South Africa
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South Africa OUTH AFRICA did not escape the impact of worldwide inflationary forces and leaping increases of oil prices; but its underlying economic strength, vast mineral recorces, and the higher gold price in the free market contributed to its stability and steady growth. However, changes in the status of the neighboring Portuguese territories of Mozambique and Angola, the threats held out by guerrilla and terrorist activities of African "liberation fighters" North of Rhodesia, as well as the moves by the United Nations to expel South Africa vitally affected the internal security of South Africa, presenting the country with basic challenges. In consequence, political life was in considerable ferment. There was widespread recognition that the established order would have to undergo change in the direction of removing patterns of living based on race or color. Significant changes have already taken place, some superficial, others more profound, and the process is likely to gather momentum. JEWISH COMMUNITY Civic and Political Status Jews constituted just over three per cent of the white population; but their participation in national life, especially in the economic, cultural, and civic spheres, exceeded their numerical representation. Inhibitions felt a few decades ago under the shadow of political antisemitism have gone, and individuals now feel free to voice their views—not necessarily conforming to official policy—on the political, social, and economic issues of the country. This was reflected in the press, irrespec- tive of political affiliation, which also gave considerable coverage to the role of individual Jews in industry, commerce, culture, art, and sport. Radio and press extensively covered events in the Middle East, especially those affecting Israel, and revealed much sympathy and goodwill for Israel. Nevertheless, the same peripheral individuals and groups who propagated antisemitism in the past were still on the job. Among them were the notorious right-wing monthly South African Observer, edited by S.E.D. Brown, which regularly published tirades against Zionism and the "liberalism" of Jews, charging that Zionism and Communism were in league to undermine the position of the white peoples of the world. Significantly, the publication often criticized the prime minister and the government for their "liberal" policies. Die Afrikaner, right-wing Herstigte party which broke away from 416 SOUTH AFRICA / 417 the ruling National party some time ago, also continued to publish articles with a definite anti-Jewish bias. The parliamentary general election in April was free of any Jewish issues, except in one constituency where a United party candidate was criticized, perhaps unfairly, for his anti-Jewish record of a long time ago, and in some others where a scarcely veiled appeal was addressed to Jewish voters to support Progressive candidates. On the eve of the election, David Mann, chairman of the Board of Deputies, declared: "It should not be necessary to reiterate that Jews, like all other citizens, participate in this election as South Africans, and not as members of a particular community or religious denomination. There are no Jewish issues in this election and it is wrong for any newspaper, political party or candidate to suggest the contrary. I make an appeal to all concerned neither to employ such tactics nor to be influenced by them." After the elections, the state of the parties in the House of Assembly was 123 National party; 41 United party; and 7 Progressive party. There were six Jewish members of parliament, five in the House of Assembly, (one Progressive, four United) and one in the Senate (United Party). The official community viewpoint on racial policies was stated in the following resolution, adopted in May by the congress of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies: Whilst recognizing that, in regard to the racial and political problems of the Republic, there is a diversity of outlook in the Jewish community as there is among our fellow South Africans, we share with all those who dwell in our country the great challenge and opportunity involved in establishing, on ethical foundations, a just, stable and peaceful relationship between all races and groups in South Africa, which acknowledges the right of all to live in dignity and security, to maintain their group identity and distinctive culture, and to exercise the opportunity to advance in all spheres. The Congress therefore calls upon every Jew to make his contribution to the promotion of these ends in accordance with the teachings and precepts of Judaism, in his personal attitudes and dealings and in the particular sphere of life and activity in which he is engaged. This policy statement was identical with a similar one formulated two years earlier. The existence of marked differences of viewpoint among Jews regarding Black- White relations was evidenced in the general election when Jews opposed each other as candidates of different parties. Jews in their individual capacities in various walks of life, whether