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south african n Volume 23 – Number 39 n 8 November 2019 n 11 Cheshvan 5780

The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za Ramaphosa lauds Israel’s entrepreneurship funding TALI FEINBERG Amit Lev, told the SA Jewish Report that assisting Others encouraged the president to Alida Schoultz asked rhetorically, “Is he South Africa with challenge funds could become go to Israel to see innovation in action. busy opening his eyes and ears? A positive he African National Congress has taken the a reality. “We would be delighted to deploy Wrote Joan Elias, “Put your pride in your move, Mr President. Now keep moving approach of disinvestment, disengagement, challenge funds together with the South African pocket. Go to Israel. You will be amazed forward. Speak to the Israeli ambassador and downgrading relations with Israel government, and to stimulate cutting-edge at what you will see and they would be in South Africa, visit Israel, and speak to Tsince Cyril Ramaphosa’s election in December technology in the private sector. thrilled to help you move forward in our people who can show you the right way 2017, so it came as a surprise when the president “We see a growing business interest between country with all their innovations and forward. Tey can teach you a lot. Are we himself lauded Israel’s economic and technological Israeli and South African companies especially proven techniques. Go Cyril, go!” seeing our prayers answered?” innovation at a conference in Johannesburg last in agritech, cyber security, fintech, mining tech, week. and healthcare. Te trade mission assisted in “Tey [Israel] are leading by leaps and bounds, facilitating more than R100 million of business South Africa...big in Japan and they are actually innovative in a number deals this year in these sectors in order to of sectors of the economy, in agriculture, in strengthen technology and innovation among maritime, and a number of other areas. Tey South African companies.” have shown that they can lead, and we can learn Te South African Jewish Board of Deputies a lot from what they do with challenge funds said the comments were positive, with National [funds that enable entrepreneurs to come up with Director Wendy Kahn remarking that “Israel business solutions to solve developmental issues]. has so much to offer South Africa in the area I find this very interesting and would like to know of technology, and we are encouraged by our more,” said Ramaphosa at the Women in Business president’s recognition of this potential for our Conference on 29 October. country.” In response to the president’s points, Israeli Ambassador Lior Keinan said, “Israel has become a world leader in innovation and “I’m certain that Israel would be more entrepreneurship. We are delighted to see Israeli tech discussed by President Ramaphosa. We are than willing to assist South Africa also delighted to see such an amazing result in should she be open to it. It’s time to our efforts to increase economic co-operation, upgrade relations between South trade, and investment. Te Israeli embassy will continue its mission to encourage avenues of co- Africa and Israel.” operation between Israel and South Africa for the betterment of our countries.” Rowan Polovin, the national chairperson of He was responding to a question about Israel’s the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), said, technology investment model in the public and “We are most pleased that President Ramaphosa private sectors. appreciates Israel’s remarkable economic model Pointing out that South Africa could learn from of funding, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We Israel’s leadership in creative entrepreneurship, believe this model could be replicated in South he said, “I’m interested in this one you talk about Africa to the enormous benefit of our economy. in Israel, because one knows about what exists, “South Africa can only gain from opening up say for instance in other countries like the US. But to Israel and learning from the ‘start-up nation’. [Israel] funds enterprises in the technology space, Every other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and you call it a challenge fund,” said Ramaphosa. and South Africa) nation except our country has “For me that’s a very interesting nomenclature realised the impact that Israel can make on the [classification], because it possibly could challenge country’s local economy. I’m certain that Israel the private sector, but it could also challenge the would be more than willing to assist South Africa entrepreneurs themselves that come out of the should she be open to it. It’s time to upgrade woodwork. ‘Here is money, come with plans and relations between South Africa and Israel.” innovative ideas which we can fund, and then A clip of the president making these remarks Johannesburg businessman Selwyn Trakman stopped traffic in Tokyo when he spotted Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi while crossing the busiest intersection in the city. we can seed your business.’ In many ways that was posted by SAFI on Facebook, where it was “There were zillions of people crossing the road, yet Siya didn’t hesitate to oblige when I [challenge funds] is what I guess has got Israel to widely shared. But some South Africans saw the asked him for a selfie,” said Trakman. lead in the technology space,” he added. comments as “too little, too late”, saying they Israel’s trade commissioner to Southern Africa, were contradictory. See World Cup stories on pages 8 and 9 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 Shabbat times this week Evangelist’s comments on Jews and Afrikaners causes race row Starts Ends TALI FEINBERG covenant with the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, 18:11 19:03 Johannesburg and Jacob. Tey are the Jewish people and 19:03 19:58 Cape Town conomic Freedom Fighters (EFF) the Afrikaans people, that is fact.” 18:05 18:59 Durban Secretary General Godrich Gardee Wendy Kahn, the national director of the 18:15 19:16 Bloemfontein called for an upcoming gathering South African Jewish Board of Deputies, 18:15 19:29 Port Elizabeth Eof Christians to be “booby-trapped” said, “In our fraught South African 18:15 19:18 East London after evangelist preacher Angus Buchan environment where race and religion can was recorded as saying that only Jews be potentially divisive and sensitive issues, Appliance Repairs on Site and Afrikaners had a “covenant with it’s imperative that our words are chosen ers, G-d”, but both have since apologised for carefully. wash ish es their comments. EFF Deputy President “Tese types of provocative comments s, D s, Stov e chine Floyd Shivambu posted a video clip on from all parties in this conversation idg Ma Fr ing Twitter of Buchan convening a prayer serve only to polarise South ash & more W Dryers meeting to be held on 1 February in Africans further. We urge mble Tu Call Jason Pretoria. Shivambu wrote, “A racist all political, religious, and

082 401 8239 / 076 210 6532 Boer Pastor Angus Buchan says it’s communal leaders to FREE QUOTATIONS only the Boers & Jews who have a utilise speech that isn’t covenant inflammatory. We again Angus Buchan with G-d, endorse the campaign & he’s #NoPlaceforHate.” Michael David convening a Gardee to be “prosecuted” for his comments. QUALITY WORKMANSHIP predominantly Boers “Tis isn’t only hate speech, it’s incitement to Israel rejects NGO director’s meeting in Loftus violence. Godrich should be prosecuted,” he deportation appeal Rugby Stadium in said in a tweet of his own. February 2020. You Buchan apologised for his comment about Israel’s Supreme Court has rejected an appeal can wish whatever Jews and Afrikaners in a Facebook post. by the local director of Human Rights Watch Tired of your old you want Afrika [sic], “Having stated that the Jews and the against deportation over his involvement in but these people Afrikaans people were the only two nations the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) worn-out furniture? don’t want us.” that had a covenant with G-d is totally wrong movement. Omar Shakir was ordered to leave Rejuvenate your home... In response, and for that statement, I humbly ask your the country within 20 days. He was expelled Gardee said, “Tat forgiveness,” he said. from the country a year ago. • Custom upholstery stadium needs some Gardee responded on social media that he “Te court confirmed that while in Israel, • Furniture repairs Michael limpet mines booby- didn’t accept the apology. “Tis is what we Shakir spent his time unjustifiably vilifying • Dining room suites trapped around it are subjected to … stir up racial disharmony Israel and promoting BDS activities,” said • and more 082 820 7091 prior to that date. and apologise when taken to task … the fact Maurice Hirsch, an attorney for NGO Ten let’s see what is that the man sees Africans in their own Monitor. “Despite his claims, Shakir’s 430 Louis Botha Avenue, cnr Main Street, Rouxville happens to the only country and continent as subhuman and not work had very little, if anything, to do with people who have a worthy of G-d.” But he eventually apologised protecting human rights.” ‘covenant with G-d’. for his own inflammatory tweet. “Following I know this Boer the apology by evangelist Angus, I withdraw Anti-Semitic sing along lands religious fanatic is my earlier comments regarding limpet misrepresenting the mines. Racist conduct should be ferociously teens in hot water Jewish people, but confronted. It took a threat to bring him to Tree German teenagers are under he must be banned his senses. Let’s hope no one follows in his investigation for allegedly playing anti- from our television footsteps to wedge religious racial division.” Semitic songs and singing along after visiting screens.” Buchan’s original comment was as follows, Buchenwald concentration camp in the centre Following “Everybody is welcome as always to our of the country on 15 October. these comments, meetings but this time, the emphasis will German police are investigating the three AfriForum Deputy be on the Afrikaner nation. We are going 14-year-olds from Grunberg in western Chief Executive to call out to G-d remembering that only Germany for incitement to hatred. Ernst Roets called for two nations in the world have ever been in Torah Thought Rabbi Julia Margolis, Beit Luria Go and do something you believe in Progressive Shul ccording to the Torah portion this that lay at the root of Abraham’s being and often to a new Shabbat, Lech Lecha, “The Lord (and indeed all of our beings) and is the and strange land. Asaid to Abraham, ‘Go forth from element of our spiritual being. There are so many your native land and from your father’s Sometimes how we get to where we challenges and tests house to the land that I will show you.’” are going matters less than our inner during one’s journey. (Genesis 12:1) Abraham got up and went. focus and determination to get to where We are “gerim”, all children of G-d. At • Videomed Instore • First Aid & Wound Care The Hebrew people didn’t begin their we know, deep within ourselves, is where the end of the day, at some time in our life, • Cholesterol Screening • Breast Feeding Advice life in the land of Israel, but outside it. we need to be. We need to focus on our we had to pick up and leave. • Vaccinations • Baby Milestones From this first journey down to the present own “horizon”, to keep moving in that Whether physically, or metaphorically, • Family Planning • Immunisations day, Jews have maintained their character direction, and eventually we know that we life’s journeys bind us to one another. • Discovery Vitality • Rapid HIV Testing & Counselling as a wandering people, to and from the will get there. Each life is a journey, and at some point Assessments • Ear Piercing land of Israel. Lech Lecha starts with a powerful something or someone comes along which Abraham was commanded to go. He opening line. It’s clear that Abraham is a gets us to move in a new direction. 580 Louis Botha Ave, Savoy Estate (Opp Nando’s) had to leave all that was familiar and go “ger”, he has chosen the path we know Those who say that by going without Tel: (011) 885-1200/1 • Email: [email protected] and make a new life, a new story, that has as Judaism. (Judaism didn’t yet exist, but knowing the destination, Abraham was never been told. the idea is that he was the first in the line showing his love for G-d, maybe right in His inner voice commands him, “Go!” of people who would come to be known their own way. I believe Abraham took This voice is what drives Abraham to as a Jew.) The word “ger” really means what Abraham Joshua Heschel describes VEHICLES WANTED remove all that is “non-essential” in his “stranger”. What makes Abraham a “ger” as a “leap of action”. This is perhaps the life; to remove so called social convictions is that he goes on from his parent’s home. essence of what Judaism asks of us: not and beliefs. More to the point, it drives him Today, each of us is very much like just to take a leap of faith, to believe in to remove ill-conceived superstitions and Abraham. We too are “gerim”, strangers something just “because”, but rather to obstacles that can stand in the way when on a journey. Our journey is also one that take a leap of action. To do something if we truly enter a search for the primary takes us out from our parents’ homes, you genuinely feel you should, even if you source of all things, the divine spark sometimes away from our families, don’t initially understand 100% why.

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Tel: 011 430 1980. % Arnold Orkin 082 823 7826 The SA Jewish Report subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Public Advocate at 011 484 3612, AUTO AFRICA fax: 011 484 3619. You can also contact our Case Officer on [email protected] or lodge a complaint on their website: www.presscouncil.org.za 8 – 15 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Xolani Gwala tribute is not the story we planned PAULA SLIER or weeks, I’d been dreading the After the third treatment, he told me “Yes I came phone call I got at 05:30 last his doctor said there was a definite here by Uber,” he Friday morning. Nobody wants biochemical and clinical response. grinned. Fto die, but for those of us who were Te treatment he was receiving had We both smiled fortunate enough to call Xolani Gwala controlled the cancer. “I’m really happy about this for days. a friend, we knew just how much he for you!” his doctor told him. Tis is a very different article to the wanted to live. Xolani spent a few months living in one I’d planned to write. Xolani and I He was told by doctors in South Tel Aviv. He loved walking the streets, thought to pen a piece together after Africa that there was nothing more and even toyed with the idea of buying he’d beaten the cancer in which he’d they could do for him and for months, a bicycle. One day, he was outside when talk about how grateful he was that Xolani lived with the knowledge that a siren went off and confused, he ran Israel had taken him in and given him a unless a miracle happened, he was into a small grocery shop where an second chance at life. going to die. He was desperately afraid. old man told him that Iran had just Te last time I saw Xolani was in While South Africans at the end of attacked Israel. We later joked that he May, when he asked me to accompany last year were celebrating his recovery was likely to be killed by a third world him to hear the result of his latest from stage-four colon cancer and war before cancer. treatment in Israel. African and world-renowned Center. On our first visit there, his return to the airwaves, Xolani He learnt two words of Hebrew On that last day, the doctors told him specialist in pancreatic cancer, Xolani and I made a pact (actually phoned me out of the blue. We’d been during this time – rak Bibi (only Bibi the cancer had stopped growing. He was responsible for putting him I did – I’m silly in that way) that was so relieved. He’d hoped they’d tell on the right trial. we would return to that piano him it was diminishing, but we spoke At the end of May, halfway when he’d been given a clean about it for a long time afterwards and through this trial, Xolani decided bill of health and play a song he kept repeating – maybe to convince to return to South Africa to see of gratitude. I’m not even sure himself as much as anyone else – that his family. Xolani knew how to play, but it it was still a good result. It was the last “He travelled to South Africa was something to look forward to. time he’d ever get good news. during the winter, and his Te piano is still standing there. Xolani loved Israel. He had already immune system was very low,” But Xolani isn’t any longer. I miss lived in Ramallah in 2008 when he Naomi said. “He deteriorated you my friend. Your music will was an evening newsreader for Ram from then onwards.” play on for all of us who knew and FM radio station, the brainchild of Within two days of returning loved you, and for the millions of 702 founder Issie Kirsh. Based on the to South Africa, he caught flu, South Africans who looked up to success of talk radio in South Africa, which first needed to be treated you. the idea was for this station to get before he could continue with Hamba kahle. Xolani praying at the Church of Israelis and Palestinians to talk to one the trial. He decided to receive the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem another in English. Unfortunately, it this treatment in South Africa, • Paula Slier is the Middle East Bureau never really took off, and just more and the plan was to return to Chief of RT, the founder and CEO of friends since our early twenties, and [Netanyahu]) and it delighted him than a year after it started, it closed Israel later. But that plan never NewshoundMedia and the inaugural I had always had a soft spot for him. to say it and watch the bemused down. materialised. Europcar Women in Leadership Xolani is one of those rare people who, expressions on Israeli faces. Tey’d Xolani always wanted to come back Tere is a piano at one of the Award winner at the Absa Jewish regardless of fame, never changed. either thump him on the back in to Israel – but not this way. entrances to Sheba Medical Achiever Awards. He was a genuinely good and decent agreement, or worryingly ask him who Naomi Hadar, the executive director human being. he was hanging out with. of the South African Friends of Sheba Unfortunately we’d lost contact over Xolani spoke highly of his employers Medical Center, approached the the years, and I was surprised to hear at Radio 702 who supported him every hospital and organised for Xolani to from him. He confided that he’d been step of the way. Tey sent him radio be treated there. He called her his given the worst possible news – the equipment, and he was hoping that “guardian angel”. cancer had returned. when he felt better, he could present “Sheba is a hospital with no borders, A friend suggested he contact me to his show from Israel. He hated not and if it can help somebody, it’s more see if Israel could help him. I promised telling his listeners the real state of his than happy to,” Naomi told me on I’d do everything I could to assist, health, but he was a private person and Monday this week with tears in her and in March this year, he moved to like many things in his life, he kept it to eyes. Tel Aviv. He was one of less than two himself. “Te hospital said, ‘We’ve helped dozen people from around the world Still, it wasn’t easy. He was often Palestinians and people from enemy who’d been accepted into a clinical trial tired and in a lot of pain. And there countries, for sure we’ll help someone that was using different medicines that were a few times when we thought the that loves and supports Israel.’ And we had never before been used together to end was near. were on track. Te trial was working. beat cancer. Tere was also one thing Israel Xolani promised me that as soon as he It was experimental and hugely couldn’t give him – his family. I was better, he would dedicate his life to expensive, but for people like Xolani remember a phone conversation promoting Sheba and the outstanding who had nowhere else to turn, it between him and one of his daughters work done in Israel. I’m heartbroken.” offered a last hope. He was one of only that he later shared with me. Te Israeli medical team headed by three being treated for free in this “Daddy,” she’d asked him, “Why are Dr Ronni Shapiro had a soft spot for Paula Slier and Xolani specific trial at Sheba Medical Center, you in Israel?” him. During his time in Israel, he’d visit Gwala at the Western Wall Tel HaShomer, Israel’s largest and most “Te doctors here are making me them regularly for blood tests and they comprehensive medical facility. better,” he replied. kept almost daily contact with him. He Troughout the trial, he shared the “But how did you get there,” she told me they were compassionate, and results with his South African doctor asked. “Your car is in the garage. Did always asked about his feelings and who had encouraged his move to Israel. you use Uber?” family. Dr Talia Golan, a former South

