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SUNDAY 12 AUGUST 2018 ROSH CHODESH ELUL 5778

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BOOK YOUR SEAT TODAY Call 011 440 6600 or email [email protected] PROGRAMME

9am Coffee and Snacks

9:15am Session One

Open Soul Surgery Rabbi Yossi Paltiel ROOM 1 ROOM

10:15am Session Two

Doing More by Being Less Rabbi Levy Wineberg ROOM 2 ROOM

From Exile to Redemption Rabbi Noam Wagner ROOM 3 ROOM

Nothing is More Whole Than a Broken Heart Mrs Simcha Youngworth (Women Only) ROOM 4 ROOM

11:15am Session Three

Chassidus: Spiritual Strategies to Overcome Stress Rabbi Ari Shishler ROOM 2 ROOM

The Call of the Shofar Rabbi Nesanel Schochet ROOM 3 ROOM

Regret & Renewal: Transforming my Past into a Better Future Rebbetzin Estee Stern (Women Only) ROOM 4 ROOM

7:15pm Evening Session

Chassidus Unplugged Rabbi Yossi Paltiel and Friends - “FARBRENGEN” ROOM 1 ROOM Cecil Skotnes, Conrad Botes, Art & antiques auction on 4 August 2018 9:30am carved and reverse glass painting painted panel using oil-based paints Items wanted for forthcoming auctions R200 000 – R300 000 R20 000 – R30 000

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south african n Volume 22 – Number 27 n 27 July 2018 n 15 Av 5778

The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za Christians march to Union Buildings, shouting “Viva Israel!” NICOLA MILTZ The event was almost called off following Israelis teach their children to love, to be present at the rally not to take sides in the the late-notice and unexpected cancellation innovative.” Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but instead, housands of Christians took to the of the venue hire by Freedom Park, where the He challenged the PA to encourage the to listen to both sides and encourage streets in Pretoria on Wednesday in rally was scheduled to take place (see page 2). use of iPads and computers instead of everybody to come together. Ta solidarity prayer rally for the State The singing, chanting and toyi-toying knives and guns. “Some organisations are determined to of Israel. crowds made their way slowly to the To fellow Israelis he said: “In spite of how use our country as a platform to attack Their message to the government was Union Buildings carrying placards with the rest of the world treats you, there are Israel, he said. “We are not here to tell Israel loud and clear: No Israel, no vote. slogans saying: “No Cutting Ties”, “Send millions in South Africa who love you.” what to do. We are friends of Israel. “Enough is enough. The government has back the SA Ambassador to Israel”, “No to Speaking to journalists earlier, Meshoe “There are many faiths in South Africa. pushed us too far.” These are the words of Downgrade” and ”I will bless those who Masindi Mmbengwa, leader of the Unity bless you and curse those who curse you.” Fellowship Church, who expressed his Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, leader of the Christian movement’s support for Israel. He African Christian Democratic Party, roused said millions of South African Christians the crowds with messages to the ANC, were opposed to the government’s Hamas, the Palestinian Authority (PA), continued plans to sever ties with Israel, Iran, the people of Israel and fellow South adding that it was time the government Africans. “took notice”. He said the ANC had allowed Hamas to “We are going to retaliate… this march inform them and influence them. “This is the beginning of the real war and we are was a mistake. Instead of listening to going to say NO!” he said. Hamas, listen to us Christians. We are here A petition with over 40 500 signatures representing millions of South Africans and was handed to a government official at the we want the relationship with Israel to be Photos: Ilan Ossendryver Photos:

We took the decision in South Africa not to adopt one faith. Therefore, we must respect each other’s beliefs and faith. We want peace in South Africa and in the whole world; therefore, we must respect each other.” In thanking all who came in support of Israel, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein moved the crowd with a blessing for peace. “From the depth of my heart to all of you gathered here, thank you so much, we love you,” he said. “As we see the Union Buildings, we say to government on behalf of millions of South Africans, the majority of whom love Israel; we say this is a democracy – the government must listen to the people. We want the bond of love between South Africa and Israel to be close. For South Africa to love Israel and for Israel to love South Africa.” Nkosi Bishop Phakama Shembe, head of the Shembe Church, said the government was arrogant and when it started to listen to the people, the people would vote for it. According to The South African Friends Union Buildings, calling for the government strengthened.” praised Israel for the assistance it provided of Israel (SAFI), the group that organised to cease efforts to sever ties with the State He reminded the government that Hamas around the world, including Syria. the peaceful rally, the event on Wednesday of Israel and to reinstate South Africa’s was not going to be here to vote for them at He said government had double was supported by the Nazareth Baptist ambassador to Israel. next year’s elections. standards when it came to Israel. “The Church, the Council of Churches South Signatories to the petition included His message to Hamas was simple: “We loss of life is always regrettable, but where Africa International (COCSAI), the members of civil society, political parties, regard Israel as our friend; don’t come here is South Africa’s voice when thousands Christian Ministers Council of Southern religious institutions, schools and student and mess up that relationship.” of Christians are being killed by Islamist Africa (CMCSA), the Zion Christian Church groups from across South Africa, who His message to the PA was to teach militants? They are silent.” (ZCC), Reconciliation in Christ Ministries, declared their support for continued children to love instead of hate. “You teach Mosiuoa Lekota, president of the City of Mercy Tabernacle, and the Naturena relations between Israel and South Africa. your children to hate Israelis. It is wrong… Congress of the People, urged those Baptist Church. 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 Bomb scare at venue that reneged on SAFI rally NICOLA MILTZ He added: “Given what’s going on in South Israel, said SAFI board member Benji Shulman. process the respect it deserves. To this end, Africa with the mosque attacks, any threat “The reasons stated for this about-face are we will address substantive matters at the reedom Park received a bomb threat on against a religious or state facility is totally questionable, and point to political meddling appropriate time and forum.” Wednesday afternoon, around the time unacceptable and is taken seriously.” and interference in the management of a However, management told SAFI that it Fthe South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) Freedom Park events co-ordinator Pamela national monument and public facility,” he said. reserved the right to refuse an event which were meant to be holding a mass Christian Singh confirmed the bomb scare on Wednesday “contradicts its fundamental principles of prayer rally in support of Israel. afternoon, saying that staff had been evacuated nation-building, social cohesion, reconciliation However, at the last minute the government- and some of them were left traumatised. and environmental integrity”. owned and run Freedom Park management Freedom Park CEO Jane Mufamadi told IOL “Given what’s going on in According to SAFI’s co-chairman, Ben cancelled the event and refused to allow the news that they had received calls from a person South Africa with the mosque Swartz, the decision to cancel the rally is highly publicised rally at their venue because it who said they had planted several bombs inside attacks, any threat against a “unconstitutional, irrational and arbitrary”. was a pro-Israel event. the premises. Terence Corrigan, project manager at the SAFI was left scrambling to make alternative “We cannot take chances with people’s lives,” religious or state facility is South African Institute of Race Relations, said: plans so the mass rally, arranged weeks ago, Mufamadi said. “When we get a bomb scare, we totally unacceptable and is taken “It seems thoroughly bizarre to me that a forum could take place as planned. react. We can’t just take it lightly.” seriously.” supposedly existing to enhance and extend the “Someone obviously did not get the memo Following Freedom Park’s refusal to host the ideals of liberty, diversity and human rights on the venue change,” says Mark Hyman, SAFI rally – after initially granting permission and seems to regard it as appropriate to abridge their co-chairperson. accepting a deposit – SAFI called an urgent press In a statement this week, SAFI said exercise.” “I don’t know who called in the threat, or if conference on Monday. that Freedom Park was not only directly He added that Freedom Park management’s we knew anything about this. It was news to us. The emailed retraction from Freedom Park’s contradicting its own mandate but also the refusal seems to indicate that it cannot allow a The reality is that Freedom Park did refuse us management was received a week before the provisions of our Constitution. “This amounts pro-Israel event because of a decision taken by the venue.” scheduled event. In it, event co-ordinator to a political assault on Christian rights in South the government. “It seems to me that a central Singh wrote that the venue was “an agency Africa,” the statement said. part of freedom is precisely the right to oppose Appliance Repairs on Site of government, and government has taken a Shulman said the interfaith prayer event decisions of government. Take this away and formal decision regarding Israel, hence we have was intended to be a peaceful and civil event, you’ve gutted the very idea of democracy. rs, ashe to abide by government’s decision”. supported by various Christian and other faith “The situation in Israel and Palestine is one ishw s , D s, Stove Freedom Park, the 52-hectare park groups to pray and pledge solidarity to Israel – it that evokes great passions around the world. It es chine idg Ma overlooking Pretoria, was originally established was not a political gathering. is surely the essence of democratic diversity that Fr ing ash & more as the South African government’s response to Freedom Park management told the SA Jewish Continued on page 4>> W Dryers the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to Report this week that in light of the fact that ble Tum Call Jason honour those who sacrificed their lives to win SAFI was considering legal options, it would not Shabbat times this week

