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.

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.

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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.