scamming Soweto residents through a fraudulent funeral scheme. Gwamanda, recently appointed as the MMC for Community Development, has also been involved in overseeing public participation in the controversial proposal to rename Sandton Drive.

Professor Shabir Mahdi, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, glorifies terrorism, extols the virtues of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and demonises his detractors as "the most despicable people in history”. He does so through a series of retweets on the X platform.

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.

Statement on African Global Dialogue Conference

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is aware that a conference, titled “Narrative Conditions Towards Peace in the Middle East,” hosted by the African Global Dialogue, has been subjected to intimidation by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Coalition and their allies. While the SAJBD disagrees vehemently with the sentiments of many of the speakers, some of whose views we find repugnant, we recognise the importance of a forum where different opinions on an important topic can be heard. This is in contrasts to the BDS’ intolerance to even the slightest deviation from their extremist views.

The SAJBD joins the people of South Africa in paying tribute to the late Dr Pravin Gordhan. We mourn the loss of this outstanding public servant, who throughout his long and varied career combined exceptional skill and acumen with the utmost personal integrity

As an expression of our grief for the brutal murder of our hostages in the past week, the SAZF and SAJBD are embarking on an initiative for our shuls and our community members so that we go into this shabbat remembering these hostages.

This Shabbat we will remember Hersh, Eden, Carmel, Almog, Alex and Ori.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), the democratically elected representative body of South African Jewry, notes with dismay that after nearly a week, the South African Government has failed to condemn the cruel execution of six innocent Israeli and American hostages by Hamas.

Our hearts go out to the families of the 6 hostages whose bodies were found today, murdered by Hamas in Rafah, Gaza. The 6 were kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova music festival on 7 October. We mourn with the people of Israel and global Jewry

The SAJBD was saddened to learn of the passing of our good friend Nic Wolpe, with whom we had many fruitful collaborations over the years. Following his return to South Africa after the unbanning of the ANC in 1990, Nic devoted himself to preserving and building upon the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle, in whose ranks both of his parents, Harold and Ann-Marie, served with distinction

#throwbackthursday to Women's month in 2016 when our leadership proudly participated in the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March.

National Women's Day 9 August 2024

SAJBD’s Response to Dirco’s statement on Ismael Haniyeh which exposes their hypocrisy

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies notes the statement of the South African Government condemning the killing of arch-terrorist Ismael Haniyeh.

The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation’s (Dirco) pro-Hamas bias has been evident since former Minister Pandor call to Haniyeh in the immediate aftermath of the Oct 7 atrocities.

We are devastated by the murder of 12 Israeli children playing soccer by a Hezbollah rocket yesterday. The targeting of children is an act of war that we condemn.

The SAJBD is aware of a version of Mein Kampf (published by Wilco Publishing House) available at Estoril Books. Unlike the versions of Mein Kampf sold in other stores, we note that this edition does not provide contextual understanding into the evil concepts inherent in this book.

On 4 April 2024 and during the Dialogue segment on the Manyathela show, guests and Clement discussed the situation in Gaza and referred to the "judgement" of the International Court of Justice in South Africa's genocide case against Israel.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is outraged by the killing of Halima Hoosen-Preston and the attacks on her family members. This is a tragic event and our hearts and prayers go out to the affected family.

On Monday evening, 11 November, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies celebrated its 120th anniversary with a gala dinner attended by more than 300 guests, including ministers; deputy ministers; the heads of parliamentary portfolio committees; representatives from eight political parties; members of the diplomatic corps; a 16-person delegation from the American Jewish Council; two chief rabbis; more than 40 journalists; student leaders; interfaith community representatives; industry leaders; and prominent figures within the South African Jewish community. The broad spectrum of attendees underscored the Board’s continuing significance in South Africa, highlighting its mandate and its role as a pillar for the community and a bridge to wider society.

Statement by SAJBD and SAZF on the discontinuation of ELAL flights to SA

ELAL Airlines has announced that they will be discontinuing their weekly flights between South Africa and Israel. During our meeting with El Al last year, it became apparent that operating a once-a-week flight was economically challenging for them. Unfortunately, even increasing the frequency to three times a week did not attract the expected passenger numbers. As a private company, El Al's operations are driven by commercial viability.

Hundreds of enthusiastic protestors gathered outside the headquarters of Cricket SA (CSA) this afternoon to vent their outrage at the removal of David Teeger as captain of the SA u19 cricket side and to demand his reinstatement.

SAJBD comments following meeting with Cricket SA, 16 January 2024

At a meeting held today, Cricket SA (CSA) categorically failed to provide credible evidence that there had been any real security threats to the upcoming Under19 World Cup tournament on account of David Teeger being captain of the SA team. This, together with CSA’s vacillating and contradictory responses to the questions put to them reinforces our understanding that the excuse provided for Teeger’s removal as captain, namely ‘security concerns’, is trumped up and bogus. Moreover, even if there had been credible information of a possible threat, CSA could, had it chosen, taken appropriate steps to deal with it, such as moving the games or providing additional security.

