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www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday, 16 July 2010 / 5 Av 5770 Volume 14 Number 26 How seriously should the ‘cultural intifada’ against Israel be taken? PAGE 11 Conversion bill sparks outrage in Diaspora / 9 Lael Bethlehem’s monuments in Joburg / 8

Interfaith leader David Rosen to speak at SAJBD conference / 3 Foreign Jews give thumbs up to World Cup / 3

Prof Schoub: Keeping a firm hand on viruses and pandemics / 5

SUPPLEMENT: NETANYAHU HINTS AT Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a Jewish gathering in New York on Build, buy or FLEXIBILITY ON JERUSALEM July 7. (MICHAEL PRIEST PHOTOGRAPHY) SEE PAGE 10 renovate / 17-23 YOUTH / 16 SPORTS / 28 LETTERS / 14-15 CROSSWORD & SUDOKU / 24 COMMUNITY BUZZ / 7 WHAT’S ON / 24 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010

PARSHA OF THE WEEK SHABBAT AND Published by FAST TIMES S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, “Declaration” of Independence, but July 16/5 Av PO Box 84650, Are we really independent? also real, practical and total inde- July 17/6 Av Greenside, 2034 pendence. Tel: (011) 023-8160 TENS OF thousands of Jews will Prime Minister Benjamin Devarim Chazon Fax: (086) 634-7935 converge on Jerusalem’s Western PARSHAT Netanayahu proudly proclaims Wall next Monday night and that Jews may buy any property Starts Ends Printed by Caxton Ltd Tuesday as our people mark Tisha DEVARIM they wish in any part of Jerusalem, 17:16 18:07 Johannesburg B’Av, our National Day of East or West and thank G-d he did. EDITOR - Geoff Sifrin Rabbi Yossy Goldman, 17:38 18:32 Cape Town Mourning. On this day in history, Sydenham Highlands But while we proclaim our sover- 16:57 17:50 Durban [email protected] eign rights, President Barack both our Holy Temples were 17:18 18:10 Bloemfontein North Shul Obama is still on a mission and we Sub-Editor - Paul Maree destroyed and a host of other calamities occurred throughout the are still very dependent on 17:09 18:04 Port Elizabeth Senior Reporter - Rita Lewis centuries. America, on Europe, on public 17:02 17:56 East London [email protected] Some may wonder, why do we opinion, on the media and even, to a still mourn? Don’t we have a sover- our eternal homeland, the national degree, on the United Nations. Tisha B'Av Sports Editor - Jack Milner eign state of Israel? Isn’t Jerusalem state of exile is more than just geo- We are certainly not yet inde- July 19/8 Av (Erev Tisha B'Av) [email protected] united under Jewish rule today? graphical. Exile, galut, is a state of pendent of Hamas, Hezbollah or The fact is that no Israeli rabbis being and not a place on the map. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who July 20/9 Av Books Editor - Gwen Podbrey have ever suggested that Tisha It does not mean the Diaspora, as threaten our very existence. B’Av be deleted from our calen- if to suggest that only Jews living When Jewish lives are being lost Starts Ends Arts Editor - Robyn Sassen dars. Nor have the staunchest, most outside the borders of Israel are in to terrorist armies, when our 17:32 18:00 Johannesburg [email protected] zealous Zionists ever proposed exile. neighbours still dream of driving 17:55 18:23 Cape Town Youth Editor - Alison Goldberg doing away with the custom of Until the era of Redemption us into the sea, when they still deny 17:13 17:41 Durban breaking a glass under the chup- arrives and the Temple is rebuilt the us our basic legitimacy, when the [email protected] 17:34 18:02 Bloemfontein pah. exile isn’t over. You might live in an international media challenges our 17:26 17:54 Port Elizabeth Cape Town correspondent This tradition has always apartment in the old city of right to defend our citizens, can we Jerusalem overlooking the Western claim that we are really and truly 17:19 17:47 East London Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 reminded us that our personal joy is incomplete until our nation’s joy Wall but you, too, are in exile independent? Pretoria correspondent is re-established. And that requires because the entire Jewish people is Thank G-d we have an army, B’Av. And unless Moshiach Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 the total restoration of our national still in a state of exile. navy and air force. Thank G-d they comes before that day, we will fast life, including Jerusalem rebuilt. It is not only a question of place; it are fighting valiantly to thwart our and sit on low chairs in the man- MANAGER: SALES AND DISTRIBUTION Thank G-d, since 1967 we are is a question of time. At this time in mortal enemies’ murderous machi- ner of mourners. We will mourn Britt Landsman: [email protected] again able to visit the Western Wall. our history, the redemption has not nations. But true independence the destruction of our temple and In fact, according to halacha, yet arrived. We still pray three means that our national security is the state of exile it created. And Sales Executives - (011) 023-8160 when we visit the Wall we should times a day that the Temple be no longer threatened and that a we will pray for the full return to Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 rend our garments like a mourner rebuilt speedily in our time. And genuine and lasting peace has been Jewish sovereignty and total inde- Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 because we are witnessing the site until those prayers are answered, achieved. No wonder Moshiach is pendence. of the churban, the destruction of I’m afraid we are all still in galut. called the Messenger of Peace. Who A time when our cities and Freelance Sales Executive our holy temple. Sure, it would have been wonder- else can we turn to for that long- towns will be free of enemy rock- Marlene Bilewitz & Assoc: 083-475-0288 So the reality is that although we ful if David Ben-Gurion’s announce- awaited dream? ets and our children will feel safe have a Jewish State operating in ment in 1948 spelled out not only a And so we still observe Tisha and secure. May that time be now. Classified Sales [email protected] Design and layout Tisha B’Av - commemorating Frankie Matthysen Nicole Cook Website the destruction of the Temples www.sajewishreport.co.za RITA LEWIS traditionally read (in shuls or at describing the Second Temple. Ilan Ossendryver home). After all the Biblical and IC-Creations THIS COMING Tuesday, the In Sephardi communities it is Talmudic research into sources, [email protected] Jewish people will be observing the customary to also read the Book of instructions and effort put into the fast of the 9th of Av or Tisha B’Av Job. building of the Temples: the Subscription enquiries in Hebrew. Fasting will start at sun- Throughout the years and espe- restrictions, dimensions and thick- Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd set of July 19 and end at nightfall on cially today, the word “Jerusalem” ness of walls, heights and lengths Tel: 0860-13-2652 the following day, Tuesday, July 20. can still evoke a variety of emo- of curtains and their appearance, The fast commemorates the tions in people of various nations. the numbers of hooks to be used BOARD OF DIRECTORS destruction of the First and Second This is despite the enigma that etc, as well as the actual order of Temples in Jerusalem, which lies at its heart - the Holy Temple the service, the ingredients of the A model of King Solomon’s Stan Kaplan (Chairman) occurred some 656 years apart, but that gave the city its eternal mean- incense, the Song of the Day sung Temple which was destroyed by Issie Kirsh (Deputy Chairman), Marlene on the same day of the Hebrew cal- ing, but which has been missing for by the Levites etc, all of which are the Babylonians in 586 BCE. Bethlehem, Russell Gaddin, Norman endar, 586 BCE and 70 CE. so many centuries. stated in the Torah, the only things Lowenthal, Bertie Lubner, As the Temple is the singular The destruction of both the that remain are just the Western moment of greatest happiness Benjy Porter, Herby item which represents the reconcil- Temples has made an indelible Wall Tunnels and the Holy when many a person sheds tears iation of the spiritual relationship impression on the psyche of the Western Wall itself. of joy, he cannot and should not Rosenberg, Howard between G-d and man, the date of Jewish people. The centrality and There has been much re-enact- feel complete while the Temple is Sackstein, Jason Valkin. the destruction of both - as well as importance of the Temple in ment of the tragedy throughout still in ruins. the other tragic occurrences - has Jewish life is not just a memory to the ages. On Tisha B’Av, we shed tears of KASHRUT caused the day to be known as “the be recalled when the occasion Some religious Jews, when build- pain for what has been lost, but most painful day in the history of arises, but a fire which refuses to ing a new home, ensure that a part great joy and happiness can also be The following symbols will appear on the Jewish people”. be extinguished - a factor often of the wall opposite the entrance expressed in tears. advertisements and/or advertising fea- Naturally on such a day there mentioned in our prayers and remains unplastered as a constant Why should the different emo- tures to indicate whether or not they are can be no pleasurable activities. liturgy. reminder of the tragedy. tions cause the same reaction? kosher. Where no Kashrut mark appears Accordingly therefore, as well as There are three main references Hillel, a renowned sage, prac- On a purely physiological level, on an advert, the Jewish Report the prohibition on eating and to the Temple in the Bible: The tised the custom of eating matza “strong emotion causes the tear assumes no responsibility for the drinking, no leather shoes may be Tabernacle (which was the fore- and bitter herbs together on the ducts to constrict and to release Kashrut status of that establishment or worn and there are no sexual rela- runner of the Temple) is described seder nights during Passover - in tears. The body does not differenti- advertiser: tions allowed. in detail in the Book of the same manner that pilgrims ate ate between the emotions causing Washing and bathing is also for- Exodus/Shmot; King Solomon’s in Jerusalem while they were in the tears.” NK Non-Kosher K Kosher bidden, although in some extenuat- Temple is described in both Kings the shadow of the Temple. Jews are told that the Temple Where no symbols appear, consult the ing circumstances, washing in cold and Chronicles; and the Temple Through the ages during the was destroyed because of the Beth Din Kosher Guide or contact the water may be permitted. which is destined to be built in wedding ceremony when a couple causeless hatred that had spread advertiser. Sitting is generally on low stools Messianic times, is described in the get married, (at the supposed high- throughout the nation. and it is not customary to greet Book of Ezekiel. est point of happiness) the groom Perhaps this is a message Jews Advertisements and editorial copy from others or indulge in idle chitchat. In the Oral Tradition, there is breaks a glass under the chuppah the world over should take to heart outside sources do not neccessarily reflect The Book of Lamentations much exegesis surrounding the to symbolise the loss and destruc- today - and look forward to the the views of the editors and staff. (Eicha) followed by the Kinnot, a above sections of the Bible as well tion of the Temple. building of the Third Temple - series of liturgical lamentations, is as an entire tractate (Middot) It is believed that at this “speedily in our days”. 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Rabbi David Rosen - no stranger to SA shores DAVID SAKS Berkshire, England, the Among the important positions third son of the renowned Rabbi Rosen has held, are those of AT THE time of his depar- educator and founding international president of Reli- ture from South Africa in principal of England’s gions for Peace, honorary presi- 1979, Rabbi David Rosen’s Carmel College, Rabbi dent of the International Council status was that of a suc- Kopul Rosen. Already in of Christians and Jews and on the cessful young congrega- Cape Town, as a young man executive of the World Council of tional rabbi who had for still in his twenties, he Religious Leaders. the previous four years involved himself in inter- As a member of the Permanent headed up with distinction faith work, being a founder Bilateral Commission of the State the large and prestigious and first chairman of the of Israel and the Holy See, he was Green and Sea Point Inter-Faith Forum, the involved in negotiating the estab- Hebrew Congregation in Cape Council of Jews, Christians and lishment of full diplomatic rela- Town. Muslims. tions between Israel and the When he arrives in Johan- In his subsequent position as Vatican. nesburg next month to take part in chief rabbi of Ireland (1979-1985), He has further been involved in the SAJBD Gauteng Council con- together with the Christian pri- promoting better relations ference, it will be as one of the mates of Ireland, he founded the between Muslims and Jew, among world’s best known and most hon- Irish Council of Christians and others, through serving on the oured Jewish religious leaders. Jews. advisory committee of the World The intervening 30 years have seen Rabbi Rosen relocated perma- Congress of Imams and Rabbis his rapid rise through the ranks in nently to Israel in 1985 to take up and on the World Economic the sphere of international inter- the position of dean at the Sapir Forum’s C-100, a council of 100 faith relations. Centre for Jewish Education and leaders whose purpose is to work Rabbi Rosen is keynote speaker Culture in Jerusalem, subsequent- for improved relations and co- at the opening night of the Gauteng ly becoming professor of Jewish operation between the Muslim Council conference, to take place Studies at the Jerusalem Centre for and non-Muslim worlds. on August 28 at the Great Park Near Eastern Studies. In November 2005, Rabbi Rosen Synagogue in Johannesburg. His Parallel to his academic career, was made a papal Knight subject is: “Is Religion the Problem he continued his involvement in Commander of the Order of St or the Solution?” interfaith work, serving as the Anti Gregory the Great for his contribu- At the main conference the fol- Defamation League’s director of tion to promoting Catholic-Jewish lowing day, he will be participating Interfaith Relations in Israel, as reconciliation. This year, he was in the opening session, entitled the ADL’s co-liaison to the Vatican made a CBE (Commander of the “Interfaith Interface”, giving his and, from 1997, as director of the British Empire) by Queen perspectives on the international ADL Israel office. Elizabeth II for his contribution to interfaith scene. His programme In 2001, he assumed responsibili- interfaith relations in the Middle while in the country, likewise put ty for the interfaith activities of the East and between Israel and the together by the SAJBD, further American Jewish Committee, and UK. includes taking part in workshops today is the Director of the AJC’s • For more information on the and meeting with other interfaith Department for Interreligious SAJBD Gauteng conference and leaders in Johannesburg, Cape Affairs and of its Heilbrunn Rabbi Rosen’s visit, contact Shirley Town and Durban. Institute for International on (011) 645-2583 or e-mail her at Rabbi Rosen was born in 1951 in Interreligious Understanding. [email protected] Jews give Fifa World Cup a huge thumbs up ALISON GOLDBERG Craig Lyons and THOUGH NUMBERS are small compared to the total number of foreign visitors to South Howard Africa, feedback from foreign and expat Sackstein Jewish visitors to South Africa for the Fifa enjoying World Cup which came to an end on Sunday Shabbat evening, has been disproportionately positive. in Soweto. Visitors have made full use of a website set up by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, www.jewish2010.com where SABJD Na- tional Director Wendy Kahn reports that between May 29 and June 28 the site had 1 669 hits from a multitude of countries which totalled 9 333 page views and since the begin- sonally hosted an American couple and an ning of the year, 10 500. The site offers infor- Argentinian, said they had never seen a shul mation on kosher restaurants and delis in the size of Sydenham’s nor a service of its the main cities of South Africa, on travel and kind with its chazzanut. accommodation, tour guides and museums. A member of the Jewish Report’s board of Through the site she says there have been directors, Howard Sackstein, also pitched in visitors looking for B&Bs, home hospitality for his Israeli guests organising a Shabbat for Shabbats, names of shuls and kosher dinner at a shebeen in Soweto called facilities. Most of the site visits have emanat- Shastozi (meaning hideaway) where his ed from South Africa, Israel and the United friend Craig Lyons has a share. States, followed by Argentina, the United About 100 Jews descended on the shebeen Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Australia, at the defunct Orlando Power Station’s cool- Ukraine and Russia - in that order. ing towers, on the eve of the quarterfinal Sales by Chabad of customised AmaJuda match between Uruguay and Ghana. Says makarapas have been good and the hats have Sackstein: “It’s probably the first Shabbat been seen at soccer matches. dinner held in Soweto and one which may The SAJBD says it had TV and print press not have been approved by my rabbi, but it coverage by Mexico, Israel, America, was loved by all. Craig organised Nussbaum Germany, UK, Brazil, Argentina and braai packs and we made hamotzi over chal- Australia. lahs and kiddish over wine. “We also advertised many events such as “Most of the guests were local and return- King David Schools’ Foundation’s Fete, the ing Jews to South Africa for the Cup. Among JNF’s Peace Team visit, themed dinners at the Israelis was former Israeli ambassador shuls and restaurants and activities organ- to South Africa, Alon Liel. Someone said ised by Bnei Akiva (fan park at its Linksfield that only in South Africa could something bayit), SAUJS (handed out free vuvuzelas to like this have happened.” all its members and organised screening of Calls to local travel agents produced much two games), Chabad (Shabbat dinners inter the same response - low activity owing to the alia), and pre-Ellis Park game tours and fact that Fifa’s overseas travel and accom- le’chaims at the Lions Shul (Jewish modation arm, Match, organised that end of Johannesburg tours).” things. El Al said they had been busy for Sydenham Highlands North Shul June and July but most of the bookings had Associate Rabbi Yehuda Stern, who has per- been done in Israel by Fifa’s agencies. 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 When own Helen Zille for WoW’s prejudices Annual Breakfast colour a WOMEN OF the World will once again All citizens are equally entitled to the be hosting its very popular National rights, privileges and benefits of citi- Women’s Day Annual Breakfast from zenship; and equally subject to the 09:30 to 12:30 at the Sandton Sun Hotel. duties and responsibilities of citizen- play’s review The cost is R500 per person. ship. This year the event takes place on “Importantly and understandably, ROBYN SASSEN Sunday August 1 and is sure to inspire after centuries of oppression, as a soci- and pamper every woman who will be ety we have given special emphasis to CUE, THE Grahamstown National Arts Festival’s there. the first. This administration believes daily independent newspaper, has been run for 22 Debbie Rakusin, who choreographed the time has come to start giving addi- years by freelance and teaching journalists and some of the opening of the 2010 Fifa tional traction to the second injunction has served not only as a publication with arts- World Cup, will present an all-new spe- as well.” aware clout, but also as an incubator for young cial dance show for the occasion. Zille started her career as a political writers. This year, it sparked controversy through This year, the 2010 Woman of the correspondent for the Rand Daily Mail. a throw-away comment in one of its reviews. World Award will be presented to Helen From 1999 to 2001 she served as minis- The Timekeepers, a Holocaust-based play, Zille, premier of the Western Cape. ter of education in the Western Cape. Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. which opened this week in Sandton, was written First as mayor of Cape Town and then During this period she made 500 school by Dan Clancy and is performed and directed by as premier, Zille has managed to inspire visits in a campaign to encourage disci- On March 15 2006 she was elected as Israeli professionals. It has been on the boards her public servants to greater levels of pline among teachers and improve mayor of Cape Town, and resigned from since 2002, to international critical acclaim. competence, ethics and professional- teaching conditions. parliament. Two years later, in 2008, she Roy Horovitz, one of Timekeepers’ actors, ism, WoW says in a media release. When the ANC gained power in the was voted “World Mayor” in a poll of described a “biased and cowardly response from “Now you can come and see for your- province in 2001 she became leader of over 800 cities around the world. Cue that had less to do with the play than with the self what makes this intriguing political the opposition in the Western Cape leg- On May 6 2007 she was elected as reviewer’s conception of Israel”. phenomenon tick.” islature, where she remained until she leader of the Democratic Alliance and Toward the end of the review headlined “On the Helen Zille says it like it is: “There is was elected as a member of the in May 2009 she became premier of the Edge of Uncomfortable”, Cue contributing editor, a common South African citizenship. National Parliament in 2004. Western Cape. Theresa Edlmann wrote that “this production’s appearance at the Festival is due to funding by the Israeli government at a time of international calls for cultural and academic boycotts of Israel. This adds to the sense of edginess.” Sifrei Torah to be restored in Israel In a letter to Cue, Horovitz commented on how an artist’s nationality is irrelevant to an artwork. LESLIE HARRIS usually be the case, the Beth Din a special mincha service at Sandring- “Bringing Timekeepers to South Africa isn’t due has arranged to send them to ham Gardens at 17:00 on Sunday, July to funding by the Israeli government,” he wrote, THE CHEVRAH Kadisha has given an organisation in Israel that spe- 25, where the Sifrei Torah will be “it is due to the work done by the Festival and its the Beth Din and the UOS 10 Sifrei cialises in repairing sifrei Torah handed over to a rabbi from El Al, director, Ismail Mahomed. Torah which are damaged and cannot and distributing them to needy com- who will accompany them to Israel. El “The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs sup- be repaired in South Africa. munities. Al will fly the Sifrei Torah to Israel for ported the Festival’s efforts by providing the air- Instead of burying them, as would The community is invited to attend free. fares. The local organisers cover all the produc- tion’s expenses, including artists’ fees, accommo- dation, per diem, car rental and so on.” According to Horovitz, the letter was only pub- Rabbi Kurtstag’s proud 40-year tradition lished at the insistence of the Festival’s director, Mohamed. It was significantly edited and was LESLIE HARRIS accompanied by a response penned by Cue’s execu- tive editors, Gillian Rennie and Peter Frost, explain- ORTHODOX Judaism is all about ing that “the job of a reviewer is to illuminate; that continuity. Torah and Jewish includes contextualising any piece of work. learning is passed down from gen- “The Timekeepers,” they continued, “exists eration to generation. within the larger context of an ongoing high pro- That proud tradition is being file debate about a cultural boycott of Israeli work. upheld in Johannesburg, where The play’s performance on this country’s National Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag, rosh Beth Arts Festival makes it a work South Africans are Din, has been giving a gemara invited to take seriously. Omitting any mention of shiur for 40 years. He said that the debate around a cultural boycott, would not over the years some people had only have been remiss of the reviewer, but unpro- left or gone on to learn fulltime in fessional. yeshivot in Israel and others had “The Embassy of Israel is prominently indicat- joined. ed in the Festival’s official programme as a sup- The shiur recently completed porter of the work, and it is therefore fair com- Masechet Beitzah. Seen with ment to note their involvement.” Rabbi Kurtstag at the siyum to cel- Horovitz alleges that he was approached by ebrate the event are (from left) Edlmann after the publication of this “Right to Benjy Adelsky; Ruven Bilchitz; Reply”, on July 2. She apologised for her review. Leslie Harris; and Sam Coblentz. Horovitz agreed to accept her apology if she pub- licly retracted her initial comment; she did not. He then wrote a second letter to Cue, reiterating that “there is a big difference between mentioning AROUND THE WORLD the fact that the Israeli Embassy supported the production, and claiming that the production is NEWS IN BRIEF part of the Festival ‘due to funding from the Israeli government’, as if it was all about the Israeli WHITE HOUSE SAYS OUTREACH TO MUSLIMS NOT NASA'S JOB money, without the Festival covering most costs; WASHINGTON - Reaching out to Muslim world, was incorrect. Gibbs replied: "I’m sure people - peo- as if there were no artistic calculations behind the Muslims is not the task of NASA, the "That was not his task, and that's not ple at the White House here, talk to festival director’s decision to include it; and as if it White House spokesman has said. the task of NASA," Gibbs said. NASA all the time." were not highly acclaimed internationally.” During a press briefing on Monday, Gibbs said that (Pres Barack) The White House and NASA last Horovitz’s second letter was not published. Robert Gibbs said that NASA adminis- Obama had not spoken to Bolden since week stood behind Bolden. Bolden also Horovitz raised the situation in a question-and- trator Charles Bolden's statement dur- the interview in an effort to clear has asserted on previous occasions answer session after each performance of his play. ing a June 30 interview with Al Jazeera things up. Asked if anyone at the that he was charged by Obama with “We aren’t afraid of political debate,” he said to an that he was charged to reach out to the White House had spoken to Bolden, outreach to Muslim countries. (JTA) audience. “We are proud Israelis with things to say; we took offence because the reviewer could US LAWMAKERS SEEK ACTION AGAINST CAMPUS ANTI-SEMITISM not separate our nationality from the piece. It was WASHINGTON - US members of gations, the office concluded that it could Mark Yudof said the ZOA’s claims were not relevant to the play; it misled readers.” Congress have signed a letter expressing not take action because the incidents exaggerated. Confirming that the Israeli Embassy assisted concern about how the federal were not based on students’ national ori- "[I will] do everything in my power to only with the cost of transport for the artists, Department of Education is responding gins. protect Jewish and all other students Mohamed told of the Timekeepers’ “sold out” sta- to anti-Semitism on college campuses. The lawmakers' letter denounced this from threats or actions of intolerance," tus during the festival, adding that some perform- The Zionist Organisation of America decision, saying that the Office for Civil he said in a July 6 statement. ances yielded standing ovations. lobbied for the letter, which was signed Rights was not abiding by its own policy The letter was written following a brief- He added: “As a leading arts festival, we select by 36 lawmakers and sent last week to statement. ing for congressional staff about anti- work for our Main programme based on the artis- Department of Education secretary The office's policy statement says it Semitism on college campuses organised tic merits of work. When we received a proposal to Arne Duncan. The letter raised ques- will enforce Title VI for groups that by Robert Klein (Democrat Florida), co- stage the internationally acclaimed Timekeepers, tions about the department’s Office for exhibit both racial and ethnic character- chairman of the Congressional Task we knew we would bring festival audiences an out- Civil Rights' enforcement of Title VI of istics, such as Jews. Title VI ensures that Force on Anti-Semitism. standing play that would provoke dialogue about the Civil Rights Act of 1964. recipients of federal funding, including Speakers at the briefing included rep- the arts from this region which is torn by con- In 2004 ZOA requested that the civil public and most private universities, resentatives from ZOA, The American flict.” rights' office investigate anti-Semitic keep their programming free from racial Jewish Committee and Hillel: The • See Christina Kennedy’s review of The incidents at the University of California, and ethnic discrimination. Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. Timekeepers on page 12. Irvine. In 2007, after looking into the alle- University of California President (JTA) 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 CONTACT Trevor Stamelman: 082-608-0168 Tel: (011) 885-3742 Prof Barry Schoub - [email protected] www.stamelmanproperties.co.za SUNNINGDALE/NEW RELEASE GLENHAZEL NEW RELEASE GLENHAZEL - CORBEL CRESCENT VIEW BY APPOINTMENT/FOR SALE keeping a firm hand on GLENHAZEL: 3 bed, 2 1/2 bath, garden townhouse, with maids and more. R1,250 mil GLENHAZEL: 3 bed, 2 1/2 bath, garden viruses and pandemics townhouse, with maids and more R1,350 mil ALISON GOLDBERG 4 bed, study, 3 large recep, 2 bath, eat- ON SHOW: This Sunday 14:00 - 17:00 Come and make your dreams a reality, finish PHOTOGRAPH: PHIL SILBERMAN in kitchen, all beds and recep, north-fac- DUNHURST ESTATE: 3 bed, 2 1/2 bath, ing garden, pool and much more. Large building to your own specs and require- garden townhouse, with 24-hr security treed stand, walk to shuls. R2 200 000 ments. Put pen to paper – let’s negotiate. from R1,2 mil EVERY 15 to 50 years an influenza virus will cross the species barrier, from animal ROUXVILLE NEW RELEASE HIGHLANDS NORTH/PERCELIA ESTATE PERECELIA ESTATE: 4 bed, 2 bath, family home, pool, garden, in boomed area and to human, and spread worldwide to become with studio. From mid R1 mil. a pandemic. Such was the case with the Majestic family home set in lush tropical Spanish flu pandemic from 1918-1919 which gardens. 5/6 bed, 4 bath, 4/5 recep and FAIRMOUNT: 4 Bed, 4 receptions, pool, garden, wfh studio and more. Mid R2 mil. resulted in some 50 million deaths world so much more! See website for full details. R4 999 000 BAGLEYSTON: 4 bed, 1 1/2 bath, 3 recep, wide, followed by the Asian flu pandemic in View by appointment only. 1957 and then the Hong Kong flu pandemic pool, cottage and maids. R1,2 mil. 3 recep, 3 beds, space for 4th, 2 baths, SYDENHAM: 2 houses to choose from, in 1968. For pictures of these and Charming family home, 3/4 beds, 3/4 eat-in kitchen, lovely gardens and so This being winter, influenza was the other properties go to recep, gardens with pool, staff acomm much more - in boomed area. 3 beds, 3 recep, 2 baths, cottage, garden topic of Professor Barry Schoub’s address www.stamelmanproperties.co.za and so much more. Early R1 mil. Mid R1 mil. and more. R1,2 mil. to the Simcha Friendship and Cultural Circle recently on pandemics and viruses. Schoub is executive director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and professor and head of the Department of Virology and Communi- cable Diseases Surveillance at Wits University. Professor Barry Schoub addressing The flu virus, he explained, was first iso- the SFCC. lated in 1933 and had been intensely stud- ied ever since. In nature it was a virus of single strain swine flu vaccines and now birds, particularly aquatic birds such as there was a surplus of those. geese. Schoub added that fewer and fewer com- The virus could then pose a danger to panies were manufacturing vaccines. This humans if it spread when wild birds came was because quality control was very in contact with domestic animals such as expensive and profits were slim. chickens and pigs, the latter susceptible to South Africa imported all its vaccines, both the bird and human virus. though this had not always been the case. The swine flu epidemic, which occurred In late 1945 it had been one of the first recently and was first observed in Mexico, countries to produce a polio vaccine. had become a human virus and was now At this stage the National Institute for one of three seasonal strains of influenza Communicable Diseases had been known for which vaccines were produced. as the Poliomyelitis Foundation and had Interestingly, mature citizens were rela- then been a non-governmental organisa- tively immune to swine flu or the H1N1 tion. virus as it is known, but not to other sea- A plot on the Sandringham-Edenvale sonal influenza strains. Most of the severe border had been chosen - at the time far cases of swine flu had been found in young from residential areas - with the purpose of children and young adults. Also affected raising enough money to find a vaccine to had been people living with HIV and preg- respond to the polio epidemic. This was the nant women. same site occupied today by the Institute. Aside from these categories, people who In 1976, following the outbreak of should be vaccinated against flu annually, Marburg disease (a viral haemorrhagic were those with underlying chronic illness- fever), the government had taken over the es such as lung or heart disease, diabetics, Foundation and had renamed it the adults over 65 years of age, children with National Institute for Virology (NIV) to severe asthma and people who lived in the deal with all viral diseases nationally. same household or were involved in their In 2001 the NIV had joined up with the management, such as healthcare workers. microbiology laboratories of the National Of a total population of 45 million people Health Laboratory Service, which investi- in South Africa, only about one million gated lab specimens for the public sector, received the flu vaccine annually. to establish the National Institute for The World Health Organisation (WHO), Communicable Diseases [NICD]. The NICD had 125 sentinel laboratories around the now fell under the umbrella of the world reporting to it, which continually National Health Laboratory Service and analysed influenza viruses to see how they shared a campus with it. were changing. The flu virus changed reg- “With a staff of about 350, including ularly and the vaccine had to be updated medical staff on the campus, our main every year to match the new strains. function as the Institute is to carry out sur- Owing to technical problems there had veillance and monitoring of infectious dis- been a worldwide shortage of flu vaccines eases both nationally and regionally, earlier this year. These had been ordered to respond to outbreaks, teach at all universi- respond to the swine flu epidemic. Then ties and train technologists and these also some of the companies which manufac- include people from all over the conti- tured flu vaccines, had started to produce nent,” says Schoub. 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010

