This Friday, 26 June 2015, marks the sixtieth anniversary of the famous Congress of the People in Kliptown, Soweto, where delegates from around the country adopted the Freedom Charter as the basis for a future democratic, non-racial South Africa. On Tuesday, at the Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre,the SAJBD held a special commemorative function for the Jewish community to celebrate this milestone event. Speakers included former President Kgalema Motlanthe and veteran anti-apartheid activist Leon Levy who, on behalf of the trade unions, had been one of the five original signatories to the Charter. SAJBD President Zev Krengel introduced and closed the event and a message was brought by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Parks Tau. Levy described his involvement in the countrywide process of consultation that preceded the drafting of the Charter, and his memories of the Kliptown gathering. Motlanthe paid tribute to the many members of the Jewish community who had devoted themselves to the fight for justice in South Africa, commenting that their historical experiences of persecution had given them a heightened awareness of the need to confront injustice wherever it occurred.
Recent Articles
Jewish Report 11 - 18 September 2025
Above Board in this week's Jewish Report
by Prof Karen Milner
Connection, recollection, condolence
This week has seen the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) continue its vital international engagements, fostering connections that strengthen our community on the global stage. Our national director, Wendy Kahn, joined her counterparts from 60 communities around the world at the World Jewish Congress (WJC) National Community Directors Forum in Bratislava, Slovakia. This gathering provides an invaluable space for open dialogue, where they share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.
SAJBD National Director Represents South Africa at Global Jewish Leadership Forum
SAJBD National Director Represents South Africa at Global Jewish Leadership Forum
This week, SAJBD National Director Wendy Kahn attended the World Jewish Congress’s 10th National Community Directors Forum, held in Bratislava, Slovakia. The gathering brought together over 75 Jewish community leaders from 50 countries to share experiences, strategies, and mutual support at a time when Jewish life faces significant global challenges.
Wendy Kahn's column in the latest edition of Jewish Life: Hidden Treasures - Our Living history
Wendy Kahn's column in the latest edition of Jewish Life:
Hidden Treasures - Our Living history
There is a little-known treasure trove in the Beyachad building that few have experienced. I have worked at the SAJBD for nearly 20 years, and I have used the archive periodically in my day to day work life, getting information for articles, legal cases or correspondence.
Over the past month we have been in the process of moving our archive into the heart of Beyachad, making it more accessible and exciting for our community and the many people who use it.