082 401 8239 / 076 210 6532 freedom. Its website describes it as a place that comment on its reasons for cancelling the event. FREE QUOTATIONS “celebrates the ideals of liberty, diversity and Public relations officer Naomi Madima said: Starts Ends human rights… and celebrates and explores “Freedom Park received a formal notice through 17:21 18:12 Johannesburg the country’s diverse peoples, and our common their [SAFI’s] attorneys of record, Werksmans 17:45 18:39 Cape Town humanity”. Incorporated, that they are preparing court 17:03 17:55 Durban SAFI is currently considering its legal papers for an urgent court application. We 17:23 18:15 Bloemfontein options in light of Freedom Park’s refusal to deem it proper that we allow the court process 17:16 18:11 Port Elizabeth Remote Control Transmitters for host the prayer gathering in solidarity with to follow a natural course so that we give the 17:09 18:03 East London H Alarms H Gates H Torah thought of the week H Garage Doors H 81 Hathorn Avenue Cnr Durham St, Raedene Estate (free parking) Can we comfort Sergeant Levy’s mother? Tel: 082-881-3720 o amount of downed Syrian jets on the also arises from the heart of the Parsha itself sages, and their students, northern border of Israel this week (providentially read on Tisha B’Av as well), and the young souls of the are any comfort to the family of Israel where we read the horrifying words of the IDF, especially those who Rabbi Asher N Deren Defence Forces (IDF) Sergeant Aviv Levy. He tragedies that would yet befall us: “For you will are the ultimate partners, was killed on the southern border last Friday not live long years on the land that I will give investing their very lives The Shul of Blouberg – Keys for cars, and laid to rest on Am Yisrael’s national day of you…” It’s a prophecy striking far too close in this endeavour. West Coast mourning, Tisha B’Av, on Sunday. to home for Aviv’s parents. So, what is the But that’s only one home, safes etc “There is no nechama – comfort” said Nachamu? comfort. Selwyn President Ruvi Rivlin when visiting the Perhaps, perhaps, their comfort lies in And the second comfort? That’s when you, Tel: 011 622 1445 grieving family during the Shiva call that he the knowledge that they are not alone in Moshe, will come in to the land as well, for an Cell: 082 411 5303 paid to them on Monday. “The entire nation is their quest for better times and prayers still eternal comfort, and you will settle the land [email protected] embracing you during this difficult time.” unanswered; forever. Reasonable Rates – Anywhere – Anytime So then, what are we to make of the message The Parsha opens with Moshe begging and We are on the threshold of this second this week, being being denied the chance to see the land of comfort, the arrival of Moshiach and the Shabbat Nachamu Israel. He is perhaps the first casualty in our ushering in of the final era of universal peace. – reflecting the quest for settling the land with eternal peace. But that’s not good enough. haunting words of Hashem still tells him “Nachamu nachamu” – “I only want that my son should be the last VEHICLES WANTED comfort that Hashem a double comfort. one to fall,” Aviv’s tearful mother, Perla, told tells the prophet The first comfort is that while you, Moshe, President Rivlin this week. And we owe that to in the Haftorah: won’t enter the land, your children will. True, her. We need Moshiach now. “Nachamu nachamu, it won’t be miraculous the way you would have Please take a moment to do that extra last ami” (Comfort, oh done it. But each of them will play their vital mitzvah, the charity in money or spirit, the comfort, my people”? role as partners, a role they wouldn’t have word of Torah, the good deed, and live a life a Is there no comfort played had you done it all for them. little closer to that vision of a world perfected for the Levy family? And they will settle the land. First Joshua, and redeemed. May it be realised speedily in The question and the prophets, and then the kings, and the our days. Any make, any model, any condition Editor Peta Krost Maunder – [email protected] • Sub-editor Colette Braudo Accident damaged vehicles and non-runners also wanted Senior writer Nicola Miltz • Journalist Tali Feinberg • Junior journalist Jordan Moshe The source of quality content, news and insights Editorial co-ordinator Martine Bass – [email protected] • Proofreader Kim Hatchuel – [email protected] • CEO Dani Kedar – [email protected] • Advertising Britt Landsman: 082 292 9520 – [email protected] • % Arnold Orkin 082 823 7826 Distribution Lilly Harmse – [email protected] • Design and layout Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – [email protected] Subscriptions Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860 525 200 • Board of Directors Howard Sackstein (Chairperson), Herby Rosenberg, Dina Diamond, Herschel Jawitz, AUTO AFRICA Shaun Matisonn, Benjy Porter. 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11 Republic Road, Bordeaux, Randburg Tel: (011) 326-1954 27 July – 3 August 2018 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Heartfelt apologies for anti-Semitic comments accepted NICOLA MILTZ posted: “Hey guys my names [sic] to see both sides and hear from care. But when we came face to face I their apologies.” Muhammad Hattia. I said some really multiple people’s perspectives.” could see they did care.” Members of the community “So guys please don’t hate on them, disgusting and disgraceful things a He said he wished he could go He said he was particularly moved were quick to criticise the SAJBD they are sorry so let’s open them while back and I really regret. I just back in time and “stop myself from by one of the fathers, who told those for what they believed was a weak with big arms and let them say sorry wanted to formally apologise for all saying those awful things out of raw at the meeting that he had previously response to the hate-filled attacks. [sic].” These are the words of King the fear and hurt I may have caused to emotion. I feel really, really ashamed.” worked for a Jewish family for many Heavily criticising the Board on its David Linksfield teenager Jordan all of you.” The national director of the years. “He was even a pallbearer at his Facebook page, some said it had Landsman, 16. Just last week, he Seedat posted: “Hi to everyone SAJBD, Wendy Kahn, described employer’s funeral and would start failed the community by not making came face to face with two Muslim here, I’d just like to take this the encounter last week as a “career his working day by having tea and an example of the two men and teenagers who had made threatening opportunity to apologise to everyone highlight”. breakfast with his boss’s wife every not following through with legal and anti-Semitic comments on a that had to see the comments I “The young men were genuinely day.” action. Some described the Board’s WhatsApp group he administers. made about a month ago, was really remorseful for what happened and He added that the man cried at the response as a “pitiful, shameful, After removing Muhammad Hattia, insensitive of me to do so and I wanted to make amends. Their family meeting and said he was disgusted by weak response”, using words like 19, and Tameez Seedat, 19, from his honestly mean no harm to anyone, I members showed a sincere desire what had happened and didn’t know “disappointing, cowardly and Sneakerheads WhatsApp group for hope you all have it in you to forgive to address whatever harm had been why his son would do such a thing. insulting”. writing hate-filled posts, he asked me for my mistakes. And to Jordan done and move forward in a spirit of “People say such terrible things Said one: “This was one time the members of the group to re-invite @Jordan Landsman, it was nice to peace and reconciliation.” behind a screen, but when you see Board should have prosecuted to the them and accept their apologies. finally sit down and meet you and After meeting Seedat and Hattia, them they are completely different,” full to send a clear message that anti- This followed a meeting, held last your family, was a great experience Landsman told the SA Jewish Report: said Landsman. He also admitted to Semitism will not be tolerated.” Wednesday, where the SA Jewish bro.” “I believe they were genuine. Their expecting to meet “horrible, nasty The Board countered by saying the Board of Deputies (SAJBD) withdrew Their posts were followed by several fathers were very sad; one even cried. people”, but in reality they were community was “better served with criminal charges against the two others on the group accepting their “I’ve learned a lot from this. I was teenagers just like him. actions that bring about change”. teenagers, following a settlement apologies, and thereafter moving on expecting horrible people who didn’t “I have no regrets for accepting Continued on page 12>> agreement between the parties. with their usual takkie talk. “I felt they were genuine,” But while charges have been Shashi banned from Israel for 10 years Landsman told the SA Jewish Report. dropped and apologies have been PAULA SLIER ambassador had met with Naidoo, telling her not to go to Israel The attorney representing the made and accepted, all three as she would be turned away. Board, Ian Levitt, told the SA Jewish teenagers have walked away n what appears to be a tactical public relations coup for In a press statement, Erdan said that because of her pro- Report that the “settlement was completely changed young men. Boycott Divestment and Sanctions South Africa (BDS-SA), Israeli statements, Naidoo received a harsh backlash and necessary and important”. They spoke to the SA Jewish Report Ilocal celebrity Shashi Naidoo was refused entry to Israel on was now trying to recover from damage caused by BDS this week. Wednesday. She was stopped as she tried to get into Israel from organisations. Seedat, of Bedfordview, said he Jordan. But he pointed out that her planned tour and its “re- is “filled with regret and shame” for Speaking from Jordan, Naidoo said she had been education” aspect was seen by the ministry as a cynical form of what he had done. “What happened interrogated at the border and her passport was stamped, “compensation” for BDS-SA through which it would then utilise “I’ve learned a lot from this. was so uncalled for, so unnecessary… preventing her from returning for a decade. She was flying Naidoo’s public profile for its own ends. I was expecting horrible out of emotion. I interact with Jewish home that evening. “It is sad that in today’s South Africa, expressing support for people who didn’t care. But people every day at work and I had Naidoo said she was hurt and frustrated, and re-iterated that Israel in its struggle against terrorism leads to death threats to explain to them. I have no hate. her intentions had not been to hurt Israel but to come with an against those who expressed their support,” Erdan said. when we came face to face My parents were so disappointed in open mind. “I’m not anti-Israel and I’m not anti-Jewish,” she “This is the same intimidation and coercion which we saw I could see they did care.” me, but I was more disappointed in said. used against the Argentinian Shashi Naidoo myself.” Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, national football team, when BDS He said the meeting last week was Gilad Erdan, acknowledged that after organisations threatened the He said: “I had to prevent a tit- “very inspiring, everyone was so assessing that Naidoo’s visit would be players and their families who used to delegitimise Israel, officials denied planned to visit Israel. In these for-tat laying of criminal charges nice and polite and we all expressed her entry as part of Israel’s policy in unfortunate circumstances, we and the potential outbreak of what ourselves and told our sides”. fighting BDS. cannot allow her to enter the could have been a very dangerous Hattia, who is studying law at the Her visit was proposed and country. situation and a further flare-up of University of the Witwatersrand, told supported by BDS-SA, which held a “I personally invite Ms Naidoo tensions in the Jewish and Muslim the SA Jewish Report that he couldn’t press conference for Naidoo to publicly to visit Israel on her own accord communities because of what was sleep at night, he felt so bad. “It was a apologise for her social media support for and experience the reality on the posted by various sides of the dispute very big mistake on my part and one Israel. ground. She will soon discover on social media platforms other than that is going to stick with me forever. Naidoo hit the headlines when that what she tweeted was true Sneakerheads.” I realise it is completely unacceptable she posted her support for Israel on and accurate.” The anti-Semitic posts were the and I am very ashamed. My parents Instagram. She criticised Hamas and its BDS-SA said refusing entry culmination of numerous racial slurs have never put into my mind any rule of the Gaza Strip, saying there was to Naidoo was a clear indication on various social media platforms. form of hate; our religion doesn’t more than one side in the conflict and that that Israel did not allow freedom These followed racial tension in the teach us to be hateful.” the country was the opposite of apartheid. of movement, expression and wake of the recent Gaza violence He said going forward, he wanted The postings sparked an outcry from association. “This behaviour by and the incident of TV personality to help others become aware of the the anti-Israel lobby. Naidoo then recanted Israel infringes on our diplomatic and model Shashi Naidoo, who was dangers of social media. “Social media her statements and issued a tearful apology on social media relations and is a further indication of the need for South Africa forced to apologise after calling Gaza can be very dangerous. It is easy to be after receiving death and rape threats. At the press conference, to implement the ANC’s resolution for the immediate and a “shithole”. misled. One has to be careful about Naidoo said she would visit the region with BDS to “re-educate unconditional downgrade of the South African Embassy in Israel. As soon as Hattia was re-introduced what you read. Certain writers speak myself about the situation”. There can be no doubt that Israel is a hostile state to South Last week, the told of how Israel’s deputy Africa.” to the Sneakerheads group, he with so much passion, it is important SA Jewish Report

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Sandra Luntz 083 679 1247 | 011 656 0888 Chrissie Hammer 082 568 0440 | 011 880 3550 Laureen Shalpid 083 789 0229 | 011 622 1820 Joel Harris 082 926 0287 | Marco Biagio 082 048 2644 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 Tackling lies about the Arab-Israeli conflict head-on

JORDAN MOSHE supported by people from around Plosker says, “we often approach the the globe, including the UK, Canada, outlet from which it originated and he misinformation around Australia, Israel and even South demand that they acknowledge the the Arab-Israel conflict Africa. misinformation, which they have Tabounds, not least of Created in 2000, the organisation shared, and correct it. Simon Plosker all because we live in an age of was founded during the Second “Additionally, we are able to educate social media where anyone can Intifada by a group of students in members of the public about unfair disseminate anything, irrespective London. “These students were fed- media coverage and empower them to of facts. up with the media and its grossly respond effectively.” This is where HonestReporting biased portrayals of Israel,” explains The organisation also focuses on comes in to tackle Simon Plosker, HonestReporting’s education, which Plosker says “is misrepresentations head-on. This managing editor. crucial” in an endeavour like this. team does so for its “So, they set up a mailing list “We aim to ensure that the public is 140 000 subscribers worldwide who to alert their friends and family equipped to consume what the media want to be able to sift through the members to any anti-Israel media produces with consideration and biased reporting, skewed facts and bias which appeared in the news. thought, questioning what they see fabricated news to get the truth They also called on their subscribers and establishing its veracity.” about this conflict. to direct complaints at media HonestReporting provides tools to HonestReporting is one of the outlets for any false reporting.” respond to false reporting. Through largest grassroots organisations The organisation upholds this its Israel Daily News Stream, the devoted to media monitoring commitment, devoting itself organisation offers a daily round-up in the world. Unaligned to any to ensuring that Israel is fairly of every news segment the media is political party or government, represented across the media covering in Israel to give as broad a the organisation monitors media spectrum. “We do everything we perspective as possible. outlets for any signs of bias, can to hold every media outlet to It also offers the public numerous inaccuracy or other failures to account,” says Plosker. “Combing opportunities to participate in adhere to journalistic standards in through news from across the globe, missions to Israel, offering them “Yes, we can establish how many Aqsa, including tourists. We pointed their coverage of the Arab-Israeli we establish the accuracy of every unique opportunities to engage with people are viewing our site and its this out to IBT, they apologised and conflict. anews segment or report we come politicians, academics and media content, but the real indicator of withdrew the piece.” Although the greatest number across and identify anything which personalities involved in the situation success is the degree to which we’ve He continues: “As frustrating as of its supporters are based in the is less than truthful.” on the ground. encouraged people to reconsider how they may be, there is nothing to be United States, the organisation is Once an inaccuracy is discovered, HonestReporting is equally involved they receive and consume news. gained from engaging with media in working with the media. “Having “Realistically, we know that we will outlets steeped in lies and looking to dealt with the media for some time never eradicate false news. It’s like influence others. Iranian Press TV now,” says Plosker, “we’ve learned and similar outlets do not care about that while the necessity of honest proper journalism, and though they reporting is a stick with which to keep may have journalists of integrity, they outlets in line, we need to offer them “The truth is that Israel’s are editorially not bothered in the least a carrot as well. We therefore created story, the real story, is about reporting lies. They are state- Media Central, an arm that works with run, and therefore directed by political compelling enough journalists from across the media and agendas. Thus, they have no credibility helps them gain access to information without any twists or whatsoever.” which is unbiased and unfabricated. blurring of truths. Plosker concludes: “We need to “The truth is that Israel’s story, learn how to adapt to different One doesn’t need an angle the real story, is compelling enough types of media stories and how to without any twists or blurring of or an agenda to make treat them individually. People need truths. One doesn’t need an angle the story interesting.” to understand that we are not the or an agenda to make the story Israeli government’s mouthpiece, interesting. There is enough genuine and that while bad news may come news emerging from Israel to make the crime: no matter how low the rates from Israel, we don’t necessarily have situation beyond gripping. may be, we will still employ a police to defend it or justify it, but must “Core supporters of Israel know force to keep an eye on it. There may know how to explain and understand this and make use of our coverage and not always be a fire burning, but we it for what it is. material in their work as advocated for still keep firemen on duty.” “Organisations like ours must be Israel. However, the majority of people Fortunately, the number of capable of bridging the gap between have no access to a truly unbiased instances concerning news which the communities of the diaspora and view, and it is vital that we reach them is entirely false is still rare in the those within Israel. and not only supporters. mainstream media, but incidents do “We must learn how best to reach “Even when the public at large is not occur. Plosker cites an example: “Over out to younger people who are less looking for the genuine information Tisha B’Av, a record number of Jews enamoured of Israel because of the we share, we can still offer them a visited the Temple Mount. According coverage they are shown, and show piece of truth that can enter their to the International Business Times them that they have based their everyday exposure to the media and (IBT), ‘raids’ on Al-Aqsa Mosque opinions on false news that must be encourage them to think differently increased by 200%. This is a staggering recognised and dealt with.” about the news they see.” statistic, but it turns out that the IBT When it comes to measuring their had drawn the information from the • Simon Plosker will be presenting success, concrete statistics alone Hezbollah media outlet and similar sessions and talking on panels at are not enough. “We could base the Palestinian sources known to lack Limmud SA next week. Limmud rate of our success on the number of credibility. Johannesburg is 3 to 5 August, Limmud media corrections we’ve pursued,” says “These outlets had simply counted Durban is 9 August and Limmud Cape Plosker, “but this is not the full picture. every single non-Muslim visitor to Al- Town is 9 to 12 August. Bomb scare at venue that reneged on SAFI rally >>Continued from page 2 Israel is our livelihood.” these be aired. Personally, I find it difficult to attribute He said those who were against Israel had been “captured” the refusal of Freedom Park to make its facilities available to by an alternative agenda, adding that South Africa must not supporters of Israel to much beyond political preference.” terminate relations with Israel: “Not in our name. As proud Meanwhile, at the urgent press conference held on Christians, we say enough is enough.” Monday, several Christian representatives said they would He described the South African government’s negative consider changing their vote if the government was not stance towards Israel as “a demon-possessed mentality”. prepared to listen to them. An impassioned Apostle Linda Gobodo said proudly: “We Masindi Mmbengwa, leader of the Unity Fellowship are friends of Israel, we support Israel. We are against the Church, said: “Christians are prepared for continuous mass downgrading of the embassy, which will negatively impact