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Web Ref: RL58745 & RL58756 4 3 Web Ref: RL59044 6 4 Web Ref: RL57770 5 3.5 Web Ref: RL51780 Joel Harris 082 926 0287 National Sales Consultant of the Year Joel Harris 082 926 0287 National Sales Consultant of the Year Norma 082 554 7260 | Romaine 082 685 5177 Laureen Shalpid 083 789 0229 Laureen Shalpid 083 789 0229 Chrissie Hammer 082 568 0440 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 Pamensky admits to ratifying Eskom’s ‘dodgy’ R43 million New Age deal NICOLA MILTZ Ntsaluba Gobodo (SNG) had He said he didn’t know that with ordinary private companies. member would say, I need to see already reviewed the contract and Eskom’s previous board had found And, whether he accepted that the what I am ratifying.” ohannesburg chartered found it to involve “reportable no value in the utility’s prior reason for this “might be that state- Hofmeyr said Pamensky knew at accountant Mark Pamensky, irregular expenditure”. Also sponsorship agreements with TNA. owned enterprises are spending the time that TNA was owned by the a former Eskom non- lawyers from Ledwaba Mazwai He also claimed not to have known public money?” He agreed, and said Gupta family or its companies. executiveJ board member, has Attorneys had called for a that then Public Protector Tuli he became familiar with the act He was asked if he wasn’t admitted to ratifying a dodgy termination clause in the contract. Madonsela had asked for a delay in within the first six months of his concerned about ratifying a sponsorship contract between the And SNG had found that Eskom’s the decision by the board to enter directorship. contract relating to a Gupta entity cash-strapped power utility and interim chief executive, Collin into a deal until her report into state He said he wasn’t aware of in 2015 at a time when there was Gupta-owned newspaper Te New Matjila, exceeded his authority capture was finalised. scathing newspaper articles in “huge concern” about the role of Age (TNA). when he signed the deal (before And, he claimed no knowledge October and November 2014 the Gupta family in state-owned Pamensky was testifying to the ratification). of the two prior contracts between Zondo Commission of Inquiry into Also, according to testimony Eskom and TNA that were concluded state capture last week. before the commission, Eskom’s without the involvement of the Mark Pamensky He admitted to the commission sponsorship policy requires that sponsorship committee. that he didn’t get a copy of the contracts above R3 million be Hofmeyr asked whether he would contract between Eskom and TNA properly assessed and approved by maintain his decision to ratify the before ratifying the R43 million its sponsorship committee first. contract if he had known then what advertising and sponsorship Te contract was concluded he knew now. Pamensky answered, deal between Eskom and the without the termination clause “Never.” newspaper in 2015. in spite of legal advice to the Pamensky’s appointment as an Te contract, according to contrary. Eskom board member allegedly evidence, bound Eskom to Even before Pamensky ratified coincided with meetings he held a sponsorship agreement in this contract, the TNA breakfasts with Gupta brothers Atul and which Eskom would bankroll being aired on SABC were Tony at roughly the same time as TNA’s controversial business being scrutinised in the media the controversial advertising and breakfasts every month at a cost and in parliament. He told the sponsorship contracts were being of R1.2million a breakfast. commission he didn’t know about scrutinised by parliament and the Te Zondo commission has this. media. heard evidence that Eskom spent Te Gupta’s close relationship He joined the Eskom board more than R50 million on three with former President Jacob Zuma on 11 December 2014, serving advertising and sponsorship resulted in a lack of impartiality on the investment and finance contracts with TNA. Tis was the in the newspaper’s handling of committee as well as the audit and third of such agreements. controversial stories relating to risk committees. At the time, he Pamensky said he was Zuma and the ruling party. also sat on the boards of about 25 unaware at the time of the Pamensky testified before other companies, including Gupta- serious misgivings surrounding inquiry chairperson, Deputy Chief owned Oakbay Resources and Energy the controversial sponsorship Justice Raymond Zondo, on Limited and Shiva Uranium. agreement. 31 October. Evidence was led by “In mid-2014, I was planning to However, audit firm Sizwe advocate Kate Hofmeyr. move on from Blue Label Telecoms within about a year or two. Roughly on about 28 September, there explaining how Matjila had allegedly enterprises and the running of the was an advert in the Sunday Times disregarded internal legal advice and country. newspaper. I duly printed it, scanned approved the R43 million contract, Pamensky said, “No chair, it it, and applied to become a director saying he didn’t know the contract didn’t cross my mind at that point. of Eskom,” he told the commission. was mired in controversy. And also at that point in time, the “I felt that my skills in relation Earlier, evidence given by Peter Guptas weren’t so toxic as they are to turnaround M&A (mergers and Pretorius, Eskom’s acting strategic now.” acquisitions) and restructuring communications and marketing Pamensky testified that by the would be ideal for this environment, manager, suggested that his take time he took up his board position, especially the position that Eskom on the value of these business he had no knowledge of the prior Music Instrument Teachers was in at that point in time.” breakfasts was that “they made no Eskom-TNA contracts. He described Eskom as being “in a financial sense”. He said he relied, among other Yeshiva College is a mainstream state of financial disarray”. Hofmeyr said that she understood points, on Matjila’s representation Jewish Day school based in Glenhazel, In September 2014 he became a from Pamensky’s affidavit that he to the board to explain why the director at Gupta-owned Oakbay never actually got a copy of the third contracts had value. Johannesburg. Our school is launching Resources, according to advocate contract that was entered into which Hofmeyr said, “I want your an extra-curricular music department Hofmeyr. he was asked to ratify. comment on the proposition that it “I was called to a meeting by Pamensky replied, “Tat is wasn’t reasonable to rely on under the umbrella of the YES (Yeshiva Mr Atul Gupta, who explained to me correct.” Mr Matjila’s assessment of the Extension and Support) centre. that they were listing a subsidiary of value of this contract given all of theirs called Oakbay Resources and this backdrop.” Minimum requirements: • Prepare students for exams Energy which had a subsidiary called “I had no reason to disbelieve • A recognised degree or (where applicable) Shiva Uranium that was involved in him. I felt his representations diploma in music • Prepare capable and willing the uranium and gold industry, and “But I would think that if were comprehensive in the sense • Ability to teach piano, guitar students for performances in they were looking for independent of explaining himself, and I you are asked to ratify a and/or drums school events/assemblies. non-executive directors to join their didn’t at that point have a reason • Ability and fexibility to boards,” said Pamensky. contract you must have the not to take it at face value,” Experience: arrange catch up lessons In June 2014, Tony Gupta contract in front of you.” Pamensky replied. • 3-5 years’ experience with should the teacher have contacted him. “He said, ‘Would “I took all the points into private music lessons. cancelled you like to come over and have a consideration when I ratified • Solid theoretical background cup of tea and a discussion’. It was a this. There was sufficient • Knowledge of ABRSM/ Competencies/Skills/ general discussion. I explained who “Is it your evidence that you didn’t information, we received a legal TRINITY/ROCK SCHOOL Requirements: I was. I explained what Blue Label think it was necessary for the board opinion, we received an audit curriculum/requirements • Reliable did. He explained a little bit about to see the agreement it was being report, and in my mind, at that • Organised Sahara Group, a little bit about Shiva asked to ratify before it took that point in time, there was a sufficient Duties Required: • Punctual Uranium, and just a general chat decision,” she probed. amount of information for us to • Available to commit to • Creative about the group.” To which he replied, “Yes it is.” make a decision,” he said. afternoon sessions 1-2 • Adaptable afternoons per week • Enthusiastic Pamensky said there was no talk “Do you think you should have In August 2017, the Organisation • Ability to teach from beginner • Patient about him becoming an Eskom seen the agreement that you were Undoing Tax Abuse laid criminal – grade 5 • Responsible board member in either of these being asked to ratify before ratifying charges against Pamensky for his discussions. it?” conduct while he was a director at Hofmeyr brought up the Public “No ma’am, I do not,” he replied. Eskom and Oakbay. He allegedly Please email your CV to Finance Management Act (PFMA), At this point Zondo said, “But I shared Eskom information with the [email protected] to apply for and asked Pamensky if he agreed would think that if you are asked to Guptas that assisted them in their this position, by the 15th November 2019 that the act placed heightened ratify a contract you must have the R2.15 billion purchase of Optimum obligations on the directors of boards contract in front of you. If a board Coal Holdings, which had coal of state-owned enterprises compared is asked to ratify anything every contracts with Eskom. 8 – 15 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Nussbaums closes – end of an era for SA Jews JORDAN MOSHE Ian sat on a kashrut committee at couldn’t carry on. I have invested the Beth Din to advise on industry my life and money in the business, he iconic Nussbaums Butchery difficulties, and even helped to re- and we got to a point where we closed its doors this week. establish kosher slaughter in Poland just couldn’t. It was a very difficult Te closure brings to an end for the first time since World War II. decision,” Ian says. Tan 83-year journey which began Over time, the business developed In spite of indicating in the release in Doornfontein, concluded in a flourishing network. So legendary that a buyer had been found for the Glenhazel, and was consistently taken were its deli meats, it began supplying business, Ian says negotiations are alongside the customer for three them to non-kosher establishments. ongoing. “We thought we had a deal generations. Even the Mandela family ordered its on the table,” he says. “In principle, it Members of the Johannesburg Christmas turkeys from Nussbaums seemed good. It needed to be signed, Jewish community were stunned on for 20 years, and products have been but unfortunately it didn’t come Sunday when the family company exported as far as Hong Kong. to fruition. We are looking at other announced its immediate closure and Ian relocated the business in options.” cessation of production as of Monday 1994 to premises on Louis Botha Te future is uncertain for the The original Nussbaums owners Roch in a widely-circulated press release. Avenue, making kosher products entire Nussbaums team, and and Samuel Lurie and the mashgiach outside the Doornfontein butchery “For us, it’s a very sad day,” admits more accessible. Over time, he offered contrary to belief, the Luries have Ian Lurie, chief executive and owner cost-effective catering options, increasingly tight budget constraints asking what it costs per kilo. More no intention of emigrating. Te of Nussbaums. “We’ve been a family freighted products into Africa for faced by a growing number of people. people are ordering rib eyes, and welfare of shop staff remains a business and a business of family far-flung Jewish communities, “As time has gone by, the some are even asking which cut is priority for management, which is from the start.” Te SA Jewish Report and consistently supported local community has diminished. cheaper.” seeking alternative employment met Ian, his children and senior community initiatives. In June 2016, Customers come in weekly to thank In spite of all the challenges, the opportunities for them. members of staff on Tuesday for a the business moved to Glenhazel, us for everything, and say that they’re decision to close was not anticipated, “Unfortunately, we have no jobs difficult and heartfelt conversation, placing itself literally at the moving to America or Israel,” he says. they say. “I don’t believe we ever saw nor plans,” says Lurie. “We are looking back on an epic odyssey. community’s front door. “Te financial climate isn’t easy, it coming to this,” says Baruch. “From waiting for the dust to settle before Ian reflected on the early days Given the Lurie’s involvement in and businesses are feeling the pinch. a financial perspective, the last year we look to the future.” of Nussbaums, founded in 1936 in the community, the reaction to the Over the past two years, things have has been extremely tough. As much Te team say they will miss being Doornfontein. His parents bought the closure comes as little surprise. “Tis got tougher, and consumers are as we know our business, we never at the heart of the community, and business in 1973 from the Meyers, is someone who has given so much to hurting.” thought it would get this bad.” interacting with its variety of people. who took it over for almost a year the community,” says Ian’s daughter, Ian’s son, Baruch, says that 13 Tough it’s increasingly difficult Poignantly, they will miss the warmth from the original Nussbaum family. Eden. “To see it come to an end years ago, bulk buying was the norm, to cope with the added expense of of the environment they’ve shared. Ian joined his father about ten shocks people, and they feel scared. with customers ordering ten chickens kosher production, Baruch stresses “We’ve been working with family,” years later, quickly learning the ropes, Someone sent us a message to ask, at a time. “Today, they order only that kosher costs didn’t break they say. “We fight like a family, and and ran the business thereafter. ‘What am I going to feed my family two chickens for a single meal once Nussbaums. “Nussbaums and kosher love each other like a family.” Under his watch, it went to the very tonight?’ We’ve had people crying a week. It has become unaffordable. worked for 83 years,” he says. “In Tey thanked the community for heart of the Jewish community. with us because they feel the loss as Jewish families are struggling to keep a turbulent economy, in order to the outpouring of support, love, and Nussbaums landed contracts with much as we do.” kosher.” survive, you need to have everything positivity over the past few days, Jewish old-aged homes and youth Multiple factors account for the Eden says more Jewish consumers going for you. Challenges along the and for years of loyal patronage. movements, even supplying meat decision to close the business, Ian are becoming money conscious. “We way make it that much more difficult, “Te journey has been a privilege. to the army for Jewish national says. Tey include a dwindling Jewish had a customer who never asked in but kosher made us who we are.” It has been a blessing to serve the servicemen. community, market trends, and the 22 years the price of a cut of meat, “Te fact is that financially, we just community,” says Lurie.

