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."

Recent Articles

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.


Hanyani's excellent matric results!

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies is proud to be part of this wonderful initiative. A huge mazeltov and congratulations to our partners UJ and Hanyani School for the incredible improvement in the school’s matric results. Well done to all the successful matriculants, we look forward to many more successful outcomes in the coming years.

SAJBD mourns the Untimely passing of Olga Meshoe Washington

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies is heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of Olga Meshoe Washington. A true friend of our community and Israel, we will forever remember Olga for her outstanding ability to communicate effectively even in the most challenging circumstances. Her hallmark was her intelligence, grace and poise.