PEERMONT PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMME. action and will pray until the government collapses. the lives of all South African Christians.” PROBLEM GAMBLING COUNSELLING TOLL-FREE HELPLINE 0800 006 008. “They [politicians] all flock to our churches when they She said the sooner Christians put pressure on the South PLAYERS MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER. WINNERS KNOW WHEN TO STOP. want our vote. Now they want to terminate our livelihood – African government, the better. 27 July – 3 August 2018 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Bo-Kaap battle could inflame Muslim-Jewish tensions TALI FEINBERG Flags in the Palestinian colours flutter above the streets of Bo-Kaap of their homes for years by these rich bullies... guess who is behind it, the Jews.” n the hotbed of issues around affordable It is this anti-Semitic perception that could housing, spatial justice and gentrification in lead to increased tension between the Muslim Cape Town, simmering tensions are nearing and Jewish communities in Cape Town. The I Feinberg Tali Photo: boiling point in the Bo-Kaap. In this area, the woman is referring to a previous incident, heart of the Muslim community, property when Blok sought the evictions of residents in developers – some of them Jewish – are seen as Woodstock. In addition, the Jewish community a threat to the way of life. was pulled into the battle over the Tafelberg With its colourful houses, cobbled streets site, which was sold by the City to the Phyllis and proximity to the city centre, the Bo-Kaap Jowell Jewish Day School. has drawn tourists, young professionals and Activists want it to rather be used for property developers to the area. This has led to affordable housing, and currently the sale has families living there for decades no longer being been stopped by a court order. In addition, Lior able to afford the skyrocketing property prices. van Embden was condemned for evicting a Over the past year, protests from this Muslim family from a block of flats that her family owns community have become extreme. In the last company is owned by Marco, Jacques and Lior their sites,” wrote Bo-Kaap Youth, whose slogan in Sea Point. week of Ramadan, tyres were burnt, traffic was van Embden, a Cape Town-based Jewish family. is: “The fire within – to exist is to resist.” With this history, the danger in the Bo-Kaap blocked and visibly angry youth made their Marco is a community leader and a donor to “This same security company has members situation is that Jews are being perceived as presence felt. Bo-Kaap activists have likened many meaningful causes. who’ve served in the Israeli Defence Force “enforcers of apartheid” and “destroying a way the struggle to retain the area’s heritage to the The interdict cited violent acts committed and brought untold pain and hardship on the of life”, even though this is not the reality. Palestinian struggle. by civic organisations, including a petrol bomb Palestinian people. Bo-Kaap is our Aqsa. We But the perception may already be there. The late president Nelson Mandela’s at the construction site, as part of the reason call on our Ulema (body of Muslim or religious Rabia Parker, a member of Bo-Kaap Rise (a grandson, Mandla Mandela, addressed Bo- for the interdict. Bo-Kaap Civic Association scholars), our freedom fighters and each and different organisation to Bo-Kaap Youth) who Kaap Youth group of protesters on 8 June, chairperson Osman Shaboodien insisted that every one who values the area, as well as its grew up in the area, wrote in the Daily Maverick saying: “The Bo-Kaap Youth can make us Blok was infringing on their human rights. contribution to the history of Cape Town and on 8 July: “They break us down while trying to proud by making this area a no-go zone for Bo-Kaap resident Ebrahim Christian, South Africa,” the post continued. act as though they are building us up. We have all Apartheid Israel products... let us fly a who was specified in the interdict, said: “The “We take the defence of Bo-Kaap as our called Bo-Kaap our home and we will resist the Palestinian flag on every street of Bo-Kaap, community is angry. It’s not touching one Jihaad and call upon people with conscience to forced removals as a result of these developers.” if not on every home. When the world comes person but the entire community... It’s not join us. Join us as we occupy the developments Blok chairman Marco van Embden says that here to see the historic Slave Quarter, let going to work; it’s an old apartheid tactic.” currently taking place in Bo-Kaap. We dare Blok from his perspective, “there have so far been no us make them aware and tell them that our After the interdict was granted, the Bo-Kaap to unleash the Israeli occupying security firm attacks on our person or Jewishness”. However, Palestinian brothers and sisters are still being Youth, who are leading the protests, wrote on PPA on us. Show Blok and their security teams he added: “We are sadly the victim of attacks subjected to occupation, brutality and genocide their Facebook page that they are “declaring that we the people of this beautiful South Africa against the City and the DA – we are fodder. by Apartheid Israel. war” on the Blok company: “The entire Bo- know resistance. Amandla!!! #defendbokaap There are three other developers being tackled. Tensions came to a head a few weeks ago Kaap community has been interdicted by Blok #joinusforbokaap #occupybokaap.” The big issues are actually with the City. We are when Judge Robert Henney granted an interdict property developers from preventing their In a post on the Bo-Kaap Youth Facebook in the middle.” prohibiting anyone from going near the Blok cranes from coming into the area. They have page, a woman wrote: “An example to the The Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies chose development site. The property development employed an Israeli security company to secure people of Woodstock who have being forced out not to comment.

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Contact us to set up a meeting [email protected] • +27-87-5503194 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 Jewishsouth african Report Déjà vu to the last Gaza war… Standing by the values we hold and then it stopped kite bombs, but claimed this would take time since t was heart-warming to witness a sea of South African faces as far as my eye could some of the launchers belong to groups who do see, as I watched the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) march to the Union not take orders from them. Buildings this week. I was watching the march as it was being livestreamed on DATELINE: Israel disputes this and points out that during IFacebook from Pretoria, as we put this newspaper to bed on Wednesday. I was choked MIDDLE EAST one of its attacks last week on a cell launching up to see the huge support Israel has in South Africa. kites, a member of Hamas’s military wing was On the flip side, we are all well aware of how fashionable it is to be anti-Israel in Paula Slier killed. This showed Israel that Hamas both South Africa, but I had no idea it was government policy to prevent South Africans encourages and participates in the arson strikes. from supporting the Jewish State. ast Friday night, it looked as if another Gaza But there are indications that the sniper who Apparently it is, according to those who run Freedom Park for the government. war was upon us. Israel launched a massive killed Levi was not initially sanctioned by Hamas SAFI had initially secured Freedom Park for a mass Christian Prayer rally in support Lairstrike, hitting more than 60 Hamas because Ismail Haniyeh, who leads the group’s of Israel, scheduled for Wednesday. It was all systems go for the rally this week and targets, including three battalion headquarters. political wing, was near the border when the more than 5 000 people were expected from around the country. Four Palestinians – of which Hamas acknowledged army retaliated and Hamas fighters were in their However, just one week before the event, SAFI was notified that they were no three as its fighters – were killed. operational centres. Had they anticipated the longer free to use Freedom Park because “the government has taken a formal decision A few days earlier, the air force had already death of a soldier and the obvious Israeli reaction, regarding Israel, hence we have to abide by government’s decision”. This, according to conducted its largest assault on Gaza since the they would presumably have gone into hiding. an email that Freedom Park’s events co-ordinator, Pamela Singh, sent to SAFI, when last war between the sides in 2014. It was with But still Hamas later released a picture of the she cancelled the event with immediate effect, leaving SAFI high and dry. a strong sense of déjà vu that journalists were sniper who killed Levi – claiming he was a member Freedom Park is indeed a government establishment, and ironically, its mandate rushing to the Israel-Gaza border. But by midnight of their armed wing. The group seems to have is to uphold the values of tolerance and diversity, it was over. caught itself in a bind. among others. Amazing for an entity that is run by The flare-up was eerie. A Friday deadline for The international support for its popular protest people who are so clearly intolerant of diversity, and Hamas to cease flying arson kites and balloons over the past three months in part relied on claims especially of South Africans who choose to support into Israel had come and gone, with no let-up that Palestinian protesters coming under fire Israel. in the provocations. Somehow the massive air from Israeli soldiers were unarmed. For some, the The vision for Freedom Park is to be a leading response seemed too strong a punishment. group has now lost that advantage by introducing national and international icon of humanity and At about 18:00, a journalist from Gaza phoned snipers into the fold. freedom, according to its website. Astonishing! Just to ask me what Israeli media were reporting about Those protests were important for Hamas how humane is it to refuse to allow people to hold an Israeli soldier who had been badly injured. The because they kept Gaza in the consciousness of the a prayer meeting, and exactly what freedom are answer was nothing. And yet in Gaza rumours international – and Israeli – communities. But as they talking about? To me, it looks like the park’s were rife that a soldier had been hit. part of the ceasefire terms Hamas agreed to, it has management were trying hard to prevent freedom I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had to stop the demonstrations from continuing. We’ll of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of happened, especially as Prime Minister Benjamin see this Friday if that happens or not. association, etc. I could go on and on. And on their Netanyahu was in Tel Aviv holding two emergency Hamas is also fighting for political legitimacy website they do go on and on about these beautiful ideals they support and stand for. meetings with his top political and security brass. from among its own population and its traditional Clearly, these are only words… Hours later, the army issued a statement. backers. Confronting Israel like it has done in This park falls under the ministry of arts and culture, and so Minister Nathi the past few weeks keeps it Israeli aircraft strike sites in Gaza after rockets fired Mthethwa has executive authority over the park. I wonder if he supports this relevant. outrageous behaviour. It has increasingly lost I don’t have a problem with people taking a stand; I do it all the time. I do have a support in the Arab world. problem with people standing for one thing and then changing their standpoint when Qatar, a traditional Hamas it suits them. supporter, faces accusations In this case, it was certainly a good thing they put it in writing because no sooner that it supports radical had SAFI questioned them from a legal standpoint, they backtracked and found Islamist terrorists. The Gulf another, very tame reason to refuse the prayer rally. Why, you may wonder. States ceased their support of Yuck, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It is about integrity and honour and the group a long time ago and inclusivity and freedom – clearly, these are values those who made this decision do not Egypt sees Hamas as an ally espouse. of the Muslim Brotherhood SAFI, however, would not be cowed and would not – as I guess the Freedom Park folk movement, which it opposes. were hoping – just go away. No, if there is one exceptional lesson we have learned from This has left non-Arab the Jewish State, it is that no matter how many people want it to disappear, Israel just countries offering support, gets stronger and stronger. like Turkey and Iran, which In the same way, SAFI simply changed the tactic from being a controlled, insular has only further complicated mass prayer meeting – where people who didn’t want to see them, didn’t have to – to a Hamas’s relationship with bold march to Union Buildings. Arab states. Kol Hakavod to SAFI! At the same time, Hamas Indeed, the Gaza rumours turned out to be has failed to provide basic services like water Do not do to your neighbour accurate. A 21-year-old infantry soldier, Sergeant and electricity to its population in Gaza, instead While we clearly do have friends, we also have many people who don’t like us. Aviv Levi, had been shot by a Palestinian sniper focusing its money and resources on strengthening This is all too evident on social media. The SA Jewish Board of Deputies are quick and declared dead on arrival at hospital. His its military wing. This has caused the Palestinian to take up these slurs and deal with them. So it did with the WhatsAppers we write parents and two siblings had been holidaying in Authority, headquartered in the West Bank city of about on page 3. Italy and it took a while to notify them before Ramallah, to reduce funds to the enclave and to I have made it clear, though, that I don’t believe that anti-Semitism as such is details could be made public. view Hamas as an enemy. growing at a pace, but rather, racism is. I am seriously distressed by the ugly racial Levi was the first IDF fatality on the Gaza front Add to this the new restrictions Israel imposed comments coming from Jews about other races. since Operation Protective Edge in 2014. on Gaza earlier this month when it closed Kerem We cannot be racist and expect others not to be racist towards us. We cannot swear And yet despite the initial hard-hitting Shalom, the only commercial crossing between and demean other people for their beliefs, if we don’t want others to do that to us. airstrikes, for now, war seems to have been Israel and Gaza (and which it partially re-opened I am 100% behind rooting out anti-Semitism, but I am also for rooting out racism. averted. on Tuesday) in response to the arson kites and We can’t stand up and fight hate speech and be perpetrators of it. It reminds me of Hamas was quick to accept an Egyptian and balloons. the Talmudic story of Hillel and Shammai, in which Hillel explained that the Torah was United Nations-brokered midnight ceasefire and That served to further tighten the economic based on this precept: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour.” Whether the border has been quiet this week. But in reality, noose Gazans are facing, leaving Hamas looking you agree with Hillel or not, the essence of Judaism is to be a light unto the nations, the circumstances that provoked that flare-up for ways to put pressure on Israel to strengthen its and we cannot behave in a way that is the antithesis of how we want to be treated. have not changed and the status quo was simply own standing. The easy answer that always comes We go back to social media, a platform where people love to vomit out hatefulness. It reinstated. up is to attack the Jewish state in some form or is so easy, but so unacceptable. We are all individuals, and each one of us has the right Israel and Hamas have already fought three another. But not so that it leads to war. to do whatever we wish within the law. I get that, but we cannot take people to task on wars in the past decade and neither wants another And so Hamas and Israel remain in a dangerous the one hand for their hateful vitriol about us, if we are doing something similar. full-blown confrontation. There isn’t much either paralysis. The very issues that caused Hamas Is it really acceptable to be so hateful? I am no angel and I don’t expect anyone to be side will gain and both are aware of the risks of the to escalate tensions in the first place – Gaza’s perfect, but before we run down other people for their religion, race or way of life, we situation escalating out of control. isolation and faltering economy – are still in place, need to think twice. Had Israel been gunning for war, it would have with no solution seemingly in sight. This means Consider how we would feel if someone said the same about us. Let us try our targeted senior Hamas officials in its airstrikes the conflict could flare up at any time. damnedest to be better than that. Let’s set our personal moral bar higher. I am going to and not only bombed battalion headquarters. Sadly, it isn’t a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’ that try. Had Hamas wanted one, it would have launched will happen, because for as long as the status quo rockets at Israel even after coming under fire. remains, and for as long as there is no significant Shabbat Shalom! As it was, Hamas fired three projectiles before change in the dismal reality of Hamas-ruled Gaza, Peta Krost Maunder the airstrikes began. despite the best mediation efforts, journalists will Editor Hamas told mediators it would act to reduce the again be rushing to the Israel-Gaza border. 27 July – 3 August 2018 SA JEWISH REPORT 7 India-Israel tech co-operation: a model for BRICS countries?