in parliament, municipal councils, industry, commerce, or the professions, have been playing an active part and making a significant contribution to the improvement of the lot of the underprivileged. Various organizations, too, particularly branches of the Union of Jewish Women and the sisterhoods of the Movement of Progressive Judaism, have long sponsored social-welfare projects, without regard to race or creed. Rabbis, as well, have on occasion taken stands on issues which they felt went beyond party politics and involved principles of morality and individual conscience. In regard to wages and work opportunities, the Board of Deputies recommended to all Jewish institutions that they set an example by promoting wage and job opportunities for black people in their own employ. The active participation of Jews in civic affairs was evidenced by the fact that 16 418 / AMERICAN JEWISH YEAR BOOK, 1976 Jews were elected mayors of their cities and towns, including Cape Town (David Bloomberg reelected); East London (David Lazarus); and Port Elizabeth (S. Rubin). Johannesburg had a Jewish deputy mayor (Max Neppe). Additions to the judiciary were Justice LA. Maisels, who was appointed judge president of the Lesotho court of appeal, and Charles Nathan, appointed chief justice of Swaziland. Communal Organization Conferences of major national organizations held in 1974 reported creditable records of achievement without, however, revealing notable innovations or changes in policy. They reflected the continued determination of the organized Jewish com- munity to strengthen Jewish life locally and also to provide maximum support for Israel. The Report to South African Jewry, 1972-74, issued by the Board of Deputies prior to its congress (May 28-June 1), recorded a wide range of activities in many segments of Jewish life—communal relations, public relations, youth, students, fund raising, participation in international affairs, and much besides. It reported a new project, a Jewish community survey in cooperation with the Institute for Contemporary Jewry of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, undertaken by the Board's social research unit under the direction of Allie Dubb, acting director of the African Studies Institute, and Mervyn Cohen, lecturer in applied mathemat- ics, both of them members of the academic staff of the University of the Witwaters- rand. By means of a detailed questionnaire administered orally to nearly 2,000 Jewish households in South Africa's main urban centers, the survey aimed at elicit- ing demographic information not obtainable from the official census statistics, in- cluding the incidence of intermarriage. It also investigated the nature and extent of Jewish identification as manifested in attitudes to Jewish education and communal institutions, and its findings will hopefully assist in future communal planning. In a foreword to the report, David Mann referred to the Board having come "to the end of an era and standing on the threshold of a new chapter," resulting from the retirement after long-time service of its two top officials. Gustav Saron, ap- pointed secretary in 1936 and general secretary in 1940, retired at the end of 1974 and is now honorary consultant. Wrote David Mann: "He played a dominant role in converting the Board's small office, almost entirely concerned with the protection of Jewish civic rights, into the prestigious organization it is today." Jacob Morris Rich, the Board's secretary from 1939 until his retirement in 1972, remaining in a consultative capacity, has now terminated his relationship with the Board to which, Mann stated, he made a major contribution, and "brought a high degree of effi- ciency." Mann also recorded the enormous loss sustained by the tragic death in an accident of Max Greenstein, who, as the Board's honorary treasurer for 24 years guided its financial affairs and also those of the United Communal Fund, "with an unerring sense of judgment, with unsparing effort and inspiring leadership." Denis Diamond, who has had a distinguished academic career as well as experi- ence in Jewish communal service, has become the Board's executive director. Lazar SOUTH AFRICA / 419 Druion, since 1934 the Board's assistant secretary and now its financial director, was honored on the completion of 40 years of service. David Mann succeeded Maurice Porter as the organization's national president; Julius Rosettenstein, its vice- chairman for the past four years was elected chairman; Michael G. Fredman and Dr. Israel Abramowitz were elected vice-chairmen. The keynote address to the congress was delivered by Professor Howard Sachar of George Washington Univer- sity, Washington, D.C., on the theme "Priorities for Diaspora Jewry." A few days later, the Union of Jewish Women held its national conference. With 68 branches and a total membership of almost 10,000, the Union is a coordinating body of women's organizations functioning in numerous fields: adult education, welfare, fund raising (it is responsible for the women's section of the United Com- munal Fund), and, notably, intergroup understanding and goodwill.