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www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday, 02 September 2011 / 03 Elul, 5771 Volume 15 Number 33 Old comrades at SAJBD Conference

Michael Schneider, secretary general emeritus of the World Jewish Congress, with Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe at the 46th South African Jewish Board of Deputies conference last Saturday in Johannesburg. In the 1960s Schneider was a member of the anti-apartheid African Resistance Movement and fled to London to avoid arrest when the movement was crushed by the apartheid government. (PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER) SEE PAGES 4-5 DAVIS: Russell SAKS: Guarding liberals’ Controversial Glenn Limmud in Jewish Travel: Tribunal charade / 8 place in history / 9 Beck CT talk / 3, 8 Stellenbosch / 7 Greece / 16 YOUTH / 17 SPORT / 20 LETTERS / 12 CROSSWORD & BRIDGE / 18 COMMUNITY BUZZ / 6 WHAT’S ON / 18 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011 SHABBAT TIMES PARSHA OF THE WEEK September 2/3 Elul September 3/4 Elul Shoftim Who am I? Starts Ends 17:38 18:28 Johannesburg 18:10 19:03 Cape Town 17:24 18:14 Durban 17:43 18:34 Bloemfontein PARSHAT SHOFTIM 17:42 18:34 Port Elizabeth Rabbi Yossi Chaikin 17:34 18:26 East London Rav, Oxford Synagogue-Centre

ON WEDNESDAY morning we started blowing the shofar, heralding the countdown to Rosh Hashanah. Published by “Wake up,” the piercing, shrill sound tells us, “you S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, are in the last month of the year. The Day of PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 Tel: (011) 023-8160 Judgment is getting nearer.” Fax: (086) 634-7935 There is no doubt that a Jew behaves differently Printed by Caxton Ltd during the month of Elul. The soul can intuitively EDITOR - Geoff Sifrin feel that the High Holy Days are coming up. The [email protected] result is that we are more careful and more deliber- ate in the way we speak or act. So there is less COMMERCIAL MANAGER Sue Morris lashon hara, more attention to kashrut, Shabbat, [email protected] our relationship with our friends and family. Sub-Editor - Paul Maree Each of our actions, words and even thoughts, is Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille flanked by a guest (left) and his “friend for the carefully weighed against the measure of our Torah Ed Co-ordinator - Sharon Akum day” at the One to One Fair. [email protected] value system. Senior Reporter - Rita Lewis Hypocritical, one may ask: After all is said and [email protected] done, we are judged on Rosh Hashanah for the Sports Editor - Jack Milner entire year’s behaviour, not just for the desperate Albert’s amazing [email protected] last-ditch attempts to ingratiate ourselves before Books Editor - Gwen Podbrey G-d. And clearly Hashem cannot be fooled. So, why not just be ourselves and be honest with our Maker? Arts Editor - Robyn Sassen [email protected] This raises a very fundamental question: Who, in joyride of service Youth Editor - Alison Goldberg fact, is the real me? [email protected] Let me illustrate my point by way of a well-known EDITED BY MOIRA SCHNEIDER the day”, sharing the fun-of-the-fair as bud- CAPE TOWN dies. Cape Town correspondent Chassidic story: Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 A certain Chassid left his home shtetl for business PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED Glass describes “an air of fun, laughter Pretoria correspondent purposes. Living in the big city, he did not feel com- and camaraderie” at this year’s event that Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 fortable walking around with the full Chassidic ONE TO One Day Fair for the Intellectually took place on August 14 at the Good Hope Advertising - (011) 023-8160 regalia. He thus started dressing in a business suit, as Challenged convener for the past 31 years, Centre. “Wall to wall, the guests enjoyed [email protected] he thought befits a respectable person of his stature. Albert Glass, is challenging other centres to themselves and shared the enjoyment with Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 But of course the civvies were reserved for the emulate Cape Town’s example. And he is the new-found friend,” he recalls. [email protected] city. On every visit back home, when he came to see even prepared to lend a hand in getting He still experiences as much joy and sat- Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 the Rebbe, he would once again don the full things up and running. isfaction, coupled with a great deal of [email protected] Chassidic garb, including the long black jacket, the Inspired by the biblical imperative to excitement, as he did at the first such gath- Marlene Bilewitz: 083-475-0288 fur hat and the knee-length socks. “Love thy neighbour”, Glass has been at the ering in 1981. [email protected] This carried on for years until one day the helm of over 30 organisations, including “To have the merit to organise an event Adi Lew: 083-407-8034 Chassid thought to himself: “Why am I being a hyp- Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Christian reli- such as this and to see the smiles of satis- [email protected] ocrite? Why do I need to pretend and dress up for the gious groups, as well as service, social, faction and hear the squeals of joy and Classified Sales Rebbe? I must just be honest with myself and with school and student groups, convening a fair, excitement, makes the effort so worth- Charissa Newman him.” replete with stalls, live entertainment and while,” he says. [email protected] On his next visit, the man went home, sans an assortment of bands, exclusively for the “Coupled with working and engaging Manager: Distribution handicapped. with so many like-minded fellow Britt Landsman Chassidic garb. As was his custom, he set off for the house of his mentor, and put out his hand in greet- In excess of 3 500 handicapped are feted Capetonians, has made it an amazing joy Design and layout in the company of volunteer “friends for ride.” Frankie Matthysen ing. “Shalom Aleichem, Rebbe… Please excuse my Nicole Cook appearance. I have decided no longer to pretend and Website to dress up for you, so I’ve come clothed the way I KASHRUT ALERT www.sajewishreport.co.za normally do.” Ilan Ossendryver The Rebbe gave his pupil a deep, long, penetrating KINDER JOY CHOCOLATE EGGS NOW KOSHER IC-Creations glance. Then, with a sigh, he said: “So it seems that THE KASHRUT department of the Union ensure that such errors are prevented in [email protected] it was for me you that have been dressing up. I am so of Orthodox Synagogues has announced future. Subscription enquiries disappointed. All along, I assumed you were getting Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd that Kinder Joy Chocolate Eggs (with a toy Appletiser and Peartiser are kosher and Tel: 0860-13-2652 dressed up for them.” in the centre), are now kosher, milchick, Parev with or without the Beth Din Logo in So, this is in fact the question each one of us must (not chalav Yisrael) under supervision of any form of packaging BOARD OF DIRECTORS ask ourselves: Which one is the real me? The Jew of Howard Feldman (Chairman), Issie Kirsh the Johannesburg Beth Din, “when manu- The Freshers range of products avail- (Deputy Chairman), Stan Kaplan, the whole year or the Jew of the month of Elul? The factured in South Africa, with or without able at Fruit and Veg City erroneously Marlene Bethlehem, Norman Lowenthal, person who talks as he pleases, eats what he pleas- the Beth Din logo on the packaging”. bear the Beth Din logo, and are NOT certi- Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter, es, partakes in whatever comes his or her way? Or Only Kinder Joy Eggs are approved at fied as kosher. The kashrut department is Herby Rosenberg, Howard the individual who is deliberate and calculated in this stage. Other Kinder Joy products may working closely with the company to cor- Sackstein, Jason Valkin, Elton each of his or her actions, testing each thought, Bondi, Michael Sieff, Steven n. become approved at a later date. rect this, and Fruit and Veg City apologises Krawitz and Denese Bloch. word and deed against an ethical and moral stan- The kashrut department says Illovo for the error dard. Chocolate Sauce is erroneously marked as The kashrut department was informed Advertisements and editorial copy from What the shofar is really telling us is: “Be true to Parev; however, this product is Milchik. by the OK that Goldcrest Artichoke Hearts outside sources do not neccessarily reflect your real self.” The company has apologised for the error. erroneously bears an OK logo, and this the views of the editors and staff. Ketiva vaChatima Tova The kashrut department is taking steps to product is NOT certified by the OK.

Trevor Stamelman: 082-608-0168 Geoff Lees 082-923-8317 Tel: (011) 885-3742 [email protected] www.stamelmanproperties.co.za

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MOIRA SCHNEIDER Referring to the “very powerful and News talk- CAPE TOWN. important” Goldstone Commission Re- show host port on the 2008/9 Gaza War, Barghouti Glenn Beck, NEGOTIATIONS HAD become nothing said the justice had been “subjected to the addresses the but a cover for Israel’s de facto process worst level of blackmailing, to the extent community at of building settlements on the ground that he was forced to deny sections of the the Gardens and that was why the country was “so Report”. Comparing this to McCarthyism Synagogue. crazy” about the Palestinians’ intention in the United States, he described doing to ask the United Nations for state “such a thing to a person who is Jewish recognition in September. and an intellectual” as “the ultimate vio- So said Palestinian politician and lation of human rights”. activist Dr Mustafa Barghouti, at a sem- Barghouti said that the weekly de- Controversial inar titled “The way forward for the monstrations by his “non-violent popu- Palestinian struggle”, held under the Dr Mustafa Barghouti, Palestinian lar resistance movement” were met in auspices of the Palestine Solidarity politician and activist, speaking at UCT. some areas with severe violence. “I can’t Glenn Beck Forum at the University of Cape Town. understand it when the world remains Barghouti, a former presidential can- the beginning of the 21st century.” silent in the face of this and they (Israel) didate for the Palestinian Authority and Referring to what he termed “road don’t get any criticism.” 2010 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, who segregation”, Barghouti said this never Asked by a member of the audience professes his received his postgraduate medical train- existed in South Africa or the United whether he acknowledged that there ing in Jerusalem, was on a lecture tour States under segregation. “Most main was a legitimate existential threat to of South Africa. roads inside the West Bank are blocked Israel, Barghouti denied that that coun- love for Israel He is the secretary-general of the and for the exclusive use of Israeli set- try was threatened in any way. Palestinian National Initiative (PNI), a tlers and the army. “It has the fourth-largest army in the STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY MOIRA SCHNEIDER political/social party he co-founded “I would be sentenced to six months world, the strongest army in the Middle CAPE TOWN with (the late) Edward Said, among oth- in jail if I was caught driving or walking East - nobody is planning to destroy ers and is a distant cousin of jailed in these streets. How would you call this Israel,” except for those who threatened WHEN THE world turns its back on Israel and the Jewish Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti. situation if not apartheid?” he asked. to do so but weren’t able to, he said. people, it turns its back on human rights. “Your very exis- Comparing the occupied territories to Barghouti, a medical doctor, used to “To keep using the old propaganda tence teaches us this every single day - you are vital.” Bantustans in apartheid South Africa, work in Jerusalem, but said the Israelis that Israel is the victim, is nothing but These were the words of controversial conservative he said the whole of the Palestinian had not allowed him to do so since he an illusion. You cannot equate between commentator and former Fox News talk-show host Authority was under occupation. “Even had run for the presidency of the the occupier and the occupied, just like Glenn Beck, who addressed an almost capacity audi- the president can’t move from one city Palestinian Authority. you can’t compare (the situation ence at the Gardens Synagogue this week, under the to another without an Israeli permit.” Acknowledging the suffering of the between) a rapist and a woman being auspices of Israel advocacy organisation Group 18. Conceding that some Israelis were Jewish people in history, he said that raped,” he said. His presentation, which took on the tone of an evan- “upset” at the apartheid comparison, he that did not justify the suffering of Barghouti was scheduled to meet with gelical rally, followed a four-day visit to Israel, both part said: “Israel should not be angry at what Palestinians today. “Because of their parliamentarians and officials of the of his “Courage to Stand for Israel” global campaign. we call it, but about the fact that they suffering, they should be much more Department of International Relations “The case of human rights has been so perverted, it created the worst system of apartheid at careful about the suffering of other peo- and Co-operation while in the country. doesn’t even resemble humanity anymore,” he said to enthusiastic applause. Human rights proponents had opposition to apartheid had already cost become “nothing other than gross caricatures” of the him his position in Johannesburg as original leaders of the movement. Nationalisation of mines “I propose a path where we link arms, where we have assistant rabbi at the Wolmarans Street Shul, where he had a clash with state to agree on the big things. We can’t leave it to other peo- prosecutor Dr Percy Yutar, for his anti- ple. Who’s going to protect your rights? Who cares more not an option, says Turok than you? The commissions of the world didn’t stop the apartheid sermons. STORY BY ILAN SOLOMONS Museum in Johannesburg. The site is of The community in Krugersdorp Holocaust, it was individuals that stopped apartheid.” SAUJS NATIONAL LIAISON major significance as it is the original informed the security police that the Beck, a recovering alcoholic, told the audience that he 1930s home of political leader Dr AB rabbi had taken in the children of Ben was a Mormon. “We’re the Jews of Christendom,” he AN ANC stalwart has been blunt that Xuma, who was a prominent member of Turok, a banned person. This resulted said to laughter. “They hate us - I don’t know why, but nationalisation of the country’s mines the ANC. in the security police ransacking the they do. was not an option. SAUJS recently The public talk took the form of the rabbi’s house and causing tremendous “I’ve been so moved by the obedience to G-d that your hosted ANC parliamentarian and anti- official Johannesburg book launch of emotional strife to his young family and faith has demonstrated,” he added, referring to individ- apartheid Struggle icon, economist Turok’s latest series of books entitled to the young Turok children. The full uals he had witnessed praying at the Western Wall at Prof Ben Turok, editor of the New “The Historical Roots of the ANC - account of this story can be found in the 02:00. “Why? Because G-d told them to. Agenda and founder of the Institute of Understanding the ANC Today”. On a book Cutting Through the Mountain. “I respect you, I thank you for your example. How few African Alternatives in the UK and bitterly cold evening, the audience was SAUJS believes strongly in engaging people there are that live it and if you’re not living it, Africa. warmed by the fascinating history of a in matters which are of relevance to shame on you,” he stated. Turok, who has written many books, movement which is close onto 100 years South Africa, which is why we host the Beck recalled seeing prayer shawls on display in a especially relating to the ANC’s policies old. likes of Prof Turok and others who have room on a recent visit to Auschwitz. “I thought: ‘Who and its history, spoke to SAUJS students There was a lively discussion after- played and continue to play an impor- stands there amidst all the evil and you put on a prayer from Wits and the University of Jo- wards regarding some of the professor’s tant role in our society. shawl?’ hannesburg, on the development of the analysis of certain elements of the ANC We are also reminded that although “In the worst of the worst, the obedience to G-d - what ANC’s economic policies over the and especially of the particular figures some, including Prof Turok, Denis a miracle!” course of its history. who he felt tarnished the image of the Goldberg, Rabbi Isaacson and others Recalling his first Shabbat at the Great Synagogue in His talks were based mostly on his movement. All in all it was a very enlight- whom we have hosted recently, played Jerusalem, he said he had heard a prayer that had been book “From the Freedom Charter to ening evening which holds a very signifi- an integral part in the anti-apartheid “in my heart and on my lips since”. Beck wept - one of Polokwane - The Evolution of ANC cant and tragic place in South African struggle, we are also reminded about several such occasions during his address - as he quot- Economic Policy”. history due to apartheid laws that caused the opposition they faced by segments of ed from the Shemoneh Esrei in reference to “those who The obvious questions that arose the wholesale demolition not only of the the Jewish community and the fact that design evil against me”: “Thwart them, not destroy related to the nationalisation of the physical buildings of the suburb, but of just as there were individual Jews who them,” he summarised the supplicant’s request. mines in South Africa, in light of ANC its vibrant community as well. opposed the apartheid system in South “This is the message the world is missing, this is the Youth League leader Julius Malema’s SAUJS also set up a meeting between Africa, so too there were those who not message the world has forgotten,” he stressed. demand for the mines to be nation- Turok and his old comrade of the pre- only were silent, but openly collaborat- Israel had “one of the highest standards of freedom”, alised, the lack of growth in ANC’s dominantly white affiliate of the ANC, ed with system. he maintained, asking, “Where else in the Middle East Freedom Charter relating to economic the Congress of Democrats, in which SAUJS hopes that by hosting this type can women drive, go out at night and homosexuals policy, made it clear that “nationalisa- both men were very active. Rabbi Ben of speakers, it can raise the level of con- serve in the army and not be stoned to death?” tion of our mines is just not an option. It Isaacson, in fact, once took in Turok’s science in our community and ensure Noting that he was sometimes called “a Jew-loving has failed elsewhere and there is noth- young children when Turok and his wife that we increase the sensitivity of not anti-Semite”, Beck said he was often asked what moti- ing to indicate that it will work here.” Mary, went into hiding in the 1960s and only the Jewish community, but the vated him by people who “can’t figure out why someone SAUJS was also fortunate to host a none of his family was willing to take the broader South African society. This is to would stand up for the Jewish people. I’d stand up for public event with Prof Turok in con- children in for security reasons. ensure more people are aware of our any people – I happen to be pro-human. junction with the Trevor Huddleston Rabbi Isaacson was at the time the painful history and learn from it, in “Do you think I want to do this and be called every Memorial Centre in Sophiatown, at the rabbi of the conservatively-minded order to allow for a far brighter future name in the book? I don’t care – I’m doing what I under- Sophiatown Cultural Centre and Krugersdorp Jewish community and his for all people who live in South Africa. stand the Lord is telling me to do.” 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES CONFERENCE