professor, Yuval Noah Harari, we are once mobile and internet penetration. Technology has been the driving force again at a watershed moment in human Internet and mobile-based technology behind the growing trade between India OPINION history. We have a handful of countries create global disparities, while carrying and Israel. Bilateral trade between the leading today’s technology revolution and the promise of improving lives for millions two countries has grown from about $200 the rest lagging behind. of people living in rural, poorly connected million (R2.7 billion) to nearly $5 billion Vijeta Uniyal “When the Industrial Revolution began or remotely accessible regions – from (R67 billion) since diplomatic ties were fully in the 19th century, a few countries such as providing micro banking to directing restored in the early 1990s. he BRICS group of countries – Brazil, Britain, France and Japan mastered the new disaster relief. Looking ahead, the India-Israel Russia, India, China and South Africa technologies of steam engines, trains and Today’s smartphones pack more partnership in the start-up sector alone T– are meeting in Johannesburg this telegraphs. Most countries, such as China, computing power than all of US space has a revenue potential of $25 billion week for their annual summit. BRICS is a Korea and India, remained far behind,” says agency NASA did when it put the first men (R337 billion), according to The National formidable international geopolitical bloc, Harari. on the moon in the late 1960s. Association of Software and Services representing almost three billion people – “It took countries such as Companies (NASSCOM), which translates to over 40% of the world China, Korea and India almost the association of Indian IT population – and covering almost 27% of 150 years to close the gap that firms. the earth’s surface. opened in the 19th century,” Israeli and Indian In contrast, the State of Israel, with its he adds, concluding that those innovators and entrepreneurs relatively tiny population of eight million, left behind this time may have joined forces to create appears more like a statistical rounding “never get a chance to close healthcare solutions for rural error. In size, the country is even smaller the gap”. India, a low-profit segment than the Kruger National Park. As sobering as Harari’s often overlooked by the big Counter-intuitive as it may sound, premise sounds, it is not a call pharmaceuticals. partnering with the Jewish State could for pessimism. Mumbai-based Reliance help BRICS countries manage some of The rise of India’s Industries is hoping to rope the pressing challenges knocking at the information technology in Israeli know-how and horizon. sector in the 1990s shows talent to create services and Israel has been ahead of the curve when it how a developing country solutions for a 100 million to comes to tackling some of the issues faced can leverage technology to 200 million-strong potential by South Africa, India and the other BRICS overcome structural deficits created by In South Africa, more than 20 million customer base spanning across India. countries. These include shrinking arable lack of infrastructure and poor governance. people, or 40% of the population, have In a world veering away from a land, receding water-tables or the gaping India’s IT sector contributes $130 billion access to the internet, mostly on mobile manufacturing-based economy towards a digital divides between the developed and (R1.7 trillion) in revenue and contributed devices. The number of internet users in technology-based one, South Africa and the developing world. 40% of the country’s total exports between India has crossed 500 million, nearly half of other BRICS countries need to create shared Take emerging technologies, for instance. 2010 and 2015. the population. technology ecosystems to bring their best As the global economy marches towards The sector has also emerged as a big job The spread of mobile and and the brightest together. The emerging automation and digitisation, technology creator, employing 3.5 million Indians. telecommunication networks open partnership between India and Israel offers is once again dividing the winners and the In a rapidly changing world, it is not new possibilities. These are not just in a model for emerging BRICS economies. losers of today’s post-industrial age. enough to rest on past laurels. Despite commercially viable retail or finance According to the world-renowned Israeli impressive growth, rural areas in BRICS sectors, but also in direct democracy, public • Vijeta Uniyal is an Indian journalist based in author and Hebrew University history countries remain persistently behind in administration and e-governance. Germany.

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facebook.com/millersantiques millers_antiques_joburg designbandits.co.za/sajr/240718 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 A critical look at why Israel has the right to define and the Nation-State Law protect its own democracy is unwelcome DAN DIKER throughout the centuries’. It is notable that Latvia has a 25% Russian population. JUDGE DENNIS DAVIS this legislation was an official srael’s recent legislation of the Charges that the Jewish State Law discriminates language, is downgraded to a Nation-State Law provided and downgrades the Arabic language from an he introduction of the Basic Law more ambiguous “special status”. Ianother relished opportunity by official language to a special status language on Israel as the Nation-State This clearly fuels legitimate Israel’s adversaries and enemies to lack merit. Nothing has changed in the special Tof the Jewish People prompted perceptions of a discriminatory delegitimise the country’s Jewish- protected status of the Arabic language. It is widespread controversy for good reason. practice. So does this clause: “The majority democracy’s character. included on all Israeli products and instructional The problem with the new legislation State sees the development of The Jewish State legislation has been booklets, and it is spoken as a lingua franca in is best illustrated by a petition brought Jewish settlement as a national fundamentally misunderstood. It has Israeli public institutions, hospitals, schools, before the court by members of the Druze value and will act to been slandered by some in South Africa, government offices – not to mention hotels, community. They argue that this Act encourage and promote Europe and the United States, whose own restaurants and commercial agencies, many of violates their basic rights, such as a right its establishment and majority characters include similar official which are managed and staffed by Arabic-speaking to equality, and deems that non-Jewish consolidation.” languages, symbols and holidays which, when Israelis. minorities have little status in Israel. In effect, this promises a applied to Israel, are branded as “apartheid”. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the In their petition, they contend that not group areas system in which As in any viable democracy, Israel’s Jewish State Law is its determination that “the only does the law define the role of the Jewish settlement will take national state law protects the civil, state views the development of Jewish settlement State with an emphasis on its Jewishness, place, to the exclusion of other religious and human rights of its as a national value and will act to encourage and but it “enshrines the collective rights of communities who claim to be non-Jewish minorities. However, after promote its establishment and consolidation”. the Jewish majority”. citizens of the country. 70 years of statehood, it belatedly Let’s be clear. The Jewish people have lived in The Arab minority, which constitutes Doubtless, these groups will also enshrines in law its democratic the land of Israel for some 3 800 years. Jews were 20% of Israel’s citizens, receives no feel that the provision that the majority’s national character murdered, tortured and exiled from virtually recognition at all of its collective rights. Hebrew calendar is the official calendar as the nation state of the Jewish every country in the Arab lands of the Middle East And beyond that, “it does not even win of the State – although the Gregorian people. and Europe in which they were loyal citizens. The recognition as a minority in Israel”, calendar will still have official status – Here are the facts of the Nation- land of Israel is the only small corner of the world according to the petition. reflects a clear change in emphasis State Law. It does nothing to Dan Diker There is also an argument that the of the country’s political practice. compromise, prejudice or diminish clause that encourages the establishment In a global world, one might ask the legally protected and equal of communities for Jews only contravenes what purpose is served by this civil and religious rights of Israel’s minority previous High Court rulings. Particular change. populations. The law merely enshrines reference is made to a decision in 2000 Since its creation, Israel what was clearly stated in Israel’s 1948 of Ka’adan versus The Israel Lands has grappled with seeking Declaration of Independence. This was affirmed Administration. In this case, five judges to achieve a balance some 36 months after the German Nazi regime decided that the State could not allocate between being the had completed its massacre of more than six land to entities which established homeland of the million Jews. It was only months after the British communities for Jews only. Jewish people and a government refused to allow tens of thousands The fact that the High Court is unlikely democracy. of Jewish survivors to take refuge in Israel. to strike down a Basic Law is beside In broad terms, this reflects Israel’s national state law does nothing the point. The key question concerns the core tension between the to change or amend its Declaration of where Jews can live and defend themselves. the contents of this legislation and its universalism and particularism Independence, which states that: “…(Israel) The thousands of Jews killed and maimed within Judaism. will foster the development of the country for by Islamic and Arab terror in the land of Israel Judge Dennis Davis This new legislation puts the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based bolsters the need for Jewish settlement and self- an end to the argument. The on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by defence. democratic component has the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete Ironically, the Jewish State Law might never given way to the hegemony of equality of social and political rights to all have come into being save for two threats to the Jewish element. its inhabitants irrespective of religion, Israel’s existence as a democratic national state of Israel’s founders desired race or sex; it will guarantee freedom the Jewish people. to create a democracy in of religion, conscience, language, education Many of Israel’s 18 elected Arab representatives which all who lived in and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all in parliament have actively worked to subvert, the country would be religions… demonise and delegitimise any Jewish connection recognised as full citizens, “We appeal – in the very midst of the onslaught or right of the 80% Jewish majority to self- whether Jewish or Arab. launched against us now for months – to the determination. For decades Arab members of By so firmly rejecting Arab inhabitants of the State of Israel to preserve Knesset, very well and as equally compensated in implications for Israel going forward. any attempt to reconcile both peace and participate in the building of the line with their Jewish parliamentary colleagues, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu elements, Israel has now State on the basis of full and equal citizenship publicly encourage and justify radical Islamic has argued that “in the Israeli democracy set itself upon a path and due representation in all its provisional and and Palestinian terror groups such as Hamas, we will continue to protect the rights of in which it would be permanent institutions.” Hizbullah, Islamic Jihad and Tanzim to act against both the individual and group; this is far more difficult to The Jewish State Law supplements Israel’s Israel. Arab legislators have publically pushed for guaranteed, but the majority has rights claim that it is truly a Declaration of Independence that did not enshrine Israel to be disbanded as a Jewish majority state too and the majority rules”. democratic State. That Israel’s Jewish character – the Menorah – as its and reconfigured as a 23rd Arab Muslim majority Majority rule is not unqualified. is the tragedy of this national symbol, the Jewish holidays as official state. Readers who understand South legislation. state holidays, and Hebrew as Israel’s 3 800-year- Palestinian Leaders in the West Bank have African democracy well know that our To those who, doubtless, will old national language. done the same. Palestinian Authority (PA) and Constitution places certain basic rights attack critics of the legislation, it Israel’s Jewish State bill legally codifies PLO founder Yasser Arafat, and current PA beyond the reach of the majority. should be remembered that the law the Jewish people’s right to national self- leader Mahmoud Abbas never accepted a Jewish While Israel does not have a written passed by 62 votes to 55. There is determination, which it deserves as any sovereign entity anywhere in the Middle East in Constitution, various basic laws hold legal a very significant body of Israeli unique people do, and which the US and any borders. Period. Both Palestinian heads of the implications beyond that of ordinary citizens who wish to live in a European states embrace as the basis of their PA have paid hundreds of millions of international legislation. Central to the idea of a democratic State. liberal democracies. Some European countries donor dollars to Palestinian terrorists and their constitution, and even a basic law, is that Sadly, this wish is unlikely to be which have official churches, such as the Church families to incentivise them to kill Israelis. certain rights are placed beyond the reach fulfilled as long as this legislation of England, have not aroused the human rights The Jewish State Law, therefore, sends an of a majority. continues to operate. And with activists. important message that these ongoing efforts If the argument that the majority rules it, an increasing criticism will draw Eugene Kontorovich, professor of to cause Israel’s implosion from within, and its applied in South Africa on a simple majority, closer analogies between Israel post this International Law at Northwestern destruction by external enemies, will fail. Israel’s then Section 25 of our Constitution, the law and apartheid South Africa. University, pointed out recently in the Wall majority character as the nation state of the property clause, would probably be repealed. Street Journal that: “The Slovak constitution Jewish people, together with protected minorites, So would many other protections granted to • One of South Africa’s most respected legal opens with the words, ‘We the Slovak nation’, will continue to succeed. a range of minority communities. minds, Judge Dennis Davis was appointed and lays claim to ‘the natural right of nations to Sometimes it requires putting it into law to The rights of dignity, equality and freedom to a personal chair of Commercial Law in self-determination’. The Latvian constitution make the point. should not be placed at the mercy of a 1989. In 1998 he became a Judge of the High opens by invoking the ‘unwavering will of the transient majority. It is instructive that this Court, and the President of the Competition Latvian nation to have its own state and its • Dan Diker is a Fellow and Project Director of the legislation was passed by a small majority. Appeal Court in 2000. In 2013, Davis headed inalienable right of self-determination in order Program to counter BDS and Political Warfare at the A more than 20% minority group a committee that was appointed to review to guarantee the existence and development Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He has lived and now finds its language, which prior to South Africa’s tax policy framework. of the Latvian nation, its language and culture worked in Israel since 1990. INVITATION THE

Sponsored by 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 A justifiable reason to turn down a Jewish Achiever nomination

JORDAN MOSHE the institution’s mandate. He explains: with distinction from the University Bradley Fried “Serving as the UK’s central bank since of Cape Town (UCT), a Master’s degree radley Fried turned down his 1694, the BoE’s purpose is to ensure in business administration from the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards the good of the public of the UK by Wharton School of the University of Bnomination this week. Not because maintaining price and financial stability. Pennsylvania, and qualified as a chartered he wasn’t totally honoured to be on the What I hope to achieve is just that – accountant after training with Arthur list, but because he has just been made namely, that through these globally very Andersen. Chair of Court of the Bank of England uncertain times, the BoE will retain its He has served as a partner at McKinsey (BoE), the central bank’s oversight body. impact, trust and public confidence, and & Company in New York, worked as the Describing his Achiever nomination as ensure sustained financial stability.” chief operating officer and chief executive having been “completely out of the blue And doing so means total dedication at Investec UK, co-founded a private and so unduly generous”, Fried felt he had on Fried’s part, not brief trips back to equity firm, and has served as a non- to decline the nomination. South Africa for the Absa Jewish Achiever executive Director of the Court of the BoE Although he has only recently taken Awards, no matter how tempting it is. since 2012. He has lived in New York and up the position, he is determined to Born and raised in Cape Town, Fried London, where he currently resides with make a positive contribution in line with earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce his wife and children in St John’s Wood.