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PROCEEDS OF THE EVENING WILL GO TO KOSHER MOBILE MEALS - THE FLAGSHIP PROJECT OF THE UNION OF JEWISH WOMEN 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 south african Israeli government not the issue, Theewish source of quality content, news and insightseport J R occupation is, says Palestinian PM United we stand recently sat down with Palestinian Prime DATELINE: Minister Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh in Ramallah MIDDLE EAST here was undoubtedly a positive shift in our outlook this week. We went from being to gauge his views on a range of issues including in the doldrums over Moody’s taking us to the brink of junk status; the news that Ithe Israeli elections. Paula Slier unemployment has risen; and there being “We know one thing,” he told me. “We know Tno light at the end of the economic tunnel, to that [Benjamin] Netanyahu is no longer going to responds. “We have to respect the outcome of the sheer joy. All this in just 80 minutes! be [Israeli] prime minister. Obviously, it doesn’t ballot boxes.” But what really happened? Was there really a mean that the person to replace him is someone But my colleagues in Gaza are sceptical. shift for South Africans? I know that in reality, we are in favour of.” Palestinian politics have effectively been frozen it was just a national sports team winning a Would you prefer Benny Gantz, the former army since 2007, and multiple reconciliation attempts world championship, which is outstanding, but it chief and leader of the centrist-left Blue and White between the sides have failed. won’t change our economy. Or did it change our party, to Netanyahu, I ask him? What’s more, the Palestinian Authority (PA) national trajectory? “I prefer that the prime minister of Israel is is effectively bankrupt. A decision no longer to Disclaimer: before I go any further, I need to somebody who is ready to end the occupation that accept tax money that Israel collects on its behalf make a guilty confession that I did watch the has occurred in Palestinian territories since 1967,” means that the largest resource in the Palestinian 2019 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, and I is his reply. treasury has run dry. According to Palestinian did drive on Shabbos. And, no, I don’t feel great Still trying to push him, I ask if he would officials, Israel collects and transfers about $200 about admitting it. support some kind of unity government – a power million (nearly R300 billion) to the PA every Another confession is that I’m not the biggest sharing deal between Netanyahu and Gantz. month. But a decision to withhold more than $12 rugby fan. In fact, this was the first rugby World “Te issue for us is not the formation of the million Cup game I have watched this year. Israeli government,” said Shtayyeh. “Te issue (R177 million) monthly because it is given to the Having said that, I was riveted, and enjoyed every second of the game, shouting for our is the content – the political content. What is families of prisoners caused Abbas to reject all the side and yelling with pleasure at every momentous point scored. It was exhilarating! I was it they are offering us? Israel has to say that it’s money outright. so proud to be a South African living in Johannesburg. ready for talks to end occupation. We aren’t the Why is it important for you to pay the families And, I got quite emotional on hearing team captain Siya Kolisi say after the win, “We ones who make offers. We of those who have killed have so many problems in our country but a team like this, we come from different aren’t the ones who make Israelis, I ask Shtayyeh. backgrounds, different races, but we came together with one goal and we wanted to compromises. Israel has “Te 7 662 people who achieve it.” to make an offer to the are in Israeli prisons, they He went on to say that, as South Africans, “we can achieve anything if we work together Palestinians, and we are have not all killed Israelis,” as one”. We so needed to hear that! Tis is true not only for South Africans, but for Jews. ready to accept any serious he points out. “Tere are It’s hard to make it happen, but when we do work together, we can make the earth move. offer – two states, the end kids who are there because After the game, my boys and I went for a drive to enjoy the gees (spirit) out there on the of occupation, the illegality they threw a stone. Tere are streets. I wanted to share this incredible feeling with as many South Africans as possible. of settlements. Somebody kids who are there because So, with my hand on the hooter (yes, my teenage son told me I was really embarrassing) in Israel has to stand up of raising a Palestinian flag. and South African flags out the open window, we drove through Johannesburg shouting to abide by international Tere are people in jail because “Bokke”, etc. law and United Nations they protected their land, We got a fantastic reaction! People were so happy, and wanted to share it with us and resolutions vis-a-vis their water rights, and so on. each other. Trough my car window, I fist pumped beggars, taxi drivers, and many others. Palestine/Israel.” What do we do as responsible I also did seated dances with so many people in other cars. All the barriers between us Born in the Palestinian people? We have to take care came down from the comfort of our cars, and it felt like we were united in joy and pride. city of Nablus, 61-year- of these people. More than We then parked in the Rosebank shopping precinct and went for a walk. People weren’t old Shtayyeh replaced Palestinian PM Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh that, this issue of payments quite so open in their sentiments when the metal between us was gone. I guess it wasn’t Rami Hamdallah as Palestinian prime minister in to prisoners, it’s a social allowance. Yigal Amir so easy for us to go up to strangers and pass on the joy, even if they were in Springbok March this year. He holds a doctorate in economic who killed [former Israeli Prime Minister] Yitzhak jerseys. Tere definitely seemed to be a reticence less than an hour after the game was development from the University of Sussex in the Rabin is getting social allowance from Israel. If over. United Kingdom from where he knows former Israel doesn’t want us to pay for the prisoners, As thrilled as we are about winning, it isn’t easy to discard barriers among strangers in South African president Tabo Mbeki. Shtayyeh release all of them.” broad daylight. Walking through Rosebank, it was as if nothing had happened. has been to South Africa numerous times, and has But some of those prisoners did kill Israelis, I I know there are places in which people partied until Sunday, but they clearly felt safe a soft spot for the country. counter. By supporting their families aren’t you and comfortable with those around them. My take home from this is that most South But unlike the two previous Palestinian condoning violence? Africans are ecstatic about this win, but we remain shell shocked with all that has and is prime ministers who were ostensibly politically “Not at all. On the contrary. When we take care happening around us. It isn’t easy to let go of our inhibitions, fears, and problems. independent, Shtayyeh comes from Fatah, the of the kids whose father was killed by Israelis, we Also, it didn’t take long for the naysayers to find fault with this incredible international political party of Palestinian president Mahmoud are accommodating them to be in the peace camp, victory. Race had to be brought into the fray, as did all the other ugly barriers that we put Abbas. He is a long-term politician who has spent in tolerance. Tere are three million Palestinians up between us. Tese folk were determined not to allow us to revel in the joy. much of his life working alongside Abbas with in the West Bank and two million in Gaza. From In spite of the ugliness they brought, you and I know that the only way to create the whom he has a close relationship. 1967 until today, one million Palestinians have country or community we want is by working together. Te Springboks proved this once Tis past Sunday, rival Palestinian faction been in Israeli prisons, so the issue touches the again. Hamas announced that an agreement had heart of every Palestinian household. Tere is a It’s about putting aside our differences and working together to achieve a goal. First we been reached between itself and Abbas to hold huge difference between supporting violence and need the goal, then we must get together and work towards it. Palestinian parliamentary and presidential accommodating the families of people who are It sounds so easy, but clearly it isn’t. elections in February next year. Hamas and Fatah victims of violence.” I know I may sometimes sound like a stuck record in my repeated calls to work together, have been at loggerheads since the Islamists seized I ask him what he thinks about individual but it works. Siya Kolisi knows it works. So does Rassie Erasmus. control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 in a near civil attacks against Israel, such as if a person picks up You just have to look at what’s happening in the Israeli government right now to see war, a year after winning parliamentary elections a knife and stabs an Israeli? Israelis argue that the how far working at cross purposes gets us. Tey appear to be heading towards a third there. PA encourages such acts through hate speech and election because they can’t seem to work together to form a coalition government. Shtayyeh, is in favour of such elections. incitement? Yes, they all have their differences, but they all want a peaceful, successful country with “We proposed [with Hamas] that we sit down He is angry, replying, “What about Israeli good leadership. Tere seems to be a sense that Netanyahu has had his day, and it’s time and talk. We did talk, we have been talking for incitement? What about the settlers who are for someone new, so why can’t they agree? 12 years. We have signed four agreements with uprooting our trees? What about the settlers who Same story! Tey can’t set aside their differences. Instead they may well land up wasting Hamas. Unfortunately, it has never implemented are killing our kids? What about the checkpoints fortunes in another election. any of these agreements. Now we are saying that are everywhere? What about all these What does it take to look beyond differences? I saw it briefly while watching the the following: our model, our paradigm for aggressions [from] Israel against our land? Tis is Springboks against the British. I saw it again in the car, driving around Johannesburg. It’s reconciliation is based on one single thing – one the real incitement for violence. We have to look there, we just have to have the courage of our convictions. authority. Hamas’ model for reconciliation is at the root and not the symptoms. Te root of all I can’t tell you how many people said they wished they could bottle the gees and sense based on division of labour. It wants something these problems is occupation. If Israel isn’t happy of unity. Te truth is, I don’t want to bottle it, I want to filter it into our air so that just underground, we take the above ground. We about what is happening here, let it leave us alone.” breathing inspires us to work together. Perhaps that’s the solution. bring the money, it spends the money. We are Te million dollar question is what needs to Shabbat Shalom! the government, it is the ruling party. We don’t happen for there to be peace between Israelis and Peta Krost Maunder accept this. Our paradigm is not acceptable to it, its Palestinians? Editor paradigm is not acceptable to us, so our president “Tere are five issues. One: clear terms of has come with an idea that we refer things to the reference which have never been there. Two: good Apology people. Let’s hold elections. It’s crucial for our intentions – they have never been there. Tree: In last week’s newspaper, we erroneously called Yoni Moshe Raichlin, “Moshe” in the survival to be a democratic society based on the confidence building measures to stop settlements story “Tale of two Moses in miracle birth”. We always do our best to avoid errors, but rule of law.” – they have never been there. Four: an honest sometimes gremlins find their way into our copy during production. We apologise for any Te obvious follow-up question is what will broker – that hasn’t been there. Te United States inconvenience! happen if Hamas wins again in Gaza? isn’t an honest broker. Five: the time frame – that “Tat’s what democracy is about,” Shtayyeh hasn’t been there.” 8 – 15 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 7 Pay attention to BDS’s marketing drives to the church OPINION SARA GON