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Eric Samson Zev Krengel and Yuli Michael Schneider and and Mary Kluk. Edelstein. Kgalema Motlanthe. Go home or Jewish community can help defuse youth stay home, unemployment time-bomb - Motlanthe STAFF REPORTER the ages of 18 - 24 who were unemployed gramme to help uplift poor performing PHOTOGRAPHS BY ILAN OSSENDYVER and not in any institution of learning. schools in rural and township communities.” says Krengel “This statistic represents the ticking The SAJBD Human Rights Award was time-bomb that threatens to flame pent-up posthumously given to anti-apartheid STAFF REPORTER UNEMPLOYMENT among the youth in South Africa is a ticking time bomb and emotions within the youth if not urgently activist Arthur Goldreich. His sons, Paul the Jewish community can help out in this addressed. and Amos received the award at the THE TOP six members of the ANC and the regard. “I believe that the South African Jewish SAJBD Conference on their father’s presidency were good friends of Israel, but These were the words of Deputy Board of Deputies is well-positioned to behalf. (trade union umbrella body) Cosatu need- President Kgalema Motlanthe, speaking at help us answer some of these challenges The Mendel Kaplan – Eric Samson ed to be watched, outgoing chairman of the 46th conference of the SA Jewish because of the skills, knowledge and influ- Community Service awards were handed the SAJBD, Zev Krengel, told the confer- Board of Deputies (SAJBD). ence your members wield as significant to Gerald Leissner and Mickey Glass and ence. Krengel who was elected unopposed “We have recently seen around the world role-players in the South African econo- the Lifetime Achievement Award went to as national president, was succeeded as how disgruntled youth have participated my,” he said. Eric Samson. national chairman by Mary Kluk from in spontaneous revolution because govern- “We also believe that, given your experi- A new book called Jewish Memories of Durban. ments have not provided them with hope of ence in developing an independent school- Mandela, was launched and a copy pre- “We need not overact to anti-Semitism. a better future; while at the same time ing system, the Jewish Board of Deputies sented to the guest speaker, Deputy Jacob Zuma said he stood by Israel and sup- minority class groups continue to flaunt can share and contribute immensely to our President Kgalema Motlanthe. ported a two-state solution. But Cosatu could their wealth through conspicuous con- education improvement objectives through It tells of the roles played by Jewish become a problem and needs to be watched. sumptive culture,” he said. teacher training and other mentoring South Africans, ranging from doctrinaire “The ANC will pull them in line and any- South Africa was not insulated from activities. Communists with little Jewish identity, to one who is anti-Semitic. There is a deep those challenges, especially because it had “We are also looking to your contribution prominent Jewish community leaders, in commitment to make Jews feel at home,” close to 2,8 million young people between through our business-adopt- a-school pro- the life and career of Nelson Mandela. he said. Former President Thabo Mbeki used to use the Jewish litmus test to gauge if they felt at home. If they did, other minorities Blatant anti-Semitism rife in Chavez’s Venezuela would too. STAFF REPORTER beginning of 19th century from Iraq and Krengel said South African Jews should prospered due to trade and business they either stay at home or go home. THE VENEZUELAN government (of Hugo conducted with the British in India; Cochini Yuli Edelstein, Israel’s Minister of Chavez) was blatantly anti-Semitic, Sammy Jews – whose first arrival was at the begin- Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, a Eppel, a representative of the Venezuela ning of first century BCE, settled at Shingley guest speaker at the Conference, slammed Jewish community, told the SAJBD near Cochin, the second arrival being during critics of his country, who compare Israel Conference. 1492 at the time of Spanish Expulsion. to apartheid. “We have a free, democratic There were “thousands of different com- The Indian Jewish community, he said, and open society for all. Everyone can vote, munications” on a daily basis by govern- had been highly respected in India and has recourse to the law, rights and obliga- ment and officials which spread anti-Semitic hence the population was reasonably well- tions.” views in the media in general and on TV. integrated into Indian society, where perse- Edelstein extended a hand of friendship Slogans such as “Terrorist state of Israel” cution or anti-Semitism did not exist. to South Africa and offered Israel’s assis- were prominent. There were stories put out Serge Berdugo, ambassador at large of tance, “whether it is technology, agricul- of Israeli girls painting bombs which were the King of Morocco and president of the ture or water. Sammy Eppel. to be dropped on Palestinians. Moroccan Jewish community, said the “It is a pleasure to see progress in the “We are subjected to daily abuse by gov- “When we complained, we were told that South African Jewish community and the country since Mandela’s liberation. Israel ernment media,” he said. if we reported the matter to Fifa, the players Moroccan one were among the very few last is always ready to assist.” Even at Christmas time, when, in Latin would be punished, not the government, so organised Jewish communities established Anti-apartheid activist Michael Sch- America the tradition was to have nativity we should go ahead. We could not be punish- as such in Africa. neider, secretary general emeritus of the scenes, the government placed pictures or ing the team so we shut up,” he said. “Once upon a time, not so far away, beau- World Jewish Congress, also a guest speak- statues of Israeli soldiers guarding baby Some of the choices and challenges facing tiful and numerous Jewish communities er at the conference, said there should be Jesus and other anti-Israel propaganda. Indian Jewry at present, were little different lived for years in Morocco and in all of concern among Jews about the return of Children were influenced by this anti- from those that had faced Diaspora Jewry northern and eastern Africa. hatred of Jews with neo-Nazism resurging Semitism and the seeds of hatred were generally over the past centuries, Ralphy “From Morocco to Libya, Egypt and in Eastern Europe and a burgeoning num- being sewn in the new generation. Jhirad, India chairman of the Indian Zionist Sudan, Ethiopia, all along the southern ber of Muslims living in Europe. The propaganda during last year’s Soccer Federation, said. Mediterranean to Minor Asia, the historical “Anti-Semitism, untruths and false World Cup was outrageous, he said. During There were three main Jewish communi- nest and centre of Judaism, very large com- notions are being spread. Police in Europe the TV breaks between the games, Israeli ties in India: Bene Israel Jews – who arrived munities lived in these lands of Islam and should pay more attention to what is being soldiers were shown kicking a ball into a 175 BCE from Caanan after a shipwreck at contributed to world knowledge and civilisa- said in mosques on a daily basis. If group of cowering Muslim women. Navgaon; Bagdadi Jews - who arrived at the tion,” he said. Muslims start voting en-block in some countries, they could take control of gov- ernments in France, the UK and Ger- many,” he warned. Struggle activism also takes its toll on the children Schneider said there were moderate STAFF REPORTER Children of Struggle activists suffered enor- munity as well. Muslims and Jews should reach out on dia- mous trauma, much the same as their parents, Paul, who is a psychoanalyst, said studies logue to them, and should sponsor new ini- THE CONGRESS of South African said Paul Goldreich, at the event. Paul was in showed worldwide there was a high rate of tiatives for mullahs and rabbis to meet, Students (Cosas) tried to put a halt to the South Africa to receive the SA Jewish Board mental illness among children of political study the Qur’an and Torah together and hosting of Paul and Amos Goldreich, sons Director’s Human Rights Award which was fighters. find commonalities, he said. of the late anti-apartheid stalwart Arthur given to him and his brother Amos on behalf of Steven Gruzd of the SAJBD said the Jewish The Internet was a powerful tool which Goldreich, at Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, at their father. community was proud of the life and work of was being successfully used for good as the start of the SAJBD conference. He said he had a deep connection with the Arthur Goldreich, who passed away in Israel well as bad messages. After hearing that they, and other Jewish farm. He was a child of six-and-a-half on the in May, and the Board was privileged to host “It, and other social network media is struggle heroes would be attending a meet- night of the police raid, where all the adult occu- two of his sons at Liliesleaf (where the being used by neo-Nazis and Jew haters and ing and media conference at Liliesleaf - pants, including both his parents, were arrested. Goldreichs actually lived). we have to find a counter to this,” he said. which is now a national monument - Cosas “It was a night I cannot forget. It marked the “As we know, the lives of the children of Schneider was a member of the African tried to pressurise Nick Wolpe, head of end of our way of life as we knew it. We saw our political activists were profoundly affected Resistance Movement during apartheid, Liliesleaf, into refusing the Board permis- parents being arrested and police taking all our by their parents’ activities. They too can be before he fled to London to escape the sion to host the function there. Wolpe belongings. They also questioned me,” he said. regarded in many ways as Struggle veterans. Special Branch. ignored the request. Paul said the raid was the start of a life It is well known that many of the prominent “I had a dream of seeing a free South However, many other prominent Jewish where he experienced a profound sense of white activists and Struggle leaders, seized in Africa and I lived to see that. Now I dream activists refused to attend. The feeling was shame because his parents were in prison. It the police raid on this place in July 1963, were of one day seeing peace between Israel and that they had been ostracised during was the start of a life of a constant stem of Jewish by birth, and many of the white peo- Palestine. apartheid and now the community was try- abuse, attacks and shunning by members of ple involved in other aspects of the Struggle ing to embrace them. the Jewish community and the broader com- had Jewish roots,” he said. 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 SA JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES CONFERENCE African Jewish Congress discusses black African ‘Jewish’ groupings DAVID SAKS sheer ignorance, and emphasised In his report on the current sit- the need for all friends of Israel, uation in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe IMMEDIATELY following the Jewish and non-Jewish, to contin- Jewish Board of Deputies chair- SAJBD national conference on ually find ways to make the real man Sam Benatar said that there Sunday, representatives from facts known to the wider public. had been some improvement on seven Southern African countries AJC President Mervyn Smith the economic front, but unfortu- came together at the same venue introduced the topic of black nately this had not been paral- for the meeting of the African African groups claiming Jewish leled by any similar progress in Jewish Congress (AJC). Parti- descent and/or that they prac- the political realm. cipating countries included South ticed Judaism as their religion In an audiovisual presentation, Benita Levin, Danny K, Amanda Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zim- and requested input on what kind Rabbi Silberhaft showed some of Kravitz Herson, Steven Bacher babwe, Mauritius, Swaziland and of policy should be followed in the highlights of the AJC’s activi- and Wayne Sussman. Zambia. Amongst the issues this regard by the AJC. The pre- ties over the past two years. This reported back on and discussed vailing view was that since these included the unveiling of new were the question of black groups were not halachically plaques honouring individuals African groupings claiming to be Jewish nor in fact practicing any associated with the Jewish Second Jewish, the impact of the Middle recognised form of Judaism, there World War detainees on Mauritius Don’t be spectators in East situation and welfare initia- could not be any interaction with and the maintenance of the ceme- tives in Zimbabwe aimed at assist- them that suggested extending tery there, participating in the UN SA, Benita Levin urges ing both Jews and the general recognition on a religious basis. International Holocaust Day in population. However, this did not preclude Namibia and the ongoing work of STAFF REPORTER brand manager who returned to The two international speakers, engaging in normal outreach the AJC Zimbabwe Fund in assist- South Africa after a 12-year stay in Israeli Minister of Public activities or general cultural ing needy members of the OUTRAGE ABOUT anti-Semitic the United States said that on her Diplomacy & Diaspora Affairs exchanges with them. Zimbabwe Jewish community. He remarks should not be kept quiet, return, she wanted to get involved Yuli Edelstein and Michael Sch- Jewish-headed social outreach also described how he had been but should be shouted loudly from in the country, but found it difficult. neider, Secretary General Eme- initiatives extending beyond the hospitalised following an attack the rooftops, Benita Levin of “I didn’t know how to integrate ritus of the World Jewish Con- confines of the Jewish communi- by bees in Harare, quipping that Radio 94.7, told the Conference in Jewish values and generosity and gress, focused mainly on the glob- ty featured in AJC committee was one ‘BEE deal’ that had gone a session on “Our Roles, Rights found it is about small things like al campaign to delegitimise Israel member Ann Harris’ report on very wrong. and Responsibilities”. LeadSA where all small deeds and what was being done and Bulawayo. Harris described the At the conclusion of the meet- South African Jewish singer, count,” she said. needed to be done to counter it. work of SGOFOTI (Support ing, Smith was re-elected as Danny K (Koppel) started Shout Wayne Sussman said there were Schneider described the diplomat- Group of Families of Terminally President, while Ann Harris was SA, an anti-crime movement, amazing opportunities in which the ic initiatives currently underway Ill), founded and is co-headed by elected as a vice-chairperson and about 18 months ago in response Jewish community could become by the World Jewish Congress community member Ruth Bol- Benatar and Harold Pupkewitz to an incident where singer Lucky involved and one was South concerning the imminent UN vote nick-Feigenbaum. She also re- from Namibia as co-vice chair- Dube was shot and killed in a Africa’s bid for the SKA telescope. on the proposed unilateral decla- ported back on the opening of the men. Ordinary committee mem- hijacking. He said it had gal- He said education in the coun- ration of Palestinian statehood, as Rabbi Moshe Library for primary bers appointed are Laurence vanised the music industry into try, and the standard of matric well as the ongoing need to count- school-age children, named after Miller and Li Boiskin (Cape the fight against crime. was not good enough. er the baleful influence of Iran in AJC Spiritual Leader and CEO Town), Richard Lyons (Botswana) The ringtone of a song composed “We have to get rid of dependen- the region. Edelstein said that the Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, at the and Irene Zuckerman (represent- about crime, sold more tones than cy. It is not about Jewish rights root cause of hostility to Israel Vulindledla Youth Centre on 25 ing the International Council of ever before in South Africa. and roles, but about our responsi- was not so much prejudice as July this year. Jewish Women). Amanda Krawitz Herson, a bility,” he said. 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011

SOCIAL SCENE Rita Lewis [email protected] COMMUNITY BUZZ LIONEL SLIER 082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448, [email protected]

CAPE TOWN

Robin Cranko passed away in Cape Town earlier this month. Educated at Parktown Boys’ High, he did legal articles at Shneir Attorneys in Johannesburg. Phil Shneir was chairman of the JSAR Transvaal Amateur Football Club and later of the Southern Transvaal (Amateur) Football Association. (Incidentally his cousin was John Cranko who became a leading choreographer in London and Germany). Cranko practised law in Johannesburg and once asked for help by a man with a problem concerning a rental agreement, he remarked: “The law says this; now we must see how we get around it.” This so impressed a visiting overseas attorney that he The function’s organising team, Cynthia Eppel; Bernice Ichikowitz; Adele called it “The Cranko Factor”. Cranko relocated to Durban where he set up practice and Hill; and Greta Ronthal. With them is Lynette Douglas, (née Epstein) helped in many ANC cases. He left Durban under a cloud and to Mike and Benoni-born Jeannette (now living in Umhlanga Rocks) who spoke on Radio Chai FM this week escape from the Security Police - the Special Branch as they were Krasner. about the Springs/Brakpan/Benoni community and the reunion. ominously called - he ended up in Lesotho, in a township outside Maseru, scraping a living for several years. In October 1966, when Lesotho became independent, and South African Prime Minister BJ Vorster, attended the celebrations, Rich Jewish heritage of Cranko approached the security police from South Africa, who accompanied Vorster, to ask them if he could return. They said that he could. Shortly afterwards he did return and was promptly arrested and brought to court and charged with leaving South Africa with- East Rand towns recalled out a passport. He was jailed but later this was commuted to house arrest. He lived in Orange Grove and once hid a political STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY relationship with Nelson Mandela, She said that the prosperity of the prisoner who had escaped from Pretoria Central, for a few RITA LEWIS spoke on how much the communi- area had been built on the discovery months. ty’s young people who had moved of coal in the 1800s and a rich gold When his sentence was over Cranko took a trip to Durban with THE FACT that there were no offi- away from the area, were losing out seam some 100 years later. an Indian girl. They stopped halfway for something to eat at a cial speeches at the reunion of the on the closeness and chavershaft of People flocked to the area – and restaurant and the proprietor said that the girl was not allowed East Rand towns of Springs/ what small town communities could soon a growing Jewish community into his restaurant. There and then Cranko decided to leave Brakpan/Benoni, etc, held at the provide. had established itself there. South Africa and he went to Zimbabwe where he worked as a pub- Capri Hotel in Savoy, He spoke of the closeness and sin- The stone for a new shul in lic prosecutor. Johannesburg, this week, made no gle-mindedness of everyone (in Springs was laid by Rabbi Dr Joseph He left suddenly after a few years there and returned to difference to some 300 guests who those small South African “shtetls”) H. Hertz who wrote the Chumash Durban. From there he went to Cape Town where he went off the spent their time catching up on all and the friendship and camaraderie many use today and who went on to radar, so to speak. the latest news from their long-time that had existed then. be the new chief rabbi of the UK. Later he was located at Highland House, Cape Town’s resi- “landsleit” friends. He recalled that there had been no Very soon shuls in the other dence for the Jewish elderly. He suffered from failing health and It seemed that everybody who was Jewish school in Springs and towns were built and a Chevrah spent his last years in a wheelchair. somebody was there at the get- explained that most of the Jewish Kadisha was formed - as was a He was in his 70s when he passed away, but will be remembered together. children had gone to Hillel in Zionist League, a Union of Jewish for “The Cranko Factor” contribution to jurisprudence. Many had something to say about Benoni which was for both girls and Women and Habonim for the youth. those days, including Adele Hill, boys and offered a primary and high The cemetery was in Boksburg, VEREENIGING Bernice Ichikowitz, Cynthia Eppel school education for young and although many Springs names and Greta Ronthal, who worked well older learners. appear on the tombstones. as a team to make this event the suc- Jackie Krawitz recalled how The spiritual life of Springs, From Malcolm Pain: cess that it was. painful it was closing the doors of Boksburg, Brakpan and Benoni, etc It was learned that Barry Krasner the shul for the last time – a harrow- was always served by devoted men “I grew up in Vereeniging and attended Selborne Primary School and Hilton Kort had unfortunately ing moment in all their lives – espe- who ran the shul services, taught from 1945 to 1952. Many of the pupils were fine young Jewish boys passed on. The two were both popu- cially for that of Rabbi Mendel Torah in the Cheder and generally and girls. lar doctors and would have loved Liberow and his family, who had administered to the needs of their “Now as an old man, I have great regret that I did not know the being at the reunion, a close friend since moved to Johannesburg. flocks. history of the Jewish people. So, now that I do know, I can only said. Lynette Douglas, née Epstein To grow up in such a cohesive and say to the Jewish community please forgive us, the gentiles who Ivor Ichikowitz of the Umoja (now living in Umhlanga Rocks) warm community (as it still is – have treated you so badly. Foundation who recently launched spoke on Radio Chai FM this week although somewhat dispersed) was “No one will get away for what they have done, G d is in control a book on the Jewish community’s about the reunion. good fortune indeed. and all will have to stand before Him and give an account for what he or she has done. I am part of a group that regularly get togeth- er to discuss what is happening in Israel and to pray strategical- ly for its enemies to be defeated and also to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. “I would love to hear from those Jewish boys and girls who also attended Selborne School to contact me on my cell, 083-279-5389 or through my e-mail, [email protected]”

Luba Janet; JOHANNESBURG Jackie Krawitz; and SA Friends of Beth Hatefutsoth are pleased to announce the Adele Hill, launch of Volume 4 in the series Jewish Life in the South African From Benoni - Lorna Ossip (née from Country Communities. This volume covers all the towns and villages in KwaZulu- Jacobson) and Selma Buch (née Sacks). Springs. Natal, with the exclusion of the City of Durban. We will be publishing a separate book on the Free State which will be available in the next few months. Research on the towns and villages of the Southern Transvaal and Greater Escarpment is now in progress. We would greatly appreciate information, anecdotes and photo- graphs from people who came from the following towns: Amersfoort, Balfour, Bethal, Breyten, Carolina, Delmas, Devon, Ermelo, Greylingstad, Heidelberg, Hendrina, Kinross, Leandra (Leslie), Morgenzon, Nigel, Ogies, Piet Retief, Standerton, Trichardt, Volksrust, Wakkerstroom. Information and queries may be submitted by e-mail to: muse- Cynthia Eppel (née Miller) with Jackie Krawitz and Theo [email protected] or by telephone: (011) 645-2598. Kramer, who were neighbours, sang together in the Elona Steinfeld, Research Co-ordinator. SA Friends of Beth shul choir and played cricket together. Lana Roy; Sheila Lis; and Lana Stein. Hatefutsoth +2711-6452598. 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 7 Jewish ‘change-makers’ STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY tions in Habonim, established MOIRA SCHNEIDER iKhayalami - “my home” in Xhosa - CAPE TOWN which upgrades shelters in informal settlements. She spoke of a massive MORE THAN 500 people attended backlog in housing, pointing out the fifth Limmud conference, held that only one in 20 people would at the Protea Hotel Technopark in receive a government RDP house Stellenbosch last weekend. For the each year, with population growth first time, Limmud CT introduced a and movement from other areas, Sunday attendance to what was pre- exacerbating the situation irre- viously a totally residential event. deemably. As usual, there was a wide range Andy Bolnick. The NGO regarded informal set- of topics on offer; participants were tlements as part of the solution, not often hard-pressed to make a the problem and set about upgrad- choice. From a lively discussion on ing shelters, improving basic servic- whether Sarah mistreated Hagar, es and trying to ensure security of the “other woman” in Abraham’s tenure for the country’s (officially) life, conducted by a passionate 2,2 million shack-dwellers. Rebbetzen Esther Maizels examin- iKhayalami also reconfigured the ing biblical commentators, to stra- layout of informal settlements as tegies to counter the BDS cam- the existing “maze” lent itself to paign, to a session on controversial crime and violence, particularly vio- artist Steven Cohen, to name but a lence against women, she said. few, there was something for every- It had also created safe places for one. Elan Burman. kids where there had been none Participating in a panel discus- before. “We are setting precedents sion on young Jewish people mak- that we want government to repli- ing a difference, a Tertiary School cate,” she stated. in Business Administration (Tsiba) Aside from its “very strong rela- founder Gia Whitehead, noted that tionship” with the City of Cape the country’s higher education sys- Town, the group enjoyed broader tem was unable to meet the need for partnerships with national govern- high quality graduates. ment and was able to influence poli- Tsiba - started in 2004 - focused on cy, she said. taking underprivileged youths out of “‘In situ’ upgrade is the whole the townships and providing them concept and it has to happen very with a business education to equip Gia Whitehead. quickly,” she said. them to join the entrepreneurial Elan Burman, the assistant direc- class and become captains of industry. tor of the United Jewish Campaign here, Students of the four-year Bachelor of pointed out that there was a side of the com- Business Administration degree in entre- munity in serious need, with between eight preneurial leadership, were not required to and 12 per cent relying on some form of pay anything or pay back, but were expected “financial intervention”. to “pay forward” in their communities, “There are some cases where mothers schools and Tsiba, she said. Thus far, there have contemplated prostitution to feed their have been 30 graduates per year, of whom children,” he said. four have been awarded the prestigious “I see my role as a change-maker in indi- Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. vidual lives. There are so many people who There are two campuses and a further two have found a new energy through philan- are planned for 2013. “We have a fabulous thropic endeavour.” relationship with UCT. We’re not competing, The donor base was, however, ageing, he but targeting a different market.” added. “There is a responsibility on parents Andy Bolnick, who held leadership posi- to assist us in promoting philanthropy.” Average Jewish educational model ‘hopeless’ in certain ways STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY tion.” MOIRA SCHNEIDER Academic Dr Sally Frankental CAPE TOWN endorsed what the rabbi said in terms of offering a range of knowl- EVERY JEW needed to know Torah edge. She said that teachers should to be educated and needed to study possess a broad view, without being the classical texts in Hebrew. So experts in each aspect, so that a said Rabbi Greg Alexander of the “variegated, staggered, exciting” Cape Town Progressive Jewish curriculum could be drawn up, not Congregation, sharing his vision her experience of Jewish education for Jewish education at a panel dis- in this country. cussion at Limmud, Stellenbosch. Dr Sally Teachers needed to engage and Describing the average Jewish Frankental. challenge by asking questions that educational model as “hopeless” in made their learners think. There certain respects, he described the was, she said, a critical need in the “scorched earth” policy in religious SA Jewish community for continu- education of not providing a spec- ing teacher Jewish education. trum of Jewish practice, as “self- Saul Kaplan, newly-appointed defeating”. head of Jewish Life and Learning “Limmud is a fantastic model,” for the United Herzlia Schools, said he said, “but how many people he walked a tightrope: “For many stretch themselves and on a Friday I’m way too ‘frum’, for others I’m night go to ‘the other service’? not religious enough.” “They go with what they’re com- Sharing his idea of the measure of fortable with. I need to give my kids success of Jewish education, he said: the skills and ability to go out and Saul Kaplan. “It doesn’t matter to me whether an thrive in whatever Jewish practice individual is Orthodox or Reform. they choose - that’s real Jewish What matters is whether the learn- education.” ers use the insights gained about Rabbi Alexander’s eight-year-old Judaism to pattern their lives after son attends the Sinai Academy, a they have left Herzlia and whether Chabad initiative, where he has the they’re involved in Jewish life.” benefit of 10 hours a week of Stating that he intended to act Limmudei Kodesh, far exceeding “inclusively”, he added: “Every per- what is available elsewhere for his son in a Herzlia uniform is part of age. “I’ll send my child where he the Jewish community to me.” He can get a great and inspirational faced many challenges, he noted, Jewish education - I don’t care “close-mindedness.” about labels,” he commented. Rabbi Greg A learner in the audience com- On the topic of role models, he Alexander. mented on the “indoctrination” at stated: “We need to see women, les- Herzlia and “right-wing” ideas bian rabbis, long-haired rabbis of the being “shoved down our throats”. Rabbi Chassidic Litvish tradition - I want my child Alexander proposed a think tank around to see all of that. I’m not afraid of that - I Jewish education, an idea endorsed by oth- demand that from an educational institu- ers present. 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011 OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS Stepping up to Russell Tribunal: A charade of the plate bias dressed up as impartiality SCENES OF violence outside Luthuli House in Johannesburg this week, where ANCYL members A FEW weeks ago I participated yet Glenn Beck. purporting to support their president, Julius Malema again, in a debate about the academic Now, it may be that Beck was not burnt T-shirts with a picture of President Jacob and cultural boycott of Israel, this time THE JURY fired by Fox News, but it certainly Zuma, threw broken bricks at police and harassed held at UCT. appears that he had become even journalists, sent shivers down peoples’ spines. The occasion had more than the IS OUT unpalatable to that most right-wing Although the event was organised as a specific politi- usual degree of surrealism which char- Dennis Davis of news channels. This is a man who cal statement, it was also a glimpse of what could hap- acterises these events. The audience said of President Barack Obama: “...a pen in this country if the massive unemployment, was subjected to Associate Prof guy who has a deep-seated hatred for poverty and social problems are not are not mitigated Andrew Nash, excoriating not simply white people or white culture…This somehow. current Israeli government policy, but, does not dictate a denial that the guy is, I believe a racist.” (Fox New They are, as Vice President Kgalema Motlanthe in effect, the very idea of Israel at Occupation is foundationally wrong show July 28, 2009) said at last weekend’s SAJBD conference (reported on exactly the time that the Syrian regime and has caused untold pain. This is the same person the New pages 4 and 5), a “ticking bomb”. was butchering its own citizens. For me, once the debate is taken York Review of Books called the most Strong leadership from the ANC and others is need- Save for a claim by Nash’s debating over by ideologues on the left who effective demagogue in America, who ed to prevent South Africa descending into a catastro- partner at this event, Zackie Achmat, deny Israel a right to exist and on September 9, 2005 in the Glenn phe of social upheaval. Finding solutions is far from that he condemned the Syrian regime myopics on the right who refuse to Beck show said: “When I see a 9/11 simple. Creating jobs is a slow, long-term project and its repression, the idea that it accept that an Israeli government victim on television or whatever, I am requiring investment, confidence and optimism. And would be morally principled to debate can do any wrong, those who are sus- just like, Oh shut up I’m sick of them.” in the meantime, angry South African youth without how best to protest Syrian murder, was ceptible to rational engagement, Let me be clear: Anyone should be jobs or prospects, feel betrayed by the society which anathema to the pro-boycotter advo- head for the hills and the boycotters free to hear Beck, but the question promised them that after apartheid, things would get cates. then win the day. must be asked as to whom is he better. Sadly, debate with those who propose And that leads to the second quali- speaking, save for the most reac- The Jewish community is an integral, influential academic boycotts against Israel is a fication: There is a point trying to tionary elements of society? part of South Africa. It boxes above its weight in many futile business, save for two vital quali- persuade reasonable people that an Have we reached the point where fields. Jews’ skills and resources can - and do - play a fications. It is futile because the advo- academic and cultural boycott is we are prepared to ignore any view, role in alleviating the situation through their busi- cates of these boycotts refuse to accept wrong. Expressed differently, those however racist, hateful or xenopho- nesses, educational know-how, professions and the power of ideas, the capacity of art who oppose the boycott and are bic, as long as the person says nice organisations. Motlanthe urged Jews to continue to deconstruct shibboleths and, in this deeply committed to the peaceful sov- things about Israel? helping wherever they can. case, the sheer complexity and contra- ereignty of Israel, need to ask a sim- I refuse to believe that we are in so Any significant Jewish leader in this country must dictions which are inherent in Israeli ply question: When we engage in the parlous a position of moral bankrupt- take up this challenge for our own future’s sake, as democracy. public domain, whom are we trying cy that there are not those who have well as the country’s. Many discussions at the confer- For these people, all Israelis are the to persuade? the capacity to make us proud of ence were about this. same and all of Israel is a monolith and If the answer is only a percentage defending Jewish sovereignty, while SAJBD outgoing National Chairman Zev Krengel, no amount of fact is permitted to alter (even the majority) of our own com- helping to persuade those who will repeatedly called on Jews to be positive about South their argument. munity, then, sadly, it will not be long listen to reason, that engagement, not Africa; guest speaker Michael Schneider - a former The qualifications are, however, before we experience the widespread boycotts, is the preferred route. anti-apartheid activist and member of the African important: In every audience I have success of the boycott campaign. Sometimes we need to peek beyond Resistance Movement who had to flee the country to addressed, I have found many who If we are not simply willing or pre- our ghetto to realise that sometimes escape the security police in the 1960s - spoke of the refuse to be railroaded by the kind of pared to write off the entire world, we are our own worst enemies. dreams he had had for a free South Africa; a panel dis- passionate rhetoric of Achmat or the then it seems we need to argue from a As soon as Beck leaves our shores, cussion of five young Jews, including moderator moral expediency of Nash. point of view in which Israel is arrives the Kasrils travelling circus, Steven Bacher, exhorted South African Jewry to “get Others who have argued against placed in its best possible light, in known in the trade as the Russell involved” in helping the country heal and develop. these boycotts, tell of similar experi- which the complexity of the country Tribunal, which specialises in the On the flipside, Jewish leaders must also tackle ences. Thus, to ensure that the boy- is properly articulated and under- charade of bias dressed up as impar- issues that Jews face here as Jews. For one thing, cotters are resisted, it is necessary to standing of the “Other” is simultane- tiality. increasing demonisation of Israel and its effect on put Israel in the best possible light. ously present as dictated by our tra- While the best course is to ignore South African Jewry, including a possible rise in anti- For me, that entails showing audi- dition when read in the most coher- this exercise in partiality, all of these Semitism - which has traditionally been low in the ences that Israel cannot be conflated ent light. events - the boycott debate, Beck and country. with the toxic views of Avigdor For this reason, it is truly counter- his left-wing doppelganger Kasrils - A few decades ago, public expressions of anti- Lieberman, that the majority of productive to invite the most reac- compel even greater efforts to bring Semitism were unacceptable in most parts of the Israelis, absent a persistent existential tionary and hateful voices to argue reason and nuance into the public world after the Holocaust, and Israel was widely seen threat, favour a viable two-state solu- the case for Israel, as is now evident discourse. People of goodwill should as a brave little country fighting for its place among tion and that resistance to boycotts in the meeting which hosted not be silent at this time. the nations. This has changed in many places. Anti-Semitism is “coming out of the closet”; the campaign to delegit- imise Israel and brand it an “apartheid state” is grow- ing. The words of Sammy Eppel, a Venezuelan Jewish community leader, acted as a warning at the confer- ence: Venezuela was until recently not regarded as a Israelis place of serious anti-Semitism, but video clips he screened showed President Hugo Chavez spewing explicit anti-Semitic rhetoric on state TV. continue This trend represented, said Eppel, “the first time in recent history where there is state-sponsored anti- Semitism”. His other clips showed state TV’s coverage their of the Fifa Soccer World Cup, containing regular inserts promoting the Palestinian cause against Israel. This growing antipathy towards Israel in the media, march academia and government, is a central challenge for South African Jewish leaders going forward, includ- ing the upcoming Russell Tribunal in Cape Town in for social November, and the BDS campaign. Internally, leaders see a vibrant Jewish community which remains highly organised with superb Jewish

justice ZAMIR/FLASH 90/JTA) (YOSSI schools and other institutions. But it has shrunk by half over the past couple of decades, due to emigra- OWN CORRESPONDENT social issues movement resumed in way to show the return of correct tion, and stands now at some 70 000. It is hard for lead- force. Rallies occurred in Tel Aviv, national priorities to Israeli society,” ers to talk against emigration when sometimes their THOUSANDS OF Israelis marched Jerusalem, Rishon LeZion, Katzrin, Noam Shalit said last week when own relatives and even children are leaving. through the streets of Jerusalem on Jaffa, Harish and Tiberias. Organisers announcing he would take part in the Krengel has stepped down after a successful four- August 27 as they protested social said more than 20 000 people took part rally. On Saturday night, Shalit was year tenure during which channels to government inequalities and high living costs. in the Tel Aviv event on Ibn Gvirol introduced to thunderous applause were significantly enhanced, to the clear benefit of The government committee on social Street. shortly after the speeches began. South African Jewry. He is now national president. and economic issues will hand in its That rally was addressed by Noam “Social justice isn’t only the right to The Board is in good shape, with many young people findings before Rosh Hashanah, Sep- Shalit, father of kidnapped soldier have a home in Israel, but also the basic in its ranks with the energy and talent to face the chal- tember 28, Committee head Professor Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas in Gaza right to live. We are fighting for the life lenges of the time. Manuel Trajtenberg vowed Wednesday. since June 2006. It was his first public of our son Gilad, an IDF soldier who Mary Kluk from Durban has stepped up to the plate Trajtenberg spoke as the committee collaboration with the tent-city move- was captured while carrying out his as national chairman. She takes on a tough job in a held its last open session before begin- ment, showing solidarity between the duties, following a series of fai- tough time. We wish her strength and a strong hand ning internal discussions and handing movement to free his son and the social lures...We are demanding that our lead- on the tiller. May the saying “Cometh the hour, in its findings to the government. issues movement, ahead of Gilad’s 25th ers come together and pay the price cometh the man (or woman)” apply in all its positive Israelis took part in several mass birthday on Sunday. needed to bring Gilad home,” Noam meaning. protests last Saturday night, as the “Gilad Shalit back at home is the first Shalit said. (JTA) 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 9

OPINION AND ANALYSIS - FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS

The more Jews leaned towards the liberal side of the spectrum, the more connected they tended to be with matters Jewish. Liberals must resist relegation Post-1994, the role played by liberals (most famously, by Helen Suzman) in bring- ing about non-racial democracy, has been progressively underplayed, and not infre- quently openly scorned, by the dominant to the backburner of history political culture. It would seem that in order to qualify as a though; at bottom, what so many of them bit- Another interesting dimension to this is “Struggle” veteran, one had to have been BARBARIC terly resent is being publically identified as how it relates to another contentious phe- jailed, banned or forced into exile. being Jewish at all. nomenon, namely the sharp divide between Additionally, it was necessary to have iden- My theory as to why the ranks of white what can broadly be termed the “liberal” and tified oneself with regimes like the Soviet YAWP communists were dominated by Jews is the “left” spectrums of white anti-apartheid Union and China, rather than the capitalist David Saks because Communism provided both an outlet activism. West. for the intrinsic idealism and utopianism that Jewish anti-apartheid activists were by Liberals need to hit back robustly and pervades Jewish culture that even secular no means all detribalised ultra-leftists. often to counter trends aimed at writing Jews have imbibed and at the same time Quite a few, in fact, were also strongly iden- their role out of history. At stake are not LAST FRIDAY, a diverse group of Johan- offered an ideological escape route for Jews tifying Jews who held important Jewish merely individual reputations, but liberal- nesburg Jews participated in what was billed wishing to disavow their Jewishness alto- communal leadership positions. ism itself, since if liberals themselves can as “a conversation with Paul and Amos gether. Their opposition to apartheid tended to be be mocked with impunity, it surely follows Goldreich” at the historic Liliesleaf venue. No wonder, then, do such individuals feel conducted within the framework of the law – that the fundamental principles of liberal- The Goldreichs were in the country for uncomfortable about being “outed” in this in Parliament, in the courts, in legal entities ism that they espouse, will likewise come to the presentation of the SAJBD Human way. such as the Black Sash and in other ways. be denigrated. Rights Award to their late father, the icon- ic anti-apartheid campaigner, Arthur Goldreich. The purpose of the event was to have them share their experiences of being the children of a political activist who risked everything to confront a tyrannical regime, and the heavy material and psy- chological price that had to be paid for this, with other Jewish families of similar back- grounds. Liliesleaf in Rivonia, legendary secret headquarters of the anti-apartheid under- ground in the early 1960s and the place where Goldreich and his family actually lived during that time, was an especially meaningful place at which to hold the event. The SAJBD has over the past two decades sought to lead South African Jewry in iden- tifying with South Africa’s democratic struggle heritage. Inter alia, it has held a public function to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter in 2005 and a year later organised a delegation to participate in the 30th anniversary of the commencement of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. The Liliesleaf event was intended as falling into this category. It therefore was rather shocking to learn that because the function was taking place under the auspices of the SAJBD, the CEO of the Liliesleaf Trust had come under intense pressure to cancel it. Evidently, much of this pressure came from veterans of the apartheid struggle who were themselves “of Jewish ori- gin”. From what I understand about South African law, refusing to allow the represen- tative body of the Jewish community to hold a function at what is a national her- itage site, would not merely have been immoral and unethical, but almost certain- ly illegal as well. Denying any sector of the population wish- ing to identify itself in such a way with their country’s historical legacy on the alleged grounds that its designated spokesbody is somehow permanently tainted by its apartheid-era record, would surely constitute unfair discrimination. That Cosatu, which has been engaging in increasingly open Jew-baiting in recent years, should have called for the function to be boycotted is one thing, but why on earth would people of Jewish birth, no matter how distanced they may be from their roots, seek to ban mainstream Jewry from identifying themselves with national symbols relating to “the Struggle”? It seems to be predicated on the assumption that the SAJBD (unlike the rest of white South Africa) can never be credited with the ability to change, but must be made to bear the burden of collective guilt from generation to generation. Because the SAJBD did not identify itself with the liberation movements at the time of apartheid, it must never be allowed to do so even 20 years and more later. That those who constitute the Board today and those whom they represent are largely a new, post-apartheid generation, is apparently irrelevant. The effect is to represent the Jewish collective as being somehow uniquely guilty of the crime of apartheid. Part of the “beef” the Jewish left has with the SAJBD is certainly their perception that the mainstream community is opportunisti- cally cashing in on their apartheid-era exploits when at the time they had remained quiescent. I believe it goes further than that, 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011 ARTS MATTERS TAPESTRY COMPILED BY ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE ROBYN SASSEN Call 084-319-7844 or [email protected] at least one week prior to publication Nina Schumann - rhythmically Artisan Contemporary Gallery, Durban: “Kimonos nimble and lyrically responsive Unlimited”, until end September, (031) 312-4364. Concert: Johannesburg Philharmonic as well as the adrenalin flowing Orchestra (Linder) through every artery of their bodies - Artscape Theatre, Cape Conductor: Bernhard Gueller now, alas, all of them decomposing. Town: In the Opera House, Soloist: Nina Schumann, piano The party opened with Gershwin’s “Fiddler on the Roof”, per- Programme: Music by Gershwin, An American in Paris. It’s no joke formed by the Cape Gilbert Copland and Bernstein transforming the JPO into a near-ideal and Sullvian society opens blend of French sophistication and September 9. In the Arena, REVIEWED BY PAUL BOEKKOOI New York streetwise audacity. One Leonard Bernstein. (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY “!Aïa: From Cave to Sky”, a can imagine Gene Kelly hoofing down EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG) new work by Theatre Tallipot IF THERE ever was any instrument the stately Parisian boulevards. What directed by Phillipe Pelen by which one could measure pure joy, drew us into this bustle, were the in the Andante) and the boldly rhythmic Allegro Baldini, until September 17, it might have totally seized up during George Gershwin. honking taxi horns and the busy rat- agitato of the finale, everything was charac- (021) 410-9800. last week’s programme of music by (PHOTOGRAPH COUR- tle of the xylophone. terised with pure naturalness. three American composers: Gersh- TESY MASTERWORKS- Still, there was time to spare in all This was not only a splendid performance, but Cinema Nouveau, Durban: win, Copland and Bernstein. BROADWAY.COM.) those cheeky musical asides also an involving and glamorous one. Gershwin Israeli film festival, until Our German Kapellmeister, Bern- Gershwin was so fond of. Gueller would have been proud. September 8, (012) 470-3513. hard Gueller, seems to love their exuberant fer- allowed the orchestra to gently slip into the sen- The only “calm” piece of the evening was vidness, their boundlessly creative Jewish spirit, suously plangent central blues, with Donny Aaron Copland’s nostalgic Corral Nocturne from Dance Factory, Newtown: Bouwer’s lazy muted trumpet and the three his ballet “Rodeo” of some four minutes’ dura- (and associated venues) New crooning saxes - decadent throughout, but sel- tion. Its glowing ambient effect was caught with Dance Festival, hosted by dom more so than in the crescendo pay-off at the the right kind of atmospheric intensity. Dance Forum, September 6 - end of the work. The conductor wasn’t in a hurry Leonard Bernstein, who was a great inter- 18, (011) 492-0709. to move on. Neither were we, but pianist Nina preter of both Gershwin’s and Copland’s work, Schumann was waiting in the wings… was no doubt cherished by every listener during Everard Read Gallery, Let me say at once that her performance of the the startling performance the JPO gave of his Rosebank: “The Horse”, same composer’s Piano Concerto in F was Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. curated by Ricky Burnett, refreshingly enjoyable. Without downplaying Legend has it that late in life Bernstein was at featuring work by 60 local any of the jazz inflections, her point of departure a party lamenting the fact that he was known artists, opens September 8, was to treat the work like a major romantic mas- only as the composer of WSS. One particularly (011) 788-4805. terpiece, which it is. With great verve and spon- bitchy guest snapped: “It’s better than being taneity she managed to overcome the loose-struc- known only as the composer of A Quiet Place.” Iziko: SA National Gallery, tured impression it sometimes reflects. With the luxury of hindsight we all know now Cape Town: “Tretchikoff: The tunes have an evergreen quality. They that he was in fact the most versatile musical The People’s Painter”, curat- never seem to pall in the right hands. Ms luminary of his time, with tons of pizzazz. In this ed by Andrew Lamprecht, Schumann was rhythmically nimble and lyrical- performance of the Symphonic Dances with until September 25, (021) 481- ly responsive. In a finely integrated rapport, like jagged rhythmic mayhem occasionally giving 3970. here where she and Gueller enlightened the way to a folksy-blues lyricism, we realised once spiky contrasts between melancholy blues and again that the best “street songs” are those which Johannesburg Zoo, Aaron Copland. (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY DEDICA.LA) emotional ardour, skittish scherzando effects (as unashamedly acknowledge West Side Story. Parktown: “Shakespeare Dreaming”, compiled by Robert Whitehead, Vanessa age of 11, I was torn from my happy family Cooke and Mark Hawkins On Terezín stage stars could home. I was taken to a children’s home. I was September 9 and 10, (011) 646- made to share a room with 35 strangers.” 2000. “I can only thank G-d for Friedl Decker- perform without yellow stars Branders, the art teacher. She was our defining Market Theatre, Newtown: light. We loved her. Art became an escape and a In the Laager, “The Table”, ROBYN SASSEN with all our hearts that the Red Cross comfort for us. It let us be somebody.” directed by Sylvaine Strike, PHOTOGRAPH BY officials would see beyond the façade. Weissberger performed as the cat in the 1938 until September 18. In the JOE YUDELOWITZ They never did. Hans Krása opera Brundibàr. Made up with Main Theatre, “Refuse the “Terezín was a link in the chain whiskers (in black shoe polish), she sung in all Hour”, collaborations FORMER TEREZÍN inmate, Ela that led inevitably to the gas cham- 55 of its performances. between Dada Masilo, Weissberger, who now lives in New bers,” the voiceover in “As Seen “The stage was the only place we could be William Kentridge and oth- York, was recently hosted by the Through Their Eyes”, Hilary without the star,” she still has the original yel- ers, September 6 - 18, (011) Holocaust centres in Cape Town, Helstein’s 2008 film, introducing low star she and her peers were forced to wear. 832-1641. Johannesburg and Durban and Weissberger, said. It began with a “It became my lucky star.” spoke at the Rabbi Cyril Harris reflection on Hitler’s peculiar rela- Brundibàr tells of poor children who need Montecasino, Fourways: In Community Centre, Oaklands. tionship to art. A mediocre water- money for milk for their sick mother; they’re the Main Theatre, Alan Known for her children’s book, colourist, he was rejected by the thwarted by an evil organ-grinder, Brundibàr. Bennett’s “The History “The Cat with the Yellow Star”, co- Viennese Academy of Fine Art and With the help of three animals, the children Boys”, extended by popular written with Susan Goldman Rubin, Ela Weissberger, sur- “thus opened himself to a larger can- defeat him and return home triumphant. demand until September 18. Weissberger spoke of her experi- vivor of Terezin. vas” - German politics. In Terezín, the lyrics changed. “Originally, it In the Studio, “Off Beat ences in the former garrison town, He persecuted art first; labelling spoke of mothers, fathers and the homeland. Broadway 4”, until October 2, Terezín, built in the city of Theresienstadt. It artists degenerate and burning books. And then The main thing was we overcame Brundibár 55 (011) 511-1988. was originally built to house 4 000. When it he graduated to destroy people. Ironically, this times. In our eyes, he was Hitler.” became a Jewish ghetto, in 1941, 40 000 people encouraged new artists: defiant witnesses, Almost 70 years later, children in Cape Town Old Mutual Theatre on the were placed there. armed only with pencils and paintbrushes. performed Brundibàr for Mandela Day, directed Square, Sandton: “The Terezín was set up as a model ghetto for pub- “Suddenly we are other. We are Jews. We have by soprano Aviva Pelham and Mark Fleishman. Prize of Peace” by Les lic relations purposes. On the outside, it fea- to be eliminated,” Weissberger described the Weissberger was deeply moved, “Seeing young- Morison, until September 24. tured a bandstand and flower beds. “We hoped shift in values she experienced in 1942. “At the sters in the audience, made me feel I can go now.” Friday concert: Malcolm Nay (piano) and Maceij Lancy (‘cello), September 2; Miro into a criminal vortex that may finally sink him. has style and a veneer of wit and intrigue. Chakaryan (violin) and FELDMAN Touched by her beauty and vulnerability, But, after about an hour or so, the energy and Jacobus Swart (piano), play Mitchell rapidly becomes her protector, fending ideas, so rampant in the beginning, collapse and gypsy music, September 9. ON FILM off aggressive paparazzi, stalkers and other vil- what is left is murder most foul on the streets of On September 11, renowned Peter Feldman lains, as well as a friend’s ploy to rob the house London. educationist Marcelle Pincus of its expensive art and vintage cars. Farrell is potent as Mitchell, cheeky, strong, con- performs “What if nobody At the top of the criminal ladder is ruthless fident and with the right amount of nous to make comes?” a revue with Zelda London Boulevard mob boss Gant (Ray Winstone) who finds that an impact, while Knightley, who looks too thin by Martin and Natasha Millar, Mitchell has a special talent and he wants to far, never convinces, parading her faux-slobbish (011) 883-8606. Cast: Colin Farrell; Keira Knightley; David recruit him into his firm. act as a celebrity who is in constant hiding. Thewlis; Ben Chaplin When Mitchell declines Gant’s lucrative offer, Veteran British actor Winstone veers towards SA Jewish Museum, Director: William Monahan the situation becomes increasingly nasty and cliché in depicting this well-dressed psychotic Gardens: “Jiving with from there on the production spirals into a series gangster, the type of shady character who has Madiba”, until November 27. London Boulevard is a moody, character piece set of violent confrontations which, at the end, slipped beneath Winstone’s skin often enough On September 8, press car- in London’s underworld, where violence and ruins the delicate balance of the film. before, while Chaplin is the awkward, low-life toonists Wilson Mgobhozi intimidation is very much part of everyday life. London Boulevard marks the directing debut gangster Billy who’s looking to Mitchell for back- and Themba Siwela speak Colin Farrell, sinking his teeth into a far meati- of American William Monahan. He wrote up for a job he is planning. about their work, (021) 465- er role than usual, portrays a former convict Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning The Departed Anna Friel is cast as Mitchell’s troubled sister 1546. named Mitchell, who leaves prison after a stint, and Ridley Scott’s Body of Lies. This film has Briony and David Thewlis does as well as can be intending to start afresh. been adapted from Irish writer Ken Bruen’s expected as the unemployed, pot-smoking Sibikwa, Benoni: “Stories But he cannot shake off his past. When he gets novel. Bohemian film producer ensconced in Charlotte’s without borders” Sibikwa’s involved with Charlotte, (Keira Knightley), a For the most part, Monahan does a sterling job home. storytelling festival, famous but lonely movie star whom he is sup- in developing his theme and pinpointing fasci- If anything, London Boulevard makes a some- September 10 - 23, (011) 422- posed to be looking after at her London mansion, nating underworld characters, which inhabit a what impressive debut for its director - a pity it 2132. he finds himself slowly being drawn once more different kind of world from normal people. It couldn’t have been prolonged. 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 11

TAPESTRY - ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE

its his military days as the incubus for his interest in this field of medi- Patronising tone jars cine. Yet, for all his erudition, eloquence and candour, the book is not satisfy- in war account ing. Most unsettling is Feinstein’s overly jaunty, occasionally patronis- Battle Scarred: Hidden Costs ning water and a clean lava- ing tone which conveys his inner gin- of the Border War by tory. Not to mention land- gerness at dealing with zealous, bel- Anthony Feinstein mines, RPGs and Cubans.” ligerent South African men, either (Tafelberg, R170) A number of his patients as combatants on active service in were civilians: for example, Owamboland, or as bored, dissipated REVIEWED BY GWEN PODBREY Marie, the beautiful, abused inmates of camps within South wife of a particularly loath- Africa’s borders. IN THE early 1980s, Anthony some officer, who – after bar- It is a tone which also contains Feinstein – a Johannesburg- ing her unhappy soul to the more than a hint of intellectual arro- born, newly-qualified doctor young doctor – finally found gance and vanity in his own (admit- – reluctantly boarded a plane in the courage to leave her husband. (A tedly impressive) talents. This is not Paris, where he had been studying disproportionately long passage in the voice one would like to associate the violin, to return to South Africa the book is devoted to this case, sug- with an empathetic, non-judgemen- and report for military duty. It was gesting that Feinstein’s sympathy tal healer. an ordeal he had deferred through- was aroused more by the plight of a The inherent racism (including out his studies, but now – pursued sexy young woman than that of, say, anti-Semitism) of the soldiers was relentlessly by call-up reminders – an acne-scarred soldier.) hardly the point: they, like him, were he decided to come home and get it As retribution, the officer in ques- citizens conscripted to fight this war, over with. tion was instrumental in having and – unlike him – many of them did Feinstein’s induction into the Feinstein transferred again, this not return from it. Armies – no mat- army was, inevitably, a harsh one, time to Tsandi, a tiny, hellish out- ter where, when or why they exist – exposing him to the crudities of bar- post in the sweltering Ongandjera are the same for the men trying to racks life, bawled instructions, region, near Etunda, in the heart of cope inside them. sadistic drill routines and all the Swapo insurgents’ territory. His Having said that, some flickers of arbitrary authority that governs an fears had been realised. compassion are discernible from army base. Officially, he was now attached time to time: in his dealing with a Granted an officer’s rank because not to an army unit, but to a group combatant shocked into muteness, of his medical degree, he completed of policemen. However, they faced and again in his account of the trau- his basic training and was then the same perils as the soldiers, going matised captain of the Tsandi unit. transferred to One Military Hospital out on patrol every dawn and – on These are genuine cases of psychi- in Pretoria, where he was ordered to one occasion – driving straight into atric “battle scars”. Feinstein’s other render his professional services not an ambush, where a horrified patients, however, cannot be said to in the field of general practice, but Feinstein witnessed men on both be victims of their environment: in psychiatry: an area in which he sides being blown into pieces by Marie’s abusive marriage, for exam- had very little experience. grenades and machine-gun fire. ple, would be no better in any other However, a large number of his In the aftermath of the battle, setting. The drug addict/alcoholic patients did not present with psychi- having tended to survivors sur- with whom Feinstein shares his atric disorders per se, either in rounded by dismembered, blood- quarters in Tsandi would be feeding Pretoria, or in Oshakati, on the soaked limbs, he realised that he the same habits in civilian life. northern border of (then) South faced not only the terrors of such The officer suffering from psycho- West Africa, where Feinstein was attacks, but the added burden of somatic genital pain would be just as subsequently posted. Instead, they alienation. “Here I huddle behind obsessed by his libido anywhere else. complained of boils, skin rashes, the walls of sand, captive to an ideolo- The onset of the schizophrenic sol- after-effects of excessive drinking gy I never believed in and a lethal dier’s symptoms might have been and – overwhelmingly – venereal enemy towards whom I bear no accelerated by his army stint, but diseases: pretty standard fare for malice.” they would have emerged eventually, any army. The memory of that morning, he no matter what his surroundings. Frustrated and homesick, Fein- writes, remained with him for many Which leads one to question: how stein despaired of the military years, long after his tour of duty does one legitimately define – as the mindset: “Yes, Colonel. No, Colonel. was over and he had settled in book’s cover expresses it – “what Of course, Colonel. Whatever you Canada with a wife and children. war does to the minds of men”? say, Colonel. The bowing and scrap- Now a professor of psychiatry at the Ultimately, is it war which causes ing is nauseating. These are men of University of Toronto, as well as an madness, or is it madness which great power – life and death power. award-winning writer whose previ- causes war? A signature from one can send a ous works have also explored the Whatever its shortcomings, Fein- man to damnation, further north effects of battle on both soldiers and stein’s books poses intriguing, and into Angola, away from family, run- war correspondents, Feinstein cred- crucial, questions.

ty. Our children are at Herzlia,” he Irony of Zapiro’s Mandela exhibition says, adding that he has had “one or two odd encounters” there following venue, doesn’t go unnoticed the publication of some of his work. MOIRA SCHNEIDER “I would love it if it appeared that CAPE TOWN this was part of some movement in the Jewish community to accom- IT IS difficult to satirise somebody modate people outside of the main- who is universally loved, admits car- stream who are in good faith saying toonist Zapiro, referring to the exhi- things that are uncomfortable and bition showcasing his depiction of difficult for the rest to hear.” Nelson Mandela, currently on at the The cartoonist says he has had South African Jewish Museum. “fantastic” responses to the exhibi- “I had to attack aspects of his falli- tion from people he doesn’t see eye- bility from the time he became presi- to-eye with politically on issues of dent,” he says. But, he adds: “They’re Israel and Palestine. outnumbered vastly by the cartoons Zapiro photographed in front of an “I think it’s important that people in praise of him. original cartoon he gave to Nelson are able to express (alternative opin- “Some of the things I’ve criticised Mandela. (PHOTO: KARINA TUROK PHO- ions) and not be pariahs. The idea of is his being too supportive of old entirely ostracising people who think TOGRAPHY, WITH THANKS TO THE MAN- comrades who clearly should be cen- DELA RHODES FOUNDATION) differently from you, is not a good sured, some aspects of foreign policy, one,” he states. accepting awards from dictators in exhibiting there. This is the largest-ever exhibition kleptocracies and around what he “I’m really happy that Madiba is of Zapiro’s work. It comprises over didn’t do on HIV-Aids while he was the bridge-builder once again and I 130 cartoons tracing Mandela’s life president, but then I’ve praised him think that’s very appropriate. I do over a quarter of a century, from for what he did after he left office.” imagine that there would be people prisoner to president to pensioner, It is perhaps ironic that he should who feel that by being feted in that including sketches for his 70th birth- be exhibiting at the Jewish Museum, way, I’m beholden to something and day card which then-United Demo- given that he is persona non grata that I should then be a little quieter in cratic Front activist Zapiro did while among certain sections of the com- the next few months. I’m afraid that’s both were imprisoned at Pollsmoor munity, due to his take on the Israeli- not how it works for a cartoonist - I in the late 1980s. Palestinian conflict. hope they know me better than that.” Mandela has never tackled him on “There are people in the Jewish Zapiro concedes he has found the aspects of his cartoons that were crit- community who see me as somebody negative attitude towards him by ical of him, the government or the outside of the mainstream of some in the community “really diffi- ANC, he says, once telling the car- thought,” he begins diplomatically, cult and sometimes hurtful”. “I’m not toonist: “That is your job.” “and I certainly am. I’m not sure one of those Jews who has thrown exactly what to make of (the invita- away all aspects of being Jewish - not Zapiro: Jiving with Madiba is on at tion),” he says hesitantly, while at all,” he stresses. the South African Jewish Museum adding that he is “thrilled” to be “I have a very strong Jewish identi- until November 27, (021) 465-1546. 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011

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 WHY SO MUTE IN FACE OF A BLATANT TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE? ISAAC OCHBERG: A FITTING TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN, AT KIBBUTZ DALIA WITH THE recent media coverage of examination. I WAS privileged to attend the dedication cere- dreamt the dream of a gathering of the descen- the upcoming Russell Tribunal on Hardly any of the above seems to be mony honouring Isaac Ochberg at the beautiful dants of “Isaac Ochberg’s Orphans” in Israel, to Palestine, and given those named as present in the make-up of this tribunal. Ramot Menashe biosphere park near Kibbutz honour the man who is responsible for their forming both jury and witnesses, it I do know that a request was made to Dalia on July 20. very existence. astounds that members of our Jewish the secretary of the tribunal for the The aesthetic and artistic planning of the It was very moving to see the crowd at the judiciary (both active and retired) as right of cross-examination, and was memorial wall in honour of the orphans, dedication rise to their feet as one and all give well as our legal fraternity have declined on the grounds that members embraces the scenic beauty of the site that the Bennie a standing ovation after his heart-warm- remained so mute in the face of what of the public don’t have that right. KKL-JNF chose for this very meaningful tribute ing tribute to the committees and individuals looks like a blatant travesty of justice. Yet, one of the participants of the tri- to a great South African who believed in the who all contributed to the success of an amazing I am no lawyer but in my naive bunal, Ronnie Kasrils, has emphasised future of Israel and supported the state gener- occasion. It was a spontaneous honour he richly understanding of the basic precepts of that this is a “people’s court” but the ously, both in his lifetime and in his bequests. deserved. law in a democracy, the make-up of this people (public) have been denied their A ceremony such as the one we attended, is I overheard a comment from one of the visit- tribunal seems to run contrary to any rights! not a random event; it takes years of research, ing descendants who referred to the two-day legal process. He has also said that the tribunal is planning and organisation to produce a result of event as “something that can never be repeated Any tribunal, court or arbitration, made up of eminent people; no doubt such distinction. The descendants of the origi- and will never be forgotten by those who attend- should have the very basics in place they are. nal 200 orphans had to be traced and contacted. ed”. before it can claim any credibility or The question, however, begs: Where Accommodation had to be found for the hun- The article covering this event in your edition morality: are our eminent people steeped in the dreds of descendants who attended from all over of the Jewish Report of August 5, did not men- • An independent judge or adjudica- liberal tradition of legal process, given the world. Contacts had to be maintained. The tion the sterling work of the organisers of the tor of unquestionable integrity. what our constitutional court stands site had to be chosen, designed and created - the event and I feel strongly that this omission • A jury (as in the case of this tribu- for, who would recognise this tribunal list is endless and the work involved, intense. should be rectified. nal) whose selection is not tainted with, as not being constitutional, legal or This was the effort put in by a dedicated com- again, bias and the selection process of moral? mittee under the chairmanship in Israel of Lynette Karp such a body, subject to scrutiny ensur- Where are they? Bennie Penzik, whose late parents had both been Kfar Saba ing complete impartiality. Ochberg orphans. It was Bennie who originally Israel • Counsel to argue both for and Allan Wolman against the issue, with right of cross- Norwood, Johannesburg A BIG THUMBS-UP FOR LIMMUD 2011 TRIBUTE PAID TO BEV GOLDMAN FOR HER STERLING WORK IT WAS our privilege to attend the first resi- exceptional job and the programme was full dential Johannesburg Limmud conference and interesting, creative and diverse. AS A South African Zionist media she attended (and often helped organise). held on the banks of the Vaal River last week- The international speakers were exception- activist, I find it difficult to express ade- In addition, Bev was also the “go to” end. al. Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo enthralled quately my appreciation for Bev person at the Fed who provided much We want to express our tremendous grati- audiences with his vision and philosophy, and Goldman’s outstanding efforts these past helpful advice to organisations like the tude and say a big Yasher Koach to all the Rabbi Simon Jacobson engaged his listeners nine and a half years as the head of Support Association for Zionism (SAZ) dynamic volunteers who worked tirelessly for with his sincerity and encouraged everyone to media, public relations and education, at regarding speakers and visual presenta- many months to ensure its success. In particu- change their perspective, even for a moment. the SAZF. tions for public meetings. lar, we single out Wayne Sussman (national co- More than the wonderful speakers, and the Often operating within a hostile envi- While we Zionist activists regret her chairman), a wonderful professional, who was fascinating discussions they presented, we ronment while promoting Israel’s best resignation due to “professional exhaus- always on call for our questions and who we would like to thank our fellow Limmudniks interests, Bev has been a pillar of tion” (understandably in the circum- thought worked for Limmud, until we realised who brought to conference feelings of warmth, strength, providing insightful informa- stances), we are grateful that she will be that each and every person is a volunteer! enthusiasm, genuine tolerance and respect for tion, guidance and mentorship in her retaining her invaluable link with local We really appreciate the efforts of the com- one another’s diversity. professional capacity. advocacy for Israel. mittee, volunteers and hotel staff, who were We encourage everyone in our community to In particular, I have appreciated the Thank you Bev, go well and G-d bless! extremely accommodating to our Shabbos attend Limmud. You will be surprised and excellent selections included in the needs. From the communal dinner to the musi- inspired! SAZF’s regular “Opinion and Analysis” David Abel cal Havdalah service, we had a fantastic bulletins, as well as her highly informa- SAZ Co-Chairman Shabbos at Limmud. Steven and Tanya Lowenstein tive “report backs” on the important Vice Chairman Likud SA. The programming co-chairmen did an Johannesburg national and international conferences George

FOR THE RECORD CHAI FM DESERVES THE COMMUNITY’S UNRESERVED SUPPORT I MONITOR radio station broadcasts, day and many other informative and inspiring contribu- RONNIE BASS IS NOT THE CHAIRMAN night, worldwide and have been both a guest tions. AN ARTICLE in last week’s issue on chairman. broadcaster and contributor on numerous occa- Anthony Reich’s “Daily Report” direct from page 17, stated that Ronnie Bass was the Please also note that Ray Levin. CEO sions to Radio 5, Radio Metro, Radio Today, Eretz Yisrael, is honest, not slanted, or like cer- chairman of the Jewish Guild Melrose of Kia, is not a member of the bowling Greek Radio, Punt Gesels Radio, Radio 702, tain news deliverers who handle the truth care- Bowling Club. He pointed out that he club. SABC, The BBC once and Radio Chai FM and lessly in favour or anti-Israel sentiment and was in fact a committee member of the We apologise for the errors and being very Jewish and a bit biased, since with point-scoring prejudice. Hatzolah Bowls Day. Roy Lampert is the embarrassment caused to Bass. December 2008 when Chai FM officially hit the The amount of monies raised by Chai FM for airwaves, it was for me “sommer groot lekker both charities and institutions, is awesome! We IT’S RICHARD SETATI AND MIKE KING kry” (a source of great pleasure). have a unique voice! Chai deserves our unstint- I have learned so much more Yiddish and ing support. ON PAGE 7 of last week’s issue, we car- wrong and should read: Richard Setati - Yiddishkeit - (yes I too bunked on occasions ried an article “Making ORT SA’s vision school teacher and Mike King - ORT SA cheder in the past, but thanks to radio Chai FM’s Russel Sadowsky a reality”. The supplied caption was project manager. Chasidim contributors, they are fast filling in Linksfield the gaps of my cheder bunking days - among so Johannesburg

‘HATE MACHINE’ AGAINST ISRAEL FUNCTIONS ON ALL CYLINDERS I WOULD like to express my disgust and rage viciously anti-Israel propagandists in 2008, who against the abusive and racist treatment of Israeli came to Israel full of hate and prejudice, only to students visiting South Africa, by the likes of confirm their preconceived bigotry, meeting Zackie Achmat, Mohammed Desai and hardly any Israelis and engaging enthusiastically Mbungiseni Ndlozi at Wits. It indeed makes me with the Hamas mass murder gang. ashamed to be a South African. Then there was the Goldstone Commission It is infradig today to refer to anti-Israel hatred, which showed contempt for Israeli attempts to malice and violence as anti-Semitism, because put forward the case of victims of terror and the people forget that Israelis ARE Jews and make up violent demonstrations of murderous hate by the the largest Jewish community in the world. Also various Muslim organisations, Cosatu and a vari- the definition of racism includes hatred of a ety of dubious NGOs such as the misnamed country or the population of a country. Treatment Action Campaign. To ensure that the hate machine against the Does the latter still work on Aids-related issues existence of the tiny Jewish State will not be in South Africa? It seems they are occupied with allowed to slow down or its venom be watered fulltime demonisation, delegitimisation and eco- down, we must now contend with another vile hate nomic warfare against the Jewish State. fest against the Jewish State, driven by three hate- Those of us who cherish Israel, must be sub- filled bigots with morally compromised records.- jected to watching this display of genocidal rage South Africa is periodically rocked by nation- and hate. wide paroxysms of vicious rage and murderous The same way the demonisation of Jews by hate of the tiny nation of Israel, encouraged by Hitler, Goebbels and Der Sterner paved the way the ruling party and its allies, civil society, uni- for the Holocaust, I believe that the purpose of versities and the media. anti-Zionist propaganda is to pave the way for the Some examples: Sixty years after the Nazi genocide of Israel’s Jews. Holocaust, anti-Jewish hatred reached another This is done especially given that members of climax at the hideous anti-Israel hate fest, the UN South Africa’s anti-Israel lobby have written such Conference on Racism in Durban, where the Left vitriolic comments on their Facebook pages, such demonstrated their common cause with radical as that “the children of Israel must pay for the Islam, by embracing anti-Zionist propaganda and sins of their fathers” - incitement to the murder feverishly supporting the genocidal programme of children. against Israel. This agenda was furthered by the grotesquely Gary Selikow biased Delegation to “Palestine” by a number of Johannesburg 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 COMMUNITY COLUMNS Chai FM faces future with resolve ALISON GOLDBERG DJs Denel PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER Honeyball; Niki ABOVE BOARD CHAI FM will not be closing its doors. Seberini; and Mary Kluk, Though the community radio station Thabo National Chairman estimates it raised less than it had Mlangeni, give hoped for through its Radiothon last a thumbs up A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies Thursday, it believes this could be a during the Chai sign of the economic times. FM telethon to Fundraising for charitable organisa- raise money for tions appears to have been easier: Yad Aharon (R1,2m) in 2009 and Hatzolah the Jewish radio New hand at the station. (R4m) last year. The station’s founder, Kathy Kaler said the pledges were much smaller this time around. Nor Efforts to cut overheads over the past us under pressure, but it’s something Board’s helm did big business come out in support of six months have meant not replacing we believe we can and will manage”. the station, as hoped, though this staff who have left. Chai FM today has Come November the station will hold THERE WAS a changing of the guard at last weekend’s avenue had not been exhausted. a core staff of eight, and 21 people on elections, run by the Independent SAJBD national conference. After four distinguished years “We’ve been struggling and working air. Three years ago, it had a total of 54 Electoral Commission, as per the condi- in the chair, Zev Krengel stepped down to take up the posi- very hard for little return ever since we people before the station went on air, 51 tions of its licence, to elect a new board. tion of national president, and I was elected to succeed him. began in June 2008. From the required of whom were prepared to do so on a “While we only achieved half the Also appointed to the SAJBD executive were the three start-up capital of R6,5m, as a result of volunteer basis. financial goal we had set, the outpour- national vice-chairmen, Doron Joffe, Li Boiskin and David the economic crisis which hit in Chai FM Chairman Stanley Seeff said ing of support far surpassed anything Simpson, while Gerald Leissner was reappointed as nation- October 2008, Chai FM managed to that “unfortunately Chai FM was we could have imagined. al treasurer. I congratulate them all and look forward very only get support to the tune of R500 000, undercapitalised when it started, and “Chai FM will continue broadcasting much to working with them over the next two years. to back up a bank loan of the same it’s been exceedingly difficult to play and bringing the ‘Jewish Voice’ into the At the National Executive Committee meeting held amount three years ago,’’ said Kaler. catch-up as well as always being in a lives of many thousands, locally and immediately after the conference, I said how honoured I Since then the station has been able to position to fund our monthly running abroad, six days a week. Going forward, was to have been entrusted with so important a communal generate funds, but not nearly as much costs. Our target set for the Radiothon - the challenge is to secure an additional leadership position and pledged to do the very best I could as it was hoping for and hence the call to R1,8 million - might have been over-opti- amount of R500 000, a sum that we feel to justify the faith that had been put in me. the community for financial assistance. mistic and not having achieved it keeps confident in being able to achieve.” In this, my first column as national chairman and also on behalf of my colleagues on the executive, I would like to reiterate this pledge to you, the Jewish community of South Africa: To the best of our ability, we will strive to JNF helps Rippon carry out our mandate. The Board is the umbrella co-ordinating body for South Africa’s Jewish organisations and the representative voice Primary celebrate of the Jewish community in its dealings with the wider society. In this regard, I see our primary task going forward as sustaining and building on the good relationships we Madiba Day have with government and civil society, while at the same STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY it’s exciting to be a time striving at all times to maintain Jewish communal LAUREN SHAPIRO part of this great unity. work. We wish The latter, of course, does not mean discouraging debate MEMBERS of the Jewish National Rippon Primary the within the community. There will always be a range of Fund (JNF), Durban, as well as grade best of luck and views on how we, as Jews, should be responding to the three learners from Rippon Primary look forward to issues of the day, and robust debate is both healthy and nec- School, spent the morning of August future collabora- essary. Through such exchanges, we can arrive at a broad 30 elbow-deep in soil. tion to make the school a better, consensus, enabling us to stand together on the most The planting initiative comprised greener, place.” important issues that confront us. part of the “67 minutes” campaign, In addition to a history of tree- To facilitate this process, we aim to provide a regular flow part of the school’s celebrations of planting, the JNF is involved in all of reliable, up-to-date information on all the important Madiba Day on September 2. aspects of greening. Their proposed issues of the day. In this way, even if people decide to pur- The plants, donated by Ayanda “Eco-education Centre” being built sue their own course of action, they will at least be doing so Hlubi of Nedbank, will beautify the in Hammarsdale will provide a from a properly informed perspective. school entrance, creating a sense of base for all schools to learn how Two important issues that came out of our conference, pride in the staff and learners. In addi- they can apply environmental les- was the need to find ways to involve the Jewish youth in tion, they will protect the campus from sons in their own settings. Jewish communal affairs and Deputy President Kgalema the noise and fumes of the busy road Thanks to close work with Motlanthe’s appeal to our community to assist in address- on which the school is set. award-winning Khanyisa Projects, ing the formidable challenge of unemployment in our The grade three learners have also which specialises in education, country. propagated marigold seedlings in recy- development and communication Both of these questions will be taken on board when we cled muffin trays, which they will projects, the JNF Centre will boast next meet, and hopefully will be taken forward at both the plant in the school’s food garden at the an environmentally-friendly inte- national and the regional level. weekend. grated water system based on That the potential to achieve meaningful successes in The management of this garden is world-renowned Israeli drip-irri- these areas exists, is undeniable. There are huge, and large- linked to the academic curriculum and gation, a biogas digester which ly untapped, resources within our community that can be the produce is used to feed indigent uses sewage and organic waste to used to benefit South African Jewry and society as a whole. learners and their families. The JNF has generate energy, and a solar stove. Our challenge will be to find practical, innovative ways to also planted pawpaw and banana trees The education learners receive harness these resources and channel them in a sustained, to augment the school’s food garden. at the “Eco-education Centre” practical direction. I look forward, with the rest of the JNF’s Debby Shapiro had this to say: will be in alignment with the rel- Board, to taking on that challenge and to reporting back to “It is such an honour to be involved in evant aspects of the national cur- you in this forum on how it all develops. a wonderful initiative like this. The riculum. JNF has been planting trees all over • For more information contact This column is paid for by the SAJBD the world for more than 100 years and Debby Shapiro on 072-335-2678. 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011