Fried reflected on his journey so far and paid tribute to those who have contributed to it. “The real ingredient throughout,” he says, “is to have always surrounded myself with people who could teach me a huge amount. That, without any doubt, has been the real catalyst for me. “In my career, I guess I would say the most important moments are those coaching moments when I have been taught lessons by people who have literally helped me change the course of my behaviour, approach and life. That started early on with my late dad, the greatest possible role model, but along the way I’ve been given great (and sometimes difficult-to-hear) Dor Yeshorim feedback by some incredibly caring colleagues.” Fried remembers fondly the community of South Africa, and continues to visit his mom, Joan, and brother Greg and his family, who live in Cape Town. He says that while his journey has been fulfilling and exciting, he still misses his family and friends, as well as certain elements of home. Screening “I miss the overwhelming warmth of the South African Jewish community,” he says. “I Don’t wait until the last minute… have been part of a number of communities, but absolutely nothing can compare with the get screened early! Facilitated by Hatzolah all-encompassing community spirit one feels in South Africa. “South African Jews have a natural intuition for the notion of collective responsibility and very deeply understand what it means to care for the most vulnerable. It is actually quite What you need to know: extraordinary, and I feel remarkably privileged wednesday, 1 aug to have been raised in that community and to be a part of it, despite living in London.” • Date of Birth In his youth, Fried was an active member Hatzolah House of the Habonim Dror youth movement in the • Ancestry (Ashkenazi/Sephardic/Both) community, an experience he remembers well. 29 Durham Street “Habonim was an incredibly special part of my • Grandparents’ Country of Origin life,” he says. “It was filled with experiences, Raedene friendships, independence and freedom – a • SA Identity Number (Optional) remarkable social movement. I met my wife, Lauren, at Habonim. Lauren was from Harare • Results in 3-4 months 5:00-8:00 PM and I was at my final Habonim Camp as a madrich, a first-year UCT student, so I would (Expedited results available For more details 083-794-1178 say that Habonim and its legacy is very much a at an additional fee) continued part of my life! “We took our sons to the campsite to celebrate 50 years of Habonim in Onrus. It Discovery Health members may recover a portion of the cost from MSA or ATB was fantastic to see that much had stayed the same, but I did marvel at the hot water taps and proper toilets. It seems that kids are just possibly a bit more demanding than we were in Cost: R3000 the 1980s!” Optional Panel: R750 additional Fried was sad not to accept the Achiever Since its founding in 1983, Dor Yeshorim has been the source for nomination. “I very much appreciate this eliminating the incidence of fatal and debilitating recessive genetic nomination and found it very moving,” he diseases from within the Jewish community worldwide. Through says. “It brought back floods of wonderful memories of the South African Jewish community, which I will always regard as my serves Klal Yisroel, by testing over 25,000 young adults annually. core family, and of which I feel an integral Dor Yeshorim spearheads ongoing research to gain further part.” As he explains: “Getting the role [at BoE] is understanding of Jewish genetic diseases. They also assist not the real achievement. Rather, performing hundreds of families who have children that have been affected it with distinction over time to come will be with rare genetic diseases. Dor Yeshorim utilizes measures to the achievement, possibly one day worth prevent reoccurrence of the genetic disease within the family. another Jewish Achiever nomination. I have some serious work ahead of me in a global environment that is filled with challenges. The first step is to navigate those.” 27 July – 3 August 2018 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 Creating a powerful path for women in orthodoxy JORDAN MOSHE growing role of women is concerned, says Barash. According to her, all traditional faiths are experiencing the same issues, Rebbetzin Nechama Goldman Barash – who is winging and expressing concern over changes they face. “Gender her way to our shores for Limmud next weekend – has binary is an indisputable part of Judaism,” she says. “It’s spent much of her adult life working for women’s rights in hard to ignore it when discussing an issue like this. Judaism Orthodox Judaism. defines certain roles for certain people. “I’m a feminist, and I grew up believing strongly that “I’m less angry about the issue today than I was 30 years women have a role to play,” says Barash. “Outside Judaism, ago,” she laughs. “We can’t overlook the fact that the place of Michael David the momentum gained by the feminist movement is women has improved drastically in education, but we cannot QUALITY WORKMANSHIP considerable. Inside, it appears far more limited as there are forget that we must consider a future goal before we get defined roles, structures and practices in place. However, the there.” UPHOLSTERY, FURNITURE place of women within Judaism is progressing, and people The journey for women’s enfranchisement is fraught with are realising it.” frustration, she explains. One of the issues she identifies AND DINING ROOM CHAIR REPAIRS While she believes tradition is the essence and structure of is that of the Aguna, a halachic term for a Jewish woman Judaism, she won’t accept arguments aimed at protecting it who is “anchored” to her marriage (most commonly when 082 820 7091 against movements of the modern age that are well founded, her husband is missing or lost) and cannot be issued with a 430 Louis Botha Avenue, cnr Main Street, Rouxville measured and comprehensive. She insists that attempts to divorce document from her husband. defend tradition by invoking “the slippery slope” arguments “The shuls are not doing enough to address these real are not only poor, but these attempts shut down an engaging issues,” says Barash. “The discussions have been clamped and oftentimes necessary conversation. down on and no reforms are being considered. Of course, Barash made aliya from Philadelphia, and after an initial it’s a delicate matter as we don’t want to gain the support of stint as a freelance writer in bio-tech issues, she studied women while losing men. Both men and women need to be for three years at Matan’s Advanced Talmud Institute involved, working together to improve circumstances and and completed a Master’s degree in Talmud at Bar-Ilan realities. University. “It’s sad to me that I represent something so astonishing Despite never having contemplated a teaching career, she to people outside the US and Israel,” she adds. “The mission realised that she had much to contribute to the discussion I pursue is unheard of in many places, and other countries are extremely slow in moving forward. While progress is not uniform everywhere, things are still moving, and WHEN the world is making steps Thursday evenings Starting 2 August 2018 towards a different future.” The key to achieving TIME 7:30pm this, says Barash, is to increase education amongst WHERE JHB Torah Institute women. “The more educated women are, the better they INSTRUCTOR are equipped to fight for Rabbi Yosef Hazdan or Mrs Itty Hazdan their seat at the table. The process begins at the level of REGISTER [email protected] teaching, and both men and 084 344 2684 women need to engage.” Barash has yet to Rebbetzin Nechama Goldman Barash encounter marked resistance to her pursuit, receiving of the role of women in Judaism. She also realised that she largely positive feedback from both men and women. She could ensure women were afforded access to discussions of explains that she is cautiously optimistic about the future which they were never a part. progress of the movement, and stresses that people must “I grew up in a frum home, but whatever texts my father realise when certain battles are worth fighting or have been studied with my brother, he would study with me,” she lost. explains. “There was no limitation where my education and One of these is the battle of rabbinic ordination for role as a woman was concerned. I suppose this gave me the women. “It was obvious to me that the movement would confidence to give voice to an issue that Jewish women face head in this direction,” she says. “Of course, if you open the and help them engage in new ways.” door to Talmud and then to halacha, ordination will have to To this end, Barash took up teaching at the Pardes follow. In truth, the battle over ordination is now irrelevant Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. She teaches – it has been lost. Screaming and kicking won’t help, and Rabbinic Literature, Women and Judaism, Medical Ethics neither will arguments about it being a slippery slope to and other such subjects. becoming reform. To further enhance her learning, she also enrolled in “Of course, this change does need to be carried out with the Nishmat institute’s ground-breaking Yoatzot Halacha the halachic restrictions borne in mind. Women cannot programme, a halachic studies programme for women that be counted in a minyan, nor read from the Torah in shul. includes in-depth study of Hilchot Niddah (laws around But if people want to challenge it, they need to use genuine women’s purity), as well as supplementary studies in arguments, not excuses. Are they taking it up because of a women’s medicine and halacha. pure reaction, or are they driven by fear or an agenda? Her learning, she says, enables her to bring something “Arguing that we ‘just can’t’ or that we are ‘spiralling unique to the subject of women in Judaism: “I felt I could downwards’ try to shut down the discussion. There is offer a different approach to the topic, both as a feminist and no problem with the concept of a woman rabbi, and this an educator. The increasing value placed on the education of discussion needs to involve proper arguments if people want women in the last 30 years empowers me. to discuss it.” “This move is transformative for both communal and What matters most to Barash, however, is the new status educative spaces in Judaism. We are now witnessing women women have achieved within Judaism. She concludes: entering spaces such as rabbinic courts and playing active “Women are today considered addresses for questions roles there. There are new dimensions being offered to that they would never have been asked 30 years ago, not women.” just regarding matters of sexuality. They are approached However, delays and setbacks do still occur. “The for opinions on halacha, kashrut, Shabbat and religious expression ‘three steps forward, one step back’ is very counselling – avenues never open to them before, and accurate in this area,” she says. “When certain people take because of education, they have an opportunity to share in a step back and look at women’s progress, they say, ‘Wow, these roles and offer informed guidance.” women have got too far! We need to slow it down a little.’ This was illustrated when the Orthodox Union issued its • Nechama Goldman Barash will be presenting sessions report against the ordination of female rabbis. Various and talking on panels at Limmud SA next week. Limmud motivations lie behind such arguments, and they range from Johannesburg takes place from 3 to 5 August, Limmud Durban pure fear to stigma.” is on 9 August and Limmud Cape Town takes place from Judaism is not unique where the upheaval caused by the 9 to 12 August. 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 Tracing the steps home of Mandela’s first white friend JORDAN MOSHE ventured to Lithuania last year in an attempt to better understand his he late Nat Bregman was so roots. much more than just former Bregman passed away in 2011 at Tpresident Nelson Mandela’s the age of 88, having involved himself first white friend – according to in various endeavours throughout his Madiba’s autobiography, Long Walk to life. “People knew of Nat the lawyer, Freedom. the sportsman, the politician, the He was a staunch communist, a communist and even the comedian,” top lawyer, a stand-up comedian, a says his daughter. “He moved to sportsman, a Lithuanian immigrant Johannesburg at the age of 10 when and a family man, according to his his father died, left school at 15, daughter Adina Bregman, who spoke studied at night to get his matric while about him at an event hosted by working, and went on to become a the Jewish Genealogical Society of qualified lawyer who devoted himself South Africa at the HOD on Sunday to his work for 57 years.” evening. Adina relates how, despite never Sitting in the office he shared with being a religious man, her father was Mandela at law firm Witkin, Sidelsky afforded the unique opportunity to and Eidelman a long time ago, meet the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose Bregman unwrapped his sandwich words he took to heart. “When he and held it out to Mandela, his fellow was in his 40s, my father, along with articled clerk, saying: “Nelson, hold his four children, went to meet the the other side,” according to Adina. Rebbe,” she says. “At one point during Nat, Rosa and Adina Bregman with former President Nelson Mandela He then told Mandela to “break” and, their conversation he said to him: after Mandela had done so, Bregman ‘Nat, you must never retire. Try to Russian empire, the Nazis and the lucky we really are that our families under a tree, contemplating the idyllic said: “Eat.” As they both began work every day of your life.’ My father Soviet Union, it did know times of left these places and enabled us to be scene before us. While I felt I was eating, Bregman said: “Now that’s the must have internalised these words, independence. Still, being caught born. completing a circle, I also wondered: philosophy of communism – we share because that’s precisely what he did.” between two superpowers meant it “We can understand so much about Am I seeing more of Grinkishek everything that we have.” The undertakings that Bregman was always threatened.” our community here in Johannesburg than Nat ever did? When he was in devoted himself to Before her father and his family left when we see where our relatives came South Africa during the war, did he were diverse and the country, the life they enjoyed in from, and appreciate it more than know what was happening to his numerous. A keen Europe seems to have been idyllic and before.” community and the town in which he sportsman, he memorable. “Nat’s mother, Chana, had been born? Did he realise what was an avid snow- was one of four children born to a nightmare they were experiencing, skier and achieved Feitel Sidelsky. She was the product and did he know how he had been a black-belt in of Feitel’s fourth marriage and came “The reality of the saved from it? Perhaps it’s better that karate “He used to after he had already had more than annihilation that the he didn’t, but that I could discover it surprise us with 10 other children. Of course, this all instead.” Jews experienced in karate chops and means that I have a lot of relatives to Adina stresses that the rich kicks all the time, keep track of,” she laughs. the Baltics made a joyful culture that the Jewish community saying we should Pointing to a number of experience a very in South Africa enjoys is not merely always be ready,” photographs she has uncovered, she a replication of what once existed painful one.” laughs Adina. says: “The places in which they spent in Europe, but is part of the very Moreover, their early years are beautiful, and same story and the continuation of a Bregman had it’s tragic to think of what happened This was made particularly tradition. been a renowned there.” apparent when she arrived in “The history of the Jews of comedian in his While her journey brought Grinkishek. “This village is outlying Lithuania is here with us every day,” youth. He was the her much joy, it was marked by a and very rural,” she explains. she says. “From the gefilte fish to resident comedy sense of sadness. “The reality of “When you see it, you immediately the Yiddish language, these things performer at the the annihilation that the Jews understand why our ancestors settled define us and connect us with the Plastic Theatre in experienced in the Baltics made a in places like Ermelo. They wanted to rich heritage of our ancestors. This Northcliff for four joyful experience a very painful one,” replicate the homes they had known history surrounds us here, and we Nat Bregman years. He even she says. “We experience journeys like in Europe. need to appreciate it every moment tried his hand at this and only then do we realise how “My husband and I sat together we can.” Adina retells this story she knew politics, joining the progressive party so well growing up; it encapsulates at about the same time as Helen Heartfelt apologies for anti-Semitic comments accepted her father’s passion for life and his Suzman. >>Continued from page 3 beliefs. Sharing a close connection with Born in Lithuania in 1923, Madiba, Bregman served his articles The Board maintained: “There was nothing flippant while many people had welcomed the resolution, some Bregman arrived in South Africa alongside him, says Adina. “He about the engagement. There was nothing but sincerity had reacted with “cynicism and anger.” at the age of four in 1927 with his also opposed strongly what the and genuine contrition in that room. Those boys followed “They were not in the room where the humiliation and mother, sister and brother aboard government was doing at the time. the official apologies with heartfelt words. We are not a anguish was visceral and present. It was a difficult thing to the Union Line ship, the Gloucester When completing the ‘race’ section community that rejects genuine remorse.” witness, people having to own up to awful acts. Castle. His father had arrived of any official form, he would write In the letters of apology, both men acknowledged that “An apology is not an easy action. It should never be shortly before them, setting up ‘human being’ in the space. That’s the the comments they posted constituted racist defamation underestimated how hard it is to take responsibility for home in Amersfoort, a small town in type of person he was.” and incitement to cause harm against Jewish people. your actions and to face those you have harmed. It is even Mpumalanga. The life that this young The Nat she did not know, however, They apologised unequivocally to the South African harder in that the situation is so public.” boy would go on to lead would prove was the four-year-old who had Jewish community and, in particular, to the members Kahn said the animosity that sadly exists between to be exceptional and would compel been born in the little Lithuanian of the Sneakerheads WhatsApp group. They agreed that sections of the Muslim and Jewish communities his daughter to return to his place village of Grinkishek. Determined “nothing justified what was said”. “complicates the situation further”. of birth in a journey to retrace his to explore her father’s birthplace, Kahn, who has spent many years fighting hardened, Yet despite this, she said, they went ahead with their history. Adina travelled last year to Lithuania unrepentant anti-Semites, said she honestly believed apologies, with their fathers both supporting and adding Adina, an accomplished architect, to explore his history. “Lithuania that the young men were “sincere and genuine and to the sincerity of the engagement. not only described the man her father has a tragic and chequered past,” remorseful”. The young men will soon be spending time at the was, but also recounted how she had she says. “Occupied and ruled by the In response to complaints on Facebook, she said that Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre.