We too are appalled that South Africa includes a notorious antisemite to join them at the Hague. Their choice of a man expelled from the Britsish Labour Party for antisemitism speaks volumes.

The decision by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to relieve David Teeger of his Under 19 captaincy of the World Cup team starting next week in South Africa is an outrageous act of antisemitism. There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish.

The decision by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to relieve David Teeger of his Under 19 captaincy of the World Cup team starting next week in South Africa is an outrageous act of antisemitism. There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish.

In the words of former Minister of Justice of Canada and human rights activist, Irwin Cotler, South Africa is inverting reality by accusing Israel of genocide. The fact that South Africa has bought into this inversion, to the extent that it has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), can only be interpreted as antisemitic.

Yesterday a pro-Palestinian March took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

We of course have no issue with South Africans right to protest, something enshrined in our constitution and that the SAJBD too has done in the past.

Naked Jew-hatred behind Kasrils’ feting of Hamas atrocities

“A brilliant, spectacular guerilla warfare attack”. Thus has Ronnie Kasrils described the systematic butchery of over 1200 Jewish civilians carried out by Hamas on 7 October (https://x.com/naeemjeenah/status/1728700438755639668?s=58&t=yfTSJWbHskZls3BB0cifPA). Speaking at a BDS SA event over the weekend, Kasrils made no attempt to conceal his glee over the massacre, the worst mass slaughter of Jewish men, women and children since the Holocaust nearly 80 years ago.

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.

‘South Africa’s shift’ in The Times of Israel

The debate in Parliament today expressed a sentiment which we already know. It was a pointless exercise because Parliament does not determine the international relations of South Africa. It is especially pointless, given Israel’s decision to withdraw its ambassador for consultation.

Today, shocking images were posted by former Johannesburg mayor and Al Jama-ah city councillor Thapelo Amad showing him posing with an assault rifle while declaring his unequivocal support for the Hamas terror organisation.

🗳️ Make your voice heard! Register to vote on 18-19 November, 2023. Ensure your details are updated and let's shape the future together! 🇿🇦✨

Woolworths clarifies that the BDS groups once again fabricated support for their cause. We are pleased to hear that Woolworths will not be boycotting Israeli products. Furthermore we condemn attempts by anti-Israel hate groups to intimidate and threaten SA businesses. This bullying has no place in our country.

Hundreds of Christians (from different denominations) came together this Sunday to show their support for Israel.

The atmosphere was absolutely electric!

Yesterday the SAJBD, together with the SA Zionist Federation, met with the ANC. The meeting, which the ANC requested, was agreed to in a spirit of good faith and our willingness to always engage. Our purpose for the meeting was to ask the ANC to reflect on the hurtful statements it made on the massacre of Israeli civilians carried out by Hamas on 7 October.

You can tear down our billboard but you cannot silence SA Jewry!

The demarche against the Israeli Ambassador to SA shows SA to be bullies.

The demarche against the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa is just the latest in a long line of pro-Hamas actions by the SA government.

SAJBD calls on SA government to reconsider its self-defeating stance on the conflict

Dirco’s most recent display of support for Hamas has been to threaten action against the Israeli ambassador in South Africa on the claimed grounds of his being 'undiplomatic'.

We won’t stop until every hostage is home

📍M1, Johannesburg first

Minister Pandor lashed out at the SAJBD, threatening us and one of our leaders. Why? Because we dared to challenge her.

Anti-Israel protesters descend on Jewish areas. We will not be intimidated.

Our comment regarding statements by Julius Malema in Pretoria on 24 October.

Mr Malema prides himself on causing division among fellow South Africans, using his trademark hateful rhetoric. He is a man full of hate.

We note that in her address to the UN Security Council, Naledi Pandor for the first-time expressed sympathy for the Israeli victims alongside the victims in Gaza. She also condemned the Hamas atrocities against Israeli civilians resulting in 1400 deaths on 7 October. The SAJBD expresses its deepest sympathy for all the innocents who are suffering and those that have lost their lives.

DIRCO has confirmed that Minister Pandor had a call with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to pledge support.

President Ramaphosa we are outraged by your callous disregard for the systematic and targeted mass murder of Jews last week and lack of concern for the 200 Jews taken hostage by Hamas including elderly, women and young children. You have betrayed us. See our letter in the Sunday Times today.

Following offensive comments made by 94.7 host Zweli Mbhele, we have engaged with Primedia Leadership. Please see their apology below.

SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY STANDS WITH ISRAEL

The horrific images coming out of Israel have left the entire world shocked and disgusted. There can never be justification for the barbaric murder, kidnapping and disrespect for human life that has emerged over the past weekend. The terrorist group Hamas’s unprovoked and barbaric attack on innocent Israeli civilians include the massacre of teenagers at a music festival, the abduction of children and elderly women and the killing of helpless babies on the streets. This is reminiscent of the Holocaust. It is pure evil, and there are no shades of grey.

The SAJBD stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel at one of the most devastating times of the Jewish state’s existence.

We mourn the brutal murders of over 659 Israeli citizens and the barbaric kidnapping of over 100 hostages, including, elderly, women and children, taken for the clear purpose of blackmail and extortion. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, for the thousands of injured and for those who have not been accounted for.

On 4 October the SAJBD and SABC Religion celebrated Sukkoth at Pine Street Shul. Rabbi Motti Hadar and Rebbetzin Temmi Hadar explained the symbolism of the holiday. Following that, the group of journalists and interfaith visited Satyagraha House – also known as Gandi House. Yashika Singh, head of SABC Religion, gave information about Gandi and what he stood for and believed.

We were delighted to host The Speaker of the Johannesburg City Council, Colleen Makhubele and her team for lunch at the Great Park Synagogue Sukkah. Thank you to Rabbi Hazdan for your sharing your insights about Sukkot and for showing us around your beautiful shul.

David Saks responds to Alexander O'Riordan's article that appeared in the Daily Maverick

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) extends its heartfelt condolences to His Majesty the King Misizulu kaZwelithini, the Royal Family and the Buthelezi Clan on the passing of Inkosi Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi. The passing of this iconic statesman, wise counsellor and devoted public servant has left a great void in our body politic.

A South African Legend – Raymond Ackerman (1931-2023)

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is saddened by the passing of Raymond Ackerman, visionary business leader, retail legend and unstinting philanthropist. Throughout his long life, Mr Ackerman’s extraordinary achievements in the business field were combined with his equally impressive record of contributing to the greater society. He was a true patriot and nation builder. He was also an active, identifying member of the Jewish community, with many Jewish organisations and causes benefiting from his generosity over the decades.

Delivering blankets and toiletries to fire victims

National Director Wendy Kahn being interviewed by eNCA regarding the recent fire Albert Street, Marshalltown.

Learners at Hanyani High School in the Tshipise area of Limpopo are the proud recipients of a state of the art library and computer centre donated by the SA Board of Jewish Deputies and the University of Johannesburg.

Happy Women's Day

On Friday last week the SAJBD, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), officially opened the Nga Tshumisano (Let’s Work Together in Tshivenda) a fully equipped education centre with uncapped Wi-Fi, computers (donated by Investec) and resource books (donated by the SA Jewish community).

World Jewish Congress and SA Jewish Board of Deputies Mandela Day: Opening of the Eco Communal Centre and classroom at the Harvest Centre of Education and Equality

Happy Greek Easter to all our Greek friends

In a unique, path-blazing partnership, Hip-hop artists Westside Gravy (Noah Shufutinsky) and July 56 (Tanaka Jura) recently collaborated on a new song about shared roots & values and combating prejudice. Noah identifies as a Black Russian Jew, and lives in Israel. Tanaka is South African born with Zimbabwean heritage.

University of Pretoria slams hostile, discriminatory statements against Jewish students

Offensive display of Anti-Jewish bigotry University of Pretoria (UP)

For the past few weeks, the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) at UP have been subjected to a barrage of hostile and discriminatory statements and actions. This culminated today in a sit-in protest aimed to exclude the Jewish Student Representative body from working with the SRC.

SAJBD statement on the passing of the Prevention and Combatting of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill in the National Assembly on Tuesday March 14^th 2023

Date: 15 March 2023

After over a decade of advocating for hate crimes legislation in our country, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies was delighted that the National Assembly passed the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill yesterday on Tuesday March 14^th 2023.

On Human Rights Day the SAJBD will be partnering with the Alexandra Chamber of Commerce in arranging a Wellness Day for the children of Alexandra.

The day will include measles vaccines, children’s wellness assessments administered by Workforce, hearing assessments conducted by the SA Association of Audiologists and the distribution of reusable sanitary pads by Fingertips of Africa.

Please join us for this special event.

A “Chief Rebbetzin” like no other.

We were much saddened to learn of the passing in Jerusalem over the weekend of our dear friend, colleague and mentor Ann Harris, o”h. Much was written in tribute to Ann when she went on aliya last year, but even this only sketched some of the high points of the remarkable 35 years she spent in our country.