SOCIAL SCENE Rita Lewis [email protected]

The Chevra's CEO, Michael Putting a personal face Sieff with Tzivia Graumann. to trials and tribulations of traumatic past

Sonya Marcus is hugged by her daughter Layla Sacker (here from Australia for the occasion) while her son Hershy Marcus Mother looks on. and son, Sonya and Hershy Marcus.

Russian Doctor Tsipra Boudnitski; Flora (Bluma) Hovsha; and Ettie Eliasov. Author Hazel Frankel with Tzivia Graumann.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA LEWIS and having few (or no) relatives here. The difference between this book and most oth- AN IDEA mooted by the Chevrah Kadisha's ers on the same subject, is that these contributions Brenda Solarsh, backed by Tzivia Grauman, came are from people known by the community; people to fruition when author Hazel Frankel completed who live "around the corner", who shop "at the her "Memoirs", a 150 page book of "true and touch- local supermarket", whose children "went to ing stories" related to her by 26 residents of school with our children" and so on. Sandringham Gardens and Our Parents Home in Seeing the project to fruition - making it finan- Johannesburg. cially possible - were resident Sonia Marcus, mem- For many people, stories and tales from the bers of her family and the Sacker family. In their Holocaust, however horrific and unbelievable, are speeches both Solarsh, the group social services somehow heard in a two dimensional manner. manager of the Chevrah Kadisha and Tzivia They are of unknown, nameless and blameless Graumann, the Chevrah Group Communications people who come from faraway climates (where Manager, paid tribute to Marcus and the Sacker most people have never been to) and who lived in family for their generosity. an era long past. Marcus' rav, Rabbi Alex Carlebach, spoke of see- Although their trials, tribulations and tor- ing people all around us but not knowing what is ments were for nothing else than the "crime" of inside any of them. "We cannot evaluate what they being born Jewish, we don't know them. We have been through." People were like diamonds; don't know the places they lived in and we can't without magnifying them it was impossible to see really imagine what they went through during which ones were flawed. their efforts just to survive. Speaking about Marcus he said: "She doesn't With the launch of the new book last week realise what a diamond she is." describing their lives and circumstances, many of Frankel spoke of the interviews she had had those perceptions changed. with each of the contributors who were aged Although the book documents the lives, mem- between 80 and 101 and how they shared with her ories and experiences of people who lived the often heartbreaking stories. Tsipra Boudnitski holds her special Close friends, Sonya Marcus and through that same era of the 1930s and '40s, "The narrators gave their stories orally and volume of "Memoirs" with her contri- Bella Wainer. these stories have been related to Frankel by each story is unique, telling of the conditions that bution in it. members of the South African Jewish commu- led to their immigration, who accompanied them nity who all came from different parts of on their journeys and what awaited them here. Europe - with most of them not speaking the "The common fact is their Jewish identity and language, knowing nothing about the country all but one is of Ashkenazi descent."

Some of the contributors of their stories show Colin Datnow, the Chevra's chairman, with Representatives of the Marcus and Sacker families who sponsored the book. off their copies of "Memoirs". Rabbi Alex Carlebach. 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 7

Dr L A P A Munnik, (known as Lapa) and parents, being the only Jewish COMMUNITY BUZZ who was a doctor there and became activity in that area. LIONEL SLIER MP for Caledon. “The Robertson Synagogue, built “He then became Administrator of in 1896, was sold only last year to a 082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448, the Cape and later a Cabinet Christian family who have beautiful- [email protected] Minister, but to generations of Ikeys ly restored it - and made it their res- he is best known as the cheerleader idential home! PRETORIA of 1948, 1949, 1951 and of the unoffi- “Over 20 years ago I did my basic cial intervarsity of 1973 between training in the South African Army Sammy Marks continued: UCT and Stellenbosch. in the same unit as the great-grand- “On another road one comes to son of the most recent rabbi of the At the end of 1884, Sammy Marks Moordenaars Kloof. In 1901 a Boer Robertson Hebrew Congregation, visited England where at the age of troop of about 1 500 men came the late Rev S J Josefowitz, who min- 40, he married Bertha Guttman one through there and four scouts were istered there for 50 years until 1972. of the daughters of his old friend ambushed by the British and three “The Rev Josefowitz was the Tobias (who had first advised Marks were killed. One got away. His name teacher of the late amazing blind to go to South Africa). She was 18 was Jan Christiaan Smuts. Cantor Abe Immerman of Cape years younger than he was. “On another road, to Jamestown Town, when both lived in Zastron, in Everything seemed to indicate that it and Aliwal, one finds Vogelvlei, the the Orange Free State; he must have was an arranged marriage. farm of the Birch brothers, who been an amazing teacher to have Eight children were born of the were the leading horse breeders in taught so much to Cantor marriage, five sons and three daugh- South Africa for about 25 years. On a Immerman! ters. One girl died in infancy and one Sunday afternoon in 1971 we took “Keep up your fascinating report- son, Montie, died at the age of 12 our children to see Sea Cottage and ing on country communities! In so while at school in England. King Willow at the farm, both doing, you are keeping alive memo- From the remaining six, Marks Durban July winners. Ernest Birch ries of people and places long since had only four grandchildren, but not played cricket for Border and his faded into history.” one male descendant. grandson, Andrew, is now in the Marks paid a lot of attention to his Warriors cricket squad. JOHANNESBURG/YEOVILLE brothers and sisters and their chil- “Marais Steyn, prominent United dren and helped whenever he could. Party and later Nat MP, was from Rona Elterman, now of Pretoria, In 1883, Marks had bought 902 Dordrecht. There was a very writes: margin (773 hectares) of the farm extreme rightwing family in Swartruggens which bordered on Dordrecht, the Bekkers; five of the “Sorry to advise you that the article Hatherley (see previous issues) east siblings won Springbok rugby hon- appearing in the issue of June 25 has of Pretoria. On the farm was a sim- ours, namely Jaap, Martiens and many discrepancies. Either my ple house which had been damaged Dolf, Daan in boxing and the sister, brother Barney gave the incorrect by enemy fire during the First War of Connie, in athletics. information, or the writer made Independence. Marks and Bertha “The prominent Jewish families errors. lived here until the new house was included the Sterns, Aufrichtig, “Next to the swimming baths was finished. Weinstein, Lichtenstein and Kursan. the Yeoville sports ground on the In 1885 he started building his “I agree with the article on Solly corner of Fortesque Road. Opposite mansion which he called Swart- Ozrovech, from the Weeshuis at on the south side was the Apollo koppies Hall. According to legend, Ugie. One could add that he was also Cafe, but next door was Emdins Marks drew the plan himself with a a well-known rugby referee in the (ladies outfitting and haberdashery) piece of charcoal on a plank. It was Western Province. We definitely and later the bicycle shop. not built in any special architectural regard Ugie, about 110 km from “Opposite on the north side was style. Indwe, as being part of our area.” Flying Service Dry Cleaners, then In 1909 the family moved to Garden Butchery (Mr Rudman), Parktown in Johannesburg where • Students of the UCT (University then Yeoville Watchmakers owned the company had its headquarters. of Cape Town) were familiarly by Lazar Freiman (my dad) who died Swartkoppies became a country known as Ikeys due to the high num- on August 1 1950. I carried on the retreat. ber of Jews in the student body. business for about a year more. • The 1880-’81 First War of “The barber was originally at the Independence was fought between ROBERTSON back portion of my dad’s shop but the British and the Boers of the Zuid- then moved next door and was Afrikaansche Republiek (Trans- This little dorpie is in the Breede owned by Sam Schneider who was vaal). The war is best remembered River Valley, 46 km from Worcester deaf. Further down was Imperial for the rout of the British troops at and is named after Dr William Fish Shop and the garage. Majuba. At a treaty in 1881, Robertson (1805-1879), the first min- “The Yeoville Pharmacy, owned President Paul Kruger’s Republic ister of the Dutch Reformed Church by the Sapires, was on the north was recognised as an independent in Clanwilliam and Swellendam side, but on the other side of state. This lasted only 20 years. (1834-1879). Kenmere Road. Also in that block were the Barclays Bank, Squires DORDRECHT From Rabbi Stuart Serwater: Outfitters, the Ozens Fruit and Vegetable. I can’t remember all the This town is in the Eastern Cape on “Regarding country communities: other shops. the slopes of the Stormberg In 1996 the Cape Board of Jewish “The Yeoville Cinema was in Mountains, almost 80 km north of Education reopened the Robertson Bedford Road, as was the bootmaker, Queenstown and is named after a Hebrew School, which had closed Mr Glazer. There was also a home town in Holland. It has the dubious down over 30 years earlier. industries shop owned by two reputation of having bitterly cold “From 1996 to 1999, this school women. Mr Kagan the watchmaker, winters. functioned in the quaint Robertson had his shop in Rockey Street, on the Synagogue, catering to the Jewish Bellevue side. From Ivan Nurick: children of Worcester, Robertson, “My information is pre-1950s, and Klaasvoogds Rivier and Ashton. as I spent more than half my youth “Interesting facts about Dordrecht “During those three years, I drove in that area, I am pretty sure that my include one that about three km out- the 320 km round-trip from Cape information is more accurate.” side Dordrecht on the road to Town to teach these monthly classes, • For the sake of historical accura- Queenstown, one finds the farm of which were exciting for both pupils cy, we appreciate all corrections. 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF Lael Bethlehem’s myriad STUDY: RUSSIAN AREAS NOT RULED BY NAZIS DOING BETTER EVEN NOW LOS ANGELES - Areas of Russia that of the long-range economic impact of the monuments dotted all were not under Nazi rule are faring bet- extermination of Jews in some areas ter economically even today than areas occupied by the Nazis during the Second that had been occupied, according to a World War - are based on research by new study. political scientists and economists. over Johannesburg The study by three American acade- Drawing mainly on detailed Russian micians shows that the economies in census data, supplemented by reports of STAFF REPORTER large areas of Russia under Nazi rule 65 Nazi death squads, the three professors PHOTOGRAPH: COURTESY OF JDA years ago lag substantially behind studied the demographics and eco- neighbouring areas that were spared nomies of 48 oblasts, or administrative EVERY TIME anyone drives or walks past Nazi occupation and where most of the districts, across Russia, of which the artworks in the City of Johannesburg, Jewish middle class survived. 11 in western Russia were overrun by especially in Braamfontein, they can think In cities and districts where Jews were the German army early in the war, with of Lael Bethlehem, chief executive of the largely wiped out, not only do residents the subsequent extermination of 1 mil- Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), earn less than in the rest of Russia, but lion Soviet Jews. who this week resigned to join the private they are politically less reform minded Although making up only a minute sector. and cling more to old communist loyal- fraction of the total population of the So said her proud mother, communal ties. prewar Soviet Union, Jews predominat- leader, Marlene Bethlehem, at her daugh- Professors James Robinson of ed in the productive middle class. In ter’s farewell party earlier this week. Harvard, Daron Acemoglu of the some of the oblasts under German con- Bethlehem said her daughter had left a Massachusetts Institute of Technology trol, Jews made up 1 per cent of the pop- proud legacy, especially in improvements in and Tarek Hassan of the University of ulation but represented 70 per cent of the inner city, having played a large part in Chicago Booth School of Business have the physicians. its rejuvenation and in the establishment of opened up a new research field in the Concretely, the study found that in the rapid bus transit system, Rea Vaya, area of Holocaust studies. 2002, per capita gross domestic product which, despite problems with some taxi Their conclusions in “Social Structure in the 11 Nazi-occupied oblasts lagged drivers vehemently opposed to it, has And Development: A Legacy Of the 23 per cent behind the nationwide GDP. proved to be a huge success. Holocaust In Russia” - a five-year study (JTA) In her farewell speech, Lael Bethlehem MOROCCO COULD ARREST ISRAELI OFFICIALS FOR GAZA WAR said the last few weeks had been “an incred- ible journey”. JERUSALEM - Lawyers reportedly leading the attack on Gaza during the She added: “We have shown that we can have filed a case in Morocco to arrest month-long war during the winter of build infrastructure, organise complex senior Israeli officials involved in the 2008-09. logistics, create incredible music, and play Gaza war. Morocco and Israel do not have for- soccer. We have also reminded ourselves The lawyers from three countries mal diplomatic relations, though the that we are friendly and hospitable, that we filed the complaint with the chief Arab country does receive Israeli offi- know how to party, and perhaps most prosecutor in Rabat on Monday, the cials. importantly, that we are all on the same French news agency AFP reported. Livni cancelled a trip to Britain in side. Lael Bethlehem, chief executive of the Former Israeli Prime Minister December 2009 after a British court “The triumph of the Fifa World Cup fol- Johannesburg Development Agency, speak- Ehud Olmert, former Foreign issued an arrest warrant following a lows on from other important successes, ing at her farewell function last week. Minister Tzipi Livni and Defence complaint alleging war crimes filed including the start of the Gautrain and the Minister Ehud Barak are named in by attorneys representing pro- launch of the Rea Vaya system. It is so excit- Johannesburg Housing Company, individu- the complaint. They are accused of Palestinian activists. (JTA) ing to be a South African, to travel on the als, many of them supported by Trust for Rea Vaya to Soccer City, to have a drink in Urban Housing Finance, and even trade ISRAEL RAZES PALESTINIAN HOME IN EASTERN JERUSALEM the newly renovated Vilakazi Street unions like Numsa who recently developed a JERUSALEM - Israel on Tuesday razed internationally. In recent months, the precinct, or to walk the pleasant and safe “magnificent head office” in Newtown, she several buildings, including an inhabit- Obama administration has called on streets of the inner city of Johannesburg. said. ed Palestinian home, in eastern Israel not to demolish Palestinian These are the fruits of democracy, and how “This work has been done by an amazing Jerusalem. homes built without a permit. lucky we all are to be alive to enjoy them,” team at JDA,” she said, in paying tribute to The demolition, including the home The Netanyahu government has kept she said. her colleagues. in the Beit Hanina neighbourhood, Jerusalem from razing homes in an Lael has been head of the JDA for the last Lael praised the “outstanding political were the first in eastern Jerusalem in effort to move peace talks with the five years, and described it as “a labour of leadership” in the executive mayor of eight months. Palestinians forward and to prevent a love. Not only for me, but for everyone who Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, whom, she The inhabited house, home to a fami- showdown with the Obama adminis- works here. We have the enormous privilege said, had given tremendous priority to both ly of seven, was built without a city tration. of seeing the city changing around us, and inner city and township development. permit, Jerusalem municipality offi- The demolitions come a day after a of participating in that change. She also paid tribute to members of the cials told Reuters. Four other uninhab- Jerusalem municipal committee “In the last five years, the JDA has not mayoral committee (MMCs), especially ited homes in the Jabel Mukaber and approved the construction of 32 homes only led the regeneration of the inner city, Rehana Moosajee, MMC for Transport, with Issawiya neighbourhoods, as well as a in the eastern Jerusalem Jewish neigh- but we have also made a significant contri- whom she has worked very closely with partially built factory, also were demol- bourhood of Pisgat Zeev, part of a bution to the development of Johannes- regards to the Rea Vaya bus rapid transit ished. reported development of 250 housing burg’s township areas, and we have deliv- project. Israel's previous demolitions of east- units. (JTA) ered major infrastructure projects,” she “The process of regeneration and develop- ern Jerusalem homes were condemned said. ment has a long way to go and will depend The agency has upgraded hundreds of on the city making progress with various inner city blocks, renovated 10 inner city initiatives. Some of the most important of PRES OBAMA NOMINATES LEW TO RUN OMB parks, built two brand new parks, built three these are to make effective plans for bad WASHINGTON - President Barack plus when he worked for President new public transport facilities and renovat- buildings, to resolve the future of buildings Obama nominated Jacob Lew, an Clinton, I have no doubt that Jack has ed another three, built one brand new muse- currently in city ownership and to find a Orthodox Jew, as director of the proven himself equal to this extraor- um, a brand new library, two new public way forward for illegal occupants of derelict Office of Management and Budget. dinary task," Obama said on Tuesday buildings, three trader markets, a dance stu- properties,” she said. Lew, who held the top OMB post in announcing the nomination, which dio, a fashion square, a cricket oval, six five- She thanked her family for their support - under President Bill Clinton, is a as a Cabinet-level position must be a-side soccer fields, and many public art her parents Brian and Marlene, who have deputy secretary of state for manage- confirmed by the U.S. Senate. works throughout the city, she said. been enthusiastic supporters of the JDA’s ment and resources. He would suc- Lew reportedly has clashed with his “We have restored a number of heritage work and always interested in what the ceed Peter Orszag, who also is Jewish. counterpart at the State Department, buildings. We have done a tremendous agency was doing. “They have given me a His current position parallels with- James Steinberg, who is also a deputy amount of work in preparing the Ellis Park great example of what it means to be a in the State Department the OMB mis- secretary. and Nasrec precincts for the Fifa World Cup. South African. Most importantly, thank you sion of prioritising government Orszag reportedly is leaving to facil- In between all of that, we have built infra- to my partner Emilia Potenza, and our spending. itate his move to New York, the home structure for the Rea Vaya project which daughters Lulu and Thembela,” she said. "As the budget director who left the of his fiancée, ABC News reporter includes the stations and roadways. We have “I take my leave from the JDA as a proud next administration a $237 billion sur- Bianna Golodryga. (JTA) been involved in many aspects of the design South African, a proud resident of this great of the BRT” she said. city and secure in the knowledge that this COMIC BOOK WRITER HARVEY PEKAR DIES AT 70 The JDA has projects in the Baragwanath important organisation will continue to area in Soweto, Vilakazi Street, Orlando serve the people of Johannesburg and will CLEVELAND - Jewish comic book Monday called "the working-class, East, Orange Farm, Diepsloot, Hillbrow, indeed go from strength to strength.” writer Harvey Pekar, who chronicled everyman heroics of simply making it Yeoville and throughout the CBD. Lael’s assistant, Adam Goldsmith, who his life in the autobiographical through another day, with soul - if not “We have done all of this as part of an has been working with her for the past five American Splendor series, has died at dignity - intact", was widely admired. overall strategy to bring investment back years, said he was lucky to have worked the age of 70. Pekar, a Cleveland native, collabo- into the city, and to draw attention to the with her. Pekar died early Monday morning rated on American Splendor with extraordinary opportunities that exist in “She knows what she wants and gets what in his Cleveland-area home. He had the acclaimed comic book artist Johannesburg,” she said. she wants. She has an infectious strength,” prostate cancer, asthma, high blood R Crumb. The two met in 1962 when Wherever the JDA has undertaken proj- he said. pressure and clinical depression, Crumb was working for American ects, it has been encouraged by the way in Neil Fraser, a consultant who was instru- according to reports. Greetings in Cleveland. which private investment has followed its mental in the rejuvenation of the inner city, The American Splendor series, Pekar, the son of Jewish immigrants work. These private investors take many but who has now retired, said Lael faced a which began in 1976 and had its most from Poland, served in the US Navy. forms, including corporate giants like “David and Goliath” situation in her job. recent issue in 2008, was made into a He worked as a file clerk at the Anglo Gold Ashanti, banks, property devel- “Wow, what a big task she had! Lael has movie of the same name in 2003. Veteran's Administration Hospital in opers like the Johannesburg Land the unbelievable ability, strength and com- Pekar's writing about his everyday Cleveland until his retirement in 2001. Company, entrepreneurs like Lion Share passion to have dealt with her tasks. life, which a Plain Dealer tribute on (JTA) and City Property, Housing developers like Welcome to the private sector - it is the loss Afcho, non-profit organisations like the to the public sector,” he said. 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS

David Rotem, chair- man of the Knesset’s Alarm over Israeli conversion bill Constitution, Law JACOB BERKMAN leaders of the North American altering the bill. and Justice NEW YORK Jewish federation system and the But Rotem caught Sharansky Committee, pushed non-Orthodox Jewish religious and the Diaspora leaders by sur- a controversial con- OPPONENTS OF a controversial movements in the United States. prise by bringing the bill to a com- version bill through bill that could give the Orthodox Rotem’s bill originally was mittee vote this week; Sharansky the committee by a rabbinate the final say over conver- intended to ease the conversion was given only a day’s warning. 5-4 vote on July 12. sions in Israel, are trying to keep process within Israel and make it The move set off a maelstrom of (PHOTOGRAPH: the bill from moving ahead in the easier for non-Jewish Israelis of criticism from the Diaspora. FLASH90 / JTA) Israeli Knesset after its surprise Soviet extraction to obtain conver- The CEO of the Jewish introduction and passage by a sions and marry within Israel. Federations of North America, Rotem removed that item before pass,” Sharansky said. Knesset committee. Despite its intent, opponents Jerry Silverman, called Rotem’s pushing the bill through the law The Jewish Federations say that For months, Israeli lawmakers warned that the bill would consoli- action a “betrayal”. committee. Silverman and federation lay lead- have been discussing a bill that date control over conversions in the In a letter of protest from the Now, he says, the bill has no effect ers met with Israel’s President would put more power over conver- office of the Chief Rabbinate and president of the Union for Reform on American or Diaspora Jews and Shimon Peres on Monday. Peres, sion into the hands of Israel’s drive a wedge between Israel and Judaism that was signed by 14 that this is solely an Israeli matter pressed for more dialogue on the Orthodox-dominated rabbinate by the Diaspora by carrying the risk other organisations, including var- over which non-Israeli Jews should proposed bill that would give giving local rabbis the ability to that non-Orthodox conversions ious arms of the Conservative have no say. American voices greater credence. perform conversions and giving the performed in the Diaspora could be movement, Rabbi Eric Yoffie wrote: “I don’t know why they wanted “A discussion that bears conse- Chief Rabbinate oversight and con- discounted in Israel. “Rotem’s actions are contrary to to have discussions,” he said. “I quences on the entire Jewish peo- trol over the whole process. In addition, they said the bill the assurances we received in came to the US; I spoke to leaders; ple should include different voices - The bill, sponsored by Yisrael would affect the eligibility of con- meetings with him and with others I explained this is nothing that from within Israel and from with- Beiteinu Knesset member David verts for the Law of Return, which over the last several months.” touched the American communi- out. The legislative process should Rotem, gained steam on Monday grants the right to Israeli citizen- In an interview with JTA, Rotem ty. It has nothing to with Jews in include an open public discussion with its approval in the Knesset law ship to anyone who is Jewish or at was unapologetic about moving the Diaspora. It is only an Israeli that will lead to an understanding. committee by a 5-4 vote. It now least has one Jewish grandparent. ahead and said: “This bill will pass, matter.” It should be conducted with toler- must pass three readings before the The opponents urged Rotem to no doubt. Since Monday, Sharansky has ance, with open hearts and open full Knesset, to become law. revise the proposal. They believed “I never promised anything,” he engaged in a number of discussions minds. Opponents are desperately try- they had a deal in place with Rotem added. “I told them all the time in with Israeli lawmakers, including “It is important for us, for the ing to stall the process, at least to hold off on the bill pending more the meetings that if I will see there Netanyahu. The Jewish Agency unanimity of the moment, that we until the Knesset starts a two- discussion after Rotem came to the is a majority, I will bring it to a vote. chief said he believed the bill would have to keep the pressure on,” month break next week. United States in April to discuss the No one can say I promised any- not come before the Knesset this Rabbi Steven Wernick, the execu- “They have to bring it to the bill with them, and after a number thing.” week, and hoped it would not be on tive vice president of the United Knesset now for a first reading, and of meetings between Sharansky In their discussions with Rotem, the agenda before the two-month Synagogue of Conservative we have to make sure that it will and Israeli Prime Minister Diaspora leaders expressed con- recess provided a chance to alter or Judaism, told JTA. not happen,” the chairman of the Benjamin Netanyahu. cern about an item in the bill that scuttle the bill. “I think it would be an error to Jewish Agency for Israel, Natan Several top Israeli officials, would have taken away the right to Sharansky said he was pushing think that in the political society as Sharansky, told JTA. including the justice minister and automatic citizenship for anyone for Netanyahu and his Likud Party dynamic and hyper-dynamic as Sharansky is leading a coalition minister for Diaspora affairs, had who comes to Israel as a refugee to publicly oppose it. “If it is clear Israel is that we are done with against the bill that includes the agreed to work with Sharansky on but then converts to Judaism. Likud will not support it, it will not this,” he said. (JTA) 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS Netanyahu hints at some Politics, courage and flexibility on Jerusalem URIEL HEILMAN ultimate fate. about Netanyahu’s ability to make NEW YORK He reiterated the point last Sunday in good on that vision. Other Obama cowardice of artists an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox supporters have questioned IT WAS an otherwise wholly unre- News Sunday. Netanyahu’s commitment to that ELVIS COSTELLO may not be the world’s most impor- markable stump speech before a “Are you willing to put East goal, and the Palestinian Authority tant singer, but his recent cancellation of a performance friendly audience in New York. Jerusalem as a possible capital of the leadership says Netanyahu’s interest in Israel under pressure from anti-Israel groups, should On the evening of July 7 at Palestinian state on the table?” Wallace in negotiations is not serious. not be taken lightly. It is part of a growing international Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel, the Israeli asked, according to a transcript provid- “Words, not deeds,” was the assess- movement to establish a cultural boycott of Israel as part prime minister addressed a roomful of ed by Fox News. ment of chief Palestinian negotiator of a broader boycott involving academia, trade, diploma- more than 300 Jews on the subjects of Netanyahu responded: “Well, we Saeb Erekat, who dismissed cy and other areas. Iran, his government’s eagerness for have differences of views with the Netanyahu’s lip service to the peace The article on the facing page reports on some of the direct peace talks with the Palestinians. We want a united city. process in an interview with The New latest cultural developments, such as actress Meg Ryan’s Palestinians and the swell meeting he They have their own views. We can - York Times following the Obama- decision not to come. had just had with President Barack this is one of the issues that will have to Netanyahu meeting. “We need to see The anti-Israel lobby hopes to develop this into some- Obama at the White House. be negotiated. But I think the main deeds.” thing similar to South Africa’s cultural isolation during But then, in an off-the-cuff remark point is to get on with it.” Netanyahu insists he is serious apartheid. There are crucial differences. Firstly, there to a question on Jerusalem from the The remarks on Jerusalem were sig- about peace talks, and that it is the was universal agreement that the apartheid evil should audience, Benjamin Netanyahu nificant because Netanyahu’s true Palestinians who are playing games. be shunned. Israel, in contrast, is not apartheid and is a dropped a hint that his government’s intentions regarding the peace process “You either put up excuses or you vibrant cultural centre - home to major Israeli artists and insistence on Israeli sovereignty over remain largely opaque, the subject of lead,” the Israeli leader said in his a favourite destination for numerous international all of Jerusalem might not be iron- much debate from Washington to New York speech. “I want to enter Jewish and non-Jewish artists. clad. Ramallah. Netanyahu was a latecomer direct talks with the Palestinian lead- Secondly, the Internet and television make a total boy- “Everybody knows that there to the two-state position - endorsing the ership now. cott impossible today - although these media also give are Jewish neighbourhoods in idea of an eventual Palestinian state “I think we can defy the sceptics,” boycotters more power to spread their message. Jerusalem that under any peace plan only a year ago, after much prodding by he said, recalling the doubters who During apartheid, South Africa was an insignificant will remain where they are,” the United States - and the governing abounded when Israeli Prime cultural backwater - notwithstanding a few great local Netanyahu said in response to the coalition he has assembled is com- Minister Menachem Begin began artists like Johnny Clegg - even lacking the consolation question read by the executive vice prised largely of rightwing parties that talking to Egyptian President Anwar prize of television until 1976. chairman of the Conference of do not believe in the current Sadat in the lead-up to the Camp Anti-South African sentiment was so universal that an Presidents of Major American Jewish Palestinian Authority as a partner for David Accords, and when President artist’s choice was virtually made for him to exclude the Organizations, Malcolm Hoenlein. negotiations. Richard Nixon visited China. “This is country from his itinerary. For example, in 1961 the The implication of Netanyahu’s In public, Obama declared last week a challenge I’m up to.” British Musicians’ Union forbade its members to per- remark - that other neighbourhoods of that he believed Netanyahu was gen- Was it hyperbole or a sign of the form in South Africa; in 1963, 45 prominent British play- Jerusalem may not remain “where uinely committed to seeking a two-state legacy Netanyahu hopes for himself ? wrights signed a declaration announcing that they had they are”, becoming part of an eventu- solution. If Netanyahu is interested in fol- instructed their agents to insert a clause in future con- al Palestinian state - was the first hint “I believe that Prime Minister lowing Begin and Nixon’s model, tracts automatically refusing performing rights in any that the Israeli leader may be flexible Netanyahu wants peace. I think he’s leading a conservative government to theatre “where discrimination is made among audiences on the subject of Jerusalem. Until willing to take risks for peace,” Obama a historic rapprochement with a long- on grounds of colour”, the declaration also receiving now, Netanyahu has insisted that told reporters following his Oval Office time foe, eventually he will have to adherence from playwrights in other countries; until the Jerusalem is not up for negotiation. meeting with Netanyahu. include Jerusalem in negotiations 1990s, the British actors’ union, Equity, imposed a boy- While the prime minister surely did “And during our conversation, he with the Palestinians; they won’t sign cott on the sale of TV programmes to South Africa; the not intend the gathering under the once again reaffirmed his willingness a peace deal without it. If not, country was banned from the Olympic Games until 1992. aegis of the President’s Conference to to engage in serious negotiations with Netanyahu is trying to pull the wool South Africans used to be over the moon when a third- serve as his forum for opening up the Palestinians around what I think over the eyes of the sceptics. rate artist or an old one at the end of his career, would negotiations over Jerusalem, the should be the goal not just of the two “This is going to be a very, very break the boycott and come to perform at Sun City or impromptu remark before an audi- principals involved but the entire tough negotiation, but I’m prepared elsewhere. ence of prominent New York Jews and world, and that is two states living side to negotiate,” Netanyahu insisted last Some good artists did, however, choose to come on con- a handful of elected officials, cast a by side in peace and security.” week. “But I cannot engage between dition they could confront apartheid through their art, slim ray of light on what Netanyahu Privately, however, some US adminis- someone who won’t sit at the table.” which was a risky thing to do under the sinister eye of thinks might be the Israeli capital’s tration officials have expressed doubts (JTA) the regime. Choosing to boycott Israel, however, rather than engaging with it, is a cop-out, whether one goes as a fan or a critic of Israeli society and policies. Israel is an open society and international artists are free to perform, Campaign to bring in thousands praise and condemn as they wish, as Israeli artists do. True art should be about communication and expression and Israel is a fertile platform for this. But it is unfortunately true that an international artist more Falash Mura gains steam in an early career today faces a dilemma when pres- URIEL HEILMAN some 7 500 additional Ethiopians to say have been waiting in the Ethiopian surised not to perform in Israel by powerful groups pur- NEW YORK Israel. city of Gondar and are part of a list porting to occupy the moral high ground: does he or she So far, the Israeli government has compiled in 1999 of potential immi- risk their advancement by standing against them? AFTER MONTHS of fits and starts, committed to checking only 1 800 of grants. These advocates have been Often these young artists know little about the Middle advocates for Ethiopian aliyah are them for aliyah eligibility and bringing pressing their cause with Israeli gov- East aside from stereotypes and they have no particular hoping that a visit to the African those who qualify to Israel. ernment officials. interest in this tiny speck on the map called Israel. Their country this week by Israel's minister But advocates for Ethiopian aliyah "It could either be done by a Cabinet financial earnings simply do not justify the risk of per- of immigrant absorption, will help set want a total of 8 700 Ethiopians resolution or the Knesset could adopt forming there. in motion a process that will bring checked for eligibility - all those they legislation," said Joseph Feit, a leading Other artists have objected to their performances in board member at the North American Israel possibly being “politicised” in ways they cannot Conference for Ethiopian Jewry, or control through merely being in that context. NACOEJ, the US Jewish group that The boycotters also hope to affect how Israeli cultural has been leading the campaign for exports are viewed in other countries. The story on Ethiopian immigration. page 4 of how a newspaper reviewer brushed aside the "The hope is the government will artistic merits of an Israeli play at the recent adopt a resolution and the legislation Grahamstown Festival, insinuating that its presence forcing the issue will not be necessary." there was merely Israeli “propaganda” - even though it NACOEJ has led a campaign for the was set in a Nazi death camp - exemplifies this. 8 700 Ethiopians for about three years A cultural boycott will not break Israeli society, and and, before them, for tens of thousands anyway will never fully succeed. But it must be fought of other Ethiopians who have immi- vigorously. grated to Israel since the early 1990s. Despite modern telecommunications, when important That's when Israel began accepting artists cancel a concert appearance in Israel, it matters Falash Mura - Ethiopians claiming to tremendously to the morale of Israelis - particularly be descendants of Jews who converted since Israel is no way morally comparable with the white to Christianity generations ago or supremacist regime of apartheid South Africa, and lives claiming to have links to such people, in a totally different kind of neighbourhood. but who now seek to return to Judaism By the same token, an artist’s decision to perform and immigrate to Israel. there regardless of the pressure - like Elton John recent- The Israeli government has ly, who declared: “Ain’t nothing gonna stop us from com- declared an official end to mass ing, baby!” - goes even further to make that point. Ethiopian immigration several times. We cannot be passive about the boycotts and complain Each time, however, aliyah from about a raw deal. We must fight this phenomenon and Ethiopia resumed after pressure by not allow it a foothold as part of the attempts to delig- In a demonstration in Jerusalem supporting expanding Ethiopian immi- advocates convinced a key govern- itimise Israel in other areas. gration, Ethiopian Israelis hold up photos on January 10, of family mem- ment official - usually the prime min- bers remaining in Ethiopia. (PHOTOGRAPH: MIRIAM ALSTER / FLASH90 / JTA) ister - to reopen the gates. (JTA) 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 OPINION AND ANALYSIS AROUND THE WORLD FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS NEWS IN BRIEF POLISH ARTIST BURNS BARN TO REMEMBER POGROM WARSAW - A Polish performance development," Reuters quoted ‘Cultural intifada’ as artist burned down a barn to com- Betlejewski as saying before the per- memorate a Nazi pogrom. formance. Rafal Betlejewski's act in a central "These people are gone after the polish village last Sunday night was Holocaust and later waves of emigra- commemorating the 1941 Jedwabne tion, and I miss them more and more. Costello, Meg Ryan and pogrom in which at least 340 Jews This performance is addressed to were locked in a barn and burned Poles first and foremost, to those igno- alive. Betlejewski said the perform- rant who know nothing about Jews' ance was part of his crusade against input in Poland's history." others cancel Israel plans anti-Semitism. More than 1 000 people attended the "Poland is a completely different ceremony, according to the French MARCY OSTER country than it was 80 years ago when news agency AFP. JERUSALEM there was a big and significant Jewish Polish and Jewish groups criticised minority, which participated in his performance, Reuters reported. ACTRESS MEG RYAN’S deci- Poland's cultural, social and scientific (JTA) sion to cancel her appearance at this week’s Jerusalem Film ISRAELIS FILE $1,2 BILLION SUIT AGAINST AL JAZEERA Festival didn’t garner the JERUSALEM - A group of Israelis has Jazeera, in violation of the Israeli mili- same attention in Israel as filed a $1,2 billion lawsuit in US federal tary censorship rules, reported during British rocker Elvis Costello court against the Al Jazeera news net- live coverage the location of missile when he nixed his Israel con- work. strikes on Israel, enabling Hezbollah to cert this spring. Ninety-one Israeli plaintiffs, civil- better aim ensuing missiles. Both, however, were a ians who were injured during the One plaintiff, a resident of Safed, reminder to Israelis that in month-long 2006 Second Lebanon War was struck twice by missiles - on his the eyes of much of the world, or are relatives of victims, are charging house and on his car - on the first day Israel’s politics and culture in their suit that the Qatar-based net- of the conflict, Ynet reported. are inseparable. work's war coverage was designed to Hezbollah fired about 4 000 rockets The cancellations were part help Hezbollah. Al Jazeera has offices into Israel during the Second Lebanon of a string that Israel has in New York. War. One hundred and fifty nine experienced over the past few The suit filed on Monday in Israelis and 1 200 people in Lebanon months, including appear- Manhattan Federal Court says that Al were killed. (JTA) ances by the indie rock band The Pixies, singer Devendra GAZA-BOUND LIBYAN SHIP SETS COURSE FOR EGYPT Banhart, alternative rockers British singer Elton John performs in Ramat Gan, Israel, on JERUSALEM The captain of a Gaza- cine, 15 volunteers who want to Gorillaz, the British band the June 17. (PHOTOGRAPH: FLASH90 / JTA) bound Libyan aid ship told Israel's express solidarity with the Palestinian Klaxons and American soul Navy he will dock at an Egyptian port. people and 12 crew members, accord- singer Gil Scott-Heron. In that one has no mind for the what the Danish site operator The ship altered its course on ing to reports. February, rock legend Carlos suffering of the innocent.” called a “cultural boycott” in Tuesday for the El-Arish port, accord- Organisers said aid on the ship Santana withdrew from a The cancellations have frus- response to the flotilla inci- ing to Navy officials, Ynet reported. included sacks of rice and sugar, maize sold-out performance report- trated Israel’s music lovers, dent. The ship's true destination was not oil and olive paste, mostly donated edly due to pressure from pro- producers and friends. Israel has faced similar situ- clear at the time, the Navy said. from Greek companies and charities. Palestinian groups. Israeli filmmaker Joseph ations. During the second Egyptian officials said the boat was Israel's Foreign Ministry reportedly Israelis have taken to call- Cedar, whose 2007 movie intifada in the early 2000s, given permission to dock in its port. had advised the military not to inter- ing this a “cultural intifada” - Beaufort received an numerous artists cancelled The aid cargo would then pass into cept the ship until it entered Gaza ter- borrowing a term used by the Academy Award nomination appearances in the country Gaza through the Rafah crossing. ritorial waters. The recommendation Palestinians to describe their for Best Foreign Language due to security concerns. Yousseuf Sawani, a director of the was made on Monday in a report dis- uprisings against Israel. Film, told JTA that the refusal Still, many acts are going foundation sponsoring the ship, had tributed to the defence establishment “Intense pressure is being of artists to perform in Israel through with their scheduled told Al Jazeera last Sunday that the and the Prime Minister's Bureau, the applied on foreign artists not was a kind of collective pun- performances. Some, like the ship was planning to reach Gaza. Israeli daily Haaretz reported on to come to Israel,” prominent ishment of the culture-loving British rock group Jethro Originally named the Amalthea but Tuesday. Israeli promoter Shuki Weiss, public - often the very public Tull, are taking pains to draw renamed Hope for the voyage, the ship According to Haaretz, the same rec- who has brought such top- that was “extra critical of distinctions between culture left on Saturday night from a port ommendation was made in advance of name acts to Israel as Israeli policies”. and politics. southeast of Athens. Israel's Navy the May flotilla from Turkey that tried Madonna and Pink Floyd’s Cedar said that while he After coming under pres- reportedly made contact with the ship to breach Israel's maritime blockade Roger Waters, told the Israeli believed a boycott was “a legit- sure from pro-Palestinian for the first time on Tuesday after- of Gaza. The recommendation report- business daily Globes. imate way for an artist to groups such as the US noon. edly stems from an effort to avoid the After The Pixies cancelled express his political views”, Campaign for the Academic The ship, sponsored by the Gaddafi possibility of breaking international last month, Weiss called it they should be political views and Cultural Boycott of International Charity and law. “cultural terrorism”. the artist has consistently and Israel, Jethro Tull reaffirmed Development Foundation and organ- The Israeli Navy boarded one of the “I am full of both sorrow publicly held. that it would be playing three ised by Libyan leader Muammar Turkey-flagged ships, and the ensuing and pain in light of the fact Some artists appear to be concerts in Israel in early Gaddafi’s son Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, is violence resulted in the deaths of nine that our repeated attempts to concerned that their perform- August. carrying 2 000 tons of food and medi- passengers. (JTA) present quality acts and festi- ances in Israel will be per- Front man Ian Anderson vals in Israel have increasing- ceived as a political endorse- said in a statement linked to US HOLOCAUST MUSEUM PRAISES GENOCIDE CHARGES ly been falling victim to what I ment of Israel’s policies. the concert dates that he had can only describe as a form of When Banhart cancelled a “long maintained the position WASHINGTON - The US Holocaust The appeals chamber later over- cultural terrorism which is pair of Tel Aviv performances that culture and the arts Memorial Museum has praised the turned the ruling, and the pre-trial targeting Israel and the arts two days before their mid- should be free of political and International Criminal Court for chamber decided on Monday to worldwide,” Weiss wrote in a June dates, a message posted religious censorship and a dis- including genocide charges against include three counts of genocide statement. on the artist’s website read: tance kept between them”. Sudan's president. against the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa The most recent high-pro- “We were coming to share a Anderson also said he The ICC on Monday issued a new ethnic groups. file cancellation, by Ryan, human and not a political would donate his concert pro- arrest warrant, including three The museum, which has been mon- came right after Israel’s dead- message, but it seems that we ceeds to charities promoting counts of genocide, against Omar Al itoring and raising awareness about ly May 31 interception of the are being used to support coexistence. Bashir. Sudan since 2000, cautioned that the Gaza-bound, Turkish-flagged views that are not our own. Others have been more The museum issued a statement on Sudanese government might retaliate aid flotilla, which left nine “We will be overjoyed to unabashedly warm toward Tuesday calling the ICC's decision "an against innocent civilians in response passengers dead. A day later, return to Israel on the day Israel. In mid-June, Elton important step towards holding lead- to Monday's decision, and said the Ryan’s staff e-mailed the that our presence is perceived John, who has donated money ers accountable for such egregious United States and international gov- Jerusalem Film Festival to say and reported on as a cultural to Israeli causes, played crimes". This is the first time the ernments must ensure this does not she would not be able to event and not a political one.” before an enthusiastic crowd. court has accused a sitting head of happen. attend. Reports that actor Asked what the Israeli Sport “Shalom, we are so happy to state of genocide. The museum partnered with Dustin Hoffman also can- and Culture Ministry is doing be back here! Ain’t nothing An arrest warrant for Bashir issued Google Earth to create Crisis in celled an appearance at the to stem the tide of cancella- gonna stop us from coming, in March 2009 included five counts of Darfur and World is Witness in 2007. festival were unfounded; tions, a ministry spokesman baby,” the singer told the crimes against humanity and two The programmes enable users to visu- Hoffman had never been said: “Nothing.” crowd. “Musicians spread counts of war crimes, but the ICC's alise and better understand the civil scheduled to attend the event. The cultural boycott of love and peace, and bring peo- pre-trial chamber rejected the appli- war and humanitarian situation in When Costello cancelled his Israel has spread beyond the ple together. That’s what we cation to include charges of genocide. Darfur. (JTA) two concerts in Tel Aviv at the borders of the Jewish State. do. We don’t cherry-pick our end of June, he said the deci- Last month in Spain, a float conscience.” ALLEGED LEBANESE SPY FOR ISRAEL SENTENCED TO DEATH sion was “a matter of instinct sponsored by the Tel Aviv Musicians Rod Stewart and BEIRUT - A Lebanese court has sen- Ali Mantash is the second Lebanese and conscience”. municipality was banned from Rihanna also performed in tenced an alleged spy for Israel to citizen to be sentenced to death for In a message posted on his Madrid’s gay pride parade. Israel last month. And on death. spying for Israel, according to website, Costello wrote: One reason for the withdrawal Sunday, Ynet reported that Tuesday's sentence, on charges that Reuters. The conviction and sentenc- “There are occasions when cited by organisers: Tel Aviv American singer Missy Elliott the man spied for Israel and the infor- ing of Mantash are part of a wide- merely having your name Mayor Ron Huldai had not announced that after pressure mation he obtained assisted Israel scale espionage investigation that has added to a concert schedule condemned the Gaza flotilla to cancel her July 15 show in during the summer 2006 Second led to the arrest of 50 people since may be interpreted as a politi- incident. Tel Aviv, she would arrive in Lebanon War, comes on the same day April 2009. cal act that resonates more The same week, a popular Israel a day early to tour the that a Lebanese cellphone executive Israel has neither confirmed nor than anything that might be Bob Dylan fan site began country with her entourage of was charged in a military court with denied that the men are connected to sung and it may be assumed blocking users inside Israel in dancers and crew. (JTA) spying for Israel. Israel or spied for the country. (JTA) 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 TAPESTRY

ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE ARTS MATTERS Purkey chuffed about ‘Yellow Dress’ rave reviews COMPILED BY STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY the humanity in it and guages about drama and ROBYN SASSEN MOIRA SCHNEIDER what each character wants how it works. What has CAPE TOWN of the other in that been really wonderful Call 084-319-7844 or moment.” about the production and [email protected] at ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of the A joint venture with the the directing thereof is Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Live Theatre in Newcastle that the two actors have least one week prior to Malcolm Purkey says The Girl in - one of the Market’s pri- found a way to connect. publication the Yellow Dress was very well mary British partners - After its Cape Town received at the Grahamstown and the Citizens Theatre run, the production goes Festival where the new South in Glasgow, one of the Artistic director to the Edinburgh Festival, Baxter Theatre, Cape African play had its world pre- implicit agreements was followed by runs at Live Town: “The Girl in the of the Market miere last month. It also received a that it would be a co-pro- Theatre and Citizens Yellow Dress”, by Craig Theatre, Malcolm “rave review” in Cue, the National duction in the true sense. Theatre, then to Sweden Higginson, directed by Purkey. Arts Festival’s daily paper. So, for example, the two- before returning to the Malcolm Purkey, until July Purkey speaks of the directorial hander’s female lead is Marianne Market in October/November. 22, (021) 685-7880. challenges of what is described by Oldham, a Bristol Old Vic Theatre This is the second time that the media release as “a dark, witty School graduate who plays Celia, Purkey has directed a play written Gerstein Art, Percelia: and sexually-charged psychologi- while Wits honours drama gradu- by the Market’s literary manager The Football and Africa cal drama”. The play is ostensibly ate Nat Ramabulana takes the role and dramatist, Craig Higginson, Marianne Oldham and Nat exhibition curated by about a beautiful British teacher of Pierre. someone he describes as “an Ramabulana in “The Girl in the Natalie Knight, until July 31, who teaches a young Congolese Purkey describes the collabora- emerging writer of great signifi- Yellow Dress”. (PHOTOGRAPH COUR- including work by Israeli man English. tion, including input from some of cance”. The first was “Dream of the TESY THE FAMOUS IDEA COMPANY) artist David Gerstein, (011) Purkey says it is a “very densely Britain’s top dramatists, as a Dog”, which took London’s West 887-7660. language-driven play” and model that can only benefit theatre End by storm, starring South clichés.” because of this and the fact that it in this country. “South African the- African export Janet Suzman. “(Theatre is) still oppositional Joburg Theatre, Braam- “seems fairly technical around the atre’s been governed by improvisa- “I think that the material is fresh. because we still have a state that is fontein: In the Mandela, Le grammar, the art of the directing tion, workshop and playmaking, Why the play seems interesting to full of idiocy and perversity, but Grand Cirque Fantazie, until is to make sure that there are two with very few writers,” he says. me is because, yes, we normally we definitely have a much freer August 8; in the Fringe, characters there who are living “We have to encourage the next have race relations plays and state situation. E-Boys choreographed by beings engaging with each other, generation to experiment with of the nation plays, but there are “We are in a very interesting, Esther Nasser, July 22-31, using the language as one would in writing.” very few that deal with Europe and fragile democracy with a powerful (011) 877-6800. In the People’s everyday life, even if it seems, in Asked whether it was difficult Africa in this particular way and Constitution and our theatre and Theatre, Cinderella, until Celia’s case, grammatical and in getting two actors from such are set in this way (in Paris). arts should engage with those August 1, (011) 403-1563. Pierre’s case, is a second or third apparently different backgrounds “I think people are oversensitive questions,” he emphasises. language. to relate to each other, Purkey said. at the level of politics - if something • The Girl In The Yellow Dress is Johannesburg Art “The challenge is to engage with “If you’ve been through a drama tries to deal with some of our at the Baxter Flipside until July Gallery, Joubert Park: every single moment and look for school, you learn similar lan- truths, they’re often taken as 22, (021) 685-7880. William Kentridge’s I Am Not Me; The Horse Is Not Mine, a film installation based on Shostakovich’s Blending humour with poignancy to just the right degree opera The Nose, until Play: The Timekeepers (Old Mutual play is now treading the boards at who is worried about his wife and August 1, (011) 725-3130. Theatre on the Square, Sandton, Daphne Kuhn’s Theatre. children and the over-the-top (011) 883-8606 On the face of it, it sounds like a screaming queen who is not as shal- Linder Auditorium, Park- Writer: Dan Clancy potentially provocative play: an eld- low as he seems. town: Johannesburg Director: Lee Gilat erly Jewish man meets an outra- These light moments contrast Musical Society presents the Cast: Roy Horovitz, Pinhas geously camp young German man sharply with the horror inflicted on Musaion Trio: Malcolm Nay Mittelman and Omer Etzion in a concentration camp, and an them by their guard, Kapo (Etzion), (piano), Zanta Hofmeyr (vio- Until: July 24 unlikely friendship blossoms. But it a tyrannical higher-ranked prison- lin) And Heleen du Plessis is handled so sensitively and inter- er. It also underscores the fact that (‘cello), performing works by REVIEWED BY CHRISTINA KENNEDY preted so masterfully, that audi- in a conflict situation like war, there Schubert, Shostakovich and ences will be swept along with these are many types of victims - and that Beethoven, on July 25, (011) INJECTING HUMOUR into sombre two characters who manage to sal- victims also have their own inbuilt 728-5492. subject matter can be a precarious vage humour and humanity from intolerances and prejudices based tightrope to navigate, but the Israeli the shadow of the crematoria. on a “fear of otherness”. Market, Newtown: In the production The Timekeepers gets Mittelman plays Benjamin, a Trying a watch for size, Hans (Roy The actors’ performances are Barney Simon, Dorothy Ann the balance just right. Jewish watchmaker who goes about Horovitz) and a kapo (Omer finely tuned and perceptive; the Gould and Michael Maxwell The subject matter in question his task of fixing timepieces for the Etzion). (PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY playwright and director ensure that in Fugard’s Hello and here is the Holocaust, with the play Nazis at the concentration camp. OLD MUTUAL THEATRE ON THE SQUARE) the text is comfortably poised Goodbye, until August 22; in set in the Sachsenhausen concen- Into his quiet universe bursts Hans between unspeakable terror and the Laager, Zakes Mda’s And tration camp. Against such a high- (Horovitz), a flamboyant gay Hans an avowed Puccini adherent. comedy without trivialising the The Girls In Their Sunday ly-charged backdrop, an engaging German who is not averse to turn- Seemingly as different as chalk Holocaust. Dresses, with Lesego human drama unfolds that blends ing a few sexual tricks for his Nazi and cheese, these two men gradually This internationally acclaimed Motsepe and Hlengiwe humour with poignancy to just the captors to hustle a few more slices discover that they have more in com- play has been compared to Roberto Lushaba, directed by right degree, without ever descend- of bread. mon than meets the eye. Both are the Benigni’s cinematic masterpiece Princess Mhlongo, until ing to the level of poor taste or dis- Hans doesn’t know the first thing victims of prejudice: one is a Jew, Life is Beautiful, in which Benigni’s August 22. (011) 832-1641. comfort. about fixing watches, and he per- and has to wear a yellow Star of character uses his fertile imagina- Written by American playwright suades the initially hostile Benja- David sewn on to his striped prison tion and humour to try and shield Montecasino, Fourways: In Dan Clancy, The Timekeepers pre- min to teach him the trade. In garb; the other is a “queer”, distin- his young son from the horrific real- the Studio, Hats Off, directed miered in Tel Aviv in 2002 and it has return, Hans undertakes to prod his guishable by his pink triangle. ity of a Nazi concentration camp. by Alan Swerdlow, until since toured Israel and has been Nazi lover for news about Benja- “War or no war, we’re both hated,” Similarly, The Timekeepers tack- August 1; in the Pieter performed around the world in both min’s family. says one of them resignedly. les a delicate issue with wry wit that Toerien, Alan Committie Hebrew and English adaptations. A tentative, hesitant bond begins Their arguments and banter to try illuminates the piece’s canny Defending The Caveman, Having sold out its limited run at to develop, strengthened by their and make the most of their plight, human insights, making for a until August 1. (011) 511-1988. the National Arts Festival in mutual love of opera - despite are highly entertaining, and the deeply engrossing, enriching and Grahamstown, this exceptional Benjamin being a Verdi fan and audience warms to the elderly man rewarding theatre outing. Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Sandton: Dan by some of the devices used by director Mike dom. Also, his beloved Fiona (Cameron Diaz) Clancy’s The Timekeepers, FELDMAN Mitchell and his team, the overall feeling has become a warrior woman full of fight and directed by Lee Gilat, until remains an appealing one. The last Shrek was venom and he’s a stranger to her. July 24; Misty Brodiaea’s ON FILM “medi-ogre” to say the least, but with this one The story, which interestingly enough bor- exploration of San culture, the Jolly Green Ogre gets his grumpiness rows its storyline from It’s A Wonderful Life, Son of the Wind, July 28-31. Peter Feldman back. has an escape clause allowing Shrek back to The Friday lunchtime con- The story opens with Shrek (once again voiced his old life. It requires him to find Fiona and certs feature Michael Watt PICK OF THE WEEK by Mike Myers) in a deep depression. He is feeling share a kiss of true love with her, but given her (piano) and Kristel Birkholtz over-domesticated and has lost the roar factor, fiery disposition it may be an impossible task. (violin) on July 16, and Shrek Forever After (3-D version) one that once upon a time would send villagers She doesn’t believe in “true love”. Bethine van Schoor (‘cello), running away in terror. Now they run to him and There is no place for the story to go in the Annalien Ball (piano) and Voices: Mike Myers; Cameron Diaz; Eddie ask him to sign their pitchforks and torches. “real” world (where he is comfortably married Camelia Onea (violin), on Murphy; Antonio Banderas; Jon Hamm; To regain his ogre mojo, he strikes a dark deal with children) so the filmmakers opted to play July 23 (011) 883-8606. Kathy Griffin; Kristin Schaal with the impish Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohn), the alternative reality card. The turn-around Director: Mike Mitchell which means that for one day he’ll go back in makes for a fascinating dichotomy and, while Space at Anstey’s, Anstey’s time when everything made sense. it’s not as impudent as the original, some of its Building, central When filming sequels, one of the most diffi- When the pact goes awry, Shrek is forced to comic jabs find their targets. The animation Johannesburg: Urban Arts cult tasks is to re-discover the spirit and confront what life would have been like in Far remains eye-catching and rich in detail but has Platform presents a sunset of magic of the original. Occasionally it turns Far Away had he never existed. not leapt forward in the last nine years. live music, spoken word poet- out that the second or third episode in a fran- Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) has become There has not been a great deal of excite- ry and visual art on July 18. chise is better than the first. fat and lazy, Donkey (Eddie Murphy) is being ment about the release of this version, but E-mail Leigh Nudelman at This is the fourth instalment of the Shrek forced into cart-pulling duties and the nefarious there is nothing really to dread about it, either. [email protected] saga and, while some may be disappointed red-headed Rumpelstiltskin is ruling the king- There is still life in the old boy. 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 TAPESTRY

ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE

like home and I wanted to join Khumalo’s pen is as them.” Yet there is something pathetically insipid about the Gallic idea of protest, muses Khumalo. What they sharp as his insight need is a South African to show them how it’s done. Inspired, he Zulu Boy Gone Crazy by Beneath its acerbity, begins translating Zuma’s notorious Fred Khumalo (KMM Khumalo’s writing reveals a “Umshini Wam” into French for Review Publishing, humane, whimsical streak. them - only to realise that “Ma R174,95) He is happy to laugh off pre- mitraillette, ma mitraillette, passez- tensions and tolerate idio- moi ma mitraillette” just doesn’t REVIEWED BY syncrasies, provided they do have the same... well... ring. GWEN PODBREY no harm. The brandophilia Another prime target is Julius of the Black Diamonds, for Malema (“he who was dropped on THIS COLLECTION of example, who can now afford his head as a child”), leader of the articles is subtitled to upgrade from the ANC Youth League and its “Hilarious Tales Post Florsheim shoes beloved of spokesman, Floyd Shivambu. Polokwane”, and while the humour previous generations. In the column “I’d Like a Word, of the pieces evokes more “bittere Khumalo, whose own fashion Floyd - Kno’ What I’m Sayin’?”, gelechter” than anything else, sense was informed by a youth spent Khumalo attacks the meaningless, there’s no doubt that award-winning in the trend-obsessed American vacuous rhetoric generated by the Sunday Times columnist and novel- Dudes gang, admits to harbouring a organisation, and in “There are ist Fred Khumalo, brandishes a pen residual love for the white socks, Many Rooms in Hostel Blame” he as sharp as his insight. black winklepickers and pink silk ridicules the rivalry, allegations and What is most refreshing about the shirts of Michael Jackson. counter-allegations regularly parad- pieces is that Khumalo harbours no “I still moonwalk, swirling and ed before the nation by the ruling agenda in naming and shaming slithering all over the place - my kids party. errant politicians, communities, sometimes think I’ve put butter on Then there is Khumalo’s delight in corporations or social leaders. He the soles of my shoes,” he writes. the now-famous comment of former ridicules himself and his own com- He is less indulgent towards ANC Chief Whip (and now its munity as often as any other target. today’s clumsy hybrid of Zulu and national spokesman) Jackson His condemnation of the corrupt, Western courtship rituals: the point Mthembu in the Mpumalanga the hypocritical and the bellicose is at which lobolo meets Louis Vuitton. Legislature: “I got fokol from Bantu blithely colour-blind, and his can- “When a white person gets mar- Education” - which sent “the DA chi- dour unapologetic. ried to his beloved, he will invite huahuas scurrying for their pens Life in the New South Africa, let’s some members of the immediate and paper so that they could write to face it, can be bewildering. The myr- family and friends. They have a quiet the media about what they termed iad historical issues which continue thingamajig at a church or a magis- ‘unparliamentary speech’”. to polarise the population, the daily trate’s court, after which they crack Not all the pieces are satirical. onslaught of swindles and graft, as a couple of wine bottles and, if they There is a deeply moving eulogy to well as the need to tread delicately feel like it, have a small braai... writer, actor and journalist John around politically correct language Whoa! Get the African couple!” Matshikiza, as well as a bitter-sweet require us to be, if nothing else, howls Khumalo, lamenting the many reminiscence of childhood Christ- supremely multi-skilled citizens. elaborate pre- and post-proposal cer- mases, when Khumalo’s parents We guard our words as closely as emonies, the days of feasting, the would blow their entire year-end our wallets, while telling ourselves necessity for both a traditional and bonus on new furniture from Town that these are just teething problems an ostentatious Western ceremony Talk. Both they (and the store) knew of a fledgling democracy. (in the finest gown, to impress the it would be repossessed by the end of Khumalo, like us, listens to the bride’s friends and, especially, her January - but it was good for a brief, evening news expecting anything enemies) - and the enormous bill, intoxicating feeling of achievement. from the absurd to the outrageous. which leaves the newlyweds ready to Khumalo’s inclusion of colourful His contempt for the excesses and begin their life together “broke and township slang into his writing and hubris of the ruling party is palpa- angry with each other”. his ability to wrap deadly truths ble, as is his disgust at the xenopho- Chief among his political targets inside cheerful, self-effacing banter, bia of black communities, and their are President Jacob Zuma, with his make his columns as entertaining as denialism of HIV/Aids. seemingly interminable procession they are illuminating. These are evident in his 2005 eulo- of wives and his populist rhetoric. In More than this, though, in a coun- gy to his friend, Malawian-born one of the funniest pieces, Khumalo - try which sometimes appears to Spencer Chirambo, who not only while spending a month lecturing in have lost the plot completely, it is his disclosed his HIV-positive status to France - is moved to nostalgia by the reassuring sanity which grounds us the world, but proudly proclaimed number of strikes in that country: “I and reminds us that there are still himself a “proud kwerekwere”, thus felt a glow of joy when I saw them South Africans left who aren’t out to inviting ostracism on two fronts. burning tyres in the streets. It felt lunch. Celebrating Africa with joy Exhibition: “PACE 2010: Pan Lekgotla restaurant - really worth- African Craft Exhibition” (Gauteng while. Craft and Design Centre, Nelson While the white cross-hatched Mandela Square, Sandton) structures dividing the space into Curators: Adam Levin and Andile pristine faux organic surrounds feel Magengelele contrived, you’ve got to look not only Until: July 31 at the objects on display, but also at their juxtapositioning and at the Black REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN fruit salad of their roots. The space embraces economic Napoleon THE DEBATE between what art is hierarchy. As you enter, to your Chair by in relation to craft and where they right, you will see an area of objects House on Fire fit in economic and social value, has for sale. An array of handbags - from (Swaziland). always been fraught with potential knitted industrial plastic to sleek (PHOTOGRAPH for offence and ideological conflict. leather and fur - catch your eye. A COURTESY BUZ It’s a terrain rich with political catastrophe of vessels - made out of PUBLICITY) potholes. But when an exhibition everything from paper to ceramic - like this comes about, it cannot but are ranged in piles or hung vertical- the Belgium comic character Tintin, leave you smiling, whatever you ly. from the Cote d’Ivoire. might think of art, craft or the grey- To the left of the gallery’s Designer Ronel Jordan has creat- ish area in between. entrance, another path is beaten. A ed a Ndebele chair. A laser-cut lamp PACE 2010 is one of the few really chair, made by House on Fire in of metal by Gerhard Kleyn of lovely visual shows spawned by the Swaziland has a sculpted black Amatuli Fine Art, casts light on Fifa World Cup. It celebrates Africa Napoleon, almost crude in its ren- heavily adorned Kuba baskets in with freshness and unbridled joy dering, for its back; his distended leather and kowrie shells from the and mostly a lack of contrivance. right index finger indicates where Congo. Curators Adam Levin and Andile you must go. The humour and funki- The effect of this is not disrespect- Magengelele introduce design into ness in this piece overrides a techni- ful to the originating cultures; the mix and in doing so, scupper and cal lack of finesse; its manic quirki- rather it’s about a lust for levity and dribble with how both fine art and ness sets the tone for the whole show. the poetic licence of a designer to craft can take themselves too seri- “I love you more than Harmattan mix and match, nip and tuck, quote ously. Doing that, they have made paw-paw”, a contemporary Ghana- and jive across cultural references. this exhibition - positioned as it is ian djembe drum declares in raised Segueing the serious with the flip- almost in hiding in the former block letters. Work by Durban-based pant, Levin and Mangengelele play Sandton Civic Gallery, between the Marisa Fick-Jordaan resonates and into moments made beautiful by Sandton Municipal Library converses with objects that speak of their unexpectedness. 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010

LETTERS The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: [email protected]

Guidelines for letters: Letters up to 400 words will get preference. Please provide your full first name Disclaimer: The letters page is intended to provide opportunity for a range of views on any and surname, place of residence, and a daytime contact telephone or cell number. We do not publish let- given topic to be expressed. Opinions articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not ters under noms de plume. Letters should preferably be e-mailed. Letters may be edited or shortened. necessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff or directors of the Jewish Report

TURN ON TO CNN TO VIEW THE SECOND HOLOCAUST ONLY ME SOLUTION IS FOR PALESTINIANS TO ‘RELOCATE’TO ONCE MORE David Saks (SA Jewish Report, How well did the “unitary state” work in ARAB LANDS July 9) has provided us with an excellent piece Lebanon, where hundreds of thousands of on the absurdity of the so-called “one-state solu- Christian Lebanese were massacred by the PLO AS A non-Jewish outsider, perhaps the loudly and publicly declared their geno- tion” favoured by leftwing extremists and and Syrians and went from being a majority in editor might allow me to voice my opinion cidal intension to eradicate the Jewish Islamists such as the demand by Islamists and 1975 to a minority today? about the land between the Jordan River, occupants leftwing fanatics that the solution to the conflict How well did the Animist and Christian Nilotic the Mediterranean, the Golan Heights Because the Jewish technological, must be one unitary “Palestine”. blacks in Darfur and Southern Sudan fare in and the Egyptian/Gaza border. industrial, financial and agricultural This would take place after millions of Arabs Sudan, where millions have been massacred, or For over 6 000 years there has been war productivity is so different from that that had been brought into Israel under the so-called the Kurds in Iraq where 800 000 were butchered across this land, although the of the Muslims - in favour of the “right of return”, namely those who claim by Saddam Hussein? Hebrew/Jews have always laid claim to it. Hebrew/Jewish community - as well as descent from Arabs who fled Israel during the We all know how minorities fare in Arab coun- Firstly, (there had been wars) by the the historic circumstances, integration is hostilities that the Arabs started during the 1948 tries and what makes anyone think the Jews in Egyptians, then the Hittites, the now impossible and confrontation War of Independence. the suggested “unitary Palestine” would fare any Assyrians, Persians, Macedonian Greeks, inevitable. Together with the West Bank and Gaza Arabs, better, given the amount of hate in Palestinian the Romans and various Crusader Furthermore, the current Muslim pop- the Arabs would constitute a majority and the society for Israel’s Jews? armies. ulation is entirely dependent on financial Jews an unprotected minority. The Jewish con- Ask any minorities in Islamic Arab states such In 600 AD Muhammad and his Muslims subsidisation from the Muslim oil trol of the one tiny safe haven for Jews, would as Copts, Assyrians, Druze, any Christians in attempted to replace the Hebrew Jehovah exporting lands and Egypt. Because of erode and the Jews would be a threatened Islamic states, etc how they have fare under Arab with his Islamic beliefs, invading this the constantly made threats to extermi- minority - the very fate that the establishment of rule. land. The Ottoman Turks occupied, over- nate the Jewish population, this con- Israel sought to end. We know that minorities Why, out of a massive landmass under Arab ran and administered the whole of what frontation is not amenable to any politi- are most often persecuted and in many cases control covering about 10 per cent of the planet, was then the Muslim empire. cal solution other than the complete sep- subjected to genocide in Arab countries. The and 22 Arab states - is it regarded as such an The Sunni and Shiites ever since have aration of both parties. Years of political most likely outcome of the “one-state solution” injustice that a number of Arabs should be a been fighting as to who is his legitimate to-ing and fro-ing has proved useless. would be a Rwanda-style genocide of the Jews in minority in a Jewish state? heir or khalif, I understand. Because the Muslim Arabic population Israel - a Second Holocaust. Jewish statelessness had led to the slaughter of After 400 years, in 1917, the Ottoman calling themselves Palestinians, are now If this happened, those who howl about the six million Jews during the Holocaust. Turks were evicted by General Allenby obviously proved to be a violent, unruly, rights of the Palestinians would simply turn on The meaning of Israel is clear: The Jew has and his British Army. Unfortunately for obstinate and unproductive people CNN and enjoy the show. experienced too much death, and a portion of the them the Turks had sided with the nobody wants, it is the threat throughout Do not forget about the hatred and determina- Jewish people decided that they would die quiet- Kaiser’s Germany. As part of the First all this business, coupled with an exces- tion to kill, instilled in Palestinian children ly no more (especially after Hitler’s Holocaust). World War, post-war settlement adminis- sive, unsustainable population increase. through the Palestinian education system and So it is. And no argument, no clever political talk, tration of the Middle East lands was allo- They are a population which their sup- Hamas-run programmes The Israel-haters - no logic and no parading of right and wrong, can cated to France and Britain. This disput- porters will do anything to keep out! Islamic, leftist or neo-Nazi - arguably enjoy the change this fact. The Jews returned to Israel ed land was allocated to Britain; all the The best solution is that this land be an murder of Jewish women and children in Israel, because it was their ancient land. other parts were separately dealt with. entirely Hebrew Jewish country. The so- who they believe deserve to die just for being After the Second World War (1939 - 1945) called Palestinian Muslims of Arabic ori- Israeli, just as Hitler believed Jews deserved to Gary Selikow with the German and Russian anti- gin, should be offered the option to relo- die just for being Jews. Johannesburg Jewish pogroms, as many survivors and cate to the vast Muslim Arab lands. This others relocated to this land, challenging would save themselves an insurmount- HAS BERNBERG MUSEUM BEEN DEMOLISHED ILLEGALLY? the British occupation/administration, able financial burden. YOUR REPORT in the edition of July 9 on the I strongly suspect that no such permit was with all that that implied. There was no This is not radical but will end the con- demolition of the old Bernberg Costume Museum obtained. If not, does the owner of the property other option. flict which must otherwise be settled by gives rise to a number of questions: was the build- - the Johannesburg City Council - imagine, like Because of Arabic Muslim population nothing less than Armageddon and total ing older than 60 years? I strongly suspect that it so many other branches of government, that it pressure as a result of their anti- contra- annihilation of one or other side, with all was. If this is the case, was a permit for the dem- is above the law? I strongly suspect that it does. ception and anti-family planning, serious the danger involved. olition obtained from the Provincial Heritage confrontation was inevitable. Authority, as is required by the National Heritage William Gaul Currently the Arab Muslims and their Dr W M Pitt Fennell Resources Act, (Act 25 of 1999)? Parktown, Johannesburg allies, particularly the Iranians, have Randburg FOND MEMORIES OF STORK CLUB IN JOHANNESBURG HENCE THE ‘THREE-STATE SOLUTION’! THANKS TO various readers who responded, singers of the time - Charles Berman’s orches- and who all had fond and happy memories of tra, Harold Roy’s orchestra, Silva Bera, NOBEL PEACE Prize winner and 15 year Minister, is known to say: “There is a third the Stork Club, Dorchester and Churchills in Maureen Donne, Jimmy Rayson and Alfred patron, F W de Klerk, said on June 30 at a way.” Hence, the “three-state solution”! Johannesburg in the 1940s and ‘50s. Herbert’s African Jazz and Variety, etc. Peres Centre for Peace” conference, as This “solution” is for Egypt to be grant- One reader said: “The Stork Club was the reported in the SA Jewish Report of July 9: ed a United Nations mandate to again top night club in Johannesburg, if not in Barry Bloch “All problems are solvable with the right administer Gaza as pre-1967, and for the South Africa.” Others remembered some of Toronto approach.” official Palestinian state - Jordan - to Johannesburg’s great musicians, bands and Canada David Saks and a university honours administer 17 per cent to 21 per cent of the student agree in the same issue that the West-Bank initially (London Foreign FAIR SKINNED PEOPLE MAY BE REPLACED BY BROWN SKINNED INDIANS “one-state solution” appears doomed to Office ME desk). IN YOUR editorial “Build it and they will who have three years’ experience or less. fail. Details of this proposal are available on come”, you ask the question: “...has this turn- I can’t see affirmative action being overruled The “two-state solution” for the Middle www.milenniumproject.com around shown what we are capable of when we - (it appears in the Constitution). However, I East was not feasible, Alon Liel, former set our minds to it? And if we set our minds to foresee the problem will resolve itself; most Israeli ambassador to South Africa stated, Dr Gerald Levin tackling poverty with similar dedication, can fair skinned skilled people will emigrate and be also in the same issue. Bureau for African Synergies we not succeed there too?” replaced by Asian immigrants (predominantly Tony Blair, former British Prime Johannesburg There is a route to success. I quote RW of Indian origin) as they qualify for affirmative Johnson (Business Day 7/7/10) commenting on action privileges. ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS HAVE AGENDA TO EXTERMINATE JEWS the success of the stadiums: “Nobody bothered A positive for a white-free economy is that WHEN I read about the recent accusa- favour of living in hatred towards the Jews about the skin colour of the architects, survey- their replacements (such as from India) will tions against Israel, I cannot but smell a and towards Israel and seeking the destruc- ors, engineers and contractors who built the work for significantly lower wages, which is dead rat in it! The fanatical extremists in tion of Israel. stadiums or the Gautrain - we used the best beneficial for the economy or what’s left of it. the worldwide Islamic community have a Isn’t it time for “older brother Ishmael available” An article by Beth Shirley (Business set agenda to exterminate Jews, which and his descendants” to step up to the block Day 6/7/10) states: “Unskilled officials under- John Brenner they are pushing, even by creating con- and do the right thing for a change? Aren’t mine projects”, such as municipal managers Johannesburg frontation in this way with Israel. the conditions in Gaza, the West Bank, etc It seems like a repeat of the Holocaust the own making of Ishmael’s descendants HYPOCRISY WOULD’VE MADE REBBE CRINGE happening under the noses of the inter- and the Islamic world? RABBIS WHO drink their congregants under The sheer hypocrisy is absolutely astounding national community, with the interna- Aren’t the Jews entitled to a place under the table, who force alcohol on others, and one that many of the very people who abuse alcohol tional community sitting on their hands! the sun on this very earth? The vast major- particular rabbi who gets a kick out of running on a regular Shabbos or Yomtov, are the ones Will the world again be silent when ity of the Middle East belongs to the around with a contraption called a “funnel” running a drug rehabilitation programme. humanity is disgraced by a second round Arab/Islamic nations, while Jewish Israel, pouring beer down people’s throats. They are an of acts against the Jews and in a larger the size of a postage stamp on a football embarrassment to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Leon Forman scenario, against Israel in a Holocaustic field, is not allowed to have land. This Chabad as an Orthodox outreach movement. Johannesburg way? seems to be obviously wrong! Since the day the two sons of Abraham Aren’t we blessed when we are giving to LOOKING FOR... came into life, the older brother Ishmael others? How about the descendants of allowed an unwarranted offence to grow Ishmael and the Islamic world start giving INFORMATION ON LADISMITH GORDONS REQUESTED in his heart towards his younger brother to Jewish Israel based on this principle? It “ADA” IS looking for anyone that is related to Province. Isaac. Instead of dealing with the offence will be a joyous day when the Arab/Islamic or knows any descendants of the Gordon fam- She can be contacted at (011) 646-9538 or e- in a G-dly manner, Ishmael allowed the nations will open their doors and hearts for ily, originally from of Ladismith, Cape mail [email protected] offence to grow into bitterness and the resettlement of all non-Jews in Israel, hatred in his heart. This was perpetuated such as in Gaza, the West Bank, etc to their FOR THE RECORD till this very day. countries and to return these areas in Generation after generation of Israel to the Jewish people of Israel. Sorry, 'Next Door', for running non-kosher pizza pic Ishmael’s descendants took part in it. As a non-Jew, my voice shall never be They even propagated this hatred to silent when the well-being of the Jews is IN THE issue of SA Jewish Report of July 9, 2010, pick up at the time - which means it is not kosher. other national and ethnic groups around threatened, as the majority of the interna- in the Kosher Shopping and Dining supplement, Next Door is a kosher establishment under the the world who decided to embrace Islam! tional community was silent during the we ran a picture with the "Next Door" advert that Beth Din and this caused them embarrassment. How evil can this get?! To harbour an past 2 000 years. was not supplied by the client, but that we mere- We apologise for embarrassment caused to offence towards your neighbour is ly used to "enhance" the copy. The pizza depicted, Anthony and Steven Sacks of "Next Door", 80 against the teachings of the Qur’an. Herman Kleynhans unfortunately contained meat - which we did not Grant Avenue in Norwood. However, this teaching is ignored in Pretoria 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 15

LETTERS The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: [email protected] COMMUNITY COLUMNS