he Methodist Church of Southern the Methodists singled out Israel for boycott unanimously. He says several parishioners at comes to ‘doing’ religion, most Africa (MCSA) has joined the Boycott action, but it has failed to subject other ethnic his church have written to him to express their people do best what they know Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement. groups to similar scrutiny. dismay. best. TAt its conference in September 2019, the one During its convention in 2010, it wasn’t He wished to assure us that it was most “In other words, although there will be million strong MCSA noted “Israel’s ongoing ill- simply Israeli policy that was condemned, but unlikely that the resolution was driven by anti- exceptions, we accept that most people adhere treatment and oppression of Palestinian people, an extreme form of anti-Jewish replacement Semitism. Rather, there is a pervasive view to the religious tradition into which they were and the historic prophetic role played by the theology was invoked. that the resolution of the conflict in the Middle born and raised, and there is nothing very wrong church and international community in fighting Jewish “chosenness” came up for debate East would take place in much the same way with that.” apartheid and any form of discrimination and followed by the promotion of the supersessionist as apartheid was ended in South Africa and for Willis undertakes to take up the issue of injustice.” idea. A delegate who spoke to these issues much the same reasons. the resolution in his own parish and diocese. Te MCSA directed “the Methodist people to completed her speech by remarking that “G-d is As Willis notes, this is fallacious. In South Te “Anglican church in Johannesburg has boycott, divest, and sanction all businesses that not a racist G-d, with favourites.” Te implication Africa, by the end of the 1980s there was an always been keenly sensitive to any whiff benefit the Israeli economy”. Te church has was that Jews and their religion are racist, with across-the-board recognition that Christianity of anti-Semitism, and is hugely proud of also called for a “boycott of all Israeli pilgrimage belief in a racist G-d, and as such, they should be and apartheid were incompatible. However, the contribution of the Jewish community, operators and tours” and is urging Christians punished with boycotts. It was a revisiting of the “there is no similar congealing theology when it especially in the struggle against apartheid.” visiting the Holy Land to rather “deliberately worst form of Christian anti-Semitism. comes to the troubles in the Middle East”. Willis is emphatic that this resolution neither seek out tours that offer an alternative Willis called the resolution astonishing in represents Anglicans nor binds them, and that Palestinian” perspective. (SA Jewish Report, its naïveté and ambiguity. It’s unclear whether Anglican resolutions on the Middle East in the 1 November 2019) “BDS clearly went on a marketing it brings the existence of the state of Israel future (if there are any) be treated with much Although not exactly the same wording, into question. He holds that there should not greater care. drive to a religious community the resolution echoed the sentiments of the have been room for any misunderstanding in a I stand to be convinced that supercessionism resolution adopted by the provincial Anglican that was open to its message.“ resolution of such importance. is not behind both the Anglican and Methodist synod at the end of September. (SA Jewish Willis doesn’t see a resolution of the conflict resolutions. Report, 10 October 2019). In a response to my article about the Anglican in his lifetime. “Te best that Christians can BDS clearly went on a marketing drive to Te tone of the MCSA’s resolution is more resolution in the Daily Friend, the online do is to pray about it, and insist in both prayer a religious community that was open to its strident and specific. Unlike the Anglican newspaper of the Institute of Race Relations, and public utterances that there should be no message. Neither church sought a Jewish view Church, which urged its members who travel Nigel Willis, an ordained non-stipendiary violence, that the shared humanity of us all on the matter before their resolutions were on pilgrimages to Israel to include Palestinian priest in the Anglican Church, writes that the should be recognised, and that adversaries passed. Christians in their itineraries, the MCSA calls for church’s provincial resolution in support of BDS should be encouraged to talk to one another so Church men and women often see the conflict a “boycott of all Israeli pilgrimage operators and sanctions can help shape moral opinion, but are that the cause of peace may prevail in the end.” as similar to apartheid partly because of innate tours” and is urging Christians visiting the Holy neither binding on the membership nor do they Willis doesn’t share my view that the sympathy with the Palestinians as “victims”. Land to rather “deliberately seek out tours that represent the view of everyone in the church. Anglican Church today is supersessionist. On But I suggest that there is at least a latent anti- offer an alternative Palestinian” perspective. Te provincial resolution can only call on the contrary, the whole question of religious Semitism that would allow resolutions of this Te Methodist Church was founded by John every diocese to adopt a similar resolution. What pluralism has “received much attention within nature to be passed without investigation and Wesley when he broke away from the Anglican matters more are the stances taken by a bishop the worldwide Anglican communion since the balance. Church in England in the 18th century. Wesley within a particular diocese. end of World War II. We now recognise that was an outspoken anti-Semite. Willis says the resolution caused him the best theological explanation for religious • Sara Gon is a policy fellow at the Institute of Race Te Methodist Church has a history of considerable distress and embarrassment. pluralism is that different religions learn from Relations, a think tank that promotes political and opposing Israel and demonising Jews. 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israel centre is hosting this commercial event but not responsible in any way to the contents 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 Jewish supporters’ cup runneth over TALI FEINBERG adaptation. Tey were Adrienne Cohen was Ariella Kuper at the final simply outclassed, to on the same flight he closest thing to being in the quote two supporters I home as Siya Kolisi Yokohama Stadium when the spoke to,” says Kuper. Springboks lifted that Rugby “Te Japanese truly TWorld Cup (RWC) trophy on Saturday taught us a lesson in is hearing about it from those who being gracious losers were there. South African Jews were and gracious hosts. Tey well represented, making their way supported the Boks from across the world to witness this the minute their team historic moment. was eliminated, and at Tis was Avi Levy’s third Rugby every occasion, be it in World Cup, the first being in France a restaurant, train, or in 2007, the second in England in merely on the street. Tey 2015, and the third in Japan. He showered South African cornerstone of Japanese culture. We describes South African fans as citizens with praise and sincerity. could learn a lot from them,” says hesitantly hopeful in the run-up to Te atmosphere was spectacular Levy. the final. throughout the tournament, and “Hopefully the Bok win in Japan is “Te atmosphere at the semi- proved that sport truly carries the symbolic of a new chapter in South final against Wales was particularly but after that was pure bliss! It was a to attend together with several power to unify if we simply put aside Africa in which our citizens can learn tense. Te Boks won in the end dream final.” friends and previous World Cup to honour and respect each other, after a tough battle. From a South As the final whistle blew, “people Springbok captain, my mentor and Breyton Paulse and and unite to build a better South African perspective, the atmosphere went absolutely berserk. Quite a few friend, Francois Pienaar.” Clive Blechman Africa. Te Boks have shown us the in the week leading up to the final men were crying,” recalls Levy, whose She attended both semi-finals way.” was ‘it will be what it will be’. In cousin was filmed by the BBC with and the bronze and final matches Levy joined Kuper’s group, which all, I would say that the England tears in his eyes. “Te England team with premier seating positions included Pienaar. He describes fans were expectant of a win, while walked off the field looking absolutely throughout. “For the final, we visiting “the Japanese version of South African fans weren’t nearly as broken. Te Bok team were obviously literally sat one row from the the Western Wall” with the former confident.” on cloud nine.” actual field mid-centre. When Springbok captain. “We spent a Clive Blechman agrees that things Ariella Kuper decided to attend the we scored the two tries, both by couple of days touring Kyoto with were tense before the final. “Tere Rugby World Cup as this is her first players that have replaced the Francois, his wife Nerine, and a were way more English fans than year of recovery after a second cancer positions of Chester Williams group of their friends. At the one South African fans. Many of them episode. “My husband and I decided and James Small, the crowd could temple we visited, there was a flew in at the last minute for the final. to make every day count, and to use barely contain its excitement. Tis Tey really believed that after their this year to truly celebrate life and is the first Rugby World Cup where political agendas.” Springbok supporters in Japan win against New Zealand, they would special moments. I genuinely couldn’t we have actually scored tries. So that Levy agrees that pulverize us. But there were also have asked for something more in itself was emotional. the Japanese made swarms of South African fans who meaningful and memorable. Te “When the final whistle blew, the the event a success. stuck together. I always believed we team raised the bar in demonstrating elation not just of South Africans “Tey have been would win. It was a tense first half, unity and how to turn a group of but every Japanese supporter as extraordinary hosts. individuals well as anyone from the southern No request was too into a world- hemisphere was indescribable. Hope difficult, as illustrated class team was palpable, the sense that the by the World Cup with a unified impossible can be achieved, that volunteer who insisted outlook in the sum of all parts is truly greater on accompanying us spite of the than one! Te tears that flowed from on the train back from obstacles in literally every South African present the stadium to the station we wanted place where people write down their their path,” reminded us how proud we are as to get to in Tokyo. Teir gees (spirit) prayers, and Francois and I noticed she says. citizens of a country that has so much and smiles and efficiency made the one saying that the English will win Tis was potential.” experience so much more. the RWC 2019. We decided that we her first “Te English supporters can “Te English fans were on the needed an antidote, and Francois Rugby World be commended for their gracious whole gracious in defeat, but a small wrote a South African prayer. It was Cup as well as salute to our team, and the Japanese guy fearlessly took on a like the Japanese version of the her first time acknowledgement, in spite of their bunch of young English fans he felt Western Wall!” in Japan. “I devastation, that we proved our were behaving disrespectfully to Bok Tis was Blechman’s first Rugby was fortunate grit and passion through skill and fans. Honour and respect are the World Cup, an incentive from Avi Levy with Springbok supporters in Japan vehicle manufacturer Isuzu. He saw its factories in Japan and enjoyed the final. “It was tense and nerve wracking but the atmosphere was amazing. Afterwards, there was an all-night party with South Africa as the hosts. Many of the locals also supported South Africa – they love and respect the rainbow nation.” Other fans from around the world also got behind the Boks. When Blechman flew to America for a wedding after the final, he saw many Americans boarding the plane in Springbok gear. He also interacted with Jews from all over the world. Japan, he says, is “the most amazing country. Tey have an unbelievable work ethic, and cannot do enough for you. Tings ran like clockwork, and you can eat off the street it’s so clean.” In the words of a New York Times article that has been widely shared, Kuper believes the Boks demonstrated three key attributes which apply to business and the country if we wish to succeed: resilience, optionality (a forward- thinking scenario analysis), and the agility to strike when opportunity arises. 8 – 15 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 Remembering 1995 OPINION SIMON APFEL