Prof Karen Milner comments on the shameful NFP resolution to downgrade the Israeli Embassy

Today’s passing of the National Freedom Party’s (NFP) resolution to downgrade the South African Embassy in Israel, while framed as a human-rights motivated gesture, is in reality, driven by an obsessive enmity towards the world’s sole Jewish nation state and a desire to undermine and harm South Africa’s own best interests.

The unreflecting virulence of the rhetoric against Israel, with all its multiple misrepresentations, falsifications, omissions and exaggerations, bears this out only too well. Our Parliament was founded on the fundamental values of respectful, constructive and honest discussion; today it was allowed to become a platform for demonising and defaming the Jewish state.

We call on all political parties to reject NFP resolution

Tomorrow is the festival of Purim, when Jews throughout the world remember how their forebears in Persia faced destruction at the hands of those who hated them and were saved from it. How very ironic therefore that on this very day Parliament will be devoting itself to discussing whether or not to downgrade the SA Embassy in Israel.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) deplores the ejection of Israel’s representative from the recent African Union (AU) summit.

SA Rugby shamefully capitulates to intimidation.

The decision of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to withdraw its Mzanzi Challenge invitation to the Tel Aviv Heats is disgraceful and frankly embarrassing. It is appalling that the governing body of SA rugby has caved in without a fight to those whose sole aim is to boycott Israel in every possible forum, even to the detriment of South Africa itself.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is committed to assisting the victims and families of the Boksburg tragedy as they start rebuilding their lives. Through the SAJBD Relief Fund, together with our partners on the ground, the Angel Network, the Clive Mashishi Foundation, the Sibambisene Foundation and Fingertips of Africa are working tirelessly to help those in need.

The SAJBD and Angel Network continue to assist the people affected by the Boksburg disaster. Clive Mashishi has been working with builders and electricians to repair damages to the old age home caused by the explosion. In the coming days we will continue to assess and assist those impacted by this tragedy including providing counseling to families who lost loved ones in this tragedy.

We were saddened to learn of the passing on Friday of our treasured friend and esteemed colleague Goldie Goldsmith. For over forty years, Goldie worked for the SAJBD in various capacities, primarily as administrative secretary of the Board’s journal Jewish Affairs as well as of its Afrikaans language publication Buurman which appeared during the 1970s and early 1980s. She was well into her eighties when, by her own choice, she decided to finally retire.

The SAJBD mourns the passing of Michael Schneider, a great Jewish South African who risked his life in the fight for justice in his country of birth and went on to render outstanding service to global Jewry. Schneider died in New York aged 83 last Shabbat from complications of diabetes. As one of the world’s foremost Jewish communal leaders and professionals at the time of his retirement in 2011, he was secretary general of the World Jewish Congress, although the greater part of his career was spent working for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, one of the premier global Jewish relief organisations.

We are aware of heightened emotions that have emerged as a result of the recent Dischem letter. Unfortunately we have noted that this outrage has manifested into blatant aggression towards Jewish South Africans, including comments referring to the `gassing of Jews’ and threats to boycott Jewish businesses. We condemn these vile social media posts.

President Ramaphosa wishes the Jewish community well for Rosh Hashanah.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Britain at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. During her long reign, Queen Elizabeth represented the British people with dignity, grace and unswerving devotion. We join them and those around the world in remembering her remarkable legacy, in which she always put duty and service to her country before herself. MHDSRIP

Alana Baranov, our political and social justice liaison spoke to Thabiso on Channel Africa yesterday about the xenophobic incidences happening at Kalefong Hospital. Take a listen to her views on the rising xenophobia and why political figures need to speak out against it.

The politicization of healthcare and scapegoating people is dangerous writes Alana Baranov.

That people are being turned away from hospitals and clinics by vigilante mobs based on their skin colour and language in South Africa today is truly abhorrent.

Minister Naledi Pandor sinks to a new low

Six months and tens of thousands of civilian deaths later, we are still waiting for our Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO) to condemn Russia's barbaric war of aggression against the Ukrainian people. By comparison, within hours of armed clashes breaking out on the Israel-Gaza border, Dirco Minister Naledi Pandor had rushed to issue yet another virulent denunciation of the Jewish state and ignored the indiscriminate firing of more than 600 deadly missiles targeted at Israeli civilian areas.

We congratulate The Chinese Association on the hate speech judgement in the Equality Court today

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) congratulates The Chinese Association (TCA) on the successful outcome of their Equality Court Judgment in the Johannesburg High Court in respect to hate speech against the Chinese community.

DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor showed her true colours yesterday when she scoffingly dismissed Jewish concerns over antisemitism during an address to Palestinian Ambassadors.

Alana Baranov writes in the Daily Maverick: In the smouldering ashes of our social cohesion

“If we fail to take a stand against xenophobia, South Africa’s fragile social cohesion will become a tinderbox which the smallest spark could set ablaze”.