WHY IS ISRAEL SINGLED OUT FOR SELECTIVE MORALITY? UN Report there are more than 50 million LETTER COLUMNS in newspapers... radio Lords eluded to accusations about body part young girls forced into marriage and a life of ABOVE talk shows so obsessed with the plight of harvesting by the team. On being questioned misery and servitude in Africa, the Middle Palestinians in Gaza, or so they claim... in about her remark she answered: “The IDF East and Asia. BOARD reality isn’t this simply a ruse to demonise and the Israeli Medical Association should The official marriageable age for girls in Zev Krengel, Israel? establish an ‘independent inquiry immediate- Iran is nine years old! National Chairman Anything that Israel does is magnified out ly’ to clear the names of the team in Haiti.” Please don’t mention these things around of all proportion; on July 8 an insignificant It’s no wonder Baroness Jenny Tonge was the dinner tables of the politically correct lest news bar scrolled at the bottom of the e-news sacked by the Liberal Democrats. they dampen their appetites - demeaning and A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies channel reporting on 12 civilians killed by a In Iran Sakineh Mohammadie Ashtiani, a slandering Israel is a far more savoury topic botched bombing raid in Afghanistan by the mother of two, “convicted” of adultery in over a glass of good wine. US, barely made the news. If this had hap- 2006, was forced to confess and has already In April this year the UN elected Iran to its pened in Gaza, the West Bank or Lebanon, we suffered 99 lashes and heaven knows what Commission on the Status of Women. Iran Take a bow, would have seen screaming headlines claim- else, languishing in an Iranian prison. She is joins the likes of the Democratic Republic of ing another massacre by Israel - and how the currently under sentence of death by stoning. the Congo, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Belarus, South Africa! media would milk such a story! According to Amnesty International she China, Cuba, and Libya - all great beacons of It seems that it is politically incorrect to will be buried up to her chest and stones large women’s and human rights! AMONG THE many international figures print or discuss human rights abuses in Arab enough to cause maximum pain will be Is the plight of the people of Gaza more who have showered praise on South and Muslim (or African) countries. Strangely hurled at her - but not kill her immediately. urgent than the plight of our own people here Africa for its wonderful World Cup enough, while we of course expect a reaction Death must come very slowly. This is nothing at home suffering under abysmal healthcare achievement, is London Mayor Boris from the Muslim community, Jews among us new in Iran. conditions, condemning children to a life of Johnson. Writing at first-hand in the seem more virulent and vicious in attacking Saudi Arabia’s method of execution is hopelessness due to our failed education sys- Daily Telegraph (a conservative publica- Israel. beheading by sword. Pakistan ranks third in tem? tion that hardly can be accused of exces- It is ever so fashionable around the dinner the world after China and Iran with over 3 000 Our government is quick to recall its sive political correctness), he described tables of our liberal, intellectual, politically people on death row and until recently many ambassador from Israel, yet wines and dines the first African World Cup as “a joyous correct brethren to do a bit of Israel bashing, were under the age of 18. Mugabe while denying entry to the Dali Lama. success”, one which would breed confi- garnishing support from J Street in the US. In Gaza those accused of spying for Israel Yes, we live in a politically correct world dence for the future. After CNN reported on the invaluable are simply shot without recourse to any legal gone mad! The sheer number of visitors would work done by the Israeli medical team in process, not even a “kangaroo court”. help to “open the eyes of the world to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake Girls as young as 10 and 11 forced into Allan Wolman South Africa and its potential for trade there, a British member of the House of arranged marriages. According to the latest Norwood, Johannesburg and investment”. What was more, the much feared impact of crime had been negligible; there has not been a single NETZER APPEALS FOR EQUAL TREATMENT IN KING DAVID SCHOOLS “Orthodox only”. Jews of Progressive, serious incident of crime or violence in NETZER SOUTH Africa has been without Conservative, Traditional and secular streams Netzer madrichim may give Netzer chan- any of the fan parks. equal representation in the Jewish commu- are alienated and made to feel illegitimate in nichim flyers, but no posters may be stuck up In short, Johnson wrote, Fifa had taken nity for nearly a decade. Affirming that no their Jewish identities. around the school and the movement is not “an inspired decision to give the World body or organisation should have a monop- In a community that is so vibrant and home allowed to promote its machaneh in front of Cup to South Africa, and South Africa oly over Judaism, we call for equal treatment to many different Jewish schools of thought, the school alongside the other youth move- responded brilliantly”. of the movement in the King David Schools. Orthodoxy cannot be considered the only ments. It has been a heady few months, and I It is because of the Progressive Jewish “real” Judaism. This is not the way to act in a country am delighted that our community - from aspect of Netzer’s ideology that the Jewish Before King David adopted its strictly whose Constitution stands for equality of all the rabbonim, educators, communal lead- Board of Education sees fit to exclude Netzer Orthodox education policy, the school was a people and the right to expression of religion, ers down to the youth - made itself so from equal access to the King David Schools. largely secular environment which incorpo- culture and opinion. much a part of it. This week, the country While the other Zionist youth movements rated lively and necessary Jewish aspects. No Just as other streams of Judaism are returned to “normal”, but the positive may run activities and promote their events Jewish stream hatefully imposed itself on allowed access to the King David schools, energy generated by its resounding in front of all learners, Netzer has harsh another. Netzer, too, should be fully included and rep- achievement is still with us. boundaries that prohibit its members from Today, however, the majority of the schools’ resented. It is this energy that all of us, each in doing so. pupils and families are still secular (and possi- For the past year, Netzer has abided by the his or her own way, should seek to har- At the beginning of 2008, the King David bly with Orthodox affiliation, but secular Board’s rules in an attempt to come to a rea- ness in our efforts to help build a better Schools held an open day where institutions nonetheless) but the Board insists that sonable understanding between both parties. South Africa for all. of higher education and youth movements However, an announcement made for “all Orthodoxy is the only legitimate means of could present post-matric study and gap-year Netzer children to go to classroom X for your education. We cannot stand for this. options. Shortly before this event, Netzer was activity” is ineffective; children are often out A place of education should be one that SA Jewry’s relationship uninvited on the grounds that it was a of the classroom during announcements and preaches open-mindedness, tolerance and with government Progressive movement. inclusiveness - in the spirit of open and demo- “non-Netzer children” (the Board’s label, not Footballing metaphors abounded in the Even after letters of protest from both cratic education - not one of closed-minded- Netzer’s) disrupt the activity by coming in presentation given by our National Netzer and the South African Union for ness, bigotry and exclusivity. and out of the classroom, fetching lunchbox- Director Wendy Kahn, on the above topic Progressive Judaism were sent to the Board Even if the school chooses to adopt an es and sports kits. to the Union of Jewish Women on and the schools, no response was given. Orthodox Jewish education policy, it cannot Worse still is the fact that Netzer represen- Monday. They were a most effective way Only six months later was a letter sent to limit other streams of Judaism in its informal tatives are required to openly exclude any of conveying our own thinking and strate- Netzer, stating that its involvement in the sector, specifically with regard to youth move- non-Progressive children by forcing them gising when it comes to interacting with Jewish day schools was to be limited accord- ments. out of the classroom. It is a situation both government. ing to the Board’s requirements. These impractical and upsetting. “Make sure you play the ball - if you requirements are still imposed upon Netzer’s Russell Cohen (Maskil) Aside from the frustrating petty logistics of don’t you can’t be part of the excitementÖ activities: Wendywood the issue, the fundamental elements of exclu- keep on the field ñ it’s much better to be a Netzer madrichim may run activities in a Johannesburg sion and discrimination are highly disturb- participant than a spectator” - these exhor- closed classroom, but this activity is for ing. South African Jewry cannot allow itself tations relate to the importance of always already-Netzer-affiliated channichim. This letter has been slightly shortened. - Editor to be forced into a box with the label being engaged, in touch and involved. What happens when difficulties and dis- HEREDITARY DISORDERS OF BLOOD COAGULATION FACTORS AMONG JEWS with the disorder, largely due to assimilation. agreements ensue? Accept in such cases FACTOR XI (plasma thromboplastin risk of bleeding, such as tonsillectomies, den- There are two predominant mutations, type that “the pitch is not always smooth, and antecedent) deficiency is frequently found tal extractions and childbirth. Nosebleeds II and III (using an older classification system). sometimes the decisions against us are among Ashkenazi Jews. may be severe as may menorrhagia. The type III mutation is an amino acid substi- unfair, but that shouldnít keep you from This is picked up on routine bloods such as Sometimes the child may bleed excessively, tution (Phe283Leu) resulting in a missense playing”. partial thromboplastin times. The prothrom- for instance at circumcision. mutation. This results in impaired dimerisa- Finally, we should “blow our vuvuzela, bin time is usually normal. There is no But they do not bleed as severely as tion and secretion of the FXI molecule. make a noise and declare ourselves as excess bleeding after trauma; yet (they) still haemophiliacs (factor VIII deficiency) and The second is the type II mutation which proud Jewish South Africans”. bleed excessively after next surgery. rarely present with haemarthroses. Bleeding causes premature chain termination and Wendy identified the big positives about In terms of treatment or therapy, the factor is usually from mucousal surfaces. results in very low levels of circulating FXI. being Jewish South Africans, in which XI level must be kept at greater than 30 per Factor XI concentrate is available but is dif- The type II mutation also has been found in regard government and our democratic cent with fresh frozen plasma 5-20 ml/kg/ ficult to obtain. The amount of fator XI in Iraqi Jewish and Israeli Arabic descent. Both institutions play a key part. These were day. The inheritance is autosomal recessive. fresh frozen plasma is minimal and for this mutations are thought to originate from a com- the consistent upholding of our civil (in In Israel the incidence is eight per cent reason large volumes of fresh frozen plasma mon founder, one occurring before and one particular religious) rights, consistently among Ashkenazi Jews. have to be given. after the divergence of the Jewish people. low anti-Semitism levels and the excellent Factor xI deficiency is also known as Ashkenazi Jews are usually of European access the Board has to government when Rosenthal Syndrome or Haemophilia C. descent and Sephardi Jews are usually of Dr H D Solomons issues of importance to the Jewish com- Certain procedures carry an increased Spanish descent. But non-Jews may present Highlands North, Johannesburg munity need to be addressed. What does prove more of a challenge is HEARSE CREW DID NOT TREAT BODY WITH ANY RESPECT and the mother. I really am heart sore and I calling for government to have an even- handed approach to the Middle East situ- I WAS at Pick n Pay, Park Meadow, recently. compassion. hope that no-one else will have to go through ation. Although government has been As I was coming out a shop I happened to They uncovered the foil to make sure it this type of disrespectful and inhuman consistent in its call for a two-state solu- witness a gentleman aged 59, collapse. He was him and left him uncovered. They put behaviour ever again. I am horrified at what tion and its commitment to retaining unfortunately passed away, having suffered him in a plastic bag and tied a knot as if it I witnessed and very angry with this funeral diplomatic ties, it is something we contin- a major heart attack. His birthday was were a piece of meat. No sheet, nothing. company. ue to watch carefully. meant to be yesterday (Thursday). His two daughters were in a state of anxi- I would like to end off by wishing this poor It is here, of course, even more so than They had summoned an ambulance which ety and shock and were taking it very, very family long life, strength and may they know in areas where consensus already exists, took 30 minutes to get to the scene. It was too hard. To let two young daughters be exposed no further tragedies. I would just like the two that the process of constant engagement late as this gentleman had already passed to this, really, it is cruel and inhuman. young daughters especially to know that my is most important. It is only by being on on. His wife and daughters were with him. For the hearse to arrive more than two thoughts and prayers are with them at this the field of play that we can have an The hearse arrived two and a half hours hours later and not explain why they are late difficult time and I share my pain and grief opportunity to express a contrary view, later. The man had been left lying there for and show hardly any compassion to the fam- with them. May this person have eternal thereby hopefully influencing what takes two and a half hours under foil paper. When ily who are in a state of grief and in shock... rest. place in the future. the hearse arrived, the crew were totally Where is the respect and dignity for the undignified and showed a total lack of dead? Joel Klompas This column is paid for by the SAJBD respect towards the dead. They showed no I am really so sad for these poor daughters Bramley, Johannesburg 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010

YOUTH TALK Alison Goldberg [email protected]

ORT SA GFL learners are well on their way LISA MORALEE run in Alexandra high schools. PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED The Geared for Life programme is spon- sored and accredited by Services SETA and ORT SA’s integrated Geared for Life learn- is run by ORT SA’s skills development ers are a third of the way to obtaining a ter- department. “We also work closely with the tiary qualification, which is a fantastic GDE (Gauteng Department of Education),” accomplishment, considering that their says ORT SAs skills development HOD, average age is 16. In light of this achieve- Tracy Mayhew. Kaleidoscope Kids jumping and bumping thanks to jumping castles lent to them. ment, ORT SA held an “end of year” celebra- “Geared for Life gives learners the upper tion for these learners. hand, as they obtain a National The Geared for Life programme piloted in Qualification Framework certificate (NQF September 2009, whereby 200 grade 10 pupils 4) alongside their matric certificate.” The Kaleidoscope Kids warm began year one of the three year programme. tertiary subjects include marketing, project The rationale behind the programme is to management, nail technology and parale- split a one year tertiary qualification over the gal. Learners also gain valuable experience the hearts of those in need final three years of high school. as each qualification is 70 per cent practical Although the learners did not have a full and 30 per cent theoretical. ALISON GOLDBERG the name of their mother, “Granny Pam”, year to complete the coursework, they put in Certificates are only awarded on condi- PHOTOGRAPH: CHANA RIVKA LEWIN renowned for her kindness and generosity. a great effort to stay on track with the pro- tion that participants complete matric. Friedman, MD of Yad Aharon, remarked gramme. The “end of year” celebration was “The rarity of having experience at a KALEIDOSCOPE Kids is a well-known that, even though a person passed on and held earlier this month to acknowledge their matric level will increase these learners’ holiday fun school run by Chana Rivka left the physical world, acts of chesed sen- achievement thus far. employment opportunities,” says ORT SA Lewin, who has been a nursery school sitively celebrated and perpetuated the These pupils attend the following schools: CEO, Brad Rosmarin. Keeping with ORT teacher at Torah Academy for many years. memory of the departed. Waverly Girls High; Sandringham High; SA’s philosophy of “Educating for Life”, the She has been a valued “Friend of Yad What better mitzvah to do so than by Torah Academy; Yeshiva College; and King programme prepares learners for the world Aharon & Michael Tzedokah Food Fund” assisting Jewish brethren who had fallen David Linksfield. The programme is also of work at a young age. for many years and the organisation has on hard times? she asked. benefited from numerous Kaleidoscope “Kol hakavod to Chana Rivka for Kids’ initiatives. encouraging her little ‘campers’ to also July 1 was no exception. Lewin spent contribute to the project, thereby instilling many months planning a collection of in them the love of giving from a young soup greens and vegetables for Yad’s recip- age,” she said. ient needy families and her decision to ask In keeping with the upcoming theme of parents to send money donations with Mandela Day on July 18 (to commemorate their children meant that Fruit and Veg Nelson Mandela’s birthday), giving to oth- City at The Wedge, in Rivonia, could put ers, Kaleidoscope Kids at Chabad in together a colourful and nutritious array Sandton was also treated to an even more of vegetables which would make a perfect super warm-up than expected. Bumpy winter soup. Jumpy Castles loaned them a jumping cas- Thanks also go to the little “campers”, tle for their enjoyment. Daniel and Yakira Levy for their donation Lewin says jumping castles integrate in memory of their mom Devorah Leah harmoniously with very essential educa- and to Shimi and Ayelet Block for their tional benefits of fantasy play and gross contribution in the name of their zaida, motor activity, which were afforded to the Tzvi Ben Tzion. young jumping Jacks. The children enjoyed a cup of soup and Yad Aharon & Michael currently assists Holocaust and Genocide Centre: noodles and an ice cream while being over 560 families in the community, with treated to an educational puppet show, weekly fresh produce parcels. Initiatives Launch of twinning programme illustrating the benefits of planting and such as these enable Yad Aharon to growing one’s own produce and ways to “stretch” that little bit further and supple- ONE AND a half million children died to one of Europe’s oldest Jewish com- give to others with a happy heart. ment their standard food boxes with in the Holocaust. These children did munities. Jews contributed greatly to This worthwhile project was duplicated much-needed “extras” which their recipi- not have a chance to live full lives and the economy of the city and played a on July 6 under the auspices of ent families regard as “treats”. achieve their hopes and dreams. great role in its rich cultural life. In Kaleidoscope Kids at Chabad of Sandton Lewin is currently working on devising The Johannesburg Holocaust and March 1939 the Germans occupied and Alice Friedman of Yad Aharon was an interactive booklet on the subject, Genocide Centre is dedicated to the Naomi Prague. Jews were not allowed to work there to thank the children for performing which she hopes to distribute nationally. memory of victims of genocide and Posinova in their professions, their homes were the mitzvah of chesed with so much sim- As for Brian Mervis, he will gladly make education that teaches about the con- taken away and they were not allowed cha! Representatives from Fruit and Veg little children’s dreams come true as they sequences of prejudice, racism and to take part in religious, cultural or City arrived again, with a car load of bags bounce with food fun into some very excit- discrimination and an understanding other forms of public activities. of potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, butter- ing jumping castles, like wishful wizards. of the dangers of indifference, apathy Children could not go to public nuts, carrots and giant marrows. He may be contacted on 082-227-8537. To and silence. schools; Jews could not use public This collection was largely sponsored by order or find out more log on to The Centre said in a media release transport or telephones. From October Chantal Solomons and Saul Ezakowitz in www.bumpyjumpycastles.co.za. its new envisaged “Twinning 1941 to March 1945 the Germans Programme” will assist bar-/batmitz- deported 46 067 Jews from Prague to vah boys/girls to learn about the the death camps. Holocaust in a personal way, by Natanya In August 1942, Naomi and her par- Great Pretoria soccer treat for researching and honouring the life of Joseph ents were sent to the Theresienstadt one child who did not have a chance to ghetto in Czechoslovakia where reach this joyous milestone, because of the Naomi’s father made caps and her mother Arcadia children’s Home events of the Shoah. worked in a children’s home. Even though Natanya Joseph is twinned with Noami children over 10 were forced to work, Naomi DIANE WOLFSON Loftus Versfeld and gave each one a USA Posinova, who died in the Holocaust in managed to continue studying. PRETORIA scarf, vuvuzela and money for refresh- 1944 at the age of 12. The camps were horrible. There was ter- ments at the game. rible overcrowding, not enough food and THE CHILDREN at Arcadia Children’s Although the donor had asked the PHC In memory of Naomi Posinova very few decent toilets. Every day there Home in Johannesburg were treated to a to arrange lunch at the shul prior to the Naomi Posinova was born in 1932 on were “selections” and those chosen were day’s outing and being spoilt in Pretoria game, which he would also sponsor, Evan January 4, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She sent to Auschwitz and Treblinka. In 1944 recently. Seligmann, vice president of the Pretoria was an only child but part of a large fami- Naomi and her parents were selected to go A member of the Pretoria Hebrew Hebrew Congregation announced that the ly. Max, her father was a hat maker and to Auschwitz. Soon after they arrived Congregation who wishes to remain shul would provide the lunch as their con- owner of a plastics factory. Rachel, her Naomi and her mother were sent to the gas anonymous, bought tickets for the 14 tribution to Arcadia. mother was a housewife. chambers. youngsters from the Home as well as for This outing was thoroughly enjoyed by Prague was a large urban city and home Naomi was 12 years old. their carers, to the USA football game at all. 09 - 16 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 BBuild,uild, BBuyuy oorr RRenovateenovate

A supplement compiled by Marlene Bilewitz. Cell 083-475-0288, (011) 023-8160 or e-mail: [email protected] ‘There’s no place like home’ remains a true adage BARRY BILEWITZ

IN THE MIDST of battle, Richard III wasn’t too interested in the type of mount he could be supplied with; he just needed one desperately. So desperately in fact, that according to Shake- speare, he was willing to offer his kingdom for it. He wanted a charger or warhorse. Nowadays most couples aren’t too con- cerned with the type of horse they may own. But they do know what they like when it comes to the style of house they live in, or would like to live in. The choices are many, from Cape Dutch to post-modern. The most popular dwelling before the arrival of European settlers to this country, was the round rondavel-type dwelling, made from ma- terials which could be easily obtained locally. What makes the rondavel structure so practi- cal is that no internal struts are required for the

roof. The poles running radially from the top of the roof to the top of the wall, are supported by Floors Direct Illovo, proud circular purlins - a horizontal member in a roof - which prevent the poles from sagging or putting a splaying pressure against the walls. of its wooden floors These rondavels can still be found all over southern Africa, especially in under-developed areas. More modern versions are usually uti- lised as outbuildings on farms and as luxury ac- commodation in game lodges, to blend in with the rustic environment. Cape Dutch was the fi rst prominent style used in the country by settlers brought out to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company. Infl uenced by diverse styles - from mediaeval Dutch to Malay, it is distinguished by whitewash walls, central gables over the entrance and reed-thatch roofs. British-born Herbert Baker incorporated Cape Dutch aesthetics into some of his Ed- wardian creations in the late 19th and early 20th century designs. Art deco swept the world from the 1920s FLOORS DIRECT is proud to introduce its ments and quotations. They provide samples to the 1930s, although this movement in style GiiGeorgian is a very symmetrical, tilt rectangular l or brand new showroom in Illovo, offering the on request, which you can take home to view started in 1910, it was named after Exposition boxy style, which has been widely disseminated very best in wooden fl ooring, carpets and in the room where you intend to lay the fl oor. Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels to the former British colonies. Recently, there blinds. At Floors Direct you’ll fi nd all the tools you Modernes in Paris, 1925. In South Africa we can has also been a revival in this style, especially “We are thrilled about our new showroom need to install a wooden fl oor, from plastic un- see many fi ne examples of this type of design where large residential properties in upmarket and look forward to introducing our stylish derlays, profi les, skirtings, protective felt pads in many of the houses of Lower Houghton and suburbs have been subdivided, as the Georgian wooden fl ooring products to the community,” for your furniture to cleaning and maintenance even in the central business district of Springs shapes tend to optimise the number of dwell- says David Eckley, store manager of Floors products to keep your brand-new fl oor in top on the East Rand. There has been a strong re- ings that can be erected within the property Direct Illovo. condition. vival in art deco buildings - in 2005 Old Mutual’s boundaries. This national chain offers the latest styles Other services the company offers include magnifi cent building in Cape Town, now called Other imported styles used by architects for and colours in laminate, engineered, solid matching profi les, technical expertise, pro- Mutual Heights, was revamped into residential South African residences are “American Ranch” and bamboo fl ooring and stocks top carpet fessional installations as well as DIY-friendly, and holiday apartments. - popular in the 1950s and ‘60s, Bauhaus (In- brands such as Belgotex, Nouwens, Crossley quick and easy installations. The new art deco DaVinci Hotel on Sandton ternational Style), Tuscan, Mediterranean and and Van Dyck. Floors Direct is a member of the Southern Square, boasts 166 rooms situated below 54 French Provencal. Wooden fl oors are an asset in any home African Wood & Laminate Flooring Associa- apartments and four penthouses and the Argyle Major styles have evolved into more specifi c and Floors Direct offers products that are tion. Visit the Illovo showroom to browse the - also in Sandton - offers luxury urban living in - usually regional - designs such as Spanish beautiful, fashionable, cost effective and af- displays over a cup of their delicious coffee. the bright elegance of the Roaring Twenties. and Eastern Mediterranean. The profusion of fordable. Kronotex laminates, a reputable Contact Floors Direct Illovo on cell no The Cape was ceded to the British Empire choices can be bewildering. manufacturer of laminates in Germany, are 083-264-7064 or visit the store at 40 Central after the Napoleonic wars which ended in 1815. The most important criterion then, is not available at Floors Direct and come with the Avenue, corner Oxford Street and Central Av- With the British infl uence, Georgian architecture what style is currently the most fashionable, it Floors Direct lifetime guarantee. enue, Illovo. For a store closest to you, con- began to establish itself in Cape Town and fi ve is how comfortable your home can feel to the Floors Direct has knowledgeable salespeo- tact 0861 1 FLOORS nationwide, or visit their years later, started to spread to the Eastern body and mind of you and your family - and of ple and offers free professional onsite assess- website www.fl oorsdirect.co.za Cape with the arrival of the 1820 Settlers. course, your pocket. 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 BUILD, BUY OR RENOVATE Introducing daylight - Tony Sandell Roof Windows Tony Sandell Roof Windows, established in 1989, is the sole South African manufacturer of centre pivot roof windows and has 22 years’ experience in the roof windows industry.

TSRW HAS developed a roof window cost effi ciency. which is specifi cally suited to the harsh At TSRW our handcrafted sub- South African conditions. To date we frames are solid hardwood for increased have fi tted over 40 000 roof windows durability and fi nished in natural varnish nationwide. or white. The exterior frames are clad Previously marketed as SOLIS, TSRW in corrosion and fade resistant char- is known to most South African archi- coal aluminium (PVF2 coated), which tects who have supported and specifi ed together with the fl ashing kits are all our product over the past two decades. roll-formed and pressed. All joints are With the recent upsurge in “Green double seamed to ensure a completely Building” practices, TSRW fi nds itself waterproof seal. Screws and hinges are in an envious position to be a leader stainless steel. in servicing the residential market. By A wide range of standard sizes is specifying roof windows, the architect available, with specials made to order. is introducing natural light into an other- In addition to specifi c mechanical alu- wise dark area, thus saving on electricity minium fl ashing systems for slate, roof as well as allowing extra ventilation when sheets and tiles, TSRW offers special needed. fl ashings for fl at and low-pitched roofs, Glazing options include anti-sun grey as well as thatch. (ASG), PVB laminates and Low E Dou- TSRW offers a full range of fi xed sky- ble Glazing. Further special glazing re- lights with built-in ventilators, condensa- quirements can also be met. tion outlets, and ceiling trim grooves. Along with the advent of properly in- A full range of hand and crank operat- sulated homes (through regulation and ed blinds is available, as well as electric choice) the roof window has become openers for out of reach roof windows. an important aid in the regulation of Our nationwide team of agents can temperature within the home. There is a supply and fi t roof windows in all ma- strong trend in South Africa towards loft jor centres and beyond. TSRW offers conversions (green rooms) as property a world-class product, manufactured prices soar. right here in South Africa. Our 2 500m2 Roof windows are uniquely suited to premises in Ottery, Cape Town, boasts such loft areas as they provide all the ad- the fi nest purpose-built roof window and vantages in one - light, ventilation, view, skylight machinery in South Africa. 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 BUILD, BUY OR RENOVATE On World Cup high, embrace opportunities left in its wake With the Fifa World Cup and soccer mania behind, there is a sense of anticlimax as we hang up our vuvuzelas.

WENDY MACHANIK bling infrastructure, which will fuel the private Now, South Africa, let us again mobilise this South Africa”. CEO, WENDY MACHANIK PROPERTIES sector to return to development. Now govern- same patriotism as we are reminded of our re- I believe this World Cup has brought much ment needs to turn its attention to the power sponsibility to the voiceless, homeless millions more than soccer to our shores. Looking forward ONE WOULD of course hope that in the eyes shortages, which are still a major issue for all who are yet to experience the dawn of the “new to a prosperous future. of the world South Africa has now taken on a sectors of business and particularly the con- new meaning, no longer a crime-stricken caul- struction industry. dron, defi ned by felony and hijacking. We have Statistics show that gross fi xed capital forma- proved that as Africans we can measure up to tion must remain between 20 per cent and 30 the best, and what a show we produced! per cent of GDP for an economy to grow and The soccer dust settled; we return to sensibil- South Africa is around 21,5 per cent and tar- ity. Speaking of sensibility: Property is top on the geted to reach 24 per cent by 2014, according investment trail... to Minister Pravin Gordhan in his 2010 budget For South Africans, the World Cup was speech. more than just a show. I believe it left a com- This will increase confi dence in the private mon thread of camaraderie. I have never seen a sector and build a healthy middle class, one of country unite and mobilise with one heart under the greatest challenges South Africa has yet to one team and then when Bafana Bafana bowed face - but government can only do so much. out, we did it again, uniting with one front under The signs are all there for South Africa to Ghana. carry the momentum ignited by frenetic World

Wendy Machanik . Well done South Africa on hosting a truly beautiful game - from all at Wendy Machanik Properties.

The question begs: Will these tourists come Cup euphoria. We need more meaningful pub- back and visit our sunny country? I believe they lic-private sector partnership engagement, with will. The trend of owning investment properties government creating an enabling environment. overseas is undoubtedly the way to go. And as A prime example is the redevelopment pro- every foreigner will tell you, real estate in South gramme in Johannesburg’s inner city, where the Africa is remarkably inexpensive and a safe in- entire landscape has changed, giving way to a vestment, long term. renewed metropolitan milieu. Madiba’s great African dream of homeowner- The question on everyone’s lips is: Will the ship for all, is becoming more of a reality as the World Cup bring foreign investment to South government turns its focus to its commitment of Africa? affordable housing, engaging in infrastructural I believe a large percentage of the estimated investment programmes of epic proportions. one million overseas visitors, who discovered Government proved it was feasible when the the secret of our motherland, with its magi- Gautrain was up and running ahead of schedule cal, wild African spirit, will return. It is with this for the World Cup. in mind that I urge government and the private Government plays an important role in terms sector to embrace this opportunity of optimising of fi xed capital investment by establishing, ena- South Africa’s amazing wealth and talent. 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 BUILD, BUY OR RENOVATE The art of stylishly mixing old and new Successfully mixing old and new is not as diffi cult or as daunting as it seems, says Andrea of Andrea’s Attic.

Art Deco swing door from Afrox Building in downtown Johannesburg. Photograph courtesy of Flycatcher Castle in Graskop, Mpumalanga.

WHILE MODERN societyi t didictates t t ththat t we hhave microwave ovens, fl at screen TVs, computers and designer furniture, we all remember with fondness eating at Grandma’s table, playing with toys on a thick rug and sleeping on a soft oversized bed. Many of us have old items that we have in- herited, are family heirlooms, or that were given to us at important and signifi cant times of our lives, such as birthdays, weddings or anniver- saries. Combining these items with functional piec- es is more often than not a necessity in our lives. Also, older furniture is usually of better quality than modern, mass-produced com- posite items. So why not use these items for everyday purposes? Take for instance a 1950s Murano vase, a Royal Doulton dinner service and Victorian ginger jar to name but a few. Often these can be purchased at prices similar to new items. However, older items can give a sense of oc- casion, be good collectors’ items and you can get good value when you use them. Similarly, renovating that old table, re-enam- elling an old bath, re-framing an old picture, putting an old frame on a new picture, using an old Victorian sideboard as a plasma stand, combining an old oak table with modern chairs, are all ways of re-inventing your living space. This can be fun, innovative, creative and stimulating. So, next time you are decorat- ing, why not re-paint, re-condition, restore or renovate that old solid, sentimental and paid for piece of furniture? You will be surprised at how easy it is to effectively combine items of yesteryear with pieces of the future. 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 22 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 BUILD, BUY OR RENOVATE At HNT, best value at best If it is glass and glass products, prices at all times the name is Furman... FURMAN GLASS is an innovative MARLENE BILEWITZ tire household from all the items in the same store. group of companies specialising in There are 2 000 square metres of showroom fl oor the manufacture, distribution and AS ONE ENTERS the doors of HNT Furnishers, one space which is covered by furniture from display fi tment of value-added fl at glass is instantly aware of the fact that this store is here cabinets and coffee tables to lounge, dining room products for the architectural, decor, to offer the best value at the best prices, no extra and bedroom suites; a huge range of best home home, shower door and automotive trim or superfl uous glamour - just real good value appliances ranging from mid to top of the range glass markets. for money, with the very best service, knowledge, brands and a wide variety of beds and base sets Furman Glass was founded in advice and attention possible. covering all the top name brands available. 1896 and is South Africa’s oldest and The atmosphere is friendly and warm, supported Says Nathan: “If we haven’t got what you want, most respected glass manufacturing, by an accumulative 200 years of experience in fur- tell us and we will get it for you.” They have been distribution and fi tment company. niture and home appliances from the three own- known to assist with arrangements for those who A quality shower door should ers, Hilton Sawitsky, Nathan Fine and Tony Sacks, are emigrating, giving advice on what electrical ap- Other products by Furman - InvadaShield have standard features like SABS- ably assisted by Mendel Meyer and Leonard Lees, pliances can be used where, as well as introducing Laminated Glass. approved glass, heavy-duty sealed whose patience is endless and friendly. and advising on what shipping company to use. bearing rollers for smooth operation, employs over 200 people, all dedicated to This owner-run business has all the ingredients to Do yourself a favour and visit HNT Furnishers in mitred corners and solid construction. Also, outstanding quality and service, and supplies makemake one want to travel from far and wide as it MidwaMidwaysys Mall, BramleBramleyy Gardens, where there is look for a supplier with SABS accreditation top-quality glass and glass products through- isis ppossibleossible to fi t out an enen-- a 2424/7/7 sale, 365 days a yearyear.. that manufactures in South Africa and that out South Africa as well as internationally offers back-up, support and warranties. Be through an active export programme. wary of imported shower doors that have no All products are locally manufactured to service back-up or warranties. the highest international standards and su- A frameless shower door will increase the perb quality, guaranteed workmanship and value of your home, will last three to four substantial cost savings ensure that all cli- times longer than a framed shower door and ents’ needs are consistently met. eliminates the need for metal framing. It is Furman Glass is the only glass manufac- easy to clean and eliminates the type of cor- turer in the country that is able to produce rosion that may be associated with a framed curved toughened glass up to a height of shower door. 1 850mm. Furman Glass always use SABS-approved Furman Glass is a founder member of toughened safety glass. The toughening several glass manufacturers’ associations process is an important safety feature that including the recently formed SASEMA, The Sealy Posturepedic renders glass stronger than normal. South African Shower Enclosure Manufactur- Classic, Prestige Firm base set, We have over 112 years’ experience in ers Association. to give you fi rm support, but isn’t hard! the glass industry. The Furman Glass Group Contact us at 0861 FURMAN (387626) Was R5 699 - now R3 999. 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 23 24 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010

WHAT’S ON Barry Bilewitz [email protected]