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083 451 9176 • [email protected] • www.limmud.org.za 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 The many lives touched by SHAWCO MOIRA SCHNEIDER much due to her faith in the students, and her remains a UJW project to this day. “It never crossed my mind, all those years ago, advice and criticism, that the clinic became Gavin Morris, director of the South African that one day I would be the director,” he told earl Selibowitz, who taught Jewish established.” Jewish Museum, said the idea behind holding the SA Jewish Report prior to the opening of the studies around the country for 50 years, Selzer became a co-founder of SHAWCO and the exhibition was to extend the museum’s exhibition. Pwas inspired to become a teacher through remained its honorary life president until her reach into the wider community, so as to Joachims describes SHAWCO today her contact with SHAWCO, the Students’ Health death in 1999. Having graduated from UCT include a broader demographic. “One of the as “a very different animal”, operating in and Welfare Centres Organisation – a student- in 1932, she had married legendary physician things we want to do is to bring many different the fields of health, education and social run, non-profit community development Professor Frank Forman in 1934. people into the museum to hear our story. entrepreneurship. The health programme, still organisation based at the University of Cape The couple visited Israel frequently and SHAWCO is a perfect opportunity because its flagship programme, services about 5 000 Town (UCT). relocated there in 1971 after retiring. patients a year in the Cape From 1958, Selibowitz taught literacy in “The unique feature is that the entire Town metropole and the rural District Six every Saturday morning for three project, since its earliest days, has been Eastern and Western Cape. years, first as a high school student and later the responsibility and achievement Its mobile clinics provide while training to be a teacher. of students of the University of Cape primary healthcare services, Memories of those far-off days came flooding Town,” said Selzer in 1963. Students including vaccination, pap back as she wandered through the exhibition, have kept it viable since World War II, as smears, health promotion and Touching Lives: The SHAWCO Story, 1943-2018, well as during apartheid and post-1994. free basic medication. currently on at the South African Jewish As a member of the Union of Jewish Its education programme Museum in Cape Town. The exhibition will run Women (UJW), Selzer enlisted its provides services to 1 300 until the end of September. support as one of SHAWCO’s first children from Grades R to 11, SHAWCO had its beginnings in 1942, when partners. In 1941, the UJW established at 14 sites throughout the UCT medical student Andrew Kinnear spent his a milk depot for mothers and children at Cape Town metropole. This vacation driving an ambulance in Windermere Windermere. includes homework support (now Kensington) to pay for his studies. He was The next year, it founded the and a structured curriculum appalled by the poverty and the lack of hygiene Kensington crèche, which was to become focusing on numeracy and and medical facilities in the area, and was one of its largest and longest-lasting literacy, on a daily basis determined to do something about it. projects. It was established “for the Dr Golda Selzer with some of the children in SHAWCO’s early days. after school and on Saturday Kinnear asked Dr Golda Selzer of the children of non-European working mornings. The children also have exposure Pathology Department at Groote Schuur mothers”, securing donations of food and it’s an organisation that’s not Jewish, but has to leadership development, sport and cultural Hospital to assist him in establishing a clinic clothing, while SHAWCO member Dr Dorothy massive Jewish connections from its origins activities, he says. there. “I said: ‘Sure we will,’” she recalled later. Chanock attended to the needs of the children. until today. An academic intervention programme focuses So, on a winter’s night in July 1943, the first Within two years, an inspector from the “It’s an opportunity for the museum to open on tuition for pupils in Grades 10 to 12 in the eight UCT medical student volunteers saw eight Department of Social Welfare described its doors to a lot of people who may not have subjects of maths, physical science, accounting, patients. Kinnear remembers: “The effort and the crèche as “a veritable oasis amidst the chosen to come here but have an affinity with English and life sciences. The programme sacrifice of these students was incredible. The surrounding squalor and dirt”. Its success led SHAWCO – and they’ll have the opportunity to is attended by more than 500 pupils, and is only financial aid was £100 worth of drugs. the UJW to establish a further three crèches: learn about our community.” presented at UCT every Saturday morning by The students used their own instruments and in Elsies River (1973), Manenberg (1984) and Gavin Joachims, the director of SHAWCO, top educators. initiative, helped by a few doctors who shared Khayelitsha (1990). knows first-hand about the organisation he All of which must surely have been beyond their keenness. As a child, former finance minister Trevor leads, having spent much of his childhood at the the wildest imaginings of SHAWCO’s early “Dr Selzer was one of these, and it is very Manuel attended the Kensington crèche, which Elsies River crèche as a “SHAWCO kid”. founders. Using dance to bridge the divide MOIRA SCHNEIDER before, got “very involved” in township life. At the time, her old colleague Jenny van hen the Indoni Dance, Arts & Leadership Papendorp suggested that she come and see the Academy won a Gold Impumelelo Social work that Sbonakaliso Ndaba, a former colleague WInnovations Award in November last year of theirs, was doing with some dancers who for its contribution to the development of South had attended the Chris Hani Arts and Culture Africa, it was clear that this dance school was High School in the Western Cape township of unique. Khayelitsha. The Impumelelo Social Innovations Centre is a In 1986, dancers Searll Nivison, Van Papendorp leading awards programme in South Africa that and Sonwabo Masepe were behind the first rewards innovators who find creative solutions to black-and-white dance company in the country, public problems. Abamanyani. “The academy is a bridge,” says its co-founder, Recalling her visit to the dance classes in Balu Searll Nivison. “We use dance as a vehicle Athlone, Searll Nivison says: “I was absolutely for transformation and healing, and as a bridge to blown away. Sbo was funding it out of her own something more.” pocket and, when she could, was Based in Cape Town, the academy paying for the dancers’ food and offers a three-year post-school transport.” Free Evaluation professional training programme Searll Nivison was shocked for dance and integrated arts, to discover that of the 100 & Buying on: including music, drama, and students who graduated from visual arts. Indoni currently has 30 Continued on page 15>> • South African & International students on board for the three- coins and banknotes year course, all school leavers from poor and marginalised communities • Medals and Militaria in Gugulethu and surrounding Balu Searll Nivison • Silver and Gold Jewellery in townships. “A lot of them are living in child-headed any condition households, unable to afford transport or feed • Silverware themselves,” says Searll Nivison. “Each student has their own mentor, who meets with them on a • Collectable Items monthly basis. These mentors have a wide range Photos supplied of expertise and do a fantastic job of guiding and • Pocket and wrist watches caring for their trainees.” Students of Indoni was launched in January 2015, with the Indoni Remember your I.D. and banking details Dance, Arts if you wish to sell your items nation building, honouring the heritage of South Africa and rekindling hope as part of its & Leadership Academy mandate. It is drawing support from South African expatriates eager to give back to the country of their birth. Enquiries: The seeds were sown when Searll Nivison, who Tel: 011 880 9116 / 076 741 8801 • WhatsApp: 079 784 0101 had worked with academic and anti-apartheid 1st Floor, Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo, 2196, Johannesburg activist Dr Mamphela Ramphele during the formation of her political party Agang the year www.collectorsinvestments.com 27 July – 3 August 2018 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 What grandfather name fits… Using dance to bridge the divide >> Continued from page 14 honestly had no idea how a sweet person but as mad as INNER VOICE challenging it would be to a hatter, and doesn’t inspire the Chris Hani School, only four investor) initiative, asking friends choose a name for our new the confidence that a working went on to further their studies in and family to sponsor one student I dance, music and/or drama, largely for a year. “Everybody said ‘yes’,” granddaughter to call us. We are mom requires from her Howard Feldman certainly not the first people in the mother-in-law. Just saying. due to a lack of funds. she recalls. “Almost my entire world to have a grandchild and it I didn’t mind Mkulu It was then that she came up family is involved!” seemed to me that others slipped into and Gogo, but what about future at the answer. I gave them the rules. with the idea of establishing a The group started performing the names with enviable ease. Why grandchildren who might live in I explained the issues and asked for post-matric academy for students. “almost immediately” and this would turn out to be so darn Israel or Singapore or Christchurch? help. It is true to say that they know Part of the vision of Indoni, Searll have since danced locally and difficult, I genuinely have no idea. I also am a bit fearful about cultural me and understand me, and they Nivison explains, was to nurture internationally, says Searll Nivison. Perhaps it’s because we were given appropriation. I would hate for would never lead me astray. I believe the pool of talent in a country so They performed at the Out the rule that my wife and I had to Twitter to decide that we have not it was “Fay” who started the process rich in culture like ours, that was of Africa festival in Perth and match. If I was Ying, then she had to only stolen the land, the minerals and that would end in the decision. “What not being celebrated sufficiently. impressed audiences in their show be Yang. If I was Stan then she had all the best holiday homes, but now about Grumpy and Happy?” she She kickstarted her plan of in Sydney. to be Pete, me Salt to her Pepper, and also the language. It’s probably best asked. Sadly, I didn’t need to question action at the end of 2014 by All that is required for admission so on. There would be no mixing of to leave that one well alone. who she thought was which. turning her Claremont clothing into Indoni is commitment and styles and languages, and although Opa became a viable option, at least I told the family what Fay had shop into a theatre to showcase passion – everyone is accepted, we could choose anything we fancied, for me. My mother’s father was very suggested, but my wife said that she works by Ndaba’s students. unless there is a valid reason for this was one rule that we needed to Germanic – and a little difficult and would not be known forever as a Ramphele was the keynote them not to be, such as persistent abide by. sometimes unpleasant one. Which dwarf. She seemed to have no issue speaker. non-attendance. So, what’s the big deal? The big turned out to be the problem as I about the fact that my listeners didn’t The performances sold out. While it costs the students deal is that we are not the Bobba apparently have enough “Opa-like” consider me all sparkle and sunshine. In the audience was Suzanne nothing to attend the academy, and Zaida type in that we are still tendencies which no one wants to I have to say it hurt a little. Ackerman, who invited the group to they receive a share of the profits in our forties (at least I will be for a encourage. Least of all my wife, who But she thought about it and perform at Pick n Pay’s Christmas from large performances. few weeks). My own Zaida was the has dreaded me becoming my Opa for reverted with the edict. From party that year, and her mother, To address the leadership kindest, most gentle man in the the past 27 years of our marriage. So, henceforth, and from now on Wendy, donated R50 000 towards component of Indoni, Active whole world. But he was also the that option was removed off the very (assuming it doesn’t mean the same the launch of the academy. Citizenship Teacher Training has oldest. I adored him, but I never neat and tidy table, and we landed thing), he and she, grandfather And so, in 2015, Indoni Dance, been initiated for all the students. imagined being him. Saba and Safta back to square one. and grandmother to this new Arts and Leadership Academy, The leadership training programme are nice, but it just feels like I am The “Insta” teenage crowd tried little person, and please G-d to a non-profit organisation, was encourages critical thinking by trying too hard. I am a staunch to convince us to go the celeb route. future grandchildren, even those born. Searll Nivison, Ndaba, Van tackling subjects such as active Zionist. I am just not a Hebrew. Apparently, “Glammy” is “on fleek” in Christchurch, will be known as Papendorp and Ramphele, who is citizenship, human rights and I wanted to go with “Pops”, but my right now. But that made my wife Grumpy and Granny. It’s simple, chairperson of the board, were its issues that affect the students’ wife wasn’t happy to be Lolly. And think of tight leather trousers, it’s descriptive and most of all, it four founders. Auditions were held lives. I get that. I imagine that Lollies are botox, fillers and magnificently matches. and 10 students were accepted, “In a way, it’s starting a completely daft and will definitely puckered lips. Impressive, but our “But what happens if I am not but the academy needed funds. movement which is much greater always forget to fetch the kid from granddaughter will be unlikely to always Grumpy?” I asked tentatively. It was calculated that R1 000 per than just a dance school. It’s a school on Tuesday when it’s her turn attend Saheti. “Well,” she said after thinking about it, month would cover food, transport movement about dignity, personal to collect her, give her lunch and take I opened it up to my Morning Show “if you become a little more cheerful… and basic toiletries for each development and bridging the her to “modern”. Lolly is genuinely listeners, who assisted us in arriving then we can always call you Opa!” student, so Searll Nivison started divide by bringing people together the BMI (benefactor, mentor, who wouldn’t normally interact.”

