Warmest congratulations to SAJBD past-president Marlene Bethlehem, who was confirmed as the new president of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture at its recent meeting in Mexico. That one of our own has been elected to head up this prestigious organisation s a signal honour not just for Marlene, but for the whole of South African Jewry. The MFJC was established after World War II with the primary purpose of rebuilding Jewish life in post-Holocaust Europe. It has since become a dynamic vehicle for grooming future Jewish leaders in all parts of the world, largely through its flagship Nahum Goldmann Fellowship Programme project. Graduates of the latter include a number of senior SAJBD professional staff members and lay leaders. The close fruitful relationship that exists between the Board and the Foundation has very largely been due to Marlene’s dedicated efforts over many years.
Recent Articles
Dr Mathew Phosa pays tribute to the South African Jewish community
As part of the SABD 120 year celebration, Dr Mathew Phosa paid tribute to the South African Jewish community sharing the Contribution of SA Jewry to the struggle against apartheid.
#120yearsofSAJBD
Looking back on 120 years and forward to another 120 #admeahveesrim
Looking back on 120 years and forward to another 120 #admeahveesrim
SAJBD celebrate 120 years with a gala dinner
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.