NOTE: Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday Contact Maurice (011) 485-2293. Monday (July 19) improve cognitive ability. Contact Rosemary Burke prior to publication. • SA Friends of Beit Halochem: Beyachad, 2 Elray St,Rae- on (011) 640-3919. dene. Contact Leanne (011) 645 2553. e-mail: bei- • UJW Johannesburg presents Bobby Godsell on • Beyachad is hosting “The Story of Israel” exhibition. Key to organisations, venues, contact [email protected] “Renewing the South African Dream” at 10:00. Guest speaker at the opening at 19:30 is Sgt Benjamin details and cost: • South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Johannes- Wednesday (July 21) Anthony of the IDF of Our Soldiers Speak. Booking is burg) - Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene. Contact • Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue, 38 Oxford essential. Tel (011) 645-2510/12. (011) 645-2500 or (011) 645-2523. • SFCC presents Martine Schaffer on “Another View of Road, Parktown. • South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), Johannesburg South Africa”. • Beyachad Resource Centre/Library, 2 Elray St, Rae- Thursday (July 29) - Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene. Contact Froma, WIZO Johannesburg dene, 2192. Norma Shulman (011) 645-2567. e- • presents the 60th anniversary • UJW Cape Town Constantia Group will hold a cooking (011) 645-2505. mail:[email protected] of the Goodwill International Recipe Book. Join demonstration, “Winter Classics with a Twist” at the • The Israel Centre. Contact Debbie (011) 645-2560. • Bikkur Cholim - Jewish Society for Visiting the Sick, celebrity chefs, Delores Fouche, Miri Doron, Sharon Pick n Pay Centre at 10:00. Tickets: R50. • The Jewish National Fund (JNF) Choir, Beyachad, 2 7A Chester Road, Greenside East, Johannesburg. Glass, Caron Melamed and Sybil Smerkovitz as they Elray St, Raedene. Contact Crystal Kaplan. 083-376- • JWBS is hosting the premiere of “Mao’s Last Dancer” Joy Gafin (011) 447-6689. cook up some lovely memories. Time: 09:00 for 5999. at Nu Metro - Hyde Park. Join them for coffee and • CAJE - College of Adult Jewish Education, Syden- 09:30. Breakfast/brunch, contact Sandy on (011) • The Jewish Outlook Team. Contact Ryan Cane; e-mail dessert at 18:45 followed by the movie. Tickets: R175. ham Highlands North Shul (011)640-5021. 645-2515. [email protected]; website www.jewishout Bookings on (011) 485-5232. • CSO - Emergency phone number 086 18 000 18. look.org.za. Support line: 27 76 215 8600. • UJW Cape Town presents Riaan Manser on • ELBM - Emunah Ladies Beit Midrash. 60 Mejon St • The Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society (JWBS) - “Courage... Perseverance... Attitude”. Friday (July 30) Glenhazel. (011) 887-2910. “Lessons of our Lives” Sandringham Gardens, 85 George Avenue Sandring- • JWBS is having a book sale at Norwood Hypermarket course on Wednesdays at 10:00. R350 for the • Chevrah Kadisha will show you how to become a ham 2192. Contact Carolyn Sabbagh. (011) 485-5232. starting at 09:30. course or R50 per shiur. freelance volunteer and how you can create opportu- • The Simcha Friendship and Cultural Circle (SFCC), • FFHS - Friendship Forum for Holocaust Survivors, nities for residents to explore their interests and tal- Johannesburg - Sandton Shul. Contact Sylvia Shull, Sunday (August 1) Second Generation and Members of the Community ents. Venue: Sandringham Gardens’ Nosh Bar at (011) 783-5600. Meetings on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd • WoW Annual Women’s Day Breakfast, 09:30 to 12:30 Affected by the Holocaust. Presentations held at the 11:00. Wednesday of every month at Sandton Shul at 10:00 at the Sandton Sun Hotel. Guest speaker WoW 2010 Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres, 85 George unless stated otherwise. Friday (July 23) awardee Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. Entertain- Ave, Sandringham. • The United Sisterhood, 38 Oxford Road Parktown. ment by Debbie Rakusin. Cost: R500 pp. Five tables • HOD - Hebrew Order of David International. HOD • UZLC presents Anne Lapedus Brest on “Jews of Ire- Website: www.unitedsisterhood.co.za. Contact Marian left. Call 083-380-5268. Centre Oaklands Road, Orchards. Office (011) 640 land and a South African Connection”. (011) 646-2409. 3017 - [email protected] • Second Innings presents Rolene Marks on “Is it • Tiyulim (Jewish Outdoor Club) - Contact Martin 082- • Sydenham Shul’s Friday Night Young Adults Club is • JAFFA - Jewish Accommodation for Fellow Aged. Armageddon? - the Iranian Threat”. 965-7419 or Greg 082-959-9026 hosting a dinner with Stanley Matthews at 18:00. (012) 346-2007/8. 42 Mackie Street, Bailey’s Muck- • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Johannesburg - 1 Oak Cost R160. Bookings (011) 640-5021 or e-maill • The Greenside presents “Coffee, Keyboard & Conver- leneuck. Street Houghton. Contact (011) 648-1053. Cost R15 [email protected] sations” with Selwyn Klass and Tony Bentel. Cost R175 • KDSF - King David Schools’ Foundation. King David for the Friendship Luncheon Club and a R20 donation including brunch, lucky draws, goodie bag and give- Alumni [email protected] (011) 480-4723. Sunday (July 25) for lectures unless otherwise stated. aways. Make bookings on (011) 880-5720, 083-691- • Nechama Bereavement Counselling Centre - Room Team Chev • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Cape Town - (021) • Join on the 8km “Walk the Talk”. Mini- 9032 or e-mail johan@the greenside.co.za A304, 3rd Floor, Hospital Wing, Sandringham Gar- 434-9555, e-mail: [email protected]. mum donation R180. Contact Cindi Bobroff on (011) dens, 85 George Avenue, Sandringham, 2192. Con- • UJW Cape Town AED Programme - Venue: Stone- 532-9698. Monday (August 2) tact (011) 640-1322. haven, Albany Road, Sea Point. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. • UJW Johannesburg presents Hamilton Wende on “A • New Friendship Ladies’ Group - A group for single • The Chevrah Kadisha is holding a special mincha Entrance: R15 (incl refreshments). Voyage Back to the World Cup” at 09:30. women - contact Lucille (011) 791-5226 or 082- service at Sandringham Gardens at 17:00 where 10 • United Zionist Luncheon Club (UZLC), Johannesburg - 927-5786. damaged sifrei Torah will be handed over to a rabbi • Morris Rutstein Ulpan Course - registration. Venue: Our Parents Home. Contact Gloria, (011) 485-4851 or • ORT and ORTJET South Africa - 44 Central Street, from El Al who will accompany them to Israel for Yeshiva College at 18:30. The course will run every 072-127-9421. Cnr 10th Ave, Houghton. Contact (011) 728-7154. repair. Tuesday from August 3 to November 16 at Yeshiva Col- • UOS - Union of Orthodox Synagogues (011) 485-4865. • Preview Theatre - 9 Valerie Crescent, Bagleyston, lege. Time: 19:00 to 21:15. Enquiries: (011) 645-2531 E-mail: [email protected]. Fax 086-610-3442. Monday (July 26) (011) 640-1061. (office hours). • WIZO Johannesburg - Beyachad, 2 Elray Street Rae- • Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre (RCHCC) and • UJW Johannesburg presents Rose Norwich on dene. [email protected]. Contact Great Park Shul, Johannesburg. Contact Hazel, (011) “Life in the South African Country Communities” Wednesday (August 4) Joyce Chodos (011) 645-2548 or Sandy Kramer (011) 728-8088 or Rene Sidley (011) 728-8378. Cost usu- at 09:30. • UJW Johannesburg presents Daniel Kagan and Fay 645-2515. ally R50, including refreshments. • RCHCC presents Mr Justice Albie Sachs on his latest Picker discussing current novels at 09:30. • SAIJE - Sandton Adult Institute of Jewish Education, Today Friday (July 16) book “The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law” at • UJW Cape Town presents Michael Bagraim on “The Sandton Shul. E-mail: [email protected]. • UZLC presents Dr Irving Lissoos on “South African 19:30. Cost R60. Jews of South Africa Today”. (011) 883-4210. Jewish Nobel Laureates”. • Second Innings, Johannesburg - Jewish Com- Wednesday (July 28) • SFCC invites you to join them on an outing to Consti- munity Services - Donald Gordon Centre, 85 Sunday (July 18) • UJW Cape Town presents Heather Blumenthal on tutional Hill. Entrance R15. Transport R25. Meet at George Avenue Sandringham. Their group meets Sandton Shul at 10:00. Booking essential. • Second Innings presents Emilia Potenza of the “Exploring Judaism Through Television - a Journey”. at the Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres, 85 Apartheid Museum, speaking on “Mandela - Leader, George Avenue Sandringham every Sunday • Balfour Park Parkinson’s Disease Support Sunday (August 8) Comrade, Negotiator, Prisoner, Statesman”. morning for tea at 10:00 followed by the meeting Group is holding a meeting in the Boardroom of • Limmud SA is hosting its two-day annual confer- at 10:30. Contact Grecia Gabriel (011) 532-9718 • WIZO Cyrildene is having a bingo afternoon at the Randjes Estate, Randjeslaagte Road, Highlands ence at Varsity College Sandton. To book log on to for information. Oxford Shul. Cost R40 includes two free cards and tea; North at 10:00 where Bianca Burger, of Headway, www.limmud.org.za or call 072-553-0164 for more • Society of Israel Philately (SIP) - [email protected]. additional cards R5 each. is to speak on puzzles, games, etc, used to information. Sudoku Puzzle 14 CROSSWORD NO 172 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44) BY LEAH SIMON ACROSS SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 171 1. Southerner belongs to us - but isn’t sweet (4) 48 3. Suggests, by the way, interfering with literature (8) ACROSS: 1. Alf’s; 3. Consomme; 8. Toys; 9. 8. Expel it in a Proustian way (4) Accessed; 11. Quarter final; 13. Enfold; 14. Assail; 9. Hires dad, coming back to principles (8) 17. Thick and thin; 20. Cravings; 21. Fifi; 22. 169 2 11. Original sin? (5, 7) Mattered; 23. Stag. 13. Since east is involved, get sister’s daughters (6) 14. Stan in LA is distinctly off balance (6) DOWN: 1. Antiques; 2. Fly half; 4. Oscars; 5. Step 215 6 17. Either way, it’s a decisive outcome for the animal inside; 6. Missa; 7. Ends; 10. Stalactite; 12. Blinking; (5, 2, 5) 15. Atheist; 16. Bangle; 18. Heart; 19. Scam. 20. About these places - they yield 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 91 2 6 taxes (8) 21. Benjamin Netanyahu’s nick- name (4) 398 22. Distribute ed’s spine (8) 23. Make silver go back, with open- 8 9 mouthed surprise (4) 51 23 10 DOWN 1. Penalty for rashness? (4, 4) 11 7 631 2. Somehow purge us of increase (7) 4. Cheat the drapier? (3, 3) 12 3 624 5. Pity about bad northern prose - and that tendency (10) 13 14 15 6. Also nice, but conceals what 67 relates to sound (5) 16 7. Melissa shyly conceals ribbon (4) * Answer to follow 527936148 10. At 22h00, take steps to ensure 17 18 presence at function (10) with next puzzle 893741625 12. Hoarding things as jumbled as 164582739 this (8) 19 736218594 15. Sailor I would give bad gin to for complying (7) 20 21 241359876 16. Left is worse, somehow - brings 985467213 it down (6) Note to readers: Our bridge 458123967 18. Sprites aren’t quite themselves column and our Sudoku 319675482 (5) Answer - Puzzle 13 Answer 22 23 puzzle alternate week by week. 19. Dry, and caught in bad raid (4) 672894351 16 - 23 July 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 25 At 102 - audit of a full life ROBYN SASSEN until his retirement, as an accountant and auditor in public practice. LAST WEEK, one of Johannesburg’s oldest His nephew recalls that only two or three soccer fans, celebrated a significant mile- years ago (when he was about 100 years old), stone. Victor Toker, once a first division soc- his uncle used to amuse himself by reading cer player in Benoni on the East Rand, and an auditing textbooks. “It was important,” he ardent fan of the British Premier League, told Eddy, “to keep up to date.” turned 102. Eddy recalled that his uncle also loves the Celebrated by his nephew, (former Judge Judy series on TV. “He watches it very Johannesburg mayor) Eddy Magid, Toker carefully, and then we debate her rulings.” lives in Our Parents Home in northern A captain in the Technical Services Corps Johannesburg and a small interruption from during the Second World War, Toker is watching World Cup soccer replays, on July 7, described by his family as a straightforward enabled this photograph of Eddy and his son gentleman. “He’s a legend in our family,” Harold with the birthday boy, to be taken. Magid fondly describes him. Celia Gluckman receives a 100th Born and bred in 1908 in the then close-knit “He lives a clean and honest life. He always birthday kiss from her daughter-in- Jewish community in Benoni, Toker had six worked very hard and picked himself up by siblings. He attended Benoni High School and his shoestrings without any assistance from law, Esther. Maritz Brothers College in Johannesburg. A anyone.” member of the Institute of Chartered Toker has two children, Patricia and Eddy and his son Harold with the Centenarian Accountants of South Africa, Toker worked, Martin, and five grandchildren. birthday boy, Victor Toker. Celia shows Even Jerusalem mayor you can’t is a soccer fan of note Mayor Nir Barkat together with members of his family flew into Cape Town and then Durban to watch the semi-final soccer matches. He does not get a lot of keep a good spare time, but when he does, he watches soccer at home, he says. While in Cape Town Nir and his wife Beverly had dinner with Beverly’s uncle and aunt, Colin and Ev Plen. gal down Pictured are Nir and Beverly Barkat with Evelyn and Colin Plen.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY SUZANNE “At one level I tried to erase the past, but BELLING Too white for the Struggle... it was always there. When famous people we knew hit the headlines, we were reminded DRESSED TO the nines for the inter- STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY tained that the ANC, for its own credibility, of it, but there was a certain aloneness.” view, feisty Celia Gluckman, who MOIRA SCHNEIDER “didn’t want whites to be visible. It was a Twenty years later, however, during a turned 100 yesterday (July 14), attrib- CAPE TOWN very upsetting experience, to put it mildly,” period of “tremendous turmoil”, here in the utes her longevity to being a descendant she remembered, “and for me it was a turn- 1980s, she turned back to South African pol- of Russian peasants. WHEN WRITING her memoirs, Radical ing point. itics. “You can never take South Africa com- “I can’t prove it but, my mother Engagements: A Life In Exile, Lorna Levy “When (husband and fellow-activist) pletely out of South Africans,” she mused. always thought so and I share her opin- decided to try and describe “frankly” the Leon joined me in London (on his release Levy joined the ANC in London, becom- ion,” said this London-born resident of experience of being white in a black strug- from 90-day detention), I decided there was ing secretary of that region. In the early Our Parents Home in Johannesburg. gle, an issue she said was seldom confronted no longer a place for me in the liberation 1990s, the organisation sent her to The She has been living there since 1992, but as people were too embarrassed to do so. movement because I was white.” For the Hague and Oslo to train for the diplomatic is sad that many of her peers and Addressing the adult education division next 20 years, Levy set about creating a new corps, but “sadly, no job materialised in the friends have since passed on. of the Union of Jewish Women, she traced identity for herself, becoming a Labour end because I’d held political office in “I don’t feel any different from when I her move to radical politics as a “fairly ordi- councillor, a mother to Emma, a passionate England”. was 20, except that if I could get up and nary girl” from a middle-class Jewish fami- gardener and a photographer. She received no support from her col- go, I’d get up and go,” she laughed. ly in Johannesburg in the late 1950s. “It also meant that I had to block out the leagues on the issue, she remembers, Had she led a particularly healthy With a background in the trade union past because my new friends and colleagues adding: “Even Thabo Mbeki didn’t help.” lifestyle? Celia pooh-poohed the idea, movement, she left South Africa for London didn’t have a great deal of interest in what Later, after she had settled in Cape Town, saying she had smoked for several in 1963, but experienced a rude awakening went on before. It was very difficult to Levy was invited to join the foreign affairs years. while attending a women’s peace confer- change identity,” she recalls. department in Pretoria, “but it was too late But, according to her daughter-in-law, ence in Moscow at that time. “I was somebody who had been displaced for me - I couldn’t face another move”. Esther, she was an active sportswoman. “I found that I was not accepted by the quite abruptly - I had never been to jail, Coming back was not without its difficul- “And a knitter,” chipped in Celia, who African delegation of the ANC of which I never been banned, my position seemed to ties either. “We had changed into complete- made many of the garments on sale in was supposed to be a member. Why? be so much easier than other people’s. (In ly different people,” she reflects. aid of Our Parents Home. Because I was white,” she stated. addition) there had been no closure to my “I’d left as a kid and come back as an old She misses her husband Maurice, who Referring to the PAC’s view that the ANC life in Johannesburg - I had left possessions, woman, and to a different country as well.” also came from England, but whom she was ruled by white communists, Levy main- I couldn’t say goodbye to anybody. Since living here, she has been active in met and married in South Africa. the Truth and Reconciliation Commission “We had a hardware store on the and its reparations committee, parliamen- Queen Elizabeth Bridge for many years tary monitoring for Idasa and has been the and I was also secretary to the late driving force since 1998 against the commer- Rabbi Moses Cyrus Weiler, a highlight cial development of the Sea Point beach- of my life. front. “I suppose I am an activist - I always “My husband and I used to go on find something to connect myself to,” she cruises. We went everywhere and visit- says. ed Israel many times.” “I see issue-based politics as the way to go. Mentioning the Queen Elizabeth We’ve got a very vibrant civil society in Bridge jogged her memory. South Africa,” she notes, listing the “She (the Queen) had better send me a Treatment Action Campaign, Equal letter or a telegram - as well as being Education and Seafront for All. South African, I am still a British citi- “I have little confidence in the established zen!” political parties.” Whenever she can obtain transport to Despite being “very upset” at corruption Saxonwold, Celia visits her “baby” sis- in the ANC, Levy says she does not feel dis- ter, Nina Lakier, two-and-half years her illusioned with the party. “I have to say I junior. never thought it was going to be easy,” she She spends most of her time watching states. television or sharing her exceptional “Africans have 300 years of no education, sense of humour with the matron and no experience - it takes a long time to staff and enjoying visits from Esther, Sara Pascall, chairman UJW adult education division (left), guest speaker Lorna Levy change things. I think were going through a her son, David, and grandchildren and Sandra Sternberg. bad patch.” Wayne (18) and Shoshana (14). “I am just an ordinary person - you can’t learn anything from me, you TZACHI HANEGBI IS CLEARED OF MOST CHARGES might as well write about the man in the AROUND JERUSALEM - A senior Israeli lawmaker was found serving as environment minister as a member of the moon,” she said. “You can say I love innocent on charges of fraud and breach of trust, but Likud Party under former Prime Minister Ariel pickled cucumbers!” THE guilty of perjury after a four-year trial. Sharon. On second thoughts, she added her Tzachi Hanegbi of the Kadima Party heard the deci- Hanegbi in 2004 was accused of making dozens of philosophy: “Don’t expect other people WORLD sion Tuesday morning in Jerusalem Magistrate's political appointments, including creating fictitious to do what you expect them to do. Court. He was cleared as well on charges of election jobs. He was indicted and went on trial in 2006. “I suppose I am still in this world NEWS IN BRIEF bribery and trying to illegally influence voters. If his conviction is found to involve moral turpitude, because ‘they’ wanted me here. I am not He faces a prison sentence of up to seven years for Hanegbi could be banned from the Knesset for seven ready to die, but I suppose nobody is perjury and false oath charges stemming from his tes- years. He is seen as the main challenger to Tzipi ever ready for that.” timony on 69 political appointments he made while Livni's party leadership. (JTA) 26 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010 IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Jewish Report runs adverts in the Classified section in good faith, however we would like our readers to know we cannot be responsible for the quality of services offered and claims made.

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Call SA representative playground of the Shaar Negev Primary The children have been trained to access +27 82 604 5826 School in the grounds of the Sapir College, the shelters within seconds of the activa- for their support. RETIREMENT ACCOMMODATION some kilometres outside of Sderot. tion of the red alert sirens. Alec Wapnick dedicated the park to the This is the second such park donated by Eliyahu Segal, the Shaar Negev Regional memory of his parents and to Simon, his Wapnick in recent years. Council administrator, outlined the inten- late brother, who passed away seven years Irit Barash, head of the English-speaking tions of the region to expand facilities in FOR SALE to the day of the dedication of the park. Countries of Keren Hayesod, Israel, wel- their aim to improve and persevere with liv- The emotional proceedings ended with CLOTHING comed the large gathering, including the ing and working conditions in this beautiful Alec and his daughter Lisa unveiling the Wapnick family who had travelled in from region of Israel. plaque and cutting the ribbons in the offi- South Africa and Israel for the occasion. He expressed the gratitude of all con- cial opening of the much appreciated play- The grade two pupils entertained the cerned to the family and to Keren Hayesod ground. Google selects ORT SA’s HOD LISA MORALEE accepted to attend this Academy and Rosenberg has “a passion to assist and go Rosenberg was the only South African that extra mile, even if there is only a small ORT SA’s head of Educator Development, accepted onto the programme. impact or change”, says an ORT SA col- Ariellah Rosenberg, has been accepted to “Google Certified Teachers are excep- league. attend the next Google Teacher Academy. tional K-12 educators with a passion for The Google Teacher Academy is pro- This prestigious event will be held in using innovative tools to improve teaching duced by Google, in collaboration with CUE London on July 29. and learning, as well as creative leaders and and WestEd, both educational non-profit Only 52 applicants worldwide were ambassadors for change.” organisations. 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(PHOTO- enquiry. replaced with a generator. Team. (PHOTOGRAPH: LISA MORALEE) GRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER)

Contact Barry VACANCIES or Geoff on EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE (011) 023-8160. Work Available A meeting place for Holocaust [email protected] Part-time and full-time positions available. Ideal for students. PROPERTY If you are aged between survivors and their families AGENTS 18 – 40. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY who has an object - it could be candlesticks, Please email your CV to MOIRA SCHNEIDER a brooch, a ring, a diary, a photograph or a [email protected] CAPE TOWN document. “By telling the story, you are also hon- BOOKKEEPER THE FRIENDSHIP Forum is holding a ouring the person who is no longer here. REQUIRED workshop with a difference at the Cape There are stories that haven’t been told - Town Holocaust Centre early next month. they unite us, enrich us and inspire us,” she 10 years bookkeeping to The idea of the Forum - which was estab- explains of the purpose of the exercise, trial balance experience, lished earlier this year - is to provide a which is also intended to provide emotional Dr Evelyn Kaplan, her mother, knowledge of Pastel, meeting place for Holocaust survivors and support. Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal and general office work their families, as well as Eastern European Those attending do not have to share dealing with public, immigrants and their families, where they their tales, but can just listen if they prefer. psychologist Tracey Farber at a gather- knowledge of Jewish can reflect on the past, according to social There will be trained professionals on hand ing held last year to discuss the forma- organisation a worker Debby Silver. for anybody who wishes to talk privately at tion of a support group for Holocaust recommendation. Salary Silver supervises the group of profes- the event. survivors and their descendants. negotiable. sionals trained for the project. Workshop “We would like, in time, to start a group participants are being asked to bring a for second generation immigrants - people counterpart, is connected to the CTHC. It Please email CV to memento of “deep significance” to them who may, even unwittingly, be carrying the has a programme of activities designed for [email protected] and The Friendship Forum is holding a pain of parents or grandparents,” Silver the rest of the year. workshop with a difference at the Cape adds. “Most of us are the children or grand- • The workshop will be held at the Cape VEHICLES Town to explain why this is so. children of immigrants, but they never Town Holocaust Centre on Sunday August WANTED “We all carry stories from our parents talked about times gone by.” 8 from 14:30 until 16:30. Enquiries should be and grandparents,” she says. “So anybody The Forum, which has a Johannesburg directed to Debby Silver at 082-450-1124. ARE YOU IMMIGRATING OVERSEAS AND Klezmer music and good food on the menu WANT TO SELL RITA LEWIS music played by Avi’s Klezmers. The music has had to be completely YOUR VEHICLE? Four chazzanim, Avron Alter, Barry rewritten by Avi Kanar to facilitate both AN ENTIRELY new concept - music wise - Braun, Chilly Chrysler and Ezra Sher, will the Klezmer Group and singers, each of will be offered to the Jewish public on be performing their individual styles of whom will be performing alone and togeth- August 10 when the Chazzonus Club will chazzanut to some well-known and new er. be putting on an entirely different event at pieces. The concert is being performed in mem- the Gerald Horwitz Lounge at Golden It is believed that this will be a world- ory of the late Ivor Bloom who was a friend Acres. first when Avi’s Klezmers will get together and member of the Chazzonus Club. Please Contact Following on to their successful concert with the chazzanim for a most exciting ren- It will start at 18:30 for 18:45 and will cost Solly Kramer last year, this Second Grand Annual dition of the bensching (at which bensch- R200 per person, or R1 950 per table - all 082-922-3597 Concert will be featuring a three-course ers will be available and guests will be proceeds will go to Sandringham Gardens. anytime meal as well as a selection of klezmer invited to join in). • Tickets are available on (011) 485-2645. 28 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 - 23 July 2010

by Larry Nestadt, Bernard Kantor Diamond magnates and Gary Barber for an undisclosed Young Yoni Nathan sum. But since joining De Kock, Irish Flame has won the Grade 1 SA Derby, the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 and the and the Durban July Grade 2 Gold Circle Derby and has lands international earned his place at the top of the JACK MILNER quite a bit of Jewish interest in the bookmakers’ boards. race. The Oppenheimer family is sure soccer contract THERE WERE a number of sporting Anton Marcus, who is about to be to be well represented this year. victims of the 2010 Fifa World Cup crowned South African Champion Bridget, wife of the late De Beers YONI NATHAN (pictured), a 19- and one of those was the Vodacom Jockey at the end of the month, rides and Anglo American chairman year-old former King Davidian, Durban July. Virtually since its Fort Vogue from the Mike Bass yard. Harry, still has five horses in the has just landed a one year soc- inception, The Durban July was He is the trainer of Pocket Power, reckoning, namely last year’s third- cer contract in Netherlands 1st raced at Greyville on the first who will also be taking his place in placed Forest Path, as well as division team, FC Dordrecht, Saturday in July. As a result of the the final field. Bulsara, Service Ace, Bouquet- commencing August 1. World Cup, a decision was taken to Fort Vogue is second favourite for Garni and Noblewood. Her daugh- Chabad House in move this year’s race to July 31. the race and there has been a con- ter, Mary Slack, could be represent- Johannesburg said in a media The new date has caused quite a stant dribble of money for this horse ed by Happy Valley, also trained by release: “Yoni would like to be a few disruptions in the KwaZulu- who ran fourth in the J&B Met at De Kock. source of inspiration and Natal racing calendar and has given Kenilworth in Cape Town earlier this Bridget, fondly known as the encouragement to his younger trainers quite a few problems in try- year. “Queen Mum” of South African rac- peers, whom like him, have big ing to keep their runners at a peak Favourite for the race is Irish ing, received the winner’s sash for the personal aspirations. right through the season. Flame, who has recently joined the sixth time in 2007 after the victory of “Thus, he has personally Although the final field will only be Mike de Kock yard. The son of 2003 the Charles Laird-trained Hunting pledged to lay tefillin every day announced this week, there will be winner Dynasty was recently bought Tower. while embarking on this new Five of the chapter in his life. He has also Irish Flame, Oppenheimer victors, undertaken to attend shul as owned by Tiger Fish (1959), King regularly as possible while he is Larry Nestadt, Willow (1965), Prin- abroad.” Bernard cipal Boy (1975), Greys Yoni is pictured here laying Kantor and Inn (2004) and Hunting tefillin at Chabad in the Mall, Tower (2007) were also Gary Barber, the day before departing for FC bred by themselves. Dordrecht. is currently 4-1 favourite for this year’s Vodacom Durban July. (PHOTOGRAPH: JC PHOTO- GRAPHICS) Benayoun lashes out at Benitez for ‘lack of respect’ ISRAELI MIDFIELDER blames worked against me. The situa- his old coach for transfer to tion got worse afterwards. Chelsea. Yossi Benayoun “He told me I was a better launched a scathing attack on player as a substitute instead of his former Liverpool manager starting in the team. Then, Rafa Benitez, claiming the when we played Birmingham Spaniard tried to break his spir- after I hadn’t started a game for it and treated him with a lack of a month, he didn’t tell me I was respect. starting until two hours before The 30-year-old Israel captain the game. He tried to destroy left Liverpool for Premier my confidence. You can’t treat League champion Chelsea in a a player like this and expect £5,5 million move earlier this him to be happy. month and last Sunday blasted Former Liverpool mid- “I felt so unhappy but, out of Benitez in uncharacteristic fash- fielder Yossi Benayoun respect to the club, I never ion. “Everyone asks me why I has lashed out at Rafa spoke out. The players and the left Liverpool,” Benayoun told Benitez. people at the top of the club the News of The World. “There knew how I felt. I don’t want to is only one reason - Rafa Benitez. speak on behalf of other players at “I agreed to join Chelsea before Roy Liverpool, but people know what happened Hodgson was appointed Liverpool’s new to Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso. It was the manager. It’s a dream for me that such a fan- same for me. tastic club has given me this opportunity. The midfield magician went on to reveal “But I want Liverpool fans to know the that Benitez essentially pushed him out of truth and for them to know I made up my the club at the end of last season. mind to leave a long time ago because of “On the day before the final game of last Benitez. He never treated me with the season at Hull, Benitez pulled me to one side respect I deserved. If I played well, I never after training and said: ‘You will not be in felt he gave me credit. the squad for this game. Thank you for your “When I scored, I still expected to be out of three years of service, now you can call your the team the next game. And when the fans agent to do a deal with another club.’ That’s wanted me to play, Benitez told me he could when Chelsea made an offer and the deal not understand why.” was done before Benitez left.” Benayoun, who made 134 appearances Benayoun understands that he will have during his three seasons with the Reds after to work extremely hard to break into joining from West Ham in May 2007, added: Chelsea’s lineup. “There are many examples of him treating “I’m not stupid. I know Chelsea have me badly. On two occasions early last sea- many great players and it will be hard to son, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans play in the team every week,” he said. booed when I was subbed. They thought I “But what’s important for me is I know I was playing well but Benitez told me he was will be treated with respect. Carlo Ancelotti surprised the fans booed because I was not is a fantastic manager and he knows how to good enough. It was as if the fans’ reaction treat players.”