remember the 1995 Rugby World Cup final like it was that day so vividly. I wasn’t going to nine years ago. Matt Damon lifting the Webb Ellis Cup say anything about it, but I’ve been so while Morgan Freeman smiled on benevolently, and a specific in recounting these memories, I feel it would Icrowd of computer-generated extras going wild, uniting a be in bad faith to leave it out. And also, frankly, it’s nation, and signalling the beginning of Clint Eastwood’s something I’ve been carrying around for a long time, and inevitable decline. I need to unburden myself… Te truth is, Invictus, Eastwood’s slightly overcooked Later that afternoon, with car hooters still honking, film about how South Africa’s World Cup win brought South African flags waving everywhere, and people still the country together shortly after the fall of apartheid, spilling onto the streets in joy and celebration, my friend will never dislodge the vivid recollection I have of those and I devised a plan to swing this collective goodwill and days. camaraderie to our advantage. We drew up makeshift Tere are a few reasons why these memories are so forms and went around collecting money for a fake indelible. First, for some inexplicable reason, two days Rugby World Cup charity fundraiser for our school. before the final, the Springbok team opted to hold an In less than an hour, we had signed up more than 250 under-the-radar training session at my school (King people for a cause we had just concocted, handing out Edward VII School in Houghton, Johannesburg). Classes cut-up pieces of paper with a random number for a raffle were abandoned, and the entire school relocated to that would never be held to win a rugby ball, signed by the stands, gawking in disbelief as these fleet-footed, the Springbok squad, that didn’t exist. We raised more muscle-bound superheroes-made-flesh – the talk of the money than we’d ever seen in our lives. town, the hope of the nation – went about their routines. I know, I know, terrible right? And it was Shabbat! Second, the atmosphere in the country really was I later told my parents the money was from Barmitzvah presents. It was invested in a The Springboks lifting the mutual fund that has performed Webb Ellis Cup in 1995 pretty well over the past 24 years, ע”ה and last week I cashed out and LATE ISAAC REZNIK bought myself a Ferrari. The Chevrah Kadisha extends heartfelt Or rather, my father found out condolences to the family of the late about our scheme that evening, Isaac Reznik, of blessed memory, and gave it all to the Salvation who passed away 25 October 2019 Army. corresponding to 26 Tishrei 5780. Tis past Saturday, the Springboks once again contested Isaac served the Chevrah Kadisha and the a World Cup final. Once again, community with selfless devotion for the eyes of a nation were on 15 over 40 years at Westpark Cemetery. hulking brutes chasing around He was committed to the community and an egg-shaped bag of leather. worked with dedication and compassion different. Black and white, rich and poor, the walls And, once again, we won – battering superior opponents wherever he could offer help. between us did seem to come down as we found common into submission through sheer force of will, through a cause in a group of 15 hulking brutes (14 of whom hunger, a desperate, wild-eyed need, to win. Borne aloft Isaac was buried in the Section of Honour at were white) running around a field chasing an oval ball. on a tide of irresistible, national destiny. Westpark Cemetery, reserved for Unfortunately, the spell didn’t last as long as we hoped A lot has changed in the interim. Seven of those those who have displayed exceptional it might. fifteen, including the captain, were black guys. Te commitment to our community. Tird, the final was held a week before my Barmitzvah country is more divided, and we now know from (my speech was replete with gratuitous rugby references) experience that the oxytocin high that comes with a May his memory be blessed. so it was a momentous time for me in more ways than national sporting triumph, however intense, can only one. ever be short-lived. And, I have started keeping Shabbat. And, finally there was the match itself. Diminutive I didn’t watch the rugby at its appointed time. Nobody winger James Small tackling the monstrous Jonah turned on the TV for me. Instead, I gathered with Lomu. Joel Stransky’s last-gasp drop goal to snatch friends, roughly seven hours after the final whistle, to victory from the jaws of defeat. Mandela in a Springbok watch a delayed rebroadcast of the game. jersey, hand on Francois Pienaar’s shoulder, handing the I spent Shabbat with a super-frum (observant) captain the trophy – the great iconic moment, a snapshot community, people unaware of the score, unaware there that changed the country or at least our conception of was a Rugby World Cup on the go, unaware there is a the country – in an instant. sport called rugby. I had a friend over who kept Shabbat. He’d come to my And, after the game, I made a sizeable anonymous house after shul so he could watch the game, evidently donation to charity, as I do every four years when the unaware that by benefiting from someone else breaking Rugby World Cup comes along. Shabbat, he was as complicit as the person who turned on the TV. • Simon Apfel is a writer who claims his love of writing has Tis brings me to another reason why I remember always outshone his ability by a humiliating margin. Reeva gets highest Zionist accolade JORDAN MOSHE the Centre for Religious Affairs in the discussing and influencing the future of Diaspora; Helena Glaser, the president this great nation,” she says. Community leader and makeup icon of the World Women’s International “I’m humbled to be in the category of Reeva Forman was honoured last week Zionist Organization (WIZO); and WZO current day leadership representing Jews for her commitment to the Jewish chairperson Avraham Duvdevani. worldwide of all political persuasions and people and Jewish state. Forman says she was notified all religious streams. To be one of those She and four other that she was to receive some selected by my own people to thank individuals received the title of type of recognition before me for my work is such an incredible Honorary Fellow of the World leaving for Israel, but she moment in my life.” Zionist Organization (WZO) didn’t know what it would be. She concludes that she is thrilled to be at a gala event held in Be’er “I didn’t think it would be in part of a Jewish community that really Sheva, Israel, last Thursday. Reeva Forman the league it was,” she says. cares about Israel. “We believe Jews Forman, honorary life vice- “It was overwhelming then, and have a right to have Israel,” she says. “I’m president of the South African Zionist still is. I haven’t fully integrated it into particularly proud to be part of a special Federation (SAZF), received the esteemed my mind as it is the highest award any Jewish community in South Africa. Amit Kavod award. The award was Jew working for Israel as a Zionist can “I would like to thank our community given in recognition of Forman’s tireless receive.” and the national Jewish organisations efforts in combatting anti-Semitism and She says it was amazing to be that have always supported me in all anti-Israel sentiment, and her long-term part of a tradition started at the first I have done for Israel and the Jewish service to Israel and the Jewish people. Zionist conference in Basel in 1897. people. I look forward to continued The award was conferred by Rabbi “It’s awe-inspiring to be today a part service of the Jewish community, the Yechiel Wasserman, WZO head of of an international Jewish leadership, wider community, and Israel.” 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 SA expat helps Arab-Israeli family after daughter’s murder in Australia TALI FEINBERG on launching programmes that will a madrich. Even after I moved to bring more light into the world and to Australia, I would come to South rab-Israeli exchange student honour Aiia’s memory and the values Africa for Habonim machaneh Aiia Maasarwe was walking she lived by,” he said. [camp]. So I founded this down the street in one of the Te family are creating a memorial organisation that allowed me to safestA cities on earth – Melbourne garden close to where she was work with marginalised members – in January this year, when she murdered, and La Trobe University of society. We have about 200 was attacked, brutally raped, and and the Victorian government volunteers and 15 staff members. I murdered by a homeless man with a have funded a PhD scholarship in wanted to encourage Jews to have troubled past. her name to study violence against an impact on the world,” he said. Te legacy she left behind was women. Samowitz also helped launch After ten years, he has stepped evident last week as former South the Aiia Maasarwe Memorial Medical down from the organisation to African Gary Samowitz helped her Fellowship to train Palestinian Noor and make space for new leadership, family to launch a scholarship in her doctors in Israeli hospitals, giving Saeed and is now a freelance consultant name. them the skills to save lives and better Maasarwe on projects like working with the Although Samowitz has lived in serve the Palestinian population. with Gary Maasarwe family. Australia for decades, he says his “Tis will help take the strain Samowitz He said he noticed how many career working in Jewish causes off Israeli doctors and will allow (centre) of his former countrymen is directly related to his time in Palestinian doctors to upskill are leading the way in Jewish Habonim in South Africa. “Te values themselves and train others. Aiia Jerusalem. Te aim is to enable “Her killer is a homeless nongovernmental organisations I learnt at Onrus [the Habonim believed in peace, and this will complex transplantation surgery Aboriginal man who came from a across the globe, and that many campsite], of leading by example empower people at grassroots to be undertaken at the Augusta background of neglect, and that donors to Stand Up were ex-South and welcoming the stranger, are the level. Healthcare is one of the only Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem, needs to be addressed”, he said, African Jews. He believes this is reasons I’m doing this work today.” environments in Israel where Jews where she is based. while not excusing his horrific because “South Africans have a Speaking to the SA Jewish Report and Arabs work together and see Salami joined Samowitz and the actions. “Te Aboriginals are very strong sense of social justice”, and after an intense week hosting the each other as equals, so this can really Maasarwe family for the week. He disadvantaged, and I’ve worked he hopes that we will continue to Maasarwe family in Melbourne, make an impact,” he said. found it amazing how they became with many young people like him.” back causes that have an impact Samowitz said that Maasarwe was a Te inaugural fellowship close friends in spite of their different Turning back to his own path, on marginalised people wherever 21-year-old student doing a business will be awarded to Dr Khadra backgrounds. Samowitz said he started the we find them. Meanwhile, he’ll degree in Shanghai, China, and Salami, a senior paediatrician in Samowitz said that the young organisation Stand Up: Jewish stay in close contact with the was in Australia to complete the haematological-oncology. Salami will woman’s murder had been widely Commitment to a Better World Maasarwe family as the mourn exchange element of the programme undertake a two-year paediatric bone- covered in the Australian media, as to continue what he learnt at their unthinkable loss and create with La Trobe University in marrow-transplantation training were the initiatives launched over this Habonim Dror Southern Africa. a meaningful legacy for their Melbourne. “She was walking back programme at Hadassah Hospital, past week. “I never wanted to stop being daughter and sister. to her accommodation after a night out when she was brutally raped, attacked, and set on fire.” He said she was about the fifth Sky’s the limit for Captain Scully woman to be raped in Melbourne TALI FEINBERG equivalent to almost three years of continuous these days compared to 30 years ago. It’s a great over the past few years, and although flight in the air. opportunity for youngsters, and it’s a disciplined we shouldn’t compare crime levels, aptain Selwyn “Scully” Levin, 73, is He was a pilot on South African Airways’ (SAA’s) life. You need to be physically and mentally fit and South Africans should know that arguably the best known pilot in South local, regional, and international routes for more stay on the ball so your brain is being put to good Australia isn’t perfect. Africa, his name synonymous with flying than 38 years, and since his retirement from SAA, use. It’s a great career.” Maasarwe was buried in Israel in Cin the country. Levin was recently awarded a has continued to make a valuable contribution to Levin has played an active role in the selection, her hometown of Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Master Air Pilot Certificate by the Honourable the South African airline industry as consultant mentorship, and development of trainee cadets Her killer, Codey Hermann, was Company of Air Pilots in recognition of long and display pilot. “I flew for SAA for 38 years and from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. identified soon after the attack. Last service and consistently high standards in another nine years with Mango, so that is about Part of this responsibility included the selection week, he was sentenced to 36 years in professional flying. 47 years in the airline industry,” says Levin. of flight-training facilities for the SAA Cadet prison. Samowitz had been helping Interestingly, he is probably most famous for He says flying always came easily to him, and Pilot’s Programme, which involved an exhaustive the Maasarwe family to set up a being the pilot that flew over the World Cup final he never tired of the studying and mental fitness international search. scholarship in Maasarwe’s name, and at Ellis Park in 1995 – something he didn’t do. He required by the job. Although it was difficult Although he has retired from airline flying he organised their trip to Australia to was part of the team behind it, and the person being away from home for long stretches of time, to spend more time with his wife and six coincide with the sentencing. who gave the pilot, the late Laurie Kay, his first “My incredibly capable wife, Sandra, raised our grandchildren, Captain Levin is still very active as “Her father, Saeed, and sister, Noor, flying lessons, but he was not on board the plane. three kids, and when I was home, we did so much a display pilot. “It’s my passion – the most exciting came to Melbourne and Sydney to Levin chuckled when he told the SA Jewish flying you will ever do! I’ve been doing it for 35 launch several initiatives to remember Report that he has become tired of having years, and have no intention of stopping!” Aiia. Tis time was to focus less on to correct people about this over the past 24 During the 1970s, Levin was a three-time how she died, and more on how she years. Tis week, when the Springboks once winner of the South African National Aerobatic lived. I have learnt so much about again took the Rugby World Cup, was no Champion title. He has pioneered displays Aiia and what a remarkable young different. which have been emulated by only a handful women she was ... full of positivity, But Levin is deeply moved by winning the of pilots worldwide, one of which is his famous happiness, hope, and love. She was a Honourable Company of Air Pilots award, feat of landing a Piper Cub aeroplane on top of kind, friendly, open-hearted person which holds much weight in his industry. “I feel a moving truck. First accomplished in 1982, he whose life was stolen from her,” said special and humbled by it. I’m only the second Gerald Sharp Photography Photo: has done this act more than 120 times. Samowitz. South African ever to receive it,” he told the SA He feels great pride in being a Jewish pilot. “Noor wanted to retrace Aiia’s Jewish Report. “I’ve not only done this for myself, I’ve done it Malcolm White steps, and visit all the places she had “I’m one of those fortunate guys to be able to for my people!” he says. OBE presents told her sister about when she lived say that my entire career of about 56 years has Captain Scully Levin’s nomination as Master Air Pilot in Melbourne. She would Facetime been one highlight after another. Te types of Levin with his was unanimously accepted by the board of her sister wherever she was, and now planes I have flown, the places I’ve been to, the certificate in trophies and awards committee as meeting the Noor had the chance to visit those special events and air shows I have flown at, ‘my London standards of excellence required for this most places herself. So it was also a time for cup runneth over’. It’s been a fantastic ride.” deserved accolade. grieving and getting closure.” Levin was born to fly. His grand uncle and together as a family, and I appreciated them so In congratulating Levin and awarding him In fact, Noor was on the phone father both flew in the Royal Air Force in World much more.” his certificate, Malcolm White, Master of the with Aiia when she was atacked, and War I and II. “When they were getting rid of Levin has had only one harrowing moment Honourable Company of Air Pilots, said that it heard it happening. aeroplanes after the war, my father bought one in the skies. On flying a small 40-seater plane in was recognition for his splendid record as a pilot, Samowitz is passionate about and put it in our garden! So I didn’t have a sandpit Botswana, an engine caught fire. “It was a massive reflecting an aviation career of achievement and interfaith work, and he gladly took to play in, I had an aeroplane,” he recalls with fire, but we managed to put it out and land safely distinction. on the role of working with the Arab- delight. As a child, he would look in wonder at his with the use of the other engine. Tat has been my Levin’s achievements in aviation have long Israelis. “Aiia’s family has been in father’s wartime photos and uniform, which “left only major emergency, but it was enough for me!” been recognised in South Africa and in 2012, he Israel for many generations. It was an indelible mark on my psyche. It was a foregone He says all pilots face malfunctions but are was awarded Te Order of the Baobab in Bronze fascinating to interact with them. It’s conclusion that I would become pilot.” trained to deal with them, “unless it’s something by the presidency for his immense contribution been a privilege to be by their side He went on to qualify as a pilot in the South seriously out of the ordinary”. to and achievement in aviation, as a pilot and all week as they have mourned Aiia. African Air Force in 1964, and has since amassed To young people thinking of going into the trainer, in South Africa and internationally. He is It’s a real stain on Australian society more than 29 600 hours of flying time in more aviation industry, Levin says, “Te sky’s the limit. also the sole winner thus far of SA Flyer Magazine’s that so many women don’t feel safe than 180 different types of aircraft, a feat met Te aviation industry is growing and growing Lifetime Aviation Achievement Award, which he in our public places. Te Maasarwe by few in the aviation industry globally. Tis is if you think of the number of people flying received in 2009. family came to Australia to focus 8 – 15 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 Sobukwe book recognises maverick leader, lost to history STEVEN GRUZD Dlamini-Zuma, no politicians had we all find a gem in this book to stimulate contributed to the book. Many thought, spark healthy debate and obert Sobukwe is South African contributors are younger South greater consciousness for deep history’s forgotten man. A deeply Africans who never even knew conversations, even if we all don’t ethical, principled, selfless leader of Sobukwe. This, in his view, made it agree.” Rthe Pan-Africanist Congress, he has been fresh, exposing deep thinking about When asked why this book airbrushed out of the liberation narrative, the country often not heard. should interest Jewish readers, especially since 1994. Veteran journalist, For Pityana, Sobukwe’s essence Pogrund said, “It provides greater author, and activist, Benjamin Pogrund, was daring to be different, refusing understanding of what leadership one of Sobukwe’s closest friends, has to be part of the herd. He nurtured should be about in this country, and produced a book that seeks to recapture diverse thinking and opinions in is a reminder about a great South his ideas and ideals. his comrades, to spark new and African. Sobukwe has had hardly any Pogrund and some fellow contributors better ideas. recognition – the ANC has deliberately – Claudelle von Eck, Professor Nyameko Von Eck, the former chief downplayed his role.” Barney Pityana, and Thandeka Gqubule- executive of the Institute of This book seeks to restore Sobukwe’s Benjamin Pogrund Mbeki – spoke about the man and his Internal Auditors South Africa, said, “I hope legacy and legitimacy. message at the launch of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe: New reflections at Exclusive Books in Rosebank on Monday night. The book’s introduction says it is “a collection of viewpoints from significant and interesting people about Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, his life and work, and/or his current and possible future relevance”. Said Pogrund, “This book is written by the writers, it’s their voices. They are people I chose. I hope it will lead to more discussion and more books. Sobukwe should become an exemplar of leadership.” A devout Methodist born in the Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet, Sobukwe broke away from the African National Congress (ANC) in 1959 over ideological differences Your community’s trusted voice and fibre provider and founded the PAC (Pan Africanist Congress). In 1960, the PAC led protests against the carrying of pass books by black South Africans. One ended in the Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 people were shot dead by police. Sobukwe was Call us for a free consultation on all your arrested that year, and jailed until 1969, including six years spent in solitary confinement on Robben Island. He was telecommunication requirements banned and confined to Kimberley, where he died of lung cancer in 1978. Pogrund formed a remarkable relationship with Sobukwe. They met in 1957, when Pogrund was a journalist at Our Solutions the Rand Daily MaiI. Friendship across the colour line in apartheid South Africa was a rare and risky endeavour. They couldn’t Cloud PBX Fibre & Wireless Hostng even have a cup of coffee together in public in most places. “Thank G-d that time is gone,” said Pogrund, who also wrote How Can Man Die Better: The Life of Robert VoIP Sofware-Defned WAN Call Centre Sobukwe in 1990. “I get to watch South Africa from afar, from my home in Jerusalem, and I get Security Data Management APN angry and upset,” Pogrund said. “Then I come here, and I get even angrier when I see what has and hasn’t happened. Millions of dreams are unfulfilled. “I yearn for the type of leadership Some of the community brands that trust us: Robert Sobukwe provided. He had honesty, integrity, commitment. It wasn’t about jobs, perks, and getting rich. He believed in freedom. “I believe it’s the right time for this book. Te University of the Witwatersrand has renamed its central block after Sobukwe.” Gqubule-Mbeki, economics editor at the South African Broadcasting Corporation, said the book provided an opportunity to “rewrite ourselves into history”. She said Sobukwe, a towering Pan-Africanist, had been ignored and maligned by the ANC and “besides a few streets named after him … he can quietly be forgotten”. She characterised Pogrund and Sobukwe’s friendship as “bittersweet”. Simplified communications solutions to meet your business needs. Pityana, a founder of the black consciousness movement and former Scalable, mobile, reliable. vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa, said the Pogrund-Sobukwe friendship was remarkable given the 010 140 3595/ [email protected] suspicion with which