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.

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.