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Killarney Mall - Winter Sidewalk Sale - SA Jewish Report - 200x270mm.indd 1 2018/07/04 3:22 PM 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 Lavender power: Israel’s tinder box? A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies urious protests currently going on in Israel, The challenges involved in dealing with anti-Semitism with people demanding LGBTI rights and the TAKING ISSUE Last week, the Board sent a letter their fathers and legal representatives. Foption to surrogacy, bring the spotlight home to the Jewish community and also One of the themes that emerged in to what it was to be gay in apartheid South Africa. issued a general press statement, the discussion was that we must not This was for many years illegal, punishable by fines Geoff Sifrin reporting that a settlement had been allow incidents of this nature to sour and jail terms. Same-sex marriage, of course, was reached in the matter of certain anti- relations between the Jewish and Muslim totally unimaginable at the time. With worldwide Reconstructionist and Conservative Jewish streams – Semitic comments that had communities, and indeed, shifts in social mores, how do things stand? which together constitute most religiously identified been posted on a WhatsApp to remember how much Same-sex marriage has been legal in South US Jews – supported it. group on 19 June. Jews and Muslims have Africa since 2006. Our Constitution was the first Among South African Jewry, which has traditionally The terms of the in common in terms of in the world to outlaw discrimination based on been a conservative community, greater acceptance agreement were formally their respective religious sexual orientation, and South Africa was the fifth of gays is apparent in recent years. Prominent concluded at a meeting heritages. It was in this country to legalise same-sex marriage. Couples can community rabbis have welcomed gay people in between the parties and spirit that the meeting adopt children and arrange in vitro fertilisation their synagogues, without explicitly condoning their respective legal was conducted, and which and surrogacy. Other countries allowing same-sex homosexuality. representatives, held at enabled us all to walk marriage include Belgium, Canada, Argentina, Rabbis still refrain from conducting same-sex the offices of Ian Levitt away as friends. England and Wales, and the United States. marriages, however, either because of personal Attorneys. In terms of In approaching this But legal legitimacy doesn’t automatically translate reservations or because the policy of their Jewish the settlement, the two case, the Board took into gay acceptance, particularly in black rural areas stream does not allow it. young men who had posted a decision to seek and townships. Even before the question of same- The Jewish community has shrunk by half since the offending comments maximum publicity for sex marriage – let alone surrogacy or children – its 1970s heyday to only some 60 000 people, and it would apologise in person what had happened and comes up, black lesbians face the horror of so-called lacks diversity compared to the five million-strong to the complainants, sign what it was doing in “corrective” rape. Rapists believe they can “fix” American community. In the US, Jews wanting to a letter of apology that Above Board response. Our intention women not conforming to conservative gender remain in the Jewish fold have numerous options, would afterwards be made Shaun Zagnoev in doing so was certainly norms. South Africa has one of the highest rates in such as egalitarian minyans, similar to the Orthodox public, and undertake not to create the the world of violence being inflicted against women shtiebls which have sprung up in South Africa, but within a designated period impression that Jews because they are lesbians. with a more liberal slant. to participate in a sensitivity were victims, but on the contrary, to send out But it is not just in South Africa, and not just a Back in Tel Aviv, touted as one of the world’s most training course at the Johannesburg a strong message that our community’s rights contemporary issue. In the US during the Cold War gay-friendly cities, legalisation of same-sex marriage Holocaust & Genocide Centre. cannot be violated with impunity and that, if in the 1950s, Republican senator Joseph McCarthy and surrogacy seems, ironically, a long way off. That is On this basis the Board, together necessary, those guilty of such conduct will be led the Federal government to target gay men and despite the protests and the festive gay pride parade with the administrator of the made to answer for it. lesbians, accusing them of endangering public morals of 250 000 people earlier this year, for which the city WhatsApp group who had been This may involve dealing with once-off, and linking them to communists. In a movement closed major roads. personally attacked, would withdraw impulsive incidents of anti-Semitic behaviour, known as the Lavender Threat, hundreds of people Civil marriage is absent. All Jewish marriages must the charges of crimen injuria and as was the case with the matter dealt with were persecuted, bullied and lost their jobs because go through the Orthodox-controlled rabbinate, which intimidation that had been laid. above, or more serious cases of persistent they were suspected of being homosexual. follows the halachic injunction against homosexuality. Going into the meeting, we were hostility on the part of those clearly bent on What about LGBTI people in Jewish communities? The Haredi parties’ political and religious power, not sure what to expect. While we pursuing an anti-Semitic agenda. When the US Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that however, rests on key positions in Prime Minister did not anticipate any real difficulties The challenge we always face is to assess same-sex marriage was to be legally binding in all 50 Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet. Will the gender rights in terms of confirming the practical which cases require our response, and what states, American Jews celebrated. Surveys showed protest be the tinder box that ignites a new direction aspects of the agreement, we were kind of outcome we want to achieve in the some 77% favoured its legitimacy. The Reform, in Israel’s politics? not at all sure what the attitude matter that we do decide to take up. would be of those we would be Realistically speaking, it is not possible to meeting across the table. Would the guilty respond to every single instance of anti- EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST parties display sincere contrition, or would Jewish bigotry that comes to our attention it emerge instead that they were simply (today, overwhelmingly originating in the backing down under duress? Would we see an social media space). COLLEGE PRINCIPAL unequivocal acknowledgment that what had However, when we do take action, we make been posted was unacceptable, or would it be sure to see it through, no matter how long it Masada College a case of, “Yes it was wrong, but….”? takes or how many practical difficulties we are As it turned out, we were genuinely confronted with along the way. (Sydney, Australia) affected by the obvious remorse displayed by the young men concerned, as well as by the • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, distress over what had happened displayed by 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00 to 13:00 Masada College bases its ethos on three • Establishes high quality education through things; being Jewish, on being Australian effective management of teaching and Letters and being nurturing. Every year our learning. graduates emerge with the highest • Working with the College Executive and INSTEAD OF JUDGING THE LESS FORTUNATE, HELP THEM academic achievements and move into other staff, is responsible for evaluating the

various fields of tertiary study. College’s performance, identifying areas for The Torah teaches that all people are created in improving the world. Fortunately, others gain The College Principal: improvement, raising standards, developing and implementing policies and procedures, the Creator’s image and deserve our respect, an enhanced ability to empathise as a result of • Early Learning Centre to Year 12 and allocating resources so that the College even if we believe they are different. suffering. • Provides educational vision, strategy and achieves its current and longer-term objectives. Scans show that part of the brain lights up In this country there are extremely high direction, whilst ensuring the College is when we do a kind act. We often experience levels of poverty and unemployment. Some managed and organised to meet outcomes on Attributes an ongoing basis. • High energy levels a sense of euphoria when doing so. Shortly have resorted to crime to fill their stomachs. before his final stroke, the Lubavitcher Rebbe Others, who are unwilling to steal, wash Role Responsibility • Strong communication skills • Experience in leadership roles was asked by CNN what his message to the windows at robots. Before condemning • Reports and is accountable to the Board world was. He said people should increase acts these poor souls, remember that they are of Management and reports directly to the • Flexible, proactive team player of goodness and kindness. attempting to offer a service. It cannot be President of the Board of Management • Strong organisational skills (the President). • Willingness to adopt new approaches and All the world’s religions are united in easy to stand all day, in all weather conditions, • Establishes a culture that promotes develop new initiatives emphasising the importance and spiritual while dodging vehicles in an attempt to eke educational excellence in a nurturing • A strength in technology is an advantage power of being charitable. The Kabalah out a living. environment, adhering to the values and Special Requirements (Jewish mysticism) tells us that every time we They also need to be fairly skilled to quickly principles of the Modern Orthodox Jewish do a kind act, a beautiful angel is created. If we clean the windows before the lights change. Variable Duties/Hours. The nature of the tradition. position is such that this role requires the could (in this world) see how beautiful it is, we Unfortunately, some of them are so fed up successful candidate to be available outside the would want to spend all our time doing good that they have become rude, but most are “normal” School hours. things. pleasant, especially when we are not hostile to Unfortunately, when we experience them. hardships we might become hardened and lose Even though they are wrong to invade our capacity to empathise with people. our space, do we have the grace not to get Not only does this make us unhappy, it worked up? Let us rather rise to the challenge also reduces our interest in helping others, and help sometimes. – Martin Zagnoev, resulting in our avoiding our Divine mission of Johannesburg

WHY WOULD THERE BE VICTIMISATION? Email applications or for more information: [email protected] At interview, potential candidates will be required to make a presentation on a designated topic. Closing date for applications: Friday 17th August 2018. I write in response to the article, Cross-racial adoptions in Jewish families (20 July), about 17h00 Australian Eastern Standard time. Jewish families who have adopted black children (Page 10). hiveofpotential.com.au If such families really have reason to fear victimisation, as stated in the feature, then we are a very sick Jewish community. – David Grinker, Johannesburg Freeway /Freedom From only R4 999 p/m

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23191 Upgrade into a Sportage Offer - Free Ad 390x265mm FA.indd 2 2018/07/20 14:20 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 Acts of chesed on Mandela Day

Sydenham preschoolers make sandwiches to distribute at the Alexandra Community Centre. From left, Jade Kushner, Danya Zwick, Jesse Kaveberg, Danni Leviner and Lisa Kahn Yeshiva pupils prioritised education on Mandela Day by reading with their peers, and each donated their favourite book to a school in need. King David Victory Park Coach Keifer Govender and Grade 7 pupil Megan Restall join the Grade 7s in cutting vegetables in order to prepare soup for the homeless. The initiative coincided with the school’s annual observance of “9 days of KD’ness” where children are encouraged to use small acts of kindness to change the world.

King David Senior Primary Linksfield pupils Zach Taitz, Michael Heymann, Jamie Class, Ryan Zaslansky, Zach Behr and Jonty Hirschson make sandwiches for staff at King David’s outreach partner school Summerwood. They arranged activities, including a Mandela treasure hunt and making a Mandela message board, for the Grade Rs of King David Pre-Primary School younger grades. Linksfield with their sandwich packs ready to be handed out to the needy.

Adina Sender, Noa Raz and Sabrina Molitano with their blessing bags. More than 300 bags were assembled and donated. Each contained bottled water, tinned food, toiletries, treats, gloves and beanies. Some 5 000 sandwiches were also distributed.

Pupils at King David Junior Primary School Linksfield brought Mandela Day bags to celebrate Like all their Sandton Sinai peers, Naomi Benjamin, Madiba’s spirit of generosity and caring. The Zara Karp and Elisheva Marcow made their own bags, filled with items to reuse and recyle, were sandwich, placed it into a bag with a fizzer, and distributed to those in need in our community. handed the bags out to the needy.

Mina Lopato Nursery School pupils made over 200 sandwiches for the less fortunate.

Friday (27 July) • JHGC hosts guest speakers Professor Steven Robins and Tuesday (31 July) Thursday (2 August) • Shalom Masorti Seniors Club hosts Dr Judy Jaye on The Value Dr Handri Walters to discuss Spectres of Racial Science: • Chabad of Sandton presents Trust Us, They Will Ask!, an • Pine Street Shul and the Chazoness of Positive Thinking. Time: 14:30 for 15:00. Tea will be Understanding Eugenics as a Travelling Science. Time: 15:00. interactive panel discussion in answering your child’s toughest AT Club invite you to meet Richard H ’S served, and there will be a selection of board games to play, Venue: 1 Duncombe Road, Forest Town. RSVP to questions (on sex, death, G-d and illness). The panel will Shavei Tzion, choirmaster of the

W cards and a friendly atmosphere. Cost: Donation of R15 will [email protected] or phone 011 640 3100. Free include: Carin Marcus, Rabbi Eitan Ash and Adene Davis. O Ramatayim Choir in Israel. Before be appreciated). Contact: Esther on 011 485 5619 Monday, admission, donations welcome. Time: 19:30. Venue: Chabad of Sandton Gallo Manor, making aliya 30 years ago, he was

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, from 08:30 to • Open Ongoing Nechama – Growth From Grief Support Group. Time: Hampton Court Road. Cost: R100 per person, refreshments N Pine Street Shul and the Bnei Akiva 12:30 for more information. Tea from 09:30, group is from 10:00 to 11:30. Venue: Jossel will be served. Contact: Book by emailing choirmaster. Time: 20:00. Cost: Card Room, Ground Floor, Golden Acres. No need to book. Men and [email protected] or calling 011 803 5787. R30 per head. Contact: Ashley Sunday (29 July) women welcome. Contact Linda Fleishman on 011 532 9701. Lazarus on 011 728 6366. • Second Innings hosts Victor Gordon on The Start-Up Nation – Wednesday (1 August) • Join WIZO every Thursday for a Lunch and Learn Shiur with Reasons Behind Israel’s High-Tech Success. Time: Tea at 10:00. Monday (30 July) • JHGC hosts guest speaker Edyta Gawron on Beyond Schindler’s Rabbi Michael Katz. Time: 13:00. Venue: Beyachad. Contact: Meeting starts at 10:30. Venue: Arcadia, entrance is opposite • UJW hosts Janice Honeyman, writer and director of theatrical List: The Known and Unknown Story of Oskar Schindler. Time: WIZO office at 011 645 2515. Glenwood Lodge in Long Avenue. Cost: R20 members, R40 productions, on magic on the stage. Time: 10:00. Venue: 19:00. Venue: 1 Duncombe Road, Forest Town. RSVP to • The next meeting of Hebrew speakers is at 10:30 to 12:00. visitors includes tea and light refreshments. Contact: Linda on 1 Oak Street, Houghton. Donation: R40. Contact: UJW office on [email protected] or phone 011 640 3100. Venue: Second floor of Beyachad building. 011 532 9701. 011 648 1053. 27 July – 3 August 2018 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 KD principals attend Global Education Summit in Israel The kindness of Klerksdorp’s Three King David School principals Technology). Jewish community were discussed. It Jewish women attended the first Global Education Caron Levy (KD Rosabelle Klein was emphasised that there needs to Summit in Jerusalem earlier this Nursery School in Waverley), Sheva be a partnership between the eight month. The summit was hosted by Messias (KD Pre-Primary School million Jews living in the Diaspora and Israel’s ministry of diaspora affairs, Linksfield) and Sally-Ann Knowles the Israeli ministries. its ministry of education, The Pincus (KD Ariel) were among 200 dignitaries Said Levy: “The Ministry has Fund for Jewish Education and from 31 countries around the world. promised us its support, and the Matach (the Centre for Educational The aim of the summit was to create partnerships we established must be a global network for Jewish educators maintained.” to share ideas, discuss challenges and Said Messias: “The mission that access educational materials. we have as educators for the next The summit addressed Jewish generation is essential in guaranteeing education issues and ideologies around the future of the Jewish people. There the world. Education Minister Naftali will be no Jewish people without a Bennett and Dvir Kahane, director- Jewish education.” general of the diaspora affairs ministry Added Knowles: “As part of the A small group of Jewish women to the Daphne Lee Centre for the were some of the dignitaries at the inaugural summit, we are seen as in Klerksdorp used a monetary Disabled. So thrilled was one of conference. the core group, with the intention donation to pay it forward in the centre’s residents, he could not Ideas about how to maintain Jewish to expand and empower additional anticipation of Mandela Day on stop hugging his newly acquired 18 July. blanket. Sheva Messias, Caron Levy and Sally-Ann identity in children and create a Jewish educators through this Knowles standing at the back long-lasting sense of belonging to the network.” They bought wool with the money What a special mitzvah this was they’d received and distributed the for the group. Young footballers score in Joburg and Cape Town balls of wool among themselves in In addition to handing out order to knit blankets. A total of 36 the blankets, the women made Boys and girls from various schools – including King warm blankets were created. sandwiches out of 40 loaves of David Linksfield and King David Sandton, and Alon On Mandela Day last week, bread and handed them out to Ashel (Weizmann) in Cape Town – took their football these women took the blankets needy people around town. skills to the next level. This as Tyson Properties extended its Cape Town sponsorship of Soccer School to Johannesburg by teaming up with Ballers Soccer Club. The company co-sponsored a soccer clinic at the New playschool opening Pirates Club in Greenside for boys and girls in the Under-6 to Under-12 age groups. The five-day soccer Teeny Dreamers will be hosting its official launch party camp provided an opportunity for young players to get on the 5th of August from 10am to 12pm in Morningside, Sandton expert coaching. Please join us for some fun and snacks while we show you The Cape-based Soccer School runs year-round around our little school. Age groups: 20 months to 3 years. training for children in the Under-4 to Under-14 age-group categories. Owner and founder Liam Offering half and full day (kosher meals inclusive). Special offer: All enrolments at the launch will receive a 50% discount on the enrolment fee. Shirley explained: “It’s designed to instil confidence in youngsters’ soccer ability by providing an all-inclusive Pro soccer player Matthew Carelse (centre, in the blue-and-white For more info please call Avril 083 262 2026 or email [email protected] programme for children of all abilities.” tracksuit) visited the young players for their prizegiving event 10A Ronmar Road, Morningside, Sandton Love in abundance for the young and the elderly Mandela Week was one of love, giving was infected with the HI virus. Mthembu have been nurtured since infancy, like and celebration at Yeshiva College. took him in and went on to found the 11-year-old Xolile. She was two weeks Yeshiva College Shul members centre. old when she was found wrapped in collected blankets for the elderly and Fundraising was then spearheaded by a plastic bag on a nearby dump site. the less fortunate of Katlehong township special individuals from The Readucate She has been loved and cared for by to honour the centenary of the birth of Trust, a non-profit organisation which Mthembu ever since. The children’s former president Nelson Mandela. Under focuses on education and literacy, as ages range from a few weeks’ old to the leadership of the shul’s associate well as by Marcia Tanzer, the former late teens. rabbi, Rabbi Alon Friedman, and his principal of Yeshiva College Girls’ High Mthembu also provides lunch for 200 wife, Dani, a total of 107 blankets were School, and her pupils. elderly pensioners twice a week in the handed out. Sponsorship was actively sought out, local church hall. On the same day, the Yeshiva College and as a result, for the past 15 years pupils celebrated the 60th birthday of Nashua has been staunchly supportive Rosy Mthembu, the founder and director of the orphanage. Woolworths also came of Fountain of Love. Yeshiva College and on board, supplying free vegetables its pupils have a long-term partnership and fruit. Other sponsors have with the Fountain of Love Orphanage included Bravura, Powafix, Siyahamba Centre, a home for Aids orphans in Engineering, Tiger Brands, Chevron Katlehong. South Africa, Longridge, SAPS Katlehong Mthembu started the centre in 2003 North, Kido and Smanga Event when a little boy was left abandoned on Organisers. the doorstep of her house in Katlehong. Today Mthembu has 45 Aids orphans He had been abandoned because he living in her home. Some of them Rosy Mthembu with Xolile 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 July – 3 August 2018 ‘Free Palestine’ heckler distracts Another victory for ‘boxing’ Nathan JORDAN MOSHE also been the only person in Africa Tiger Woods to be nominated to sit on the World halking up another victory for Boxing Council Training Committee. Palestine” call. Joburg-based boxing trainer Although Nathan was heard “I flinched, but I’ve CColin Nathan, Simphiwe urging Khonco to change his strategy had things like that Khonco successfully defended during his match against Landero, happen a lot in my his IBO mini-flyweight title for the barking: “Let your hands go! Let career with people third time against a determined your hands go!”, he needn’t have who just tried to Toto Landero of the Philippines on worried. Khonco walked out of the time it. Either that, Sunday. ring triumphant, notching up another or they’re a little bit Khonco delivered a spectacular triumph for Nathan and South African over-served [with performance at Walter Sisulu boxing. drink]. They tipped University in his home town of In May, Nathan travelled to Japan back a few and it’s Mthatha, earning a unanimous points with his other champ, Hekkie Budler, late in the day,” win – 117-112, 116-112, 116-112. to watch him square up against Tiger Woods pulls away from the 14-time Major Nathan, his trainer, is thrilled at previously undefeated Japanese his first shot on the 18th hole champion told the yet another win, as Khonco is the boxer Ryoichi Taguchi. Budler when a spectator shouts out media at a press second of his protégés to clinch a emerged victorious from this match during his tee shot conference after the world championship in two months. with a score of 114-113 to become match. Named Trainer of the Year for 2017 the first South African boxer to hold Colin Nathan and JACK MILNER “Unfortunately, that’s part of what by Boxing South Africa, Nathan has three junior-flyweight titles. Simphiwe Khonco we have to deal with in today’s game. It was during the moments of silence, as People are trying to yell out things to Tiger Woods started his backswing for try to be on TV or be in social media or Chess champ, 7, can’t compete in Tunisia as she’s Israeli his tee shot on the 18th hole, that a fan whatever it may be. But that was too STAFF REPORTER would not be able to participate.” shouted: “Free Palestine.” This, while the close to affecting the game of play.” Aizenberg has instead founded US golfer was competing at The Open Woods finished three shots behind Liel Levitan, a schoolgirl from Haifa, is the World Alternative Championship, at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland on champion and playing partner unable to accept an invitation to play which takes place in Israel and Sunday. Francesco Molinari, though he is still in the World Chess Championship extends competition invitations to Woods – who was bidding for his first in the world’s top 50 after finishing the because host nation Tunisia will not players from across Europe and the major win since 2008 – hit out at the weekend’s tournament in joint-sixth allow Israelis to compete, it was Arab world. heckler who attempted to put him off his place . reported recently. TV Screenshot via Hadashot Liel has also been invited to the shot. The 42-year-old, who had led midway Despite the incident, Woods was This is not the first time Israeli competition, which counts outgoing through his final round, dropped his club pleased overall with a return to form chess players have been denied Liel Levitan chairman of the Jewish Agency and shouted out “No” when the fan yelled that he believed allowed his two the opportunity to participate in towards the Jewish state. Natan Sharansky and American pro- at him during his final tee shot. children to get to see what all the fuss international tournaments because of “Just a few months ago, a World Israel group Stand With Us among its Woods is probably one of the most about their dad’s game is about. their nationality. Chess Championship was due to supporters. intense golfers on the tour, so this was Daughter Sam, aged 11, and son Israeli athletes often face take place in Saudi Arabia,” chess “The time has come to put an end bound to put him off. The spectator, who Charlie, nine, had been too young to see difficulties when competing in the player Lior Aizenberg told Hadashot to discrimination against Israelis in was sitting in a hospitality box, was ejected their dad in his heyday and they greeted Middle East or against Middle Eastern news. “It was clear to everyone that chess, in sports and in every field,” from the course after repeating his “free him with a hug behind the 18th green. countries, because of hostility outstanding Israeli chess players said Aizenberg. – Times of Israel

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Rabbi Yossi Paltiel Rabbi Yossi Paltiel is a popular teacher of Jewish philosophy, mysticism and Chassidism. He currently teaches at Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch / Chovevei Torah, Machon L’Yahadus Women’s Yeshiva, and at the Beis Midrash L’Nashim in Brooklyn, NY. Rabbi Paltiel lectures at various Jewish events in New York and travels to speak in Jewish communities throughout the world. His popular website filled with thousands of audio classes is www.insidechassidus.org and www.theyeshiva.net. Rabbi Paltiel has visited South Africa several times and has inspired so many both here and abroad. We welcome Rabbi Paltiel to South Africa and invite you to learn from this exceptional teacher.

Rabbi Levy Wineberg Rabbi Levy Wineberg - Dean of the Hamaor Centre and The Kollel Beis Mordechai, has educated and inspired two generations of students of Talmud, Halacha and Chassidic studies. With a gift for simplifying complex subjects he has pioneered, since the 1970’s, innovative projects to bring Torah to an English-speaking audience through radio and press. He has positively “infected” thousands around the world with an enthusiastic love for Torah.

Rabbi Nesanel Schochet Rabbi Nesanel Schochet is the Rabbi of the Chassidim Shul in Johannesburg. Born in Toronto and part of a large family of exceptionally gifted Rabbis and scholars, Rabbi Schochet shares his knowledge, insights and depth of understanding, with his many students both at The Torah Academy Boys High School, where he has taught for several years, as well as in his many classes and shiurim for adults.

Rabbi Ari Shishler Rabbi Ari Shishler is the Rabbi of Chabad of Strathavon. He has lectured around the world on Jewish history, personal growth, Talmud and Chassidus. A passionate teacher, Rabbi Shishler has a weekly radio show on Chai FM and writes a regular column in the Jewish Life Magazine. His articles have appeared on Chabad.org and in the Jewish Report, Jewish Observer and Nshei Chabad publications.

Rebbetzin Estee Stern Rebbetzin Estee Stern was born and raised in Johannesburg, and in 2007 she was appointed as the Associate Rebbetzin of the Sydenham Shul. Estee is a popular teacher and lecturer, primarily focusing on the important role of women within society. She has lectured in Australia, USA and Israel, and locally her regular ladies classes attract large crowds from a wide spectrum of the community.

Rabbi Noam Wagner Rabbi Noam Wagner, hails from a long line of extremely learned Rabbinical scholars. He grew up in Toronto Canada, was ordained by the famous Rabbi Hirshprung in Montreal and is currently Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah Lubavitch in Johannesburg. Rabbi Wagner’s vast knowledge and unique perspective on Chassidic philosophy have enabled him to connect with and inspire students around the world.

Simcha Youngworth Brigitte (Simcha) Youngworth was born in Rhodesia, lived in the Belgian Congo and moved to South Africa in 1975. She matriculated at King David VP and is a graduate of UCT. After a long search she was exposed to Chabad Chassidus, where she discovered the great positivity, warmth and spiritual depth of Judaism. She teaches mikvah lessons to Jewish brides and has written several children’s books. Book Today Call 011 440 6600 or email [email protected] Know someone who needs a shul? Chabad shuls are at your service for the High Holidays as well as all year round.

Chabad of Benmore/Riverclub Chabad of Norwood BR N 33 Marico Rd, Morningside 8 The Avenue, Norwood

Chabad of Fourways Chabad of Sandton F S 10 Riverside Rd Fourways Chabad Place , Gallo Manor

Chabad of Glenhazel Chabad of Savoy G SV 35 Northfield Ave Glenhazel 27 Aintree Ave, Savoy Estate

Chabad @ the Kirsh Goodness Chabad of Strathavon GK ST & Kindness Centre, 8 Stella St, Sandton 2 Gayre Rd, Sandown

Chabad of Greenstone Beis Menachem GS 1164 Spoonbill Circle, Greenstone Hill BM 52 Boundary Rd, Talboton

Chabad of Illovo Chassidim Shul I 42 2nd Ave, Illovo C 57 Oakland Rd, Orchards

Chabad of Lyndhurst Hamaor Centre L 133 Morkel Rd, Lyndhurst HC 75 Sandler Rd, Fairmount

Chabad of Melrose The Shul @ Hyde Park M Eton Place, Melrose HP 69 Melville Rd, Hyde Park

Torah Academy Shul TA 57 Oaklands Rd, Orchards

For more information www.chabadsouthafrica.org