Sobukwe regarded white communists in the ANC. www.saicom.io He also noted that besides Dr Nkosazana 12 SA JEWISH REPORT The Shabbos Project 8 – 15 November 2019 If my steak could talk JORDAN MOSHE ith a linen napkin draped across When I wasn’t asking my lap and a glass of fruit infused the staff for help, I was water in hand, I sat and wondered unintentionally reinventing whatW the steak on the plate in front of me the recipes. A loose lid on a grinder left me would say if it could speak. with enough pepper in my pan to season It was no ordinary steak, it was a dishes for years to come, forcing me to start masterpiece of haute cuisine, a serving of from scratch after an already inauspicious tender slivers of beef atop a bed of al dente Tali Friedman start. What started as a compliment for my lentils, and I could feel it judging me. After creativity became a look of unbridled horror what I had put it through, it had every right to. when an assisting chef realised that the black It may be thrilling to dine on gourmet spheres weren’t lentils but peppercorns. She food, but preparing it yourself beforehand looked as though she wanted to weep as I has the potential to make you anxious about began afresh. Whether for me or herself, I’ll eating it. I learned this on Monday evening at never know. the Healthy Shabbos Cooking event held at After almost two hours of labour, we sat Discovery’s headquarters in Sandton. down at last to sample our handiwork. We’d An initiative of the Shabbos Project this sautéed and seared, grilled and grinded, year, the evening offered a hands-on cooking perspired and platzed (cracked). Our cohort experience under the guidance of renowned had even suffered a casualty along the way, Israeli chef Tali Friedman. Together with 25 bringing Hatzolah responders to the scene others, and following her instructions, I was with a stretcher to attend to a chef who’d eager to cook up a storm at the Discovery been burned by an exploding eggplant. Vitality HealthyFood Studio. From beginning to end, it was certainly an Te state-of-the-art kitchen (kashered for the eventful evening, and the fact that we could occasion) on the ninth floor had a view of the vocabulary turned up blank with “Baladi” and happened here tonight.” conclude it all by eating the dishes certainly Sandton evening skyline and boasted rows of “frikeh”. Te best it could do was render them To my immense surprise, the evening felt fitting. gleaming cooking stations. Teir marbled tops amusing by altering them into “baldy freak” that unfolded proved far more entertaining Te evening taught me many things. I sported induction stoves, an array of pots and for my personal amusement. and less nerve-wracking than I’d expected. I developed newfound respect for the culinary pans, utensils, and recipe cards at the ready. Tings didn’t look promising as the cooking also discovered I wasn’t the only lost soul in arts and learned that there’s no shame in Nearby, tables set for dinner stood waiting got underway. Friedman’s description of the room. Concerned expressions, requests asking for help when pepper overruns your to receive our culinary creations. To get us the dishes and basic outline of the recipes for help, and repeated calls of, “What did pan. I discovered that gourmet kosher food in the mood, staff served us an entrée of sounded simple enough, but that was before she say we must do now?” weren’t only isn’t only a possibility, but less daunting than Jerusalem artichoke soup and ceviche with she left us all to our own devices. I tried to commonplace, but proved that we were all in I’d imagined. However, it demands some cherries. look casual as I sipped my water and gazed the same boat, collectively unsure whether to effort, patience, and a willingness to feel We were then given the task of creating around the room in feigned interest, feeling throw our oars overboard or set it on fire. hopeless at times. fish fillet in Mediterranean sauce, eggplant the perspiration on my brow as I thought Sailing certainly wasn’t easy, and I Perhaps most importantly, I learned that Baladi with chickpeas and tahina, and ribeye to myself, “Jordan, you should just stick to believe that the assistant chefs will wake up “frikeh” refers to the lentils, but I’m sorry to with tomato and peppers served with frikeh. boiling water. Live off microwavable meals screaming for weeks to come because they say that “Baladi” remains beyond me and will Now, I’m no stranger to the kitchen, but my for the rest of your life, and tell no one what can still hear my voice asking for guidance. remain synonymous with baldy for some time. Memories from the 2018 Shabbos Project “A Friday night community dinner. Walking to watching TV. We walked home from shul with shul and back. A quiet family havdalah at home. special friends and hung out as a family all day, No driving, no cell phones, no screens. It was really engaging with each other because there a beautiful opportunity to talk to each other were no electronics to distract us. Te sense of instead of walking past each other in the passage peace I experienced from the minute I woke up while looking at our phones. We played a board until Saturday night was like being away for the game – I can’t even remember the last time we weekend.” did that.” Lisa Mervis, Johannesburg Martine Vogelman, Cape Town “Te thought of our family walking together to shul, “Te project has been inspiring. I have a better embracing a Shabbat experience and spending time knowledge of what family means, what religion together without interference from the outside means, and what it means to love yourself. It has world was what enticed us to take part. After a been the start of an amazing spiritual journey.” beautiful, leisurely Shabbat as a family, we decided Tamryn Scheepers, Johannesburg to conclude Shabbat at home. We stood outside as the sun slowly set waiting for the first stars to “When we came downstairs on Shabbos morning, appear and recited havdalah together.” our kids were playing a board game instead of Geoff Cohen, Cape Town Shabbos Project – what’s on at shul? Events are happening at more than 50 shuls around the country. Here’s a taste of some highlights: Ohr Somayach Savoy Sydenham shul After-dinner tisch (festive Friday night Musical havdallah with a trio of guitar Shabbos gathering) with neo-Hassidic maestros. reggae rockers, Zusha. Victory Park shul Ohr Somayach Gallo Manor Picnic on the field. African-style Friday night dinner – braai Greenside shul and biltong, malva and gelatissimo. “Astrology, omens, and magic in Judaism” Chabad of Greenstone shiur. “A Night in China” Shabbos dinner. Marais Road shul Sandton Central Cholent competition adjudicated by Candle-lighting meditation workshop. celebrated caterer Merle Rubin. Aish HaTorah Gardens shul After-dinner tequila, whiskey, and biltong Friday night dinner for residents of get-together (at the Pilatowsky residence). Highlands House, and gala dinner under the OhrSom Student stars event. Hotel stay-over in Sandton. Ohr Somayach Sea Point Linksfield shul Lunch with world-renowned paediatric Former Franciscan monk Pinchas Shiel oncologist Professor Cyril Karabus, who will shares his incredible journey to Judaism. share his extraordinary life story. For more information on these and other great events next weekend, contact the shuls directly. 8 – 15 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Ritalin ‘not always the answer to ADHD’ GILLIAN KLAWANSKY Many kids don’t want to eat solid food in are deficient in vitamin D3, which means Te right educational approach is also key the morning, so give them a protein shake they’ll struggle to sustain attention. So, too, to treating ADHD. Catch Up Kids has been raditional treatment for children instead.” if they’re deficient in the B vitamins – B1, instrumental in helping students catch up, diagnosed with attention deficit Parents also often tell Gerschlowitz that B3, B6, B9, or B12 – they’ll run out of fuel especially between Grades 0 to 3, so they can hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) must their children don’t eat what’s in their more quickly. A third of children with ADHD stay in mainstream schools. Tbe reassessed, says Ilana Gerschlowitz, the lunchbox, meaning that they eat for the are low in cholesterol, which is important “ABA (Applied Behaviour Analyis) is a founding director of the Star Academy for first time only around 15:00. It’s therefore for fat metabolism in their brain. Te correct specific teaching methodology we use to Autism and Catch Up Kids which caters for unsurprising that they battle to sustain supplementation can help address these address each learner’s skills deficits. We the needs of students with ADHD or learning attention, she says. “My recommendation to issues.” also focus on anxiety and emotional coping challenges. parents is to see a nutritionist qualified to ADHD is also associated with high levels of skills. Te American Academy of Pediatrics While Ritalin has been a miracle drug for guide them in a proper protocol.” histamine, she says. “If the child presenting recommends ABA before psychiatric some, medication should not be the first port Autism and ADHD overlap, medication.” of call, argues Gerschlowitz. She’s concerned says Gerschlowitz. By way of Aaron Gerschlowitz What’s more, Gerschlowitz believes inclusive about the high number of children in our explanation, she uses the analogy education is a valuable and viable option for schools who are on the drug. of a car accident. “Te kids are in students with ADHD and learning challenges. “I want to open people’s minds to thinking the same car and a bus collides “South Africa tends to box children,” she says. about the underlying causes of the way their with them. Te kid in the driver’s “Tat’s not common practice around the world. child’s ADHD is presenting,” she says. “Every seat where the bus hits gets a Inclusive education is a reality in Australia individual child’s specific circumstances should severe autism diagnosis. Te child and America. Our Jewish schools need to take be examined.” who has ADHD is sitting in the the lead and open their minds to inclusive “I’m not a medical doctor or a nutritionist, backseat. He hurts his ankle and education. Tat doesn’t mean a bridging but I’m sharing this as a parent who’s done ribs, goes to hospital, but isn’t on class, but rather including the learner in a an enormous amount of research on this. I’ve life support in ICU. Ten, there’s mainstream classroom.” been exposed to and trained by top medical a kid who walks out without a Inclusive education is a constitutional, legal professionals in the United States. Tey’ve scratch. Yet, they were all in that right,” Gerschlowitz says. “At Catch Up Kids, taught me how to tackle the symptoms same car accident.” we provide the infrastructure to make it a of ADHD instead of making Ritalin the Trough this analogy, Gerschlowitz explains with ADHD is making too much histamine, reality. We tailor the child to the environment, immediate go-to method.” People want a quick how autism and ADHD manifest. She argues when they encounter seasonal changes in the not the environment to the child. We offer fix, but Ritalin isn’t always the answer. that ADHD is prevalent because we live environment, they’re not coping well. I consult one-on-one classes after school, and where Gerschlowitz, the author of Saving my in a toxic environment and toxins cause a paediatrician in New York who prescribes necessary, we provide a trained facilitator in Sons – A Journey with Autism addressed these inflammation in the body. “For the kids in the antihistamines to treat ADHD.” the mainstream classroom to assist the learner. and other issues in conversation with her co- car, the trigger is that bus. For autism and Investigating the gut-brain connection Facilitators blend into the classroom and author, journalist Marion Scher, at a PJ Library ADHD, there’s a genetic vulnerability plus an is a focus for autism and in ADHD, says provide necessary support. event recently hosted at the Saltzman Family environmental trigger. Te food we eat, the Gerschlowitz. “Children who seem spaced “Ultimately, we won’t put a child in the Community Centre at Linksfield Shul. water we drink, and the air we breathe have out or hyperactive can have a bacterial or classroom who doesn’t have the prerequisite While Gerschlowitz’s journey to founding toxins which contribute to expressing the fungal infection in their bowel which requires skills to be there,” she says. “Once they do the Star Academy began with her older son, genetics. Autism and ADHD can be treated in investigation and prescription medication. have these skills though, not putting them David’s, autism diagnosis, her organisation similar ways because they’re part of the same “Ultimately my message is healing without in a mainstream setting denies them the Catch Up Kids also helps learners overcome car accident. Te injuries sustained just differ hurting,” says Gerschlowitz. “Ritalin has opportunity to model from their peers. We’ve ADHD and learning difficulties. Gerschlowitz in severity. We treat them through a special its place, but only once you’ve exhausted successfully helped numerous kids this way at stresses the importance of nutrition in the diet, nutrition, and detoxification.” investigation into all these other factors.” schools around South Africa.” treatment of ADHD. Removing offensive foods is key to “Picky eating is a common symptom for detoxification, says Gerschlowitz. Tat’s why some children with ADHD, which is indicative food allergy testing is so important for children of bowel inflammation. First look at the child’s with ADHD. “Many ADHD kids are allergic to nutrition, something with which many parents gluten, sugar, or dairy.” of children with ADHD battle. In order to Testing your child’s D3 and B vitamin levels sustain attention and attain optimal brain as well as their cholesterol through simple function, the child requires enough protein. blood tests is also key. “Many ADHD kids 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 The August House of artistic possibility HOWARD SACKSTEIN Cromwell Ngobeni including the incredible Zwane. She describes herself as Zwane’s ive and a half years ago, “champion” mentoring him in Johannesburg property business, marketing, negotiation, developer David Mayers and looking for commissions for Farrived at August House in End his work. Street, Doornfontein, to buy a “I am there,” says Woolf, painting from the then relatively Howard Sackstein Photos: “because so many of these young unknown artist, Nelson Makamo. artists haven’t had the benefit of Tis was years before Makamo the type of education that prepares would grace the cover of Time them to be self-sufficient artists magazine and become the darling of in the real world. I consider it American late-night TV talk shows. a privilege to work with them “Te area was derelict,” says Mayers, and offer whatever skills I have, “the building opposite was hijacked, particularly through the lens of and this was one of the most marketing. I help to get their dangerous parts of town.” stories out there. My life is August House had been the enriched by my involvement in original theirs”. home of In the Renaissance period, the African Sales, Tshikhuthula, who are dramatic landscape images replete Medici family became patrons to the French also amazing. All these with colour-filled trees, dancing some of the most famous artists perfume and artists produce work windmills, and brooding skies. and thinkers western civilization fashion empire that, for me, conjures Among the flecks of spilled paint has ever produced. Without the started 82 up real emotion and and the pungent smell of glue, patronage of this Florentine years ago by feeling”. other talented artists to look out banking and ruling family, we may the Priebatsch Khumalo’s new series for are Nigerian Sanusi Olatunji, never have known the names of family, but had of African women at who conjures up magnificent works Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, long since been prayer and his moody using a mosaic tapestry of colourful Machiavelli, or Galileo. deserted. dark charcoal drawing cloth, and the majestic oversized One has to wonder who the When of cars on a highway canvasses of the enormously Medicis of the Johannesburg art Mayers arrived at night are nothing talented Bambolwami Sibiya. scene will be in the future. at Makamo’s short of breathtaking. Lauren Woolf, the former studio, he Tshikhuthula, who is marketing director of Ogilvy • Look out for August House’s open discovered that signed with the Everard & Mather and present-day day in the first few months of Makamo was Read Gallery, produces entrepreneur, mentors four artists 2020. in the process Themba Khumalo Berman “are making a living, in of being evicted. Te then owners fact, making much more than of August House, desperate to sell a living.” Berman refuses to be The little-known Jewish link to Fawlty Towers the building and flee the dangers of drawn on her favourite graduates JORDAN MOSHE teacher was fond of Hitler, and would tell us to do what Hitler the inner-city, were attempting to resident in the commune. She first said. I had one friend who came up to me one day – and he evict the tenants as a prerequisite met Makamo when he was a “shy, t first glance, a Torquay hotel, a cantankerous British was a bit stumbling – and said, ‘I’m not allowed to play with for its sale. lost young man and today he is couple, and a Spanish waiter whose English is almost you because my parents said that your father is Jewish.’ That Realising that there were already an example to so many”. When Anon-existent don’t seem to have anything remotely to was the moment I realised something was wrong.” a number of talented emerging pushed, Berman describes Ngobeni do with being Jewish. However, the iconic British comedy of Sachs’ father was arrested for being Jewish, but his artist studios in the building, as potentially the “next hot young Fawlty Towers possesses a uniquely Jewish connection, one mother’s family’s good relations with the police earned him Mayers decided to buy the property artist”. which may elicit a loud “Que?!” of incredulity. a temporary reprieve. The family later fled to London in 1938 and turn it into a vibrant artist Ngobeni produces emotive The legendary British television sitcom Fawlty Towers to escape persecution and what would eventually unfold into colony. It was the continuation of pieces like no other artist in South needs little introduction. Broadcast on the BBC in 1975 and the Holocaust. the vision of Bie Venter and Maria Africa. His stark charcoal and pastel 1979, the show was conceived and written by acclaimed They were among the tens of thousands of people who Svane who initially conceptualised drawings of dehorned rhinos and British comedy actor John Cleese fled Nazi-occupied Europe who the idea in 2006. the exhilaration of youth haunt the and Connie Booth. They both starred Andrew Sachs in Fawlty Towers were supported by World Jewish Today, August House hosts 50 viewer. in the show, and were married at Relief’s predecessor organisation, of the most successful emerging Karen Moyal and her husband the time of the first series. the Central British Fund for artistic talents in South Africa. Patrice have been regularly visiting Although it ran for just 12 German Jewry. Foreign dignitaries and the embassy August House for the past three episodes across two seasons, the In an interview with the Jewish crowd dot the hallways and carry years. “I was taken to August House hit show was still ranked first by Chronicle in 2007, Sachs said, away, under their arms, some of by my mom for the first time in the British Film Institute on a list of “Half of me is Jewish. Sometimes the best artwork produced on the 2016. I was introduced to Solomon the 100 Greatest British Television I think it might be the better half.” African continent. Omogboye and we ended up buying Programmes. In the 1950s, Sachs worked on Many of the most successful our very first piece of art from The show’s legacy lives on, radio productions, and began his artists in the building are graduates Solomon that weekend. From then including in South Africa, where acting career on the West End. of Kim Berman’s Artist Proof on, we’ve been hooked,” she says. the Auto & General Theatre on the He rose to prominence and in the Studios (APS). More than anyone “Solomon Omogboye produces Square recently staged a production 1970s, secured his legacy when else in the country, Berman has some of the best large-scale portrait based on Cleese’s original series, he was cast as hapless waiter devoted her life to training young work ever seen in the country.” bringing the personalities of Manuel and became a household artists to be self-sufficient and Te Moyals have collected more Basil and Sybil Fawlty to the name. Sachs married Melody successful in the professional, than 50 artworks from different Johannesburg stage. Lang, who actually appeared in an cut-throat world of drying paint. African artists, mainly from August Annie Robinson and Mark Mulder episode of Fawlty Towers. Berman’s protégés in the art deco House. “For me, what makes August played the roles of the quarrelsome After a prolific acting career, building include Makamo, Cromwell House such a special place is that couple with aplomb, re-enacting he was tragically diagnosed with Ngobeni, Temba Khumalo, Lindo the prospective buyer is introduced the classic scenes familiar to all. Even the Jewish Women’s vascular dementia in 2012, a condition which eventually left Zwane, and Solomon Omogboye. not only to the artwork, but to the Benevolent Society got in on the nostalgia, booking out an him unable to speak and forced him to use a wheelchair. “Tese artists are flying,” says artist him/herself. In so doing, entire performance as a community fundraiser. Sachs passed away in November 2016 at the age of 86. Berman. “At APS, we give them a this creates an interaction and a In addition to the show’s producer, Daphne Kuhn, being The lasting legacy of the proudly half-Jewish actor is four-year scholarship, we pay for connection that doesn’t exist when Jewish, another tie connects the timeless comedy classic certainly apparent. In the wake of his passing, the BBC them to do a two-year internship, buying art from a gallery,” says to the Jewish people. Manuel, the ill-treated yet determined stated that Sachs’ performance on Fawlty Towers was one and we buy them materials and Moyal. “It’s my connection with waiter of Spanish origin, the show’s most memorable of the most widely imitated from that era. supplies. the artist that makes the piece I am comedic personality, was played by German-born Andrew Among the tributes paid to Sachs, Rafi Cooper, the “Many of these artists have now buying from them that much more Sachs who escaped the tyranny of 1930s Europe. World Jewish Relief’s director of communications, said left the nest and are building really meaningful”. According to a report by the Association of Jewish of the acclaimed actor, “Andrew Sachs was loved and successful careers. It’s a mark of Her favourite artists include Refugees, Andreas Siegfried Sachs was born in Berlin in admired. Like so many who fled Nazi Germany and settled our success and a mission fulfilled. Omogboye, Khumalo, Andrew 1930. His father, Hans, was a Jewish insurance broker, while in the United Kingdom, he made a significant contribution If they come back and print for Ntshabele, Azael Langa, Greatjoy his mother, Katharina, was a Catholic. Although not strictly to British society. He certainly qualifies as a national us at APS, we get the benefit and Ndlovu, and Arlindo Maunde. “We born Jewish, it seems that Sachs’ identity was strongly treasure.” they pay it forward, it’s a cycle of have many of their works. But defined by his Judaism from the start. So though they may appear removed from yiddishkeit, it beneficiation. we’ve just discovered Cromwell “My father didn’t talk much about Hitler,” Sachs told The would seem that there is a distinctly Jewish streak in the “Many of these artists”, says Ngobeni, Petros Mwenga, and Jan Guardian in 2014, “but all my friends were Aryan and our Fawltys and their lasting success. 8 – 15 November 2019 Advertorial SA JEWISH REPORT 15 Realising Plan B in Cyprus through property Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity!

