Jewish Achievers Awards point the way forward
Coming as it did at the end of a traumatic week for this country, this year’s SA Jewish Achievers Awards was a heartening demonstration of how much people from across the age and gender spectrum in our community are managing to accomplish. The resounding message that came through was that from an entrepreneurial point of view, there remains plenty of scope for innovation and creativity in South Africa, for all its current serious challenges. Even more than the achievements of those who actually won awards, what really brought this home to me was how many impressive nominees there were for every category, each one of whom would have been a worthy winner had the voting gone that way. Without burying our heads in the sand, this is another side of South Africa that we should always be aware of.
Another encouraging aspect of Sunday’s awards ceremony was the evident high regard with which the Jewish community is held in the greater society, particularly in the business sector. This was shown by, amongst other things, the number of high level corporate sponsorships and distinguished guest list. We are seen as a community that in addition to its well-known record of accomplishment in the entrepreneurial field, continues to be an involved and contributing component of our society. That I believe is the true antidote to the current malaise in South Africa. The answer is as much as possible to engage rather than withdraw, finding new and creative ways to deal with obstacles rather than being discouraged by them and being bold enough when the time comes to try to make one’s dreams a practical reality, even at the risk of possible failure. Both the winners and the nominees at this year’s awards epitomize these qualities, and the example they are setting is something we can all learn from.
Assistance for Xenophobia victims
All acts of mob violence are abhorrent, but when people are targeted solely on account of their foreign nationality, it adds an especially harrowing dimension to such attacks. The latest eruptions of xenophobic unrest, in addition to the deaths and injuries that have resulted, have also left many victims all but destitute following the looting and destruction of their businesses, homes and property. This week, the Board issued a call for contributions to help alleviate the plight of those affected. At this stage we are not collecting clothes and groceries, but appealing instead for funds so as to assist the families with alternate accommodation and whatever specific needs they have. We will be monitoring the situation and will advise the community should other relief be required. The relevant banking details: SA Jewish Board of Deputies, Standard Bank Killarney, Account: 200305190, Reference: Xenophobia Relief.
• Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday