May 8 2015 / 19 Iyar 5775 Volume 19 – Number 16
Board Chairman Howard south african Feldman hands over reins to Howard Sackstein. See page 2 Jewish Report www.sajr.co.za Photo: Ben Kelmer/Flash90 Photo:
Ethiopian-Israeli protest uncovers ‘open wound’ When protesters - Ethiopian and others - first gathered in Tel Aviv last Sunday afternoon, after a video showing an Israeli policeman beating an Ethiopian-Israeli soldier went viral, they chanted and held signs as police stood at a distance. As the protest swelled beyond 1 000, they blocked a major intersection and then marched down Tel Aviv’s central Ayalon highway. The protesters held signs with slogans such as “Being black is not a crime”. Some waved Israeli flags. Clashes began as police cleared them from the highway and violence intensified as thousands of demonstrators filled Rabin Square. Fighting escalated as protesters threw bottles and stones at police and police responded with stun grenades and a water cannon. Pictured is a mounted Israeli policeman trying to disperse the crowds. By the time they dispersed, dozens had been injured – including 56 police officers. Despite their frustrations, protesters still said they feel a sense of belonging in Israel. See page 6.
Why Ethiopian-Israelis Mcebo Dlamini, Wits SRC’s Survé defends anti-Israel Rubinger’s photographic Ambassador Lenk hosts took to Tel Aviv Streets ‘Hitler lover’, gets the chop claims against his papers images embody the visual Yom Ha’atzmaut memory of Israel celebration Ethiopian-Israeli protesters Dlamini, who has been in hot Dr Iqbal Survé, chairman of the chanted slogans when they water even before expressing his Independent Media group, has David Rubinger, whose exhibition The Israeli Embassy’s annual Yom protested last Sunday in Tel Aviv admiration for Hitler, has been denied that his papers are anti- opens Sunday, was called “the Ha’atzmaut event in Pretoria was against a beating of an Ethiopian- relieved of his position of SRC Israel and says all his editors have photographer of a nation in the again a who’s who of the Jewish, Israeli soldier by an Israeli president for a purported attack on been given instructions to be fair making” by former President and larger, community. policeman. a staff member in February. in their reporting. Peres. 6 4 3 5 8
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HOWARD FELDMAN to keep us in mind for advertising, donations and support. The South African Jewish Report is a treasure. It’s But for me it is time to hand over the responsibil- one of the jewels of our community ity. Howard Sackstein, a committed and nothing gave me greater pleas- and dedicated member of the Board ure, as chairman of the Board, to and chairman of the fantastic Jewish have had the honour of keeping it Achievers event, has kindly agreed safe for four years. to take the baton from me and I am It was not always easy to do so. deeply grateful to him for having The paper represents all elements of agreed to do so. It is an awesome the Jewish community, from obser- position and I am certain that he will vant to non-observant, from “left” take the paper to the next level. to “right”, from young to old and is I owe immense gratitude to our also read by those who might not be Board - Bertie Lubner, Herby Rosen- OWN CORRESPONDENT part of our community but have an berg, Benjy Porter and outgoing interest in the news stories and our Board, particularly Issie Kirsh and According to Jewish custom, the Omer is counted for 49 days between the community. Marlene Bethlehem who have been end of Passover and Shavuot, when we mark the giving of the Torah. It is read by South Africans abroad with the paper almost since its incep- Lag B’Omer is celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer. and needs to reflect real and rel- tion. On a professional and personal This year Lag B’Omer fell on Wednesday and Thursday of this week but evant news. Our readers have strong level, I have much to be thankful for. the functions to celebrate the festival took place after the Jewish Report had opinions and are informed and they I have no intention of parting ways gone to press and the picture of the big bonfire at Great Park Synagogue will rightfully demand a high standard. with the paper and will be remaining on the Board be published next week. Four years ago the paper was under extreme finan- specifically involved in the editorial. I am excited to The practice of counting the Omer is derived from counting the days from cial strain. Through the hard work of the fulltime be able to work closely with Vanessa and Ant Katz the barley offering at the Temple to the day of the wheat offering on Shavuot staff, the dedicated editor, initially Geoff Sifrin and in this area and continue to guide the paper in this which signifies the end of the period of mourning. more recently Vanesa Valkin, through the dedication arena. The chag is said to mark a day of respite from a respiratory plague that of the paper’s financial manager Karen Knowles and It remains for me to gingerly but confidently hand struck the students of Rabbi Akiva. through the almost obsessive passion from the Board, the precious jewel to Howard Sackstein and wish him The Talmud tells us a renowned teacher of Jewish mysticism Rabbi Shimon the paper today is financially comfortable and secure success in this fantastic position. bar Yochai died on Lag B’Omer. and viable. Celebrations such as weddings are permitted on this day and it is tradi- As a community paper we are reliant and dependent G-d bless, tional to gather around a bonfire, or hold picnics, play sport or have other fun on the community and I continue to ask our readers Howard Feldman events. World News in Brief Chabad Nepal at the Bibi meets Ethiopian-Israeli soldier beaten by police JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the officer who beat him was fired immediately. forefront of relief has praised the Ethiopian-Israeli soldier who was beaten Also on Monday, President Reuven Rivlin said Israeli by police officers for coming out against violence, calling it society had “erred” when it came to the plight of Ethiopian In the wake of the devastating earthquake, Chabad in Nepal has taken a lead in relief efforts. “true leadership”. Jews in Israel. Thousands have lost their lives. Many are still missing; buildings and homes stand in ruin. On Monday, Netanyahu met with Damas Pakada, whose “The protesters, in Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv, revealed In a media release, Chabad said this week that its emissaries in Nepal, Rabbi Chezki and beating last week was captured on videotape. The attack an open and raw wound at the heart of Israeli society,” Chanie Lipshitz, are “at the forefront of emergency relief and have launched an effort to relieve spurred violent demonstrations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Rivlin said. “The pain of a community crying out over a suffering”. Netanyahu told Pakada that he was shocked by the sense of discrimination, racism and of being unanswered. “The Chabad House has become a refuge for hundreds of Israeli backpackers and Chabad is beating and that it was unacceptable. We must look directly at this open wound. We have erred. reaching out to the broader community with humanitarian aid. They are the only Jewish presence “The police will do whatever it takes to correct itself, but We did not look, and we did not listen enough.” in Nepal.” we need to fix Israeli society,” Netanyahu said. He called Addressing the demonstration on Sunday night in Tel Chabad has appealed for funds to help it in its mammoth task and a page has been set up on the violent protests a result of “genuine distress”. Aviv that injured more than 40 police and demonstrators, the Chabad.org platform at www.chabad.org/Nepal. Alternatively you can also make a donation Netanyahu also told Pakada: “I heard that you said Rivlin made his remarks prior to a meeting with the heads to the Miracle Drive Trust and Chabad South Africa will apply to the Reserve Bank for permission that you are against violence. This is important, this is the of haredi Orthodox municipalities and local councils. to send all donations to Nepal. statement of a leader. You are an exemplary soldier and “Among the protesters on the streets were some of For more information contact Rabbi David Masinter, director of Chabad Johannesburg. Your you are an example to others.” our finest sons and daughters: outstanding students, donation is tax-deductible and all funds will go directly to provide humanitarian relief in Nepal. Police Inspector-General Yohanan Danino apologised to those who served in the IDF. We owe them answers,” Donations may be made to Standard Bank: Sandton, account number 022723218, branch Pakada on behalf of the Israel Police and informed him Rivlin said.(JTA) code 051001, reference: Nepal Relief.
General Manager Karen Knowles - 082 855 2131 - [email protected] • Editor Vanessa Valkin - [email protected] • Sub-editor Paul Maree • Ed Co-ordinator Sharon Greenblatt South African - [email protected] • Advertising: Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 - [email protected] • Classified sales: Daisy Munda: [email protected] • Distribution manager Britt Jewish Report Landsman • Design and layout: Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – [email protected] • Website: Anthony Katz • Subscription enquiries: Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860-13-2652. Board of Directors: Howard Sackstein (Incoming Chairman), Howard Feldman, Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter, Herby Rosenberg, . Advertisements and editorial copy from outside sources do not neccessarily reflect the views of the editors and staff. Tel: (011) 430-1980. 8 – 15 May 2015 News SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Survé defends anti-Israel claims against his papers
VANESSA VALKIN The paper, he continues, is “increasingly propagating an Islamic agenda. We could say it is to be expected as the pa- In response to per is owned by a Muslim, its purchase was funded by Saudi criticism from the Arabia, The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), I read South African Jewish ANC, is a shareholder, and its editors and staff are mostly community that Muslim.” The Star and Cape Speaking in response to Hersch’s letter, Survé told the Times, among other Jewish Report that the letter contained various factual Independent Media errors. “The funding comes from Sekunjalo. There is no publications, are funding from Saudia Arabia” and surmised that the incor- anti-Israel and criti- rect link to Saudia Arabia was perhaps made because he is cal of South African chairman of the SA-Saudi Busi- Jewry, Dr Iqbal Survé ness Council. (pictured), chair- Survé said he found Hersch’s let- man of the group, ter quite disconcerting and pointed told the Jewish Report on the weekend that all their editors out that he had “incredibly close were given clear directive to include all points of view and to friends in the Jewish community”. ensure they did not come across as partisan on any issues. He also noted that he was “instru- “We as a group absolutely give voice to everybody,” said mental” in helping to get Professor Survé. “We don’t have a policy of being pro-Israel or pro- Cyril Karabus out of the United Palestine and we would guard against that.” Arab Emirates, where he had been The community has been quite taken aback by some recent detained for months. content, in particular an April 13 editorial in the Cape Times Early last month an article ap- congratulating Iran and the P5+1 nations (China, France, peared on the front page of The Germany, the Russian Federation, the UK and the US) for Star with a follow-up article the agreeing upon the framework of the nuclear deal. next day, where three Ethiopian Eric Marx, chairman of the Cape SA Jewish Board of Depu- patrons at the coffee shop in the ties, pointed out in a letter published in the Cape Times two KosherWorld Centre in Glenha- weeks later: “Many long-standing Cape Times readers have zel accused the owners of racial been frankly baffled, not to say even angered, by the overtly profiling and claimed they were partisan stance taken by the paper. Anyone reading the harassed by security. editorial would think that Iran is the innocent victim of an Readers were vocal in the Jew- Israeli-led international vendetta.” ish Report and on social media The editorial had called the deal “a crushing defeat for the that it was puzzling that The Star war-mongering Zionist generals who had been hell-bent on reporter and photographer just bombing Iran’s nuclear capability to smithereens” and con- happened to be at the coffee shop cludes with the question: “Can the long night of the generals to capture the incident. Others be far off for Israel?” questioned how The Star gave This was probably a reference to the “Night of the Long such prominence to this incident Knives” in 1934, when Hitler ordered the deaths of 85 people but gave no coverage to the as- deemed an obstacle to his absolute authority, including sault of three Jewish teenagers at leading figures of the left-wing Strasserist faction of the Nazi The Zone in Rosebank a few weeks Party and leaders of the paramilitary Brownshirts. prior. Days later a letter appeared in response to Marx by a C M Survé says his advice to the Mathey, titled “Maybe it’s time for Israel to humble itself”. Jewish community is to be ex- It called for Israel to “come down to the level of the goyim tremely proactive and ensure that (the human cattle), as we are all being called” and points to the editors of the Independent’s “those horrible pictures of death and destruction in the Gaza various newspapers consistently concentration camp”. receive news and opinion pieces Mathey’s letter sparked the ire of David Hersch, a prolific from their organisations. commentator on Jewish issues, who sent out an e-mail to a He said that the Cape Town fairly sizeable list, where he wrote that “with the takeover by Jewish Board had recently met Iqbal Survé’s Sekunjalo Group, it [Cape Times] quickly plum- with Cape Times start with a very meted into an intellectual abyss”, which has “fired almost positive outcome and added that all remaining white journalists, columnists and editors and he would also welcome any oppor- has become a pro-ANC and pro-Muslim/Islamic propaganda tunity to meet with representa- paper. This newspaper group has become the Izvestia and tives of the South African Jewish Pravda of the new South Africa.” community.
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Open: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm / Saturday 8am - 1pm • Sunday 10am - 1pm www.idealfurn.co.za E&OE 4 SA JEWISH REPORT News 8 – 15 May 2015 Mcebo Dlamini, Wits SRC’s BDS claims hollow ‘Hitler lover’ gets the chop academic boycott victory ANT KATZ ANT KATZ a violation of the SRC constitution and the principle of justice,” Habib emphasised. On Monday May 4, the South African affiliate of the US-based NGO, “Boycott Controversial University of Witwatersrand SRC And so, “after consultation with the chairman of Divestment and Sanctions (Israel),” BDS-SA announced with some fanfare that President Mcebo Dlamini, who expressed admiration council… I have decided to withdraw my decision for five South African universities’ Student Representative Councils (SRCs) had for Adolf Hitler on his Facebook page last week, has Mr Dlamini to remain in office,” said Habib in a blog joined an academic boycott of Israel. been removed from his position pending an appeal to Wits students on Tuesday. BDS’ resolution, they said, followed South Africa’s “Minister of Higher against his expulsion from the institution for a dif- Habib was adamant that Dlamini’s Hitler comment, Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande’s call and support for the academic ferent matter. although unfortunate and embarrassing for the Uni- boycott”. Wits’ legal department has, in fact, investigated versity, didn’t influence Monday’s decision; the Hitler University of South Africa, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban three separate complaints against Dlamini this year. comments had been passed on to Wits’ legal depart- University of Technology, Mangosutho University of Technology and the His removal related to his ment for investigation. University of the Western Cape SRCs have now, supposedly, implemented “an being found guilty of miscon- On Tuesday morning academic and cultural boycott of Israel”. “This day will go down in history,” duct by a disciplinary panel Habib repeated in a radio promised BDS. And then they must have wondered why their historical an- in February for assaulting interview that he had “pub- nouncement was not widely carried in the media. SRCs have nothing at all to someone in his residence last licly rejected” the Hitler do with the decision-making processes of universities in this regard. year. He was given a sentence episode and sent it on for While they boasted that they were joining “the revolutionary decision by the of one year suspended exclu- investigation. University of Johannesburg that in 2011 terminated its relations with Israel’s sion in respect of each charge According to Habib, Ben-Gurion University”, that decision was not impacted by any decision of UJ’s against him. Dlamini, had laughed off SRC. The announcement was his removal and accused the Despite the call for boycotts, the reality is that the exchange of information made after a lengthy meet- vice-chancellor of capitulat- and scientific research coming out of Israeli universities is having a very posi- ing between Wits Vice- ing to powerful members of tive impact on South African industry. Chancellor Adam Habib and the white community. When the present Israeli ambassador, Arthur Lenk, presented his credentials the SRC extended well into Habib said that the Liber- to President Jacob Zuma, he handed Zuma a basket of fruit and vegetables Monday night. ation Struggle in the coun- grown in all nine South African provinces, with the assistance of Israeli technol- Habib said on Tuesday try had long stood against ogy and services. that Dlamini had been asked this type of rhetoric. It was Last month, Prof Ronnie Friedman from the Hebrew University of Jerusa- to stand down - in terms of like saying Verwoerd was lem, told Jewish Report that Israeli drip irrigation systems were commonly the February charge - and right. used throughout South Africa. Other areas of co-operation include crop sci- not the March or April misconduct investigations Admitting that the matter had become a public re- ences and seed development and production. which are still to be heard. Although Habib himself lations embarrassment for Wits, Habib said Wits had One of the biggest fields of research where Israel is currently assisting South would not admit to the charge being due a physically tried to mitigate the fallout as much as possible. Africa, said Friedman, was with ensuring the survival of bees. “South Africa is violent incident, he did say that it had been: “a very, He said that all the other members of the SRC had losing bees fast,” he said, and this could have a catastrophic impact on the pol- very serious offence”. dissociated themselves from the Hitler episode. Ha- lination of crops. In terms of the SRC’s constitution, a member ceas- bib admitted in his Tuesday interview that Dlamini’s The Hebrew University research project is being co-funded by the South es to be a member if s/he is found guilty of miscon- removal would still be subjected to an SRC debate. African government, local agricultural interests and the Israelis had even raised duct by a student disciplinary committee but Dlamini He was unfazed, however, when asked what he money from overseas. exercised his right to appeal his removal. Habib had would do if the SRC voted against his recommenda- Hebrew University, said Friedman, had been tasked with coming up with a agreed to defer the judgement, pending the appeal, tions. The SRC was a democratic body which had to solution - something that they were well on the way to delivering. provided the review happened within 14 days. subscribe to its constitution, he said. “Unfortunately, this did not happen,” said Habib “Even President (Jacob) Zuma has to respect the World News in Brief on Monday. He then met Dlamini on April 22, “and SA Constitution,” he said, confident that the SRC’s informed him that it was not in the best interests constitution would prevail. Israel’s Gaza-border residents warn that of the university for him to continue to hold office Dlamini’s dismissal from the 15-student-member while having a disciplinary finding against him”. SRC means that a by-election will have to be held. Hamas is preparing for the next war However, the ever-cautious Habib told Dlamini at ProjectW, a group of students who controlled the JERUSALEM - Residents of Israel’s Gaza- “We live 50 metres from the border that meeting that he would allow him an extension SRC last year and is sympathetic to Jewish com- border communities are not surprised by - believe me, we have not woken up to until April 30 to make written representations as to munity issues and the interests of Israel, was reports that Hamas commander Moham- something new. This is our reality,” said why he should allow Dlamini to continue in office. defeated in a highly politicised election for the cur- med Deif is alive and back in charge of Roni Kissin, secretary of Kibbutz Kerem On April 30, Dlamini asked for another extension, rent SRC by nine seats to six. Were they to win the the Palestinian terrorist group’s military Shalom. blaming the delay on the university’s legal office. by-election against the ANC-aligned group, it will operations, nor by reports that Hamas has Member of Knesset Haim Yellin (Yesh But Habib had had enough. “I believe that this give them a closer minority of seven seats to eight resumed building terror tunnels. Atid), a member of Kibbutz Be’eri, said: argument is disingenuous,” he said on Monday. He and decisions would then lie in the sway of the four “All the residents know which path “Mohammed Deif, dead or alive, will blamed Dlamini for delaying tactics, “[he] did not Wits-appointed members. we’re headed down, everyone sees what not stop the countdown to the next war. submit the relevant documentation to the legal office ProjectW also believes that SRC funds were being Hamas is doing on the other side of the Terrorism needs to be fought with resolute timeously. He then tried to blame the legal office for inappropriately used to create materials in support fence, and it’s doing it flagrantly… show- strength, but at the same time [we need to the delay. This leads me to believe that he is delib- of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions-SA and Israel ing its preparations for the next round of be] working with world powers, especially erately delaying a final decision until the end of his Apartheid Week, although Habib said this week that fighting,” Yael, a member of Kibbutz Nirim, moderate Arab nations, to achieve quiet presidential tenure. To allow this to happen would be the university has so far found no misuse of funds. told Israel Hayom. and a diplomatic horizon.” (JNS.org) King David High School Linksfield OPEN DAY FOR ALL GRADES Phone for more SUNDAY info 17 MAY 011 480 4500 8 – 15 May 2015 Opinion and Analysis SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Separating free speech and Dlamini’s love for Hitler allowed to say I love Hitler.” But it’s ironic how the wheel has could happen at this renowned value is influenced by the public The vice-chancellor’s decision turned. In post-apartheid South university. A disciplinary process image of the institution itself. TAKING that Dlamini must step down Africa, a black SRC president against 11 students was set up. The public image of Wits is plum- related to a separate matter of now wants his freedom of speech Since then, Habib has endeav- meting - along with that of the ISSUE misconduct, not his Hitler state- protected so he can sprout racist oured to re-establish the dignity country as a whole. Geoff Sifrin ment and what Habib believed comments about whites. and integrity of Wits as a place Habib disagreed with the were “racist comments regarding Not easy these days to be Wits’ where different viewpoints can be argument that the university’s What should an institution’s whites”. However, these would vice-chancellor. Habib cannot freely expressed. He said at the commitment to free speech meant leader do when someone under his also be looked into. solve the “root causes” of the time that he intended making it Dlamini should be excused for authority trashes the ideological Anyone who knows Wits from country’s problems - poverty, one of the great universities of the his comments. “As someone who values of the institution? Be toler- the apartheid days, will remem- racism, collapsing school system, world. claims to love this institution, ant and look for the “root causes” ber a robust, proud institution in chasm between the haves and People who studied there in the I believe that Mr Dlamini has behind the behaviour so they can which the rallying cry for free- have-nots and so on. But on his past are not going to tear up the single-handedly wrought more be addressed? Or draw the red line dom of expression was loud and shoulders rests the university’s degrees they earned because of damage on its reputation than any and throw the violator out? determined, defying the efforts by good name. Dlamini. But what should Wits other person who I can think of in Wits University Vice-Chancellor the government and the police to The dilemma is not new to him. alumni, students and supporters at least the last two decades… Adam Habib has taken a stand by stifle it. He came into the position in 2013 do? Walk away and let it become a “This damage has the potential officially removing Mcebo Dlamini Courageous white SRC presi- when Israel Apartheid Week was third rate institution? to impact on the credibility of our from his elected position as SRC dents at the time faced personal being held on campus accompa- A university is a precious thing. degrees, and therefore on the em- president for “misconduct”. This dangers for speaking out against nied by demonstrations about the Its credibility must be earned over ployment prospects of all of our comes amid a furore created by racism towards black citizens. Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Not a long time and is hard to regain students and graduates.” Dlamini declaring on Facebook: Given this history, it would be sad an easy time to start, as he was once lost. Removing Dlamini will not “I love Adolf Hitler”, which he for Wits to stifle anyone’s freedom struck full face with the violent Meanwhile, classes continue at solve the root causes behind his reportedly defended as follows: of expression. Some would argue: disruption by SRC members of Wits. People who teach there say behaviour. But it would be a sad “If white people can say they love So what’s the big deal if the SRC Israeli-born pianist Yossi Reshef ’s standards are still of an acceptable day if the university itself became [apartheid-era prime minister president says he loves Hitler? concert 15 minutes into Beethov- level. But a university degree’s a victim of those root causes. DF] Malan, [Prime Minister BJ] Maybe he’s just a rebellious young en’s Tempest Sonata, after they Vorster, [Israeli Prime Minister] man - the rebelliousness of youth forced the door. Benjamin Netanyahu and Jan van is the engine which drives change The incident raised many Riebeeck, then I should also be in this world. eyebrows about how such a thing Wednesday, 20th May 2015 at 8.00pm Community Rubinger’s photographic images embody the visual memory of Israel Jonathan OWN CORRESPONDENT once described Rubinger as “the photographer of a nation in the making”. This coming Sunday, Johannesburg will be privileged to host an Rubinger, who was born in Vienna in 1924, emigrated to what exhibition by the internationally acclaimed photographer, David was then British Palestine in 1939. He served in the British Army’s Jansen Rubinger, Time-Life magazine’s primary photogra- Jewish Brigade during the Second World War, The dynamic Vice Chancellor pher for the Middle East for over 50 years. during which time he bought his first camera - a of the University of the Ninety-year-old Rubinger - he will turn 91 next Leica M1 - in Germany in 1946. He paid the hefty month - who lives in Israel, covered all of Israel’s price of 200 cigarettes and a kilogram of coffee for Free State will deliver wars. A media release states that Rubinger’s the camera. the 11th annual famous photograph of three Israeli paratroopers Rubinger is held in such high regard in Israel, Franz Auerbach shortly after the recapture of the Western Wall in that he was able to gain unprecedented, intimate Interfaith the Six Day War, clambering on top of a British access to Israeli leadership and to be present at armoured car, to celebrate the UN announcement in critical junctures in Israel’s history. His body of Memorial Lecture 1947 of the resolution to establish the State of Is- work has thus become the shared visual memory Slome Auditorium, rael, has become the defining image of that conflict. of Israel’s short yet dramatic history. Beit Emanuel Rubinger’s career as a photojournalist began He was awarded the Israel Prize for his Progressive Synagogue, with this image, in conjunction with the founding of services to the media in 1997 - the highest 38 Oxford Rd, Parktown. the State of Israel and he has been reporting on the development accolade that can be received in Israel. There is a perma- Entrance Free of Israel ever since, spending over 50 years as a Middle Eastern nent collection of his www.beitemanuel.co.za correspondent for Time-Life magazine. Rubinger had the unique photographs on display in the Knesset. distinction of being present at most of the epochal moments in the • Rubinber’s address on Sunday will be accompanied by an Middle East during the latter half of the 20th century. As such, his audiovisual presentation of his works. The venue is Beyachad, images, more than any other, shaped our perceptions of this era. the time 15:00 and there’s a ticket price of R60. For bookings, Former Israeli President and Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, call (011) 645-2510.
6 SA JEWISH REPORT Opinion and Analysis 8 – 15 May 2015 Jewishsouth african Report We may differ on strategies, but not on the goals
For the first time in our history, South African Jewish communal organisations have publicly criticised the Israeli government for denying South Africa’s Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande a visa to visit the Palestinian territories. “This is most regrettable,” the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and the South African Zionist Federation said in a joint statement, noting their “concern” over Israel’s decision. Nzimande was scheduled to leave on April 25 for discussions with his Palestinian counterpart, Minister Khawla Shaksheer and to attend the opening of an African Studies Centre at a local university north of Ramallah. Nzimande was even angrier with the refusal and called it a “declaration of diplomatic aggression on our government”. He also called on all South African tertiary institutions with academic links to Israel to cut ties.
The incident has evoked strong opinions on public Ben Kelmer/Flash90 Photo: platforms and in international media as well as creating tensions within the Jewish community and outside of it. Protesting Ethiopian–Israelis throw rocks and bottles at police trying to disperse them in central Tel-Aviv. It has also raised some difficult questions that we cannot help but ask. Should the Board of Deputies and the Zionist Federation have been publicly critical of Israel? Should they Why Ethiopian-Israelis took to have got involved in a consular issue at all? Should Israel have refused a visa to a Cabinet minister who was not visiting Palestine on security issues but on Tel Aviv’s streets educational matters? Is the accusation swirling that Israel acted like South Africa might have during the apartheid era, BEN SALES half that of the Israeli average. a fair one? TEL AVIV “We want to receive rights just as we fulfil our duties,” said Whatever shape our critical views take, one thing is Yosi Minyuv, 27, an Ethiopian-Israeli who served four years clear: both Israel and our communal organisations gave A historically disadvantaged black minority is galvanised in the Israeli army, including as a combat officer. “We’re sec- considerable thought to their decisions and acted in (what when one of its members appears to suffer brutality at the ond-class citizens. We want good work and they block us.” they deemed were) the best interests of the parties they hands of police - and the episode is caught on video. Peace- represent. ful mass protests devolve into violence and police cracked The Tel Aviv demonstration began peacefully Although the Board and the Fed feel an immense loyalty down in an attempt to control the crowds. When protesters - Ethiopian and others - first gathered in to Israel and are usually protective of it on almost any issue, It’s not Baltimore or Ferguson. It’s Tel Aviv, which was Tel Aviv last Sunday afternoon, they chanted and held signs they believed that Israel had made the wrong decision and rocked by unrest last Sunday after a video of a uniformed as police stood at a distance. As the protest swelled beyond issued a call for the two governments to opt for a course of Ethiopian-Israeli soldier, Damas Pakada, being beaten by 1 000 people, the demonstrators formed a giant circle, constructive engagement and build bridges. Israeli police made the rounds online. Here are four things blocking a major intersection and then marching down Tel Faced with groups like the SA Communist Party, Cosatu you need to know about the Israeli demonstrations. Aviv’s central Ayalon highway. and BDS South Africa calling on the ANC national executive Protesters chanted slogans like “Whether black or white, to ban travel to Israel for government officials, demanding A police beating sparked the protests we’re all people” and “Every violent police officer needs to the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and calling for the The video that triggered the Tel Aviv protests shows Pakada be put away”. They held signs with slogans such as “Being National Directorate of Public Prosecutions to prosecute holding his bicycle on an empty sidewalk. A police officer black is not a crime”. Some waved Israeli flags. South Africans serving in Israel’s army, can we expect our approaches him, grabs him, punches him and pushes him Clashes began as police cleared protesters from the high- leadership not to get alarmed? to the ground. Pakada then stands up and exchanges words way, and violence intensified as thousands of demonstra- The organisations truly felt they needed to stand up and with the officer. tors filled the central Rabin Square. Fighting escalated as call for the parties to resolve their differences as an act of Chanting protesters in Tel Aviv invoked the name of Yosef protesters threw glass bottles and stones at police, and protection for South African Jewry. Salamsa, a 22-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli man who commit- police responded with stun grenades and a water cannon. Israel also had sound reasons for deciding not to grant ted suicide last July. Salamsa killed himself four months Demonstrators began to chant “police state” and remained an entry visa to Nzimande. Over the last few years, Israel’s after police approached him in a public park and accused past midnight. representatives in South Africa have attempted to create him of breaking into a house, then tazed him before he was By the time the crowds dispersed, dozens of people had greater co-operation and dialogue with government here and released. The deputy mayor of Salamsa’s coastal hometown been injured - including 56 police officers. Blood stained have pushed for ANC Cabinet members to make official visits of Binyamina, Shlomi Salame, said the police “broke his the usually tranquil square. to Israel, but have not had the reception they had hoped for. spirit”, according to the Israeli news website Walla. Last year when Israel obediently granted visas to But unlike in the United States, where a series of high- Despite challenges, some Ethiopian-Israelis remain Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau and Deputy Minister profile law enforcement killings of unarmed black boys and optimistic Obed Bapela to come through Israel to visit neighbouring men have made headlines, until now there have been no Even as protesters vented frustrations, many of them said countries, both of them refused to meet with Israeli officials known parallel cases with Ethiopians in Israel. they felt a sense of belonging in Israel. A large Israeli flag when they were asked. On Monday, Pakada met with Prime Minister Benjamin waved over the demonstration’s early hours, and Ethiopian- Can we blame Israel for, this time, deciding to make a point? Netanyahu, along with a delegation of Ethiopian-Israeli Israelis at the protest proudly referenced their military ser- Can we expect Israel to meekly play the role of “business community leaders. vice. Protesters said that after serving in the Israel Defence class lounge” for ANC officials en route to Israel’s detractors Forces and living in the state as loyal citizens, they didn’t without giving Israel an opportunity for engagement? The protests are also responding to Ethiopians’ feel the state treated them as they deserved. What is reassuring is that neither the South African systemic challenges “I gave to the state because I’m part of the country,” said government nor Israel have made public statements on Pakada’s beating triggered the protests, including in Jeru- Avi Sabahat, 27, who immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia at the issue. The two governments have bigger problems to salem several days earlier, but it also unleashed long-sim- age four. “There’s some hidden discrimination. It’s in the consider than a consular spat like Nzimande’s visa refusal mering grievances in the Ethiopian community. Protesters conscious and the subconscious. There’s been a little im- or a futile BDS-led coalition calling for boycotts of Israeli said they were troubled by lagging educational opportuni- provement, but you don’t feel it. There’s integration in so- universities. Perhaps we need to see this as part of a circus ties, discrimination when applying for government jobs and ciety, but not enough.” to undermine Israel and create division in our community. high rates of Ethiopian-Israelis in military prisons. Dana Sibaho, a 29-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli, said that a Let’s not give these voices the satisfaction they are seeking. Israel has celebrated the approximately 125 000 Ethio- decade ago, the older generation, who had come to Israel Both Israel and the local Jewish community are fighting for pian immigrants who arrived in the mid-1980s through to as adults, were too focused on their absorption to demand the integrity of Israel and the Jewish world in the Diaspora. 2013. And Israel’s government has provided a range of ben- better treatment from the state. But she said younger Ethi- We may differ slightly on the strategy, but not on the goals efits to Ethiopian-Israelis, ranging from free college tuition opians, either born in Israel or having arrived as small chil- themselves. to lower mortgage rates. But challenges remain. dren, felt empowered to demand their rights. Ethiopian-Israelis are overrepresented in military prisons “Things will change,” she said. “They won’t silence us. Not – Vanessa Valkin, Editor and underrepresented at the nation’s universities. And in like our parents, who accepted things. We know what we’re 2012, the average Ethiopian family’s income was just over up against. Now we won’t shut up.” (JTA)
More news on our website www.sajr.co.za 8 – 15 May 2015 Letters SA JEWISH REPORT 7 Disclaimer Guidelines for letters The letters page is intended to provide opportunity for a range of views on any given topic to be expressed. Opinions Letters up to 400 words get preference. Provide your full name, place of residence, and daytime contact phone articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff or number. We do not publish letters under noms de plume. Letters should preferably be e-mailed. Letters may be directors of the Jewish Report. edited or shortened. The Editor, PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 email: [email protected]
Historical proof of Palestinian admiration for Hitler An ode to South Africa’s hard-won freedom
While I’m disgusted by the praise did not even try to conceal the fact Soviet Union. Monday we celebrated Freedom Day. It brought us first and foremost for Hitler by Wits SRC President that they had become pupils of the His major role was to intercede the memory of the father of our free nation, Nelson Mandela. Mcebo Dlamini, one should not be ministry of propaganda in Berlin, with Axis governments to prevent The great Constitution of this country has allowed us Jewish South surprised, because the Palestinian according to Marianne. the evacuation of thousands of Africans the freedom to follow our dedication to our faith. relationship with the Nazis goes back Hitler invited Arabs to Germany Jewish children to “Palestine”, and The tiny proportion that we are of this population is (still) a force to a long way. as honoured guests and in the 1938 redirect them instead to the death be reckoned with. A set of particularly bloody Nuremberg address he spoke about camps. We are an industrious group of South Africans who make a huge pogroms spread across “Palestine” “the defenceless Arabs in Palestine, Dieter Wisliceny of the Nazi SS, contribution to the economy and also to the wellbeing of all the people. from 1936 to 1939, known as the left in the lurch”. and a key executioner of the “Final We thank the Government for adhering to affording us the freedom Arab Revolt in which hundreds of An Arab spokesman in Jerusalem Solution of the Jewish Question”, we enjoy as a minority group. We must be very aware that the hostility Jews were murdered and the Mufti of reacted promptly by declaring: “Now testified: “The Mufti was one of of a small group (BDS) towards Israel does not develop into a form of Jerusalem Haj Amin also liquidated we are not without friends in Europe; the initiators of the systematic anti-Semitism as is prevalent worldwide. many of his Arab political opponents. our ultimate success as a nation lies extermination of European Jewry This Government is going through a very severe economic crisis Haj Amin was aided at this time by in the hands of Hitler and Mussolini.” and had been a collaborator and and must take a tremendous initiative and have foresight to revive fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. Hitler was regarded by many Arabs adviser of (Adolf) Eichmann and the economy and most urgent of all, to tackle the major problem of In exile in Lebanon, Haj Amin across the Middle East as a popular (Heinrich) Himmler (Reichsführer unemployment and industrial unrest and thus reduce the unacceptable deepened his association with hero and Arab movements based on of the Schutzstaffel, the SS) in the crime and xenophobia which is devastating the very foundation of the Germany and Italy, receiving large Nazism were founded in Egypt, Syria, execution of his plan... He was one freedom we have. amounts of money and arms from Iraq and Lebanon. of Eichmann’s best friends and had We join this nation in wishing us all a better future with prosperity them. Hitler went to Rome, where he constantly incited him to accelerate for all who live here in South Africa. G-d bless a free South Africa. The French news weekly, received an assurance from Count the extermination measures. I Marianne, quoted several examples Ciano, promising to abolish the heard him say that accompanied by Harry Israel of Nazi ideological influence among Jewish national home in “Palestine”. Eichmann, he had visited incognito Sandringham Gardens, Johannesburg the Palestinian Arabs: “At Nablus, the From there Hitler was set up as the gas chambers of Auschwitz.” Arab population recently received the an honoured guest in Berlin, where In a 1974 conversation between British troops with shouts of ‘Heil he was installed as “Grossmufti” or Syrian President Hafez Assad and More news on our website Hitler!’” “Grand Mufti”. Druze politician Walid Jumblatt, A certain German garage in Haj Amin set up an Arab Legion, Assad stated that the Arabs www.sajr.co.za Jerusalem employed only Arab Nazis, to fight as part of the Nazi war effort “remembered Hitler in a positive who were made to wear the swastika and organised Muslim Wehrmacht way” after which Jumblatt agreed: over their buttonholes. units and a Muslim SS unit in “At least he saved us from the The Arab journals Falastin and Yugoslavia that was responsible Zionists... National Socialism should Nominations for the Al Difa’a published weekly articles for the genocide of hundreds of be revered a bit.” with a racial tendency and frequently thousands of Serbs, Jews and ABSA Jewish Achievers Awards reproduced large portraits of various Gypsies, and also Nazi Muslim units, Gary Selikow leaders of the Third Reich. They alongside German forces in the Johannesburg [email protected]
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part in the Dance Umbrella, Op- DIANE WOLFSON Ambassador Arthur Lenk PRETORIA pikoppi and a book festival recently. and Roy Setlhapelo, Ambassador Lenk proposed a director of Levant, The Israeli Embassy’s annual Yom toast to continued friendship, co- at the Department of Ha’atzmaut celebration in Pretoria operation and success with South International Relations was again a veritable who’s who of Africa. and Cooperation.
the Jewish and broader community, Representing the South African Ilan Ossendryver Photo: including South African govern- government, Roy Setlhapelo, direc- ment representatives, diplomats, the tor of the Levant (area including media and other invited guests, who Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, gathered to celebrate Israel’s 67th Palestine, and Syria) at the Depart- birthday in style. ment of International Relations and After a choir from King David Co-operation, said it was an honour Linksfield Primary School sang South to be part of the 67th celebration of Africa and Israel’s national anthems, Israel’s National Day of Independ- Ambassador Arthur Lenk welcomed ence and he conveyed good wishes the large crowd with thoughts for on behalf of the government and the people of Nepal in the wake of its people of South Africa. devastating earthquake. Setlhapelo said it was on a day like He conveyed in his message that this that one needed to pause for a South Africa and Israel had more in moment and look back at the history common than met the eye. Both had of diplomatic relations between the recently held democratic elections, two countries, beginning in 1949 apartheid, many South Africans of those developments, particularly the He expressed the hope that follow- neither of which had received much when Israel established a consulate- Jewish origin took part in the libera- pursuit of self-determination by the ing the successful elections in March media coverage internationally. Both general in Pretoria and upgraded it tion struggle. We pay tribute to the Palestinians. in Israel, a new unity government countries hoped for more moderate, to an embassy in 1974. Jewish men and women who made The South African government that would pursue the two-state stable governments; both believed South Africa established a countless sacrifices in order for us remained concerned about the con- solution, would be established. in a two-state solution and both consulate-general in Tel Aviv in 1972 today to enjoy our freedom. tinued conflict between Israel and He also expressed the South condemned terrorism. and upgraded it to an embassy in “We are equally happy that South Palestine, which last year escalated African government’s appreciation During the past year there had December 1975. Africa was one of the countries that into the 51-day war in Gaza. for the warm hospitality accorded been a substantial number of Israeli He added that the interaction voted in favour of the creation of “We remain convinced that for to special envoys to Israel and the visitors to South Africa and vice between South Africa and the Israel in the League of Nations. Fur- both Israel and Palestine to be at Middle East - former Minister Zola versa. South Africans attended Jewish community had started in thermore, South Africans were part peace, the two-state solution, that is Skweyiya and former Deputy Minis- Agritech in Israel and Israel was the 1920s when Jews had arrived of the international volunteer group the establishment of a viable Pales- ter Aziz Pahad. bringing technology and training to in South Africa from central and that fought to defend the newly- tinian state, existing side by side in Setlhapelo said he hoped that such South Africa. eastern Europe. Many of them had created State of Israel,” he said. peace with Israel within internation- courtesies would be extended to all Links between the police forces of become prominent and had contrib- On South Africa’s concern for de- ally recognised borders, based on South Africans and their leaders, both countries had grown and great uted significantly to South Africa’s velopments in the Middle East, Setl- those existing on June 4, 1967, with should they wish to travel to Israel strides had been made in cultural co- development. hapelo said it was natural that South East Jerusalem as its capital, must and concluded by wishing Israel the operation, with Israel having taken “During our struggle against Africa remained concerned about be implemented.” best for the future. SA community’s traditional ‘warmth’ not misplaced SUZANNE BELLING people through their regular holidays. “We African, from whom he is now divorced. children to Johannesburg in 2012. “We had found ourselves very welcome.” Having lived both in Cape Town, where he an excellent reception,” he says. “We were wel- The South African Jewish community has a Having held the position of national felt comfortable because of the smaller Jew- comed like olim chadashim (new immigrants).” reputation of being one of the warmest and president of the Union of Jewish Women in ish community, and Johannesburg, which he Being an observant Jew, Fine set about find- most hospitable in the world. But, with all the Zimbabwe, Hermoine easily secured a job as found very welcoming, he says: “In Johannes- ing a place, within walking distance from his media hype surrounding xenophobia, the ques- executive secretary of the UJW in Cape Town. burg I was invited out for every Jewish holiday home, where he could daven. He immediately tion was posed by the SA Jewish Report: Is our “We had no problems,” says Peter, “But we and every seder and made to feel part of the was included in the Chabad community, with community welcoming to Jews who move here found South Africans naïve about Zimbabwe. community. advice from Rabbi Ari Shishler and other rab- from other countries? We had no anti-Zionism and no anti-Semitism “In general, people in Johannesburg are bis and leaders. While obviously not experiencing xeno- there. In general, they have the wrong impres- friendlier than Cape Town. I think it is because “We go to the Hama’or Centre in Fairmount. phobia, has there been a display of coolness sion.” people from all over move to Johannesburg The congregants were very warm and welcom- or even hostility towards most Jewish im- Dan Brotman, executive director of the whereas Cape Town has a small-town mental- ing, as were Rabbi Levy Wineberg and Rabbi migrants to South Africa or have they been South Africa-Israel Forum in Johannesburg ity.” Berel Rodal.” brought into the fold without reservations? and formerly head of media and public affairs Brotman, originally from Boston, US, has Andrea Kuti left her native Hungary 14 Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, CEO of the African at the Cape Council of the SA Jewish Board of also lived in Israel, but intends becoming a years ago to travel and study. At a conference Jewish Congress, says South Africa has seen Deputies, says: “I came to South Africa with South African citizen in 2018. in London, she met young Rabbi Greg Alex- a stream of Jews from Mozambique, Zambia, one suitcase in 2010 and I never left”. He Alexander Fine, an IT specialist from Russia, ander, son of Carol and Peter Alexander from Zimbabwe and other sub-Saharan African stayed because he met and married a South moved from Israel with his wife, Naomi, and Johannesburg. The couple got married and states where there was trouble, “but the Jews after continuing their travels, settled in Cape were never persecuted” in those countries. Town, where Rabbi Greg is the spiritual leader “Jews never fled because they were Jews, but of Temple Israel. because of civil war and instability in those “As a woman trained and passionate about regions”. Photo supplied Judaism and community, I wish there were They were welcomed wholeheartedly by more inspirational career opportunities in the South Africans and taken into the fold of syna- community for women to pursue,” she says. gogues, schools and welfare bodies. She has found an outlet in holistic midwifery Two people who left the poverty and uncer- “which is rarely found in South Africa” and is tainty of Zimbabwe were Peter and Hermoine pursuing her studies in this field. Otherwise, Sternberg. Hermoine was originally South she finds her congregants and the community African and settled in Harare when she mar- warm and accepting and she aims to bring ried Peter, who for many years was president about further understanding of gender issues of the Zimbabwe Jewish Board of Deputies. among South African Jews. He is currently a vice-president of the African Rabbi Sa’ar Shaked, of Beit Emanuel, Park- Jewish Congress. town, says that apart from the fact that “I have “We have been living in Sea Point for the an accent” and “there is tension between the past nine years and moved when things in Progressive Jews and Orthodoxy”, he feels he Zimbabwe became very bad. I still travelled and his wife, Sharon, and family have been between the two countries for business for welcomed by Johannesburg Jewry with open several years.” arms since their arrival here from Netanya, The prospects for the Sternbergs were good. Israel three years ago. He and his family have Because Peter has a sister, Judy Kaplan, living had “the most amazing treatment,” he says. in Cape Town, Hermoine had friends from her “My aim is to bring more diversity and to at- earliest years here and the couple knew many Petter and Hermoine Sternberg, former Zimbabweans, now living in South Africa. tract more Israelis into the community.” WE BUILT THIS COUNTRY WITH HEART & SOUL
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* Awarded to either a Jewish or non-Jewish person who has contributed substantially to the betterment of the lives of the people of South Africa. Members of the Board and Staff of the SA Jewish Report are not eligible for nomination. 10 SA JEWISH REPORT Youth 8 – 15 May 2015 It’s buckle-up the right way for the little ones
OWN CORRESPONDENT
On Friday April 24, Minnie Bersohn Nursery School held a Car Seat Clinic and safe2go came to check the children’s car seats in their parents’ cars. It was a very successful morning. Many parents whose children’s car seats were checked, found that their car seats were not actually placed correctly. The professionals were able to help them and many parents felt relieved and satisfied with this safer outcome. Photo supplied From this exercise the parents came to realise that Front: Aviel Abrams; Yishai Basserabie; Akiva Goldstein; and Jacobs Sacks. car seat safety starts with them: In the vehicle: Idan Blumenthal; Eli Cohen; Benjamin Miller; and Saul Joseph. • Don’t allow your child to unbuckle their seat restraints. The fallen Jewish soldiers • Don’t allow your child to dictate where and how they want to sit in the car. • Don’t allow your child to travel unrestrained, no Photo: Michelle Vinokur did not die in vain matter how short the trip. OWN CORRESPONDENT • Don’t ever allow your child to sit in the front seat of your car. The Yeshiva College Informal Education Department, or YID for short, is • Don’t forget to have your car seat checked regular- Pictured are Theresa Hamman (head of safe2go); Asaf, Mia and dedicated to the field of experiential Jewish education. ly, especially if your vehicle has been in an accident. Noa Sirton; Greg Sochen (CSO); and Tye and Nicky Kaplan. YID gives learners the opportunity to explore Judaism in a safe and dy- namic Orthodox environment. For Yom Hazikaron, together with Yom Ha’atzmaut, some of the most im- Yom Ha’atzmaut at Herzlia a unique experience portant days on a Jewish day school’s calendar, YID hired a military grade ar- moured vehicle and parked it in the parking lot. The significance of this was explained to the learners, that it is on this day that Jews remember those who gave their lives for the sake of their safety and to ensure that Jews have a Jewish state. Sydenham Pre-Primary opens its heart
SUE BENJAMIN
The parents at Sydenham Pre-Primary once again extended their generosity - this time for the victims of the recent xenophobic attacks. Much needed items such as food and toiletries were collected. Pictured are Kayley Kushner; Amy Levin; and Netanya Broido.
TRACY KLASS
United Herzlia Schools in Cape Town assembled all their pupils, from grade 1 – 12, and their staff, at the Van Rie-
Photo: Sue Benjamin Photo: beeck Field in Highlands this year, to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut and also to film the closing sequence of their 75th anniversary video. Herzlia turns 75 this year. It was no easy feat to co-ordinate a shoot with over 1 400 pupils and 200 staff members from five different cam- puses! The Middle and High School pupils buddied with the primary school learners and escorted them to their places on the field. The “75” had been marked out and the dimensions checked with a drone. “In the end it was a wonderful morning,” said Geoff Cohen, director of education for UHS. The filming by producers and directors Aaron Turest-Swartz and Sean Levin was undertaken with two drones and a crane for the aerial shots and a stills photographer on a cherry picker. Theme of freedom resonates at Ambassador Arthur Lenk Parnassus Farm guest speaker at KDVP OWN CORRESPONDENT Hadar, principal of TA Primary School, guest rabbis and HANNA BEN-MOSHE kodesh teachers. A five-day retreat/Shabbaton at Parnassus Farm in “The programme was a mixture of education, fun, On Thursday April 23, King David High School Victory Park celebrated Yom Magaliesburg over the Freedom Day weekend for pupils sport, hiking and swimming, as well as daily and Shabbat Ha’atzmaut with an illustrious guest, Israel’s Ambassador to South Africa of Torah Academy Boys’ High School - from grades 7 to services,” Rabbi Chaikin said. “It was living Yiddishkeit.” Arthur Lenk, who addressed pupils and staff. Ambassador Lenk spoke about 12 - highlighted the theme of freedom for the Jewish At the retreat the focus was on team building, leader- the contribution of Israel to South African agriculture and medical develop- people and for South Africa. ship, increasing the school’s spirit and unity and strength- ment and emphasised the importance of the connection between the two “We discussed the values of freedom,” said Rabbi Yossi ening bonds between the teachers and learners. countries. The learners danced and sang to Israeli music on the field and enjoyed Chaikin, principal of TA Boys’ High School, who accom- Pictured are the boys on top of the mountain, with falafel and shwarma, celebrating the existence of the Jewish State and its panied the learners on the trip. Dean of Torah Academy, Rabbi Hazdan (second from left) and Rabbi Chaikin growth and achievements. Happy 67th Birthday Israel! Rabbi Dovid Hazdan also attended as well as Rabbi Motti (right). Photo: Yael Gordon Yael Photo: Photo: Photo: Omri Yehudai 8 – 15 May 2015 Community SA JEWISH REPORT 11 Community Voices Blade’s visa denial under the loupe The denial of a visa by Israel to Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande to visit Ramallah via the Jewish State has sparked controversy in the Jewish community, with the SA Jewish Board of Deputies and the SA Zionist Federation issuing a joint statement criticising Israel for its decision. The SA Jewish Report asked members of the community in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to give their opinions on Israel’s decision to withhold the visa and the wisdom of the statement of the Board of Deputies and the Zionist Federation. Durban businessman and and the SAZF as “it might be politically community leader Sidney expedient to support the South African Lazarus felt Israel had made government in its stance. However, I “a big mistake” in not granting don’t believe that such a position is in the the visa. “They should have interests of long-term peace in the Middle liaised with the Board and Fed East.” and a think-tank should have been put in place. This puts us Marc Lubner, CEO of in a bad light and could do damage to the Jewish Afrika Tikkun and former community. Israeli Ambassador Arthur Lenk chairman of the SA-Israel should have discussed it and averted a problem.” Chamber of Commerce Lazarus felt the action would give fuel to and the Smile Foundation, organisations such as BDS-SA. He supported the supports both the SAJBD joint statement of the Board and the SAZF. and the SAZF statement. He does not agree with the Capetonian Jenny Harris, denial of a visa to the Minister. “There is a consultant and mediator, nothing to gain by closing doors. There is an said there was no reason for old Chinese proverb which says you should Nzimande to go through Israel keep your friends close and your enemies if he wanted to visit Ramallah closer.” Lubner felt more thought should - “he possibly did that to cause be given to the relationship between South embarrassment. Why should Africa and Israel as certain actions could Israel receive a person so serve to further reduce links between the adamantly against the Jewish State?” two countries. “One has to work with what Regarding the statement of the Board and the exists and avoid what doesn’t exist. We Fed, Harris felt that the two organisations “have cannot force change; we have to influence not reacted with enough courage”. it.”
Cape Town management Ann Harris, acting consultant Stephen president of the African Rothgiesser says: “On the Jewish Congress, feels it basis of the Minister’s recent was wrong to withhold the quotes and stance towards visa “because he [Nzimande] Israel, I deem it is not in the can say whatever he wants interests to grant a visa to to, whether he is here or such an outspoken critic there”. The joint statement of its policies and laws.” Rothgiesser said he of the Board and the Fed was, in her @the right time understood the statement issued by the Board opinion, “the right thing to do”. @the right place @Grant Thornton The Jewish World in seven seconds We’ve moved.
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Jewish Report_mover.indd 1 2015/03/12 10:58 AM 12 SA JEWISH REPORT Community Opinion and Analysis 8 – 15 May 2015 Chaiyanu – providing hope Why are SA young blacks and love for cancer sufferers embracing anti-Semitism?
It would be comforting to simply conclude that Dlamini is an unrepresentative crank BARBARIC who somehow insinuated himself into a leadership position, but that would be self- YAWP delusory. In reality, his malignant notions David Saks about Jews are surfacing more and more among young black South Africans. Earlier this week, it was officially announced During my nearly 20 years at the SAJBD, that Mcebo Dlamini had been relieved of his variations on the well-worn theme of “Hitler position as president of the Wits SRC, and was right to kill the Jews - pity he never fin- removed from the SRC itself. Understandably, ished the job” were until recently confined it has been assumed that Dlamini’s recent almost entirely to white right-wingers and “I love Hitler” Facebook posts, along with hardcore Islamists. his (somewhat contradictory) accompany- Now, as can be seen on university campus- ing observation that all whites, but no other es, in the social media and on radio phone-in races, apparently, have an “element of Hitler in shows, they have for the first time become them” was the reason for his dismissal. commonplace in the black community, Actually, Dlamini was removed after hav- particularly among the youth. What is more, ing been found guilty of previous offences, it all happened so very suddenly; there was including assaulting a senior staff member last nothing gradual or incremental about it. year. It is not unlikely, however, that his Hitler Last year’s Gaza conflict appears to have The Chaiyanu group went to the home of Ingrid and Stanley Seeff on Monday April 27 for remarks put paid to any further efforts on been a watershed event. It was as if the war dinner. There was an African theme and they were entertained by The Drum Cafe. The group, his part to delay his removal through lodging provided a licence for people of all races and this year made up of boys, had a wonderful time playing the drums. Rabbi Yossy Goldman also gave them a message of strength, addressing them in Hebrew. technical objections against the disciplinary creeds to unleash a torrent of pent-up hatred process. against the Jewish people - the local commu- SHIRA DRUION What bothers me is that while the pro-Hitler nity, as well as in Israel and elsewhere. and anti-white comments have been thoroughly A sample: “Hitler was right to kill these Chaiyanu is an Israel-based organisation that endeavours to support children who are suffer- denounced by the university and in the media, cockroaches”; “we will approach President ing with cancer as well as their families. The organisation has 27 active programmes including practically no mention has been made of the ZUMA and demand that he investigate the an annual pilgrimage to South Africa called the Hope Tour. lengthy record of anti-Semitic statements made SAJBD for blood money that it gets for kill- This tour takes children on a dream holiday so that when they return home, they are by Dlamini over the past eight months or so. ing Christian children and trading their body stronger and more energised to forge on with the challenges of their treatments. This year, For example last year, as reported in this parts”; “the Jews must decide NOW if they 17 participants and their madrichim made up a group of 40 strong, which included South newspaper, he claimed in the SA Human Rights are SA patriots or murdering mob sleepers African volunteers. Commission hearings into university transfor- on our shores”; “How many bricks, how many The group visited Cape Town, Johannesburg and Zebula Bush Lodge near Bela-Bela and mation that Jewish students at Wits were being roads, did Jews build in SA? None! Queens relished in the magic that an authentic African experience is all about. American-born Rabbi given preferential treatment because of Jewish and kings in my country of birth!” Yaakov Pinsky, director of Chaiyanu, said: “The people of South Africa created magical mo- financial contributions at the university. Follow- Even prior to Gaza, however, the rhetoric ments for the Chaiyanu children. ing his being found guilty of misconduct by Wits was progressively worsening. There were calls “They provided them with hope and love which are both so necessary for them and which earlier this year, he attributed the decision to the for Wits to be freed from the “tentacles of in some ways can have a far more powerful impact than chemotherapy. We have witnessed “Zionist-controlled Wits Legal Office”. Zionist money” (this from the SRC, please this with past participants being more resilient when they return to Israel to continue with Even worse were his “Hitler” posts which, note - well before Mcebo Dlamini appeared on their treatments. The South African community gave the Chaiyanu children who live in the although not reported on in the media nor the scene), and of course, the now notorious moment, the greatest moments of their life.” condemned by the Wits leadership, featured en- “dubula e Juda” (Shoot the Jew) chants out- On the trip the group experienced an exciting daily programme of events; dinner parties thusiastic endorsements of the propositions that side the Wits Great Hall a couple of years ago. at generous local Jewish families who welcomed them into their homes and an inspirational Jews were the killers of Jesus and that Hitler had Cosatu, to my mind, lurched into open Shabbos at Ohr Somayach Savoy, which was, many claimed, a highlight of the trip. done what he did because he was aware of what anti-Semitism years ago with statements Josh Benjamin, former head of SAUJS Cape Town and tour leader on the programme, said: kind of people they intrinsically were. like “Their occupation and the theft of the “Chaiyanu was a powerful experience. The tour was designed to give the kids light-hearted- Added to this, naturally, were the usual land and natural resources of the indig- ness, happiness and celebration in order to uplift them - so that when they returned to their hysterical libels against Israel, to which was enous people [of Palestine] is nothing but a unpleasant treatment back in Israel, they would have something positive to hold onto.” added the remark that Jews really loved legalisation of Jewish supremacy to further The Hope Tour also allowed the South African Jewish community to bear witness to the Hitler, since if not, why did they insist on dehumanise everyone outside their scope of tremendous courage of a group of young people who display an indomitable resilience and emulating him? Vicious stuff, all in all, and Zionist purity”. July, 2012). tenacity in their fight against cancer. presented with unabashed glee. It is in this atmosphere that members of a black student movement in the Western Cape could deposit a pig’s head in a Wool- worth’s store with the explicit purpose of sending a message to “the people who will not eat pork”, and genuinely feel they had done something very clever. Likewise, it could result in the SRC at the Durban University of Technology demand- ing of their vice-chancellor that as part of boycotting “genocidal” Israel, all Jewish students at the university should be “de- registered” (meaning expelled), and feel that they were not doing anything at all wrong. To my mind, this abrupt lurch into classic anti-Semitic modes of thought by many young blacks is not really about Jews and Israel/Palestine (when is this sort of thing ever really about them?) but about the progressive unravelling of the democratic, non-racial ideals with which the new post- apartheid society was launched. Who of us that experienced that transi- tion and the hopes it occasioned, do not feel repelled and distressed by the raw hatred that South Africans of all races now routine- ly express against one another? It continues to be remarkable, therefore, that when it comes to direct anti-Semitic behaviour - assault, verbal abuse and the like - South Africa continues to record such low numbers of incidents when compared with other Diaspora communities. 8 – 15 May 2015 Achievers SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Jewish Achievers nominations open OWN CORRESPONDENT our of Helen Suzman, awarded to a Jewish ABSA Jewish person who has contributed in an extraor- Achiever Awards Nominations for the 17th annual SA Jewish dinary manner, in their specific field, over 2014 Report’s “Absa Jewish Achiever Awards” are a lengthy period; open and the 2015 event is sure to again up • The Community Service Award, going to a the ante. Jewish person who has served the Jewish The annual fundraiser culminates with a community with remarkable distinction; gala banquet which is, without question, the • The Arts, Science, Sports & Culture highlight of the Jewish Johannesburg social Award, going to a Jewish person who has calendar. The glittering dinner honours mem- excelled in any of these spheres; bers of South African Jewry who have excelled • The Chivas Humanitarian Award in hon- in business and the humanities. our of Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, awarded Nominations are open to the public and to either a Jewish or non-Jewish person all nominations should be sent via e-mail to who has contributed substantially to the [email protected] - see betterment of the lives of the people of more on www.sajr.co.za - and anyone can South Africa. nominate anyone. The closing date for nominations is June 26. The four Jewish Business Awards are: The judging, especially in the audited busi- • The Absa Listed Company Award, going ness categories, has been described by many to a Jewish person in a senior leadership top financial people in the know, as the most position within a listed company who has rigorous and credible business awards process achieved great success worthy of recogni- in the country. tion; • The Absa Unlisted Company Award, going Nominations should include: to a Jewish person who is in a senior lead- • The ominee’sn name, telephone number and ership position in an unlisted company e-mail address; and who has achieved significant success no other event in the social calendar which Melnick (Peregrine), Abe and Solly Krok • The warda for which the nominee is nomi- worthy of recognition; attracts as many high profile individuals as (Krok Brothers), John Copelyn (HCI), Arthur nated; • The Absa Entrepreneur Award, going to a the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards. Gillis (Protea Hotels), Jeff Zidel (Resilient • A short motivation for the nomination. Jewish person who has shown enormous Properties), William Kentridge (Artist), The Business and Entrepreneurial awards are entrepreneurial flair and business innova- Past winners read like a who’s who: Danny K & Kabelo (Shout Campaign), Phillip judged by a panel of independent business tion; Winners of awards include Brian Joffe Tobias (Paleoanthropologist), Ina Perlman people, financial journalists, stockbrokers • The Creative Counsel Young Jewish (Bidvest), Adrian Gore (Discovery), Ray- (Operation Hunger), Johnny Clegg (Musi- and Absa representatives. The results are all Entrepreneur Award, which recognises mond Ackerman (Pick n Pay), Asher Bohbot cian), Dr Ali Bacher (Cricket Administrator) audited by PKF accountants. entrepreneurship in young Jews aged 30 (EOH), Alec Wapnick (Octodec), Gill Marcus and Pieter-Dirk Uys (Comedian and Satirist). or younger. (Reserve Bank), Brett Levy (Blue Label), The awards, in the past, have also hon- The Jewish Report humanities awards The black-tie awards evening is replete with Steven Joffe (Gold Reef City), Philip Krawitz oured both President Nelson Mandela and are: music, comedy and a sparkling array of the (Cape Union Mart), William Kirsh (Prime- Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu for • The Lifetime Achievement Award in hon- who’s who of South African Jewry. There is dia), Herschel Mayers (Discovery Life), Sean their contribution to South Africa. 14 SA JEWISH REPORT Community Columns Community 8 – 15 May 2015 A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies Yad’s ‘Soup for the Soul’, a warm, After xenophobia, now time for introspection With calm now having largely cussion, which he participated nourishing tribute been restored in those areas of in along with SAJBD National the country that were recently President Zev Krengel. so hard-hit by xenophobic What came through very violence, the focus now is on clearly was that in lauding Hit- finding ways to meaningfully ler, as well as making racist com- address the underlying socio- ments against whites, Dlamini economic ills that generated the had violated the fundamental unrest in the first place. values of Wits University. South Africans, our own com- He further stressed that those munity included, came forward holding leadership positions in in their numbers to provide an organisation, could not make crucial short-term assistance controversial public statements to victims of the violence. The Above Board - particularly ones that might challenge now is to facilitate Mary Kluk well be anticipated to bring that their reintegration into the com- National Chairman institution into disrepute - and munities from which they were then claim to have simply spo- originally hounded, and for that a broader ken in their “personal capacity”. vision for social upliftment is needed. When you hold office in an organisa- To this end, the Board is partnering tion, as I myself know very well, you are with SA National Civic Organisation (San- associated in the minds of the public with co) in a project that aims not just at ad- that body, and hence have a responsibil- dressing the needs of the foreign nation- ity to weigh one’s public pronouncements als who were victimised, but also those of carefully. Put another way, one of the David Kroll (holding box); Caron Chait; Brenda Bernitz; Wendy Zinman (in centre dishing soup); Hazel the wider community in areas where they prices you pay for holding office is that Litvin; Tracy Stollard; Jody Eberlin (dishing soup); and Gavin Goldberg (holding cups). live. Through initiatives such as this, it when it comes to speaking in the public will hopefully be possible to prevent the realm, you no longer can claim to have OWN CORRESPONDENT May 5 - corresponding to what would have been recurrence of such tragic social upheavals, your “own opinion”. Wendy’s mom’s 70th birthday.” which cause such profound harm to the At the time of writing, the announce- Tuesday May 5 saw the opening of “Yad’s Soup Being the largest and longest-standing food fabric of our society. ment of a new Israeli government is ex- for the Soul”, a bi-weekly soup kitchen serving gemach in Johannesburg, Friedman is certainly This week, Wits student leader Mcebo pected within the next 48 hours. As with nourishing kosher soup with a sandwich or pie, at the forefront when it comes to identifying Dlamini was formally compelled to step all new beginnings, this represents a time to recipient families and any other members of additional nutritional needs for recipients. The down as SRC president, and vacate his for new ideas and fresh opportunities. We the community in need. soup kitchen was born from this research and position on the SRC itself. His removal wish the incoming new administration all Yad Aharon and Michael is a registered non- the final push came after hearing a story from a was not, in fact, on account of his having success, and hope to see in due course the profit organisation, founded 18 years ago which Yad recipient who paid regular visits to eat at a declared on Facebook that he “loves” emergence of a new era of dialogue and feeds over 550 families - more than 1 500 church’s soup kitchen. Adolf Hitler and that every white person engagement between its members and people - every week. “The concept of a soup kitchen certainly tugs had an element of Hitler in them, but for our own government. It also caters for Jewish festivals in order that at peoples’ heart strings and donations from previous offences, including assaulting a If we can draw a lesson from recent no Jewish family goes without the traditional Jewish Johannesburg have already been over- senior staff member. events in this country, it is that while foods for the chagim. whelmingly positive.” In addition, the response The matter of his “Hitler” remarks there should always be room for robust Their food hampers include “dry goods”, from the kosher restaurants, bakeries and delis has since been referred to the Wits disagreement, this must always be ac- comprising basic foodstuffs. The organisation has been encouraging, with the launch spon- legal office for investigation. Shocking companied by a willingness to listen to fulfils the mitzvah of chesed and shows that the sored by a variety of outlets and schools and though the comments were, and particu- opposing views and a sense of respect for experience of giving is also, in effect, receiving. future soup kitchen days are pre-booked by larly because they emanated not from those who hold them. It is this essential Yad Aharon and Michael said in a media individual donors. an ordinary individual but the elected civility that has largely disappeared from release: “Tuesday was positively ‘lebedik’ at “Yad Aharon appeals to everyone to get representative of the Wits student body, public discourse in our country. All of us, 21 Main Road, Rouxville, with people popping involved and come to the party (or rather the we have been encouraged by the appro- starting with our own everyday interac- in throughout the day to show their support, ‘kitchen’), with many affordable options from priately emphatic manner in which Wits tions with our fellow South Africans, have make donations and enjoy a sponsored cuppa- the basic “Sponsor-a-Cup” for as little as R18 to Vice-Chancellor Prof Adam Habib has to do whatever we can to bring it back. hot veggie soup.” “Sponsor-a-Day” for R1 800. repudiated them. When Wendy Zinman heard that “Yad’s Soup The project managed by Jody Eberlin from In addition to his written communica- • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board for the Soul” was about to simmer, she ap- Yad, has as its ultimate goal to offer a balanced tions to the Wits community, Prof Habib Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00 - proached Alice Friedman, MD of Yad Aharon, meal in a congenial “restaurant” atmosphere, reiterated his sentiments in a radio dis- 13:00. with the request that it be named after her late capturing the welcoming, comforting and com- mother, Rhona Goldberg, obm. passionate ambience which remains synony- This column paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies “It is no coincidence that they opened on mous with the much beloved “Yaddies”. 8 – 15 May 2015 Classifieds What’s On SA JEWISH REPORT 15 To book your classified notice or advert contact: Today, Friday (May 8) Houghton. Time: 14:15 sharp. There’ll Tuesday (May 12) • UJW Johannesburg holds its 83rd AGM. Tel (011) 430-1980, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] be a short DVD on a selection of Big The venue is UJW House, 1 Oak Street, • UZLC hosts Prof Tshilidzi Marsala on Band performances followed by an audio • WIZO Women Inspired and Dermalogica Houghton at 10:00. Guest speaker NOTICES LIFTS OFFERED ACCOMMODATION “Modelling Interstate Conflict”. enue:V programme presented by Ian Young, present a morning on skincare and Justice Sharise Weiner on “Xenophobia Our Parents Home. Time: 12:45 - “These are Some of my Favourite face mapping, with a talk by an expert and the Jewish Experience”. RSVP: Ann Jewish Women’s Benevolent Lift service WANTED 14:00. Contact: Gloria 072-127-9421 Swings”. A DVD will be screened, “Best therapist and free goodie bags. 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Also clear garages, for many decades. Your support is Beautifully located in well- Brian: 072-280-9144 Lithuanian, Polish and German Irene 072-356-0282 • Second Innings hosts Charlene Brett on specialising in lifts to shops, cellars, storage rooms citizenship. I am able to obtain the wellmuch appreciated. Collen with Hawley age established Jewish area. HOME SERVICES appointments and wherever required documents from archives A TAXI SERVICE Call Eleonora on 082-877-9244 “Remain in Touch - Stay in Tune - Retain • JH&GC and the Jewish Genealogical Society • Chevrah Kadisha’s Biennial General Meeting and storage facilities. OWNTel: (011)CORRESPONDENT 828- 9010 Chaim you need to go. Contact Alex: in Europe. Silver (011) 485-3005 Let Warren Pogorelsky chauffeur Independence”. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz of SA host a talk by fi lmmakers Lee Ann takes place at Golden Acres Card Room. Appliance repairs on-site Rael Cynkin CA (SA) you to your destination in Johan- ACCOMMODATION Lounge, Golden Acres. Time: 10:00 for Dance and Cliff Hackel on “Feiga’s Choice: Time: 17:00. Contact: (011) 532-9600. 083-409-4378 Fridges, stoves, washing [email protected] nesburg and back. OR Tambo from AVAILABLE 10:30. Cost: R20 members, R30 visitors A Forgotten Jewish Story” about the 083-346-4627 The numberBEAUTY & one HEALTH court at Parkview Lawn Lifts by barry machines, tumble dryers and R170. Mercedes Benz FLAT MATE (incl tea and light refreshments). Contact: multigenerational impact of the 1917 - 1920 • JWBS’s book sale at Benmore Gardens dishwashers. Free quotations. Tennis Club, one of the oldest tennisTel: 082-399-6187 clubs in Pleasant fl at mate required Hylton Marks, (011) 532-9616. Russian pogroms on one family. Venue: HOD, Shopping Centre. Information: Gloria, tel and VEHICLES MANOR MEDICAL Reliable and efficient Call Jason 082-401-8239 / Johannesburg, is named afterSun Eric City Sturgess, & Game Reserve for modern high-security Oaklands . Time: 19:00 for 19:30. Admis- fax (011) 485-5232. WANTED driver offering lifts 076-210-6532 AESTHETIC fl at in Glenhazel. one of the greatest male tennis playersSMILE-LEE’S in LIFTS • SA Jews for a Just Peace (JVJP) and sion free. RSVP to hannahkarpes@telkomsa. Contact 083-265-2025. to airports, schools, South AfricanCLINIC history. It was onA this reliable court lift service. Constitution Hill present “Breaking Down net or (011) 640-3100. Friday (November 7) the Wall” (A day of live music, art, theatre, shops, clinics, ap- thatManor Bethlehem, Medical Centrepartnered bySpecialising her daughter in lifts to and from Lael, won their fifth ladies doublesairports, shops, club appointments, NORTH-FACING fi lm and talks about our concerns over • UJW hosts Simon Scharma, British historian • UZLC hosts Judy Jaye on “Your Personal pointments, general SILVER IF YOU 189 Kelvin Drive championships last week. casinos and courier. FLAT TO LET human rights violations and the continuing and writer on “The Story of the Jews”, from Journey Going Forward Into the New Year”. Morningside Manor military occupation of Palestinian territory ancient to modern times. Part 2: “A Leap Venue: Our Parents Home. Time: 12:45 - courier services. “It is such a privilege and a Charnapleasure 083-391-6612 Appliance repairs on-site WANT TO 3 Bedrooms, in the West Bank and Gaza.) of Faith”. Venue: 1 Oak Street, Houghton. 14:00. Contact: Gloria 072-127-9421 or Call: 072-507-5407 REPAIR & Tel 011 656-4209 Fridges, stoves, washing to play with my daughter”, says Marlene,LIFT SERVICE Time: 09:30. Donation: R35. Contact: UJW (011) 485-4851. BUY OR who is alsowww. in the club’s singles final, to be 2 Water closets machines, tumble dryers and AIRPORT SHUTTLE Doctor’s app, home-affairs, dishwashers. Free quotations. playedskinawakening.co.za next weekend. OR Tambo, Pretoria. SAM REPLATING Closed verandah Call Jason 082-401-8239 / Community SELL MarleneFor all your will Aesthetic be 75 in June. WhenReasonable she rates! (011) 728-5219 ‘SCOTSBRIDGE’, 076-210-6532 was ranked 1, Sturgess had askedIvan 082-962-5007her to 083-627-8516 (011) 334 1102 needs. Botox The Toni Yoko Quartet is on the cards in the not too A VEHICLE partner with him in the mixed doubles at the Waverley Toni Yoko’s Quartet - and To OR Tambo fi llers, peels, acne BEST SERVICE DECEASED distant future. South African Open, a memory she greatly from R180. 082-473-6040 pigmentation DIAL A LIFT From 1/1/2015 ESTATE HOUSE cherishes. Comfortable / 7 seater. all that jazz! To Lanseria Contact: R9 500 pm CLEARANCES Sturgess was also a member of083-267-3281 Parkview Entire households from R220. MANOR MEDICAL and was club champion severalPip times– www.dialalift.co.za during Contact: Paula cleared, A tea of note in E London Reasonable rates to Solly theTRAVEL 1940s and CLINIC ’50s. He passed away in professionally and all other areas. 072-125-9796 Kramer 2004,Manor after Medical winning Centre 11 South African singles confi dentially. I’ll titles 189and Kelvin being Drive three times runner-up in TO LET take the burden 082-922- off your shoulders majorMorningside grand slams, Manor ROYAL In 1947 and 1951, he reached the men’s and pay you for it. 3597 Tel 011 656-4677 LINKSFIELD/ singles final in the French Championship and Please contact in 1948, hee-mail reached the finals of the United SANDRINGHAM Ladislav Miklas [email protected] Open. He also won two Wimbledon Community2 beds, stalwart 2 baths, Marlene Bethlehem079-810-8837 - who is chairman of the club - and for a trusted and mixed titles. her daughteropen and doubles plan partner, Lael. For all your travel AIRPORT SHUTTLE professional service. vaccination needs SAM kitchen, dining Also clear garages, Lisa Schewitz Photo: (011) 728-5219 and lounge, cellars, storage The talented Bruce Gardiner; Felicity O’Leary: LIFTS OFFERED 083-627-8516 Joinsmall garden, the rooms conversation and storage Unis and Nelson Kram; Ethne Schewitz (UJW More newsTo OR Tambo Photo supplied Experienced, reliable driver able EMPLOYMENT Experienced, reliable driver facilities. chairman EL); and Phylis Strelitz. from R170. The1 carport SA Jewish plus Report website is updated to lift you anywhere/ anytime 24 OFFERED able to lift onyou anywhere/ our website October 19 was a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Inyoni The women of the Union Of Jewish Women, East hours. Courier work undertaken. To Lanseria 1 parking. Avail- VEHICLES Part-time driver anytime 24 hours. Courier work 24/6 and every content item is open to Please call Paul from R220. WANTED Retirement Village in Johannesburg. The weather was London, hosted an annual senior citizens tea for Lady seeking a lady driver in undertaken.www.sajr.co.za Please call Paul ableuser comments.December For 1. obvious reasons 083-542-6480 Reasonable rates to 083-542-6480 all comments require moderation for hot and so was the jazz! The band which was featured residents at McClealand Adult Centre, D J Sobey, Greenside or surrounding areas. all other areas. No animals. Call: (011) 646-5956 ethical and legal scrutiny to screen was the Toni Yoko Quartet, with the proceeds going to Kennsley Park, Fairlands Home, Silver Crown, DIAL A LIFT R9 500 pm plus Hatzolah Medical Rescue. The event was organised by Langham House, Manor House and Meals on Wheels. ACCOMMODATION out hate speech, anti-Semitism, When last were your etc. deposit of B’Nai B’rith Aviv branch. This year East London’s UJW had over 100 guests 083-267-3281 AVAILABLE Mezuzahs checked? UsersR12 may 000. comment On the keyboard was Andre Benkhe; the double who were entertained by Helena Archer, Lloyd Brent, TO LET anonymously or in their bass was handled by James Sunney; the lady who Bruce Gardiner and George Mountjoy. They chose to Pip Friedman A professional scribe with 35 years Contact June 3 bedrooms, 2½ own name - but anonymous played three instruments and did the vocals was Pam give a donation to child welfare for their garden. Comfortable experience (Rabbi Klein) will inspect 083-226-3741 or bathrooms, lounge and all Mezuzahs and Tefi llin. comments(011) 640-4967. attract more severe Mortimer; and the man who “drummed up a storm” & Spacious dining. Garden unit, scrutiny in moderation. Every story, as was none other than bandleader Toni Yoko. Supplier of new Scrolls and Tefi llin illustratedCAPE TOWN here, will either identify the number of comments secure parking, Charming self-catering studio Two of the jazz standards which received a standing Shlomo Carlebach’s 20th 7 seater. that have been made, or in the case where none has been posted Balfour Park area. apartment in upmarket southern ovation were “Route 66” and Dave Brubeck’s “Take In honour of the 20th yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shlomo To place your classified yet, it will invite users to [email protected] suburbs. Sleeps 2. 5”. Toni Yoko’s drum solo was simply outstanding. Carlebach, the Sandringham Gardens Shul will hold Rental: R9 500. advert call Daisy on “Go comment”. Wonderful garden and pool. The tune “Smiling”, sung by Pam Mortimer was a special special Carlebach Friday night service on www.dialalift.co.za Call: 082-447-0185 (011) 430-1980 The hot topic this Secure parking. great! One of the female guests at the concert sent October 31. Phone 083-556-6775 week has been the issue of whetherme an JewsSMS afterwards, can be saying: “Hi Rollo, thanks for “Come and daven and help ‘liven’ up Kabelat IF YOU WANT TOboth Orthodoxa wonderful and afternoon gay. of the highest quality of jazz. Shabbat for the ‘young people’ of Sandringham ACCOMMODATION The musicians blew us away - the best since Archie Gardens” says the invitation (their emphases). NEEDED FOR TWO Users who are unable BUY OR SELLto findSilansky any story and Dan on Hill.”the Mincha will be at 18:00 followed by Kabelat near a shul. Garden A VEHICLE Home PageThat can was always a compliment go if ever there was one! In Shabbat. We will remove and refi t your Mezuzah fl at or cottage. to the otherwebsite’s words, main the afternoon tab was a resounding success. The service will be conducted by Shaun Zagenoev Phone Ivor on Occupation: called “LATEST”I have since and heard work that another concert featuring and the drosha by Rabbi Jonathan Fox. (011) 615-8738 or 082-682-3438 January 2015 backwards through every CONTACT: one of the over 10 000 NB: Mezuzahs and Tefi llin must be Contact Selwyn: checked twice every seven years SOLLY KRAMERcontent items published 072 238 5419 WE OFFER TAILOR MADEon www.sajr.co.za. WE OFFER TAILOR MADE WE OFFER TAILOR MADE Our representativeOur representative Our representative MANAGEMENTWE OFFER082-922-3597 TAILOR PACKAGES MADE willMANAGEMENT be in South PACKAGES MANAGEMENTthe PACKAGESbluethe blue gency gencyOur representativewill be in South the blue gency will be in South HOUSE SUPERVISOR – ARCADIAMANAGEMENTTO FOREIGN AND PACKAGES LOCAL Africa from th TO FOREIGN AND LOCAL willTO FOREIGNbeAfrica thin South from AND LOCALth Africa from th VEHICLES the bluePresentsISRAEL gency May 20 till thMay till May 27 27 th TOOWNERS FOREIGN OF AND PROPERTY LOCAL Presents Africa Mayfrom 20 th Presents May 20 till May 27 Arcadia is looking for a full time home supervisor to oversee the smooth FOR SALE OWNERS OF PROPERTY PresentsA OWNERSth till OF MayPROPERTY 27 OWNERSIN OFISRAEL. PROPERTY PERSONALIZED PROPERTYPERSONALIZED MANAGEMENT PROPERTYA [email protected] 20 [email protected] A running of the house and surrounding areas. 2006, white Toyota Runx 1.4 IN ISRAEL. A IN ISRAEL. PERSONALIZED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT [email protected] hatchIN backISRAEL. , 122 000 ks PERSONALIZED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT [email protected] The applicant must be female, Jewish and have in excellent condition – R75 000. With manyWith manyyears years of of If you own a holiday an understanding of Jewish laws and customs. No dealers. Please call •If youRegular own a holiday quarterly • reportingRegular quarterly reporting experienceWith manyexperience in years property in property of With many years of If you own a holiday • Regular quarterly reporting Ifhome youCatherine own or investmenton a 079-791-6356 holiday ••home RegularSourcing or investment quarterly good quality• reporting Sourcing tenants good quality tenantsmanagementexperiencemanagement andin property theand theIsraeli Israeli experience in property In addition the applicant must have the ability to supervise propertyhome orin investmentIsrael,contact propertythe in Israel,contact blue gencyreal estatehome market, or investment Barry management and the Israeli FOREIGN CITIZENSHIP •• SourcingSecure rental good collection quality•the Secure tenants rental blue collection gencymanagementreal estate and market,the Israeli Barry • Sourcing good quality tenants the domestic team, work within a multi-disciplinary group propertyus to infind Israel,contact out how theus to find out bluehow gencyrealCohen estateproperty exCohen market,South exin SouthIsrael,contact Africa, Barry Africa, the blue gencyreal estate market, Barry LITHUANIAN / POLISH / •• SecureEnsuring rental suitable collection• securities Ensuring suitable securities • Secure rental collection and attend professional staff meetings. us“we to findGERMANcan takeCITIZENSHIPout howthe “we can take the Cohenwill take exwill usthe South taketo hasslefind the Africa, hassleout out how out Cohen ex South Africa, •• EnsuringMaximizing suitable returns• securities MaximizingA returns A • Ensuring suitable securities headache“weMany can South outtake African of Jewsthe long are headache out of long A ofwill managing takeof managing“wethe your hasslecan takeyour Israeli out Israelithe A will take the hassle out A large requirement of this position is to be able to work with young eligible for EU citizenship. If you •• MaximizingProfessional returnsmaintenance• Professional contractors maintenance contractorspropertyproperty and save and saveyou you time time • Maximizing returns headachedistance ownership”out of long distance ownership” of managingheadache your out Israeli of long of managing your Israeli people within the therapeutic milieu and practice of Arcadia. are interested, please contact propertyand and money. saveand money. you time distanceme. I specialise ownership” in obtaining • Professional maintenance contractors • Professional maintenance contractors property and save you time A driver’s licence and own transport is essential for this position. anddistance money. ownership” Lithuanian, Polish and German For a confidential appointment call Barry Cohen 0n 00972-52-831–1174 and money. For acitizenship. confidential I am able to obtainappointment the For acall confidential Barry Cohenappointment 00972 call 52Barry 8311174 Cohen 00972 / 076-577200052 8311174 / 076-5772000 or email: or [email protected]: [email protected] Please send all CVs to [email protected]. For a requiredconfidential documents from appointment archives call Barry Cohenor 00972076-577-2000 52 8311174 or email/ 076-5772000 [email protected] or email: [email protected] For a confidential appointment call Barry Cohen 00972 52 8311174 / 076-5772000 or email: [email protected] Closing dates for applications is November 13 2014. in Europe. We will be available for private meetings in SA from 9 – 12 Nov. RAEL CYNKIN CA (SA) Tel: 076-577-2000 Please be advised that only short listed applicants will be replied to. [email protected] 083-346-4627 It’s that time of the year again, 16 SA JEWISH REPORT Sport 8 – 15 May 2015 2015 Sports Quiz DATE: Thursday, 18 June 2015 TIME: 18:00 for 18:30 MMA law splits NY Jewish community VENUE: The Polo Room, Inanda Club, 1 Forrest Road, Inanda, Sandton. letter to “friends of the Jewish community”. It “At a time when DRESS: Smart Casual JACK MILNER COST: R12 500 per table was sent to state lawmakers and appeared in anti-Semitism is on BOOKINGS: Christy (011) 646-7340 or A group of prominent Jewish leaders in New Jewish publications, highlighting the fact that the rise, we cannot email [email protected] York have caused a stir by calling for the ban the Abu Dhabi government owns a 10 per cent stand by while (New
on mixed martial arts (MMA) in the state to stake in the sport’s biggest league - the Ultimate York State capital) IN SUPPORT OF remain in place. Fighting Championship. Albany cuts a deal Until now, the fight against legalising MMA, The letter points out that Abu Dhabi is part with a company whose which has been banned in New York since 1997, of the United Arab Emirates, which the Anti- profits will go directly into the hands of an Jew who is a co-sponsor of the mixed martial
has focused mainly on criticism that the sport Defamation League has rated as one of the most enemy of Israel.Invitation It is our 98x50.indd hope that 1 New York arts legalisation bill, said: “It offends me that2015/04/14 2:24 PM is barbaric, anti-woman and anti-gay - claims anti-Semitic countries in the world. will continue its proud tradition as a staunch there are those who will use any excuse to play league officials vehemently deny. “This is a country that refuses to recognise friend to the Jewish community by rejecting politics with our economy. This is just another This is the first time Jewish leaders as a group Israel as a nation, refuses to allow Israeli citizens the legalisation of mixed martial arts and saying tactic by the opposition to cloud the real issue.” have weighed in and it has left Jews on both to travel in their country, and has banned the no to a company and country that is clearly no The state Senate has passed an MMA legalisa- sides of the debate. teaching of the Holocaust in their schools,” the friend of Israel.” tion bill the past five years, only to see it die in The group of Jewish leaders wrote an open letter states. A television ad with a similar theme will run the Assembly. in the near future. Ironically in South Africa we have quite a few Ultimate Fighting Championship officials very successful exponents of MMA. fought back by saying Abu Dhabi is not only considered an ally of the United States, but also Adam Speechly, one of South has dealings with major Africa’s top Jewish MMA New York City developers exponents, celebrates a victory. A Jewish lobby in New York has like Sam Zell and Stephen supported the current ban on the Ross. sport because of its links to Abu “This desperate, misin- Dhabi. formed, last-minute at- tack borders on racial and ethnic stereotypes that have no place in public discourse,” said Ultimate Fighting Champion- ship spokesman Steven Greenberg. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (Democrat C Queens), an Orthodox M
Y
CM The ride and fall of the Jewish boxer
MY JACK MILNER legends in the 1930s. CY Among those interviewed were his father, Leo CMY While doing research for another article, I came Bodner; Julie Bort; Danny Kapilow; Herbie Kronowitz;
K across the name of Harry Isaacs, a Jewish boxer Artie Levine; Al Ried; Maxie Shapiro; Allie Stolz; Vic who fought in the 1928 Olympic Games in Amster- Zimet; Charlie Gelman; Bernie Friedkin and others. dam. He won a bronze medal in the men’s bantam- Bodner highlighted a hitherto unknown fact that, in weight division and to date, Isaacs remains the only the 1920s and 1930s, Jews were the major source Jewish South African to win an Olympic medal. of boxing in America. Those were the days of the While trying to find out more on Isaacs other than struggle of the American Jews in the urban ghettoes his medal, all I discovered was that he died in 1961 against poverty and anti-Semitism. at the age of 53. I came across a book written by Boxing was for many kids a way out, to ease their Allen Bodner, an attorney from New York and son inferiority complex of being immigrants and members of Leo Bodner, a boxer and professional manager, of an ethnic group before the process of the melting about the rise and fall of Jewish boxing in America. pot made them part of the broader community. Box- Bodner conducted research and produced an il- ing operated without anti-Semitism; it was open to luminating book called: “When boxing was a Jewish immigrants. By the 1950s, this phenomenon almost sport”. suddenly disappeared. In other ethnic groups, the The book is about Jewish boxing and the contri- process of decline was a gradual one: Irish, Italian, bution of Jews to American boxing. Bodner certainly Puerto Rican... The disappearance of Jewish boxing is right when he complains that American Jewish was drastic , perhaps because the sons of those Jew- historians have ignored the subject of Jewish sport ish stars refused to follow their fathers’ tradition. in America. He had interviews with 31 famous Jew- Also, the parents told their kids: “Move on, go to ish boxers, managers and promoters. Some were college, be a doctor or a lawyer.”
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1 LONG AVENUE CNR RIDGE AND SUMMERWAY GLENHAZEL 011 440 9517 | [email protected] | www.kosherworld.co.za TRADING HOURS: MON-THURS 7AM-10PM | FRI: 7AM-4PM SAT:1/2 HOUR AFTER SHABBOS -10PM | SUN: 8AM - 10PM
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