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16 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 An extraordinary play about two remarkable women PETER FELDMAN Lynita Crofford and Shirley Johnston abandoned their middle-class American lives in Gertrude Stein and a Companion and found refuge in the Bohemian decadence ertrude Stein helped to change the of Paris in the early 1900s and in each other,” literary and artistic landscape at a time Johnson recounts.

when American conservative attitudes Philip Kuhn Photo: “Stein drew artistic genius to her salon like a Gprevailed. She was an extraordinarily creative magnet, and they inspired each other to create Jewish soul. art. Te play captures all of this beautifully.” Actresses Shirley Johnston and Lynita Preparing for the role, Johnston read Crofford bring this unique personality’s life, everything she could lay her hands on. “I fell love, and creativity to the fore in Gertrude Stein in love with both of them. I had coincidentally and a Companion at the Auto & General Teatre been to an exhibition at the Met [Te on the Square in Sandton, co-produced with Metropolitan Museum of Art] in New York in Daphne Kuhn. 2012 called the ‘Stein Collection’ where much Being gay, Stein chose to leave her native of the art Gertrude and her brother Leo had country to settle in more liberal minded Paris, owned was exhibited. Tere were also numerous where she met Alice B. Toklas, fell in love, and black and white photographs of the Stein embarked on a relationship that lasted her siblings which told the story of their sibling entire life. rivalry and privilege. I was captivated by the Stein was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in romance and gossip of their interesting lives, 1874 to wealthy German-Jewish immigrants. never dreaming at that time that I would later At the age of three, her family moved first play Gertrude.” to Vienna and then Paris. Tey returned to Asked whether she considers the role America in 1878, and settled in Oakland, challenging, she reflected, “I have been in about California. on stage. Te play was written by Win Wells, an in 1914, in which Stein commented on lesbian 50 odd plays ranging from Shakespeare to Stein and Toklas were beacons of American playwright, screenwriter, and actor, sexuality. Stoppard to Chekhov to obscure experimental enlightenment in an age when lesbianism was and it is directed by Chris Weare. In an interview, Johnston explained how she and protest theatre. Gertrude is challenging, but frowned upon and during a period when they Stein’s activities during World War II have found her way to portraying Stein. an exciting and delicious character. I never tire bravely faced the Nazi’s Vichy occupation of the been the subject of analysis and commentary “Lynita secured the rights to the play last of the role. I think perhaps the most challenging country. over the years. As a Jew living in Nazi-occupied year, and invited me to play Gertrude Stein thing I’ve done is a children’s play at the She hosted a Paris salon where the leading France, Stein may have been able to sustain opposite her Alice B. Toklas. Ten, award- Johannesburg Zoo in the 80s.” figures of modernism in literature and art, her lifestyle as an art collector – and indeed her winning director Chris Weare agreed to direct.” What inspired her about the play was the such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, F. physical safety – only through the protection Weare’s production was staged in Cape Town well-written script. She hopes her portrayal Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, Ezra Pound, of powerful Vichy government official and Nazi last year, and was nominated for a Fleur du Cap captures some of Gertrude’s eccentricity, her Sherwood Anderson, and Henri Matisse, would collaborator Bernard Faÿ. After the war ended, Teatre Award in the best ensemble category. keen intelligence, her egotism, artistic genius, meet. Stein expressed admiration for another Nazi A further boost was the staging of the play at and her very human flaws. Gertrude Stein and a Companion is evocative collaborator, Vichy leader Marshal Pétain. the International Dublin Gay Teatre Festival Crofford is one of Johnston’s closest friends, and witty, exploring the extraordinary Her many books include Q.E.D. (1903), about in May this year, where both Johnston and and they have worked together on several relationship between Stein, the American a lesbian romantic affair involving several of Crofford were nominated for best actress. occasions. “It’s wonderful to play opposite modernist author and poet, and Toklas. Stein’s friends; Fernhurst, a fictional story about Crofford scooped the award as Toklas. someone you feel completely safe with,” she said. Teir relationship is brought vividly to life a love triangle; and Tender Buttons, published Johnston said she first saw the play in Cape Town in 1996, and was mesmerised. “Tis is a • Gertrude Stein and a Companion runs until fascinating story of two remarkable women who 16 November. JJMC sings praises of long-time chazzan JORDAN MOSHE celebrated musical masterpieces, Israeli spirit, and above all, genuine Jewish joy. ewish choirs are considered by some Timeless Jewish classics based on psalms to be old-fashioned and uninspiring. and prayers blended into contemporary Israeli However, the Johannesburg Jewish tunes made popular at Eurovision concerts MaleJ Choir (JJMC) this week proved that over the past few years. Verdi gave way to choral music continues to inspire cheering and vodka with a performance of famed Russian Sheba Medical Center, Israel toe-tapping, even a tear or two. folk-song Kalinka, for which Lurie donned Notable Jewish vocal talent took to the appropriate Russian-style headwear, much to Leading the world’s healthcare revolution stage at the Auto & General Teatre on the the audience’s delight. Square in Sandton on Sunday afternoon in Tere were also many Yiddish tunes which the JJMC’s 34th annual musical showcase. were sung with aplomb, leaving many feeling JOIN SOUTH AFRICAN Musical doyen Professor Russel Lurie, the nostalgic. Few eyes were dry during a moving chairperson of the JJMC, joined forces with performance of My Yiddish Mama, and the FRIENDS OF SHEBA Sea Point Hebrew Congregation chazzan lively beat of Roumania had many fingers Ivor Joffe, and acclaimed Jewish singer drumming on armrests. A rousing chorus Marc Shapiro. Together, these Photo: T of hits from Fiddler on the Roof revor S personalities paid tribute achs transported audiences to and shared the Professor Russel Lurie and the from tradition to stage with choir singing Kalinka Times Square, Ezra Sher, setting the Pine Street stage for the chazzan of subsequent about 20 tunes of Top 5 reasons to become friends: years. Freddie Tese Mercury, ✓ Receive second opinion from senior doctors at Sheba talented Rodgers ✓ VIP hotline to Sheba when visiting Israel soloists and were Hammerstein, ✓ Be the frst one to receive the latest medical news from Sheba accompanied by and finally eleven supporting Leonard Cohen, ✓ Take part in helping disadvantaged communities in South Africa choristers and a whose Hallelujah musical ensemble directed proved fitting for bringing ✓ Attend acclaimed conferences and exclusive events by venerated virtuosa and pianist the afternoon’s programme to a satisfying extraordinaire, Evelyn Green. close. Collectively, this capable cadre presented From start to finish, the JJMC delivered a memorable musical spectacle which a fitting homage to Jewish musical prowess, transported audience members from proving that no song is beyond the capabilities Be a part of something truly great. Learn more and join here: Johannesburg to Israel, shifting seamlessly of choral talent. Rather than end with a friendsofsheba.co.za | eng.sheba.co.il | The Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer from English to Italian and even Yiddish along crescendo, the memorable performance the way. Under Green’s masterful guidance, maintained a high note throughout the show, Email. [email protected] | Phone. 0829077728 instruments and voices worked their magic in leaving audience members humming tunes for harmony, and delivered a performance which weeks to come. 8 – 15 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 United by rugby Are the phoenixes rising? we doing?” “Tirty two-12!” he replied, “with an we yet be bold enough to celebrate South two minutes to go!” His grin was broad, and Africa? Amidst our thirst for good news after TAKING ISSUE the surly sulk I had expected was nowhere to Cthe depressing news of the past decade, green INNER VOICE be seen. shoots are visible. Not yet on the economic front, Geoff Sifrin Mine matched his, and for that moment at which remains dire, as finance minister Tito Mboweni Howard Feldman least, Fred was forgotten. We were just two outlined in his mid-term budget, but elsewhere, perception, culture as a whole, whether white or South Africans overjoyed that we had achieved vigour is gingerly starting to show itself. black, was something the apartheid government ver since the security guard at our the impossible. The obvious big event of the past week, which took seriously. But it forcefully kept black and white complex drew his weapon and pointed I floated home joyous about the news of gave a gigantic boost to South Africans, is the cultures separate, and exploited this separation for its it at Fred, we haven’t been friends. It’s South Africa’s success, and the fact that sport Springboks’ win over England in the 2019 Rugby racist political agenda. Enot to say that he was completely without had the power to unite us. If sport could do this World Cup under the captainship of Siya Kolisi. The Seats at venues showing high quality European justification, and not to say that there haven’t in our complex, imagine what it could do in the image of him holding the golden cup aloft amidst ballet, opera, theatre, and fine art were traditionally been times that I too could have acted streets of Johannesburg. ecstatic celebration will resonate forever as a occupied by Jews and the Afrikaans-speaking aggressively towards him. But I was bothered Saturday night confirmed this. Te power triumphant moment. community. Today, Jews are fewer, but Afrikaners are by the incident nevertheless, primarily because of the positivity that I observed after Shabbat Sport is often a measure of a country’s mood. still present. And a phoenix is rising in Pretoria. Once being a Yorkshire Terrier, Fred had no idea was immense. Aside from a few negative tweets Joburgers of all colours and classes, and many others the heart of apartheid, where ideologues plotted what a weapon was. Which meant that it (the Economic Freedom Fighters trying to from elsewhere, joined together in another celebration their reprehensible deeds, this city hosts an opposite wasn’t a smart thing to do. remain relevant), it was evident that the 2019 last Sunday in the 42km Soweto Marathon, concept. It ended with an apology, a new pair of Rugby World Cup had united the country. nicknamed The People’s Race, whose route can be A multimillion rand art centre of world-class trousers, and the assurance that Fred would We laughed about Faf’s Speedo, we shed a compared to a lesson in South Africa’s history. The standard opened in September with several stick to chasing hadedas, which we all agreed tear when we heard Kolisi’s story, and we even marathon, which attracted about 40 000 runners from exhibitions of South African works from the past he would never catch. became fans of Prince Harry who showed real across the globe, takes participants past heritage century of such high quality, the Museum of Modern In spite of the truce, things haven’t been warmth and grace when he paid a visit to the sites that were key in the fight against apartheid. This Art in New York could just as proudly have hosted easy. As a serial greeter, I find it hard to handle boys in the changing room. includes Vilakazi Street and the one-time homes of them. it when my cheery “good morning!” is met with As Jews, we are taught that in the height former President Nelson Mandela and his neighbour, The Javett Art Centre is a green shoot in the a grunt. Tere is no doubt that I am still being of our joy, we need to still remember the Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. The former has cultural sphere, as important as a world-class held vicariously responsible for Fred’s rude destruction of the temple. We need not have become a site visited by tourists worldwide. rugby win, particularly for its location and inclusive behaviour and that as a result, I will be the last worried: the “realists” told us to be cautious, The race passes the brightly painted Orlando approach to who is showcased. person saved in the event of a real incident the racists reminded us to hate, and the Towers, and is within eyesight of everything from the Current collections show signature works from occurring. And yet still, day after day after day, miserable took comfort in the fact that things colossal Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, reputedly 1912, including the cream of the crop – the likes of I smile and greet without success. would never be this perfect. the third-largest in the world, to the colourful Walter Helen Mmakgabo Sebidi, Irma Stern, Steven Cohen, Until Saturday around 12:40. As an But in truth, we didn’t for one minute forget Sisulu Square in Kliptown, where the African National David Koloane, Jackson Hlungwani, and more. observant Jew, I observe the Sabbath as a day that Moody’s had placed us on notice and that Congress Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955 We cannot be naive about the effect of these of rest. One of the prohibitions is the use of the mid-term budget was horrible. We didn’t as the ideological cornerstone of the liberation examples. They will not solve the mass poverty, electronics. Tis meant I wasn’t able to watch forget about Zuma or the Guptas or Bosasa, movements. The marathon provides a glimpse crime, and corruption which pull this country down. the Rugby World Cup final on TV or computer and we certainly didn’t think that Eskom into the possibilities of this country. Can it be a The pitiable beggars who stand at street corners in or anywhere else. had pulled itself together. We simply made a counterpoint to the gloom? Johannesburg will never see them. Yet, many black Although I was at peace with my decision, decision to suspend negativity for the weekend, Sport is a culture which thrived during apartheid Springboks came from impoverished backgrounds it wasn’t easy to avoid knowing the score. By and just enjoy being a success. in spite of racial separation, and now freely and fought their way to the top. Is hope again the time the game was nearing its end, I had In doing so, we wore our joy with pride, and embraces every race and creed. Contrary to common possible? become anxious to hear how we had done. And it suited us. so, I left my house and walked to the guard And so, I wasn’t at all surprised on Sunday house where I was hoping to find another morning, that when I waved a cheery “good security officer on duty. No such luck – the morning” to the security guard, all I received non-greeter was on duty. was a grunt in return. We both knew that we Te sound of the radio confirmed that he was had shared a moment. Even if we pretended we listening to the game. “Hey,” I said, “how are hadn’t.

A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies Super Springboks show the way forward

One didn’t have to be a rugby fan to be thrilled by the Springboks’ memorable victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. In purely sporting terms, winning rugby’s premier crown for the third time ABOVE BOARD was itself a great achievement, but there was a Shaun Zagnoev great deal more to it than that. What we and the world at large saw was an epic display of pride, passion, commitment and, above all, unstinting Full house for national conference teamwork on the part of 15 South Africans Such has been the interest in our national totally focused on achieving their common goal. conference that we have found ourselves booked And, who could not be deeply moved by how out with more than a week to go. However, for the Springbok emblem, once the reviled symbol those unable to attend, we will be livestreaming of exclusive white supremacy, has become so the proceedings from on our Facebook page powerful a uniting force? It’s a timely reminder (https://www.facebook.com/SAJBD/). This will be of how far our country has progressed since the 50th national conference of the South African those bleak times, even if much work still needs Jewish Board of Deputies since the Transvaal and to be done to recapture the spirit of national Cape Boards of Deputies amalgamated to form a unity and optimism that characterised the years national body in 1912. immediately following the democratic transition. In marking this significant milestone, we More than merely winning a sporting remember the previous generations of leaders tournament, the Boks reminded us what we as who gave so generously of their time and a nation are capable of when we stand united. expertise to help ensure the safety and well-being Here, I can do no better than cite the words of of South African Jewry. The continued resilience Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who in his stirring and vibrancy of our community, which I will post-match speech said, “We know we come emphasise in my chairman’s report on Sunday, is from different backgrounds, different races, yet to a considerable degree due to the foresight and we came together with one goal and wanted to self-sacrifice of those who preceded us. We can achieve it. We showed that we can pull together do no better than to emulate their example and when we want to achieve something, and I hope strive to build on their accomplishments. that we’ve done that for South Africa.” This is a clarion call that all of us, with our political leaders • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, necessarily leading the way, should strive to take 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00. to heart. Tis column is paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies More news on our website www.sajr.co.za 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 Torah Academy tzedakah King David comes up trumps in Israel Quiz Torah Academy Primary School raised tzedakah (charity) and Israel for six charitable organisations at its special market Centre. Held day last term. The organisations were Yad Aharon, the at Beyachad in Community Security Organisation, Chevrah Kadisha, DL Joburg on Link, Maot Chitim, and Emunah. 30 October, Representatives of these organisations attended an the quiz assembly on 31 October to receive the funds and thank included three the school. rigorous and nail biting Torah Academy Grade 6 pupil Yael Willemse holds up a rounds for ‘thank you’ plaque with Gabi Joseph from DL Link the top ten students, at Amira Karstaedt, Benjamin Shmukler, and Jacob Boner which they Bersohn bokkies Benjamin Shmukler from King David were questioned on Israel’s history, get in gear Linksfield took first prize in this year’s politics, arts, and culture. Shimon Peres Israel Quiz, with Jacob Te final three contestants were Boner from King David Linksfield then given two minutes in which to Students at Minnie Bersohn Pre- coming close second, and Amira answer “rapid fire” questions, which Primary School donned their South Karstaedt from King David Victory determined the winners. African rugby gear to show their Park coming in third. Finalists included students from support for the Bokke prior to Tey were part of more than 50 King David Linksfield, Victory Park, Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final Jewish school pupils who took part and Torah Academy Girls High school. against England. Go Bokke! in the annual quiz sponsored by the Prizes were sponsored by EL AL SA, South African Zionist Federation Te Core Group, and Tink Ahead. Rothschild family and its Jewel Gold 011 483 7425. Saturday (9 November) AT • Bet David hosts a Yoga minyan led by Carine, singing role in the global H ’S • ORT SA’s CareerHub presents Lorraine Silverman on Active, strong and independent at 100! of the morning liturgy, and a drosh on parashat Lech economy over the W Demystifying the world of work. Time: 18:00. Venue:

Lecha. Time: 10:30. Venue: Bet David, Middle Road, past 250 years. O ORT SA Academy, 44 Central Street, Houghton, Mina Girnun turned 100 on Morningside. Contact: 011 783 7117. Time: 10:00. N corner 10th Avenue. Donations welcome. A light 13 October at Golden Acres in Sandringham in the company • Bet David hosts a Shabbat talk by Rabbi Adrian Schell, Venue: dinner is served. Contact: 011 728 7154. of family and friends from Thirty years after the fall of the wall – Germany 1 Oak Street, Houghton. • Jewish Learning Institute course, Worrier to warrior – around the world. Included . Time: 12:00. Venue: Bet David, Middle Road, Donation: R40. Contact: UJW office 011 648 1053. today wrestling with feeling overwhelmed, procrastination, or among her guest were Dutch Morningside. Contact 011 783 7117. • Chabad Senior Club: enhance brain functioning and general not-enough-ness? Learn how to transform them Ambassador Han Peters and his Sunday (10 November) have a fun morning with occupational therapist Cynthia from adversary to ally. Time: 19:15. Venue: Sandton wife Alessandra, who attended • Second Innings hosts the Jewish National Fund choir Liptz. Time: 09:45. Venue: Chabad Seniors Club, Central Shul, 8 Stella Street, Sandton Girnun’s tea party, bringing on When you believe. Time: 09:45 for tea; 10:30 27 Aintree Avenue, Savoy Estate. (opposite Gautrain) Info: 011 440 6600, with them wishes from her for the speaker. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Contact: 011 440 6600 [email protected] www.jli.org.za or [email protected] country of birth. Girnun was second floor, Golden Acres, 85 George Avenue, Tuesday (12 November) Thursday (14 November) born in Amsterdam, and came Sandringham. Cost: R20 members, R40 visitors, • Women’s International Zionist Organisation (WIZO) • Join WIZO every Thursday for a Lunch & Learn to South Africa by boat when includes tea/coffee and refreshments. forum. Meet Edna Freinkel, the winner of the Absa shiur with Rabbi Michael Katz. Time: 13:00 at she was 18. Contact: 011 483 7425. Jewish Achiever Award for women in leadership and Beyachad. Contact: WIZO office: 011 645 2515. In a letter, Peters wrote, “It gives me great pleasure • The Big Band Music Appreciation Society hosts a her daughter, Corinne Ossendryver. Hear about their • Learn Yiddish every Thursday with Tamar Olswang also on behalf of my wife Mirna Girnun with Ambassador Hans Peters and programme presented by Jack Mink. Due to the length dedication to the field of education. Time: 09:30 for and the (UJW). Time: 10:00 to 11:00. Venue: 1 Alessandra to congratulate you his wife Alessandra of the movie, there won’t be any audio. Movie: 10:00. Venue: Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene. Oak Street, Houghton. Cost: R100 per person, R80 Guys on your 100th birthday. We send our Girnun has four children, 11 and Dolls starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Cost: R45 – includes tea and refreshments. Bookings: for pensioners and UJW members. Includes tea/ congratulations and very best wishes grandchildren, and 22 great Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine. Time: 14:15 sharp. Lauren 011 645 2515/[email protected] coffee and refreshments. Contact: 011 648 1053. to you on such a special occasion. grandchildren. According to all Venue: Beit Emanuel Slome Auditorium, 38 Oxford Wednesday (13 November) Friday (15 November) I hope that you will celebrate with who know her, she is no ordinary Road, Parktown (entrance in Third Avenue). Contact: • Second Innings hosts a movie morning at the military • Sandton Central Shul hosts an exquisite Shabbos family and friends, and that you will 100-year-old. She still drives, cooks Marilyn 072 243 7436 or Jack 082 450 7622. museum. Movie: African newsreel of royal tour 1947. Project dinner. Venue: 8 Stella Street, Sandton. have a lovely time being together on and bakes, plays bridge five days a Monday (11 November) Time: 09:30 for 10:00. Venue: the South African Time: 19:30. Cost: R360 per adult. this very special day. I wish you many week, and lives independently. Her • The Union of Jewish Women (UJW) hosts James National Museum of Military History, 22 Erlswold Way, Contact: 079 434 1293, www.jli.org.za or happy years to come.” family say she lives life to the full. Lomberg, a historian with a particular interest in the Saxonwold. Cost: R110. Book with Ivy Grushkin and [email protected] Rugger builders at KDL Letters Grade R students at King David Pre-Primary ZILLE DIDN’T SAY COLONIALISM WAS CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE ON YOM TOV DEFIES THE Linksfield get into the POSITIVE NAYSAYERS 2019 Rugby World Cup Te article on the future of the The Torah says we are when South Africa hosted spirit while showing some Democratic Alliance by Steven Gruzd in a stiff-necked people the Soccer World Cup in building creativity. the 1 November edition of the SA Jewish who complain a lot. 2010. Report is excellent, but it must be pointed Furthermore, our often A senior manager of a Jacob Brittany, Ethan out that Helen Zille never said that difficult history has security company based Kusner, Benjamin Boyer, colonialism was positive. What she did influenced many of us to near Glenhazel once told and Nathan Milner say was “its legacy is not only negative”. believe that it was virtually me that Jews were scared. If It must be understood that this is a big always bad, even though this is true, it comes in part ATHEISM AND MORAL BANKRUPTCY difference to what was written in the there were also good times – from past difficulties and is healthy. (An overseas From time to time, questions arise about article. We must all remember that we are even golden eras. the present threat of crime visitor might think that atheism. One of the most prominent all entitled to our own opinion, but not It’s hardly surprising and terrorism. Fortunately, he was in Jerusalem.) attackers of religion, particularly Christianity, our own facts. then that there is a high CAP and the Community And almost all of them was Bertrand Russell. Singapore used what was left behind incidence of anxiety and Security Organisation have are baalei teshuva, whose In 1948, the BBC broadcast a debate on the by the colonial power to build a country depression among Jews. drastically reduced these parents or grandparents existence of G-d between philosopher Jesuit which is enormously functional and This is especially the case threats. aren’t religious. Those of Frederick Copleston and Russell. Whether solvent. in South Africa, where the We live behind walls in the us who aren’t religious you are an atheist or not, Russell didn’t fare In chatting to Helen Zille about the apartheid government gave Glenhazel ghetto and the can nevertheless look well in that debate, particularly the moral article, she said it was a sensible analysis us mixed messages while Sandton shtetl, which can’t forward to keeping the debate. but for the factual error. She also pointed the present government is be healthy. Shabbos Project, when a Russell said he could distinguish between out that if you think about the Rugby giving mixed signals about Nevertheless, if you walk tremendous sense of peace good and evil by his feelings. As Copleston World Cup final, we took on the former Israel. or drive through greater and unity descends on us. remarked, “There’s no objective criterion colonial power at its own game, and In spite of the pessimism Glenhazel on Shabbos or This international project outside feeling, then, for condemning the beat them. We look forward to South which abounds, I was struck Yom Tov, you will see many is a proudly South African commandant of Belsen, in your view?” Russell Africa growing from strength to strength by the almost carnival people walking around, initiative of our chief rabbi, replied, “No more than there is for the colour- using the infrastructure left behind by atmosphere on the streets dressed in their Shabbos and it has inspired Jews blind person. Why do we condemn the colour- the incredibly negative former masters. on Simchat Torah. It best, greeting each other around the world. blind man? – Michael Bagraim, Deputy shadow reminded me of the gees in a relaxed and friendly – Martin Zagnoev, It shows how morally bankrupt Russell was. minister for employment and labour (excitement) we enjoyed way. Even late at night. This Johannesburg – Peter Onesta, Johannesburg

20 SA JEWISH REPORT 8 – 15 November 2019 Derbyshire signing puts Cohen on fast track LUKE ALFRED where he will join another South Province Cricket Club, though, and for Wellington in New Zealand. independent Zimbabwe’s first-ever African, Free State’s Leus du Plooy, on will be playing club cricket for it this Conway is hoping to qualify to play World Cup in 1983. ichael Cohen, the left- the playing staff. summer as he attempts to complete for the Black Caps ahead of the Zimbabwe’s cricketers were all arm fast-bowler from the Cohen’s story is an interesting one, a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences World T20 in Australia next October, amateurs in those days, and they Western Province Cricket and a salutary lesson for all those degree in management accounting another player whom the South raised funds for the tournament in MClub, is the latest in a steady trickle of who might feel disadvantaged by from Unisa. “Tey’ve afforded me so African authorities did very little to England by having their wives bake young cricketers heading for foreign not going to what is perceived to be many great opportunities over the encourage to stay as they pursued for cake sales. Tey also raffled ties fields. Cohen, a former South African the “right” school. He, for instance, years,” says Cohen, who is nothing if their obsession with quotas. and memorabilia, and sold bales of under-19 player and occasional Cohen, though, is no Conway tobacco at well-attended tobacco Cobras performer, will be leaving – at least not yet. His coaches do, auctions. home in late March next year to take however, talk of a bright young kid In the tournament itself, up a two-year stint with Derbyshire in who learns quickly and has great Zimbabwe caused one of the greatest the English Midlands. variation and potential as a fast upsets in World Cup history by Cohen was offered a minor contract bowler. narrowly beating Australia in the extension by the Western Province Left-arm pace bowlers (like the early rounds. At the time, with Cricket Association (WPCA) for Michael Cohen Aussies Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Dennis Lillee, Kim Hughes, and Rod the current season but preferred Johnson) are rarities because they Marsh in their midst, the “baggy to pass it up. When approached, he are able to exploit unusual angles of greens” were considered to be one of politely declined the opportunity delivery that can trouble right and the strongest sides in world cricket.

to be interviewed by the SA Jewish Heeger (Gallo) Peter Photo: left-handed batsmen. Cohen has already said that one Report, but explained his decision to Cohen’s coaches have said that if he of the reasons for playing abroad is overlook the WP contract to the SA does have a problem, it’s a welcome that he’s looking forward to playing Club Cricket website as follows, “Te one – he tends to over-think things in different conditions and being recent [fast-bowler] signings by the rather than keeping them relatively coached by different coaches. He will Cobras almost represent a block to simple and straightforward – as fast- find England soggy in April, with the my progression. Not being contracted bowlers should. accumulated rain of winter leading facilitates a lot of freedom. I turned Derbyshire has attracted its fair to slow pitches and muddy outfields. the contract down on good terms.” share of southern Africans in the Two – or even three – jerseys When he was interviewed by SA past thirty or so years, with Cohen are advisable. “I need to find an Club Cricket, the move to Derbyshire being just the latest. Others include environment in which I can develop,” hadn’t been finalised but was the famous “Bunter” Barlow, who Cohen told SA Club Cricket. “You probably in the wings, with the captained the side and resuscitated need to be with supportive coaches move to England being facilitated matriculated from Reddam House in not loyal to the club which gave him Derby’s fortunes. Ten there was in the right environment to speed up by Derbyshire’s director of cricket, Constantia, rather than one of Cape his first opportunities as a junior Peter Kirsten, nicknamed “old soft the process.” former Zimbabwe middle-order Town’s traditional cricket schools provincial player while still at school. hands” and, more recently, former Such are the words of a keenly batsman Dave Houghton. Apparently, such as SACS, Bishops, or Wynberg, Cohen and Du Plooy are not alone Dolphins wicketkeeper Daryn Smit. ambitious young cricketer. Many Houghton noticed Cohen playing for opting for a good matric rather than in seeking out playing fields abroad. Of them all, Houghton’s story is the in South Africa and the Jewish the nearby Nottinghamshire second a colours blazer with infinite badges Just this week, a former Lions and most romantic. People have forgotten community at large will be watching XI and was so impressed, he offered and scrolls. Strikers left-handed batsman called that along with former England coach Cohen’s progress with a similarly him terms at a neighbouring county, He has always played for Western Devon Conway scored a triple century Duncan Fletcher, he played in newly- keen eye.

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