“Today it is in a state of decay,” he AROUND said, blaming the City of Johan- City and Suburban has that nesburg for neglecting it. The city does nothing about cut- THE ting the grass, fixing the storm water drains or cleaning up the streets. The WORLD tired look of neglect about it streets have potholes and there is NEWS IN BRIEF debris strewn all over the place. STAFF REPORTER mechanic. cars at night in his Yeoville home The Indian Sports Club was across MEXICAN COUSIN OF PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER In 1957 he went to Europe with after his day’s work. The business in the road and was thriving with ten- friends. They sailed there on the his garage grew and he borrowed nis courts and soccer matches. Today BEN-GURION WINS ISIDORE SOSTAK has watched the Carnarvon Castle and went to £1 000 and started a car repair work- it is completely neglected. JEWISH SINGING once-vibrant inner city area of London where he worked at the Cord shop in Wolhuter. After five years, he “There was a huge invasion of rats CONTEST Johannesburg, City and Suburban, Car Company, a prestigious player in decided to become a brake specialist and we have spent thousands to erad- decline in front of his eyes. the industry. and became the first specialist work- icate them,” he added. JERUSALEM - Mexican Sostak (pictured), who owns the He and his friends, Mickey Davidow shop of its kind in the country. Sostak says he has tried to get singer Adam Kleinberg, well-known specialist automotive and Archie Kaplan, then bought a He later moved to City and other neighbouring businesses a distant cousin of brake and power steering business 1935 Lanchester car and drove Suburban, a few blocks away from involved in revitalising the area; no David Ben-Gurion, has Wingate Motors, has been in the City through Europe to Switzerland where where he had started. He is still there. one seems to be interested: the coun- won an international and Suburban suburb since 1960 he met another well-known player in “I had bought an old petrol station cil is not doing what they pay rates Jewish singing contest. when he started out. Today, he says, the motor industry, Abe Joffe. owned by a Jewish boy who was for. Kleinberg, 21, whose despite declining conditions in the “The car broke down in several immigrating to Israel. This was later “We all look after our own patch of great-grandmother was area, it is still renowned in the motor places which included Bergen Belsen, to become the first Esso petrol sta- land. It’s a pity and I am sad because Ben-Gurion's first industry as one of the most successful and we visited the concentration tion to open in the country. the area has such good potential, but cousin, beat 30 finalists specialist businesses in the country. camp, and I always managed to fix it, It was a very vibrant and clean I am tired of asking the council to do from around the world “It has become a household name but it finally died on us in France. We suburb at the time as there were still something. I have had water pipes to win the Hallelujah in the motor industry,” he said. were broke and hungry and after a many of the old mining houses, with stolen and a steel balustrade taken music contest. He sang Sostak started his life in Boksburg short spell in Paris went back to families. There was gold mine head- off my building. A building down the the song "Zeh Lo Kal", or before the family moved to Johan- London by ferry,” he said. gear across the road, as well as top road was stolen, brick by brick.” "It's Not Easy" by Israeli nesburg. He grew up in Doorn- Then he got a call from his parents fashion house factories and many Sostak has tried to sell his proper- band HaYehudim. fontein. During his apprenticeship as to say they had been held up. light industrial businesses. ties and even put them on auction. The finals were held a motor mechanic, his parents had a “Yes, it even happened in those “The metal scrapyard across the “But people come here, take one look on August 25 before a fish and chip shop in Village Main days. My parents sent me money for road from me, was owned by Jacobs and decline. We used to have 65 staff live audience in Hod where he used to start off his day at the air ticket and food because I had and Salminis who became owners of and are now down to nine. We have Hasharon. 05:00 to help and then rode his bicycle been living on Cadbury’s chocolate Simmer and Jack Mines,” he said. closed three divisions in the factory. The 30 finalists spent to work from there and home in the and hadn’t eaten for days. We then A study by Sostak shows that his “People are out of work because of three weeks in Israel evening. went to see a Judy Garland show, workshop is on the same corner the neglect of the council. Customers touring and performing. Sostak attended Doornfontein booked our flight and it took us two where the old horse-drawn tram come here to do business because we Some 260 young Jews Primary and Athlone Boys’ High days to get home,” he said. from the city area had its terminus. have been around for so long and have aged 16 to 26 from Schools, but left when he was 16 and On his return, Sostak married and Today Sostak is disappointed with the expertise, but some take one look around the world, sub- started work as an apprentice motor started doing “backyard” work on how the area has changed since 1994. at the area, and drive off,” he said. mitted video auditions The buildings are on the corner of for the contest, resur- Maritzburg Street, which is a main rected after nearly 20 entry into Johannesburg from the years. exit on the M2, so the council should Kleinberg won the top be enhancing this entry point. prize of $8 000 and will A large factory building, valued at record a duet with a about R4 million in the “good old popular Israeli singer; days” was sold for R200 000. the song will be distrib- Sostak says his property is worth uted to Jewish radio sta- R5 million, but now he is lucky if he tions throughout the gets R2,75 million. world. He will also go on We are a diamond in the coalfield. tour, singing in Jewish But I still do believe the area will venues around the come right. world. “Gerald Olitzsky is revamping Fox Oliver Ghnassia, 20, Street to Anderson Street which is from Brussels, was the 500 metres from my building. He has first runner-up, and built a hotel and bioscope in Fox David Kobiashvili of Street, as well as converted old facto- Russia came in third ries into apartment blocks. place. They were award- “I take my hat off to him. But pri- ed $4 000 and $2 000, vate enterprise needs assistance respectively. (JTA) from the council to make the area look respectable. It is time for them ISRAELI AMBASSADOR to do something for us,” he said. HOSTS IFTAR DINNER WASHINGTON - Lost souls from Rhodes are remembered Israel’s ambassador to the United States has STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY Mizrahi, both senior mem- clothes, taking the best food mother who came from Rhodes and hosted an iftar dinner RITA LEWIS bers of the Johannesburg and drink with them - total- survived to break the Ramadan Sephardi Congregation, ly unaware of what was to After the Germans ordered the fast at his Washington LAST SUNDAY, August 28, corre- then read “Lamentacions”, a be their fate. women to report with their valu- residence. sponding to 28th Av, Ladino-speak- prayer in Ladino, while the In Rhodes, the implemen- ables, his mother hid a large dia- The event hosted by ing families who lost relatives and Ark was open, showing tation of the anti-Jewish mond which she owned, in her Michael Oren was the friends at the hands of the Nazis, three Sephardi Torah scrolls laws by the Italian governor mouth, rather than leave it behind first of its kind to be gathered at the Johannesburg standing proudly in their caused great alarm and for the locals or the Germans to get held at the Israeli Sephardi Hebrew Congregation to beautiful silver cases. hardship to the Jews there, their hands on. ambassador’s house in mark the annual Zehirah (yahrtzeit), The guest speaker, Holo- resulting in an exodus of He said she managed to hide the Washington, according to light candles and to recite Kaddish caust Centre’s Tali Nates over 2 000 of them – half the diamond throughout her 11 month to the embassy. for the souls of all those from Rhodes (pictured), the daughter of population. stay in the camps and on the forced Among the guests Island who were killed that day in two survivors, grew up In September, 1943 full death marches. were government offi- Auschwitz in 1944. with the shadow of the control of Rhodes was taken When they were being repatriated cials and local Muslims. In Cape Town a similar ceremony Holocaust in her back- over by the Germans who and were putting on their new Imam Talib Shareef, was also held, attended by some born ground. ordered all male Jews over clothes, the diamond got lost. president of the Muslim- on Rhodes and those incarcerated in She spoke of the impor- 16 to gather with their work He said his mother never regretted American Military the concentration camps. Their tance of educating all of permits and identity cards its loss. The main thing was the Association, led prayers. attendance, as well as many mem- our youth about the endurance, cru- at the Airforce Command Centre. Germans had not got hold of it. "My job is to reach out bers of the younger generation, elty, starvation and ultimate demise The following day, the women There were repeated initiatives by to different communi- bears testimony to the endurance of of the six million Jews who died at were ordered to repeat the process the head of the Metropolitan See ties, including communi- the Rhodes legacy and serves as a the hands of the Nazis and implored but this time to bring their valuables Thessaloniki, Gennadios, against the ties that have been con- reminder that the hand of Nazi per- that the younger generation never be with them. deportations, and the official letter of nected with Israel and secution stopped at nothing to exter- allowed to forget what had happened Naturally, their papers and valu- protest signed in Athens on March those who have not," minate Jews. to the Jews during the Holocaust. ables were taken away and four days 23, 1943, by Archbishop Damaskinos Oren said in an inter- Prior to the service, Aaron Hanan, She recalled how once when she later they were all marched to the along with 27 prominent leaders. view on August 25 with the son of a survivor who recently was visiting the death camp of port where they boarded three over- The 275 Jews of Zakynthos sur- The Huffington Post. passed away, asked the only Auschwitz, she saw thousands of crowded boats which took them – vived when the island’s mayor and "Israel is a country Holocaust survivor from Rhodes train tickets printed in Greek. and others picked up on the way Bishop Chrysostomos replied to the with a large and respect- Island, Anna Almelech, to lead the “They were actually tickets which from the island of Kos – to the German order for a list of Jews, by ed Muslim minority. I community in lighting the first of the the Greek Jews had to buy for them- Haidari Concentration Camp in giving a list of two names; his and just got back from 22 candles in the centre of the shul. selves to ‘relocate’. Someone had to Athens. the mayor’s. The island’s population Jerusalem two days ago Surviving descendents and mem- print those tickets; to design them; to After that ordeal during which had hidden every Jew. and it's all decorated for bers of families of those from Rhodes sell them. Someone else had to dis- seven people died, the remaining When the island was hit by the Ramadan. They're an Island lost in the Shoah and others, tribute them to Jews who had lived 1 673 Jews were forced on to trains en earthquake of 1953, the first relief important part of our came forward in this most moving peacably with others for hundreds of route for Auschwitz. Only 150 sur- came from Israel, with the message, society." (JTA) ceremony. years.” vived. "The Jews of Zakynthos have never Maurice Turiel, whose parents were She spoke on how the Greek Jews An interesting story was told by forgotten their Mayor or their beloved from Rhodes, together with Morris had left their homes in their best Aaron Hannan who spoke of his Bishop and what they did for us." 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 Israeli circumcision Dr Inon Shenkar of the Jerusalem Aids Project and skills save Zulu men Operation KARIN KLOOSTERMAN trained doctors and nurses in South Africa Abraham, with have so far taken their skills back to their Zulu King WHILE SAN Francisco politicians debate own hospitals. Up to 50 circumcision opera- Goodwill the necessity of the male foreskin removal tions can be performed per surgeon, per day. Zwelethini in rite, citing human rights concerns, Zulu “The evidence,” says Malowany “is always South Africa. King Goodwill of KwaZulu-Natal in South about context and good science. KwaZulu- Africa nods his head., Natal has a huge HIV/Aids challenge. If the high-volume male circumcision. The team Israel21c, to show that Israel is much more Zwelethini recently rescinded a 200-year- government and the king are willing to at the clinic in the region of Durban includes than a country in conflict. old ban on the practice of male circumci- stand up and say that ‘our men need to be Zulus, Muslims and Hindus. In Africa, JAIP is active in Swaziland, sion, in many regions in Africa, after seeing circumcised’, that’s a pretty good argument In Latin America, Israeli HIV/Aids educa- Ethiopia, Senegal, Uganda and South Africa. the evidence on the spread of Aids. for delivering male adult circumcision.” tion has become part of the school curricu- More funds are being sought to continue Some estimates suggest than more than Among Jews, baby boys are circumcised lum in some countries. circumcision training in KwaZulu-Natal. half of all HIV infections could be stopped if on the eighth day of life, in accordance with Not long ago, founder Dr Inon Shenkar “If 100 doctors could circumcise 1 000 men men are circumcised. a biblical commandment. Muslims circum- returned from Myanmar, where he trained every month, for every 10 we could avert one “Circumcision is one of the interventions cise their sons by age six, also in keeping Aids educators. It’s his mission, he tells case of HIV,” says Malowany. (Israel21c) that reduce the risk of transmission,” says with religious tradition. Maureen Malowany, a medical historian As a medical practice, removing the fore- grounded in evidence-based medicine. The skin has been found to dramatically reduce Canadian-Israeli has started volunteering HIV transmission. for the Jerusalem Aids Project (JAIP), and (Male circumcision is not to be confused since March, as the NGO’s country co-ordi- with female circumcision, which mutilates nator for South Africa, has traveled there the female genitalia by removing the clitoris. twice to help train Zulu medical personnel Jewish Israeli doctors are against this prac- in male medical circumcision. tice, although it is still reportedly done in So compelling is the evidence of circumci- some Bedouin communities in Israel.) sion as a protection against Aids, that doc- Working in Africa by invitation only, vol- tors there are all but competing to remove unteer doctors and nurses under the Israeli the highest number of foreskins per day. umbrella group Operation Abraham, as part Learning the age-old practice from top- of the JAIP project, have twice travelled to St notch Israeli surgeons and nurses, some 100 Mary’s Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal to teach Alison’s message of courage resonates with her audience OWN CORRESPONDENT PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED

MORE THAN 300 women gathered at the Sydenham Highlands North Community Centre for the 2nd Annual Working Moms Breakfast last week. This year, the theme was “Survival” and the guest speaker was courageous sur- vivor “Alison”. “Powerful moms”. Adi Kay; Amanda Howie (Nissan SA); In a media release, organis- “Alison”; Benita Levin (MC); Dr Tali Frankel (chairman ers of the breakfast, told how Sydenham Shtiebl); and Rebbetzen Estee Stern. “Alison”, 16 years ago miracu- lously survived a brutal assault by two responsibility for their actions and to value men during which she was raped, disem- the tough times for the lessons they teach bowelled and stabbed in the neck 16 times. us. Her message resonated strongly and Her story of resilience and courage is no her address was met by a spontaneous and less powerful now than it was in 1994. long-lasting standing ovation. Through the horror of her ordeal, she Among the guests was a young woman has developed her own philosophy of life who had been the victim of a rape by a fam- which she shares as an internationally ily friend and who through her correspon- recognised motivational speaker. dence with “Alison” was able to overcome Her outlook, summarised by ABC, pro- her difficult experience. The two met in poses that in order to grow as individuals, person for the first time at the breakfast. we must have the right attitudes, beliefs The event was a fundraiser designed to pay and make the right choices. She advocates tribute to working mothers and show appre- that having the right attitude entails valu- ciation for the multiple roles they fulfil. ing oneself as a unique individual. Dr Tali Frankel, chairman of the Belief demands that we trust ourselves Sydenham Shtiebl is enthusiastic about to confront our fears and have the courage next year’s function, “The Working Mom’s to overcome those challenges that prevent Guide to Sustenance”, where international us from living our lives to the full. guest speaker and author Joanne Fedler is “Alison” urged her audience to take slated to speak. 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 SEPTEMBER 2011

Greece – a country steeped in (Jewish) history

ROBYN SASSEN near the Acropolis, to- day the site of Greece’s You might think Greek culture and cast your Jewish Museum. At mind to the wonderful scene at the culmina- the time, Jews were tion of Nikos Kazantzakis’ Zorba the Greek, considered fodder to where the mesmerising dance steps of the syr- Christian proselytis- taki are played out to their full elegant propor- ing. Paul of Tarsus, tions. himself a Hellenised Or Greek culture might conjure up Jew, was ousted from thoughts of ouzo, olives and honey. “Greek” Thessaloniki for this may draw the Greek isles to your mind’s eye reason. or the relics of ancient architecture and pagan Hellenisation is myths. central to the Cha- The astonishingly beautiful Greek coast- TheTh façade of the Jewish Museum of Then again, thinking of Greece might nukah story, in 166 line, with its Ottoman-redolent architec- The Parthenon in Greece, built to AtAthens, established in 1977. It is PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY WWW.JEWISHMUSEUM.GR

ture and its characteristic white stone. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OLIVIER-EVENTS.BLOGSPOT.COM sisituatedt at the foot of the Acropolis. cause you to recall the story of Chanukah, or BCE. Jews were be- honour the goddess Athena between COM. CCES-ANCIENT-GREECE.WIKISPACES. COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH how the Christian community of the island of ing Hellenised by 447 and 432 BCE. Zakynthos rallied to protect the lives of every legislation: Greek one of its Jews under Nazi threat. rulers had banned circumcision under pun- the Spanish Inquisi- there are 1 000 Jews in Thessalo- There is evidence of Jews in Greece for ishment of death and hijacked synagogues tion. Jews gravitated toward the city of Thes- niki. more than 2 300 years; by all accounts they for pagan worship. The Hasmoneans under saloniki, mooted “Mother of Israel”. Torah and Greek Christians in Thessaloniki spear- were integrated, though remained distinct. Matitiyahu, from Modin, near Jerusalem, fi - secular education and commerce boomed. headed initiatives to avert deportations. A The philosopher Aristotle commended Jews nally stood up to this; a war broke out. It was Sephardic Jewish tailors of Thessaloniki document exists, signed by the leadership as having “something of their own to impart bloody and long; at its culmination, after the were exclusively employed by Ottoman mili- of Thessaloniki, outlining the unbreakable to the world”. fortress of Antonius, restricting access to the tary leadership; other Jews held administra- bonds between Christians and Jews. While today, most Greek Jews are Sep- synagogue, had fallen, Jews rushed inside, to tive and key posts in the empire’s commerce. The Nazi intervention into Greece was hardic, Greece is also the home of Romaniote fi nd but one vial of olive oil not desecrated by By 1519, Jews were in the majority. not specifi c to her mainland. After the fall of culture, distinct from Sephardi and Ashkenazi the Greeks. It would take eight days to produce By the early 17th century, Thessalonikan Italian fascism in 1943, Nazis took control of Jewry, and a strand of Jewry all but destroyed new oil to light the synagogue. Miraculously, Jewry numbered 30 000. The city was so Jew- the island of Corfu. The island’s then mayor, during the Holocaust. the oil lasted eight days. ish, it shut down on Shabbat. But it had be- Spyridonos Kollas, was a collaborator. Just 200 Archaeologists have found 2nd century Some time later, in 1376, the fi rst wave of come overcrowded; resources were scarce and of 1 900 escaped the prospect of Auschwitz by BCE synagogues in Greece: one in Athens, Ashkenazi immigration hit Greece because of fi res and hygiene problems proliferated. hiding among locals. Records document Jewish violence against A Holocaust story centres on another Christians, the result of Jewish traders assert- of the Greek islands, Zakynthos. When its ing power. This was followed by a massacre of mayor, Lucas Carrer, was presented with Jews in the 1820s by Ottoman Turks. the German order to hand over a list of At the end of the 19th century, Greeks the names of his 275 Jewish constituents, attained independence from Turkish rule. the local Bishop, Demetriou Chrysostomos This forged a shift in Jewish demographics returned to the Germans with two names: from the north of Greece: today most Jewish his own and that of the mayor. Zakynthos Greeks live in Athens where there is a healthy hid every single Jew, at the risk of being de- Chabad presence. Among the emigrants to stroyed themselves. this city was the German banking family of While anti-Semitism is not virulent in con- Baron de Rothschild. Athens’ fi rst shul was temporary Greece, it is not absent, according built in 1905. to the European Monitoring Centre on Racism Ottoman rule in Thessaloniki offi cially and Xenophobia. In 2005, Hrisi Avgi, a Greek ended in 1912. The Greek government won the Neo-Nazi group was forced to disband, after a support of the city’s Jewish community; un- period of 25 years. der the rule of Eleftherios Venizelos, Greece Today, Athens is home to Greece’s Central was one of the fi rst countries to accept the Board of Jewish Communities. Comprising Balfour Declaration in 1917. representatives of Jewry all over Greece, this On July 11, 1942, the Jews of Thessaloniki body makes decisions for the now 5 000-strong were rounded up by the Nazis. Desperate for community, which is mostly settled in Athens, freedom, they paid 2,5 billion drachmas to the a city boasting a kosher hospitality culture Nazis, which only delayed their departure to and facilities for the locals, from schools and Auschwitz-Birkenau by eight months. Of the Holocaust memorials to old aged homes and 46 091 people deported, 1 950 returned. Today, community centres.

Tips for when you go to Greece

• You need a Greek Schengen visa to visit. South Africa has four Greek Consulates: Durban (031) 301-4880; Cape Town (021) 424-8160; Johannes- burg (011) 214-2300; and Pretoria (012) 430-7351. A Greek Schengen visa for an adult costs €60. • During 2011, there have been reported cases of West Nile Virus in Greece. This virus af- fects human beings and birds and is mosquito- borne. You should dose yourself with insect bite avoidance measures before travelling to A memorial to Athenian Jews destroyed Greece. in the Holocaust, created by Greek- • The climate is sunny and dry, affected by sea- American sculptor DeAnna Maganias, sonal winds called the meltemi. The best time which was unveiled earlier this year.

of the year to visit is between May and Octo- PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY WWW.AUDREYFM.WORDPRESS.COM ber; bearing in mind that the middle of sum- mer is July and August and the beaches are traditionally very full during these months. • Greek is the offi cial language of Greece, and in addition to Turkish and Albanian, you will hear many tourist tongues; English is taught at most Greek high schools and much of the Greek economy is fed by tourism. • Greece’s monetary unit is the Euro. At the time of going to press, one Euro will cost you R10,32. • Traffi c in Greece is on the right hand side; the speed limit is between 100 and 120km/h and while petrol stations are plentiful, you cannot buy petrol on a credit card. • Electricity in Greece is 230 volts. Plugs in Greece all have two round pins. • Greece’s tap water is generally safe to drink, but might require acclimatisation in terms of its taste. Tap water, however, on the Greek Islands is not safe to drink, and you should watch out for ice or iced drinks from the islands as well. • Greece is one hour ahead of South Africa. 02 - 09 September 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 YOUTH TALK

Alison Goldberg [email protected] A ‘Mitzvah Tea’ for the elderly held at KDHVP NICOLE MEYERSON, GRADE 8 learners of King David High School PHOTOGRAPH: YAEL GORDON Victory Park, hosted our annual”Mitzvah Tea” for the senior citizens of Our Parents ON WEDNESDAY, August 17, the grade 8 Home and Sandringham Gardens. The morning began with great excite- ment as the learners greeted the senior cit- izens at the buses and escorted them to the Cycalive 2011 participants on the steps of the Durban City Hall after completion of tables where they would be spending the their 700 kilometre relay ride from Johannesburg. (PHOTO SUPPLIED) morning. The learners had chosen a unique theme for the décor on each table. The hall looked Durban welcomes the Cycalive boys beautiful and there was a warm and wel- coming atmosphere. TRAFFIC POLICE had met the cyclists in time. The boys felt like VIPs,” said Rabbi Teacher Lara Wittels once again ex- Hillcrest, providing them with an escort all Dovid Hazdan, Torah Academy Boys High celled as both MC and entertainer. Smiles the way along the M13 into Durban, where School principal. He, Rabbi Motti Hadar seemed to multiply as the entertainment they put their sirens on. and Pace principal, Dan Zimba, accompa- and dancing began. It was almost like a “We arrived at the Esplanade right on nied the boys on their long journey. dream as the learners took a bobba by the hand and they began to dance to the Kicking for victory. music, together. After a morning spent laughing, eating, KDL under-9s are Daniel Lurie chatting and enjoying the outstanding is on the entertainment provided by Wittels, guest soccer champions right. singer Debbie Mizrachi and our talented Former learners Merle Croock; Rabbi learners, it was time for the senior citizens DAVID FLAX Mendel Rabinowitz; Ilana Flaum, with Bar- to leave. PHOTOGRAPH: MIKE GADDIN ney Meyers, former KDVP Primary School It was a morning that would be cher- headmaster, guests at the Mitzvah Tea. ished by everyone. THE CUP Final of school soccer’s most pres- tigious event, was recently held at Wits Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg. In an exciting and hard-fought match, SA in all its diversity, shown to YC young King Edward Primary School lost 4-0 to a OWN CORRESPONDENT educating them about the different aspects motivated and talented King David Links- PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED of our beautiful country - from the rainbow field under-9 team. Not only can the King nation, to our fauna and flora, from our food David boys play superb soccer, they are achieve this amazing feat. YESHIVA COLLEGE Primary School was and farming to different languages. superb sportsmen to boot. The under-9 team has also won The privileged to host Wynand and Annelie The highlight of the event was the dress-up The KDL under-9s have now won the Discovery Soccer Competition since its Botha from South Africa Educational shows. time, when certain learners were afforded the Adrian Henning floating trophy for the last inception. This competition is the brain- The foundation phase was treated to a show opportunity to dress up in traditional garb. five years in a row and were presented with child of Dr Craig Nossel of Discovery, in an gold medals for their outstanding perform- effort to promote fitness and health in all ance. No other school has ever managed to children. Michaela Kretzer; Annelie Botha; Aurah Kopelowitz; Noa Liebowitz; Aaron Mograbi; and Joseph Maraney, all dressed up. Getting to grips with science the fun way STORY AND PHOTORGRAPH BY SAMANTHA MAKIN

ON TUESDAY, August 23, the grade twos from King David Victory Park Primary School, went on an outing to the Sci-Bono Museum in Newtown, Johannesburg. The children learnt a lot about the forms and proper- ties of water and had great fun helping to conduct differ- ent experiments. They were also given an opportunity to investigate and discover different areas of science, using the apparatus and equipment around the museum. An enjoyable day was had by all and was ended with a Jessica MacGregor making a lovely picnic at Delta Park. beautiful magnetic picture. And the war cries ring out loudly! SUE BENJAMIN Day to begin. They participated with enthu- PHOTOGRAPH: INGRID SEEFF siasm and were very happy to congratulate SYDENHAM PRE PRIMARY the winners. Each group had their own war cry that FROM EARLY in the morning there was a could be heard from afar. The staff race was buzz of excitement as the children of the highlight of the morning and this was Sydenham Pre-Primary waited for Sports thoroughly enjoyed by the young spectators!

Chad Brest with his mom Hayley and Offir Elmaleh. 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 August - 09 September 2011 GENERAL Silver repair & Classifieds replating To book your classified notice or advert contact: Tel (011) 023-8160, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] (011) 334-1102 IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Jewish Report runs HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: or 082-473-6040 adverts in the Classified section in good faith, 1. Only adverts sent via email to [email protected] will be accepted. 2. You will be advised however we cannot be responsible for the on cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. Our banking details: quality of services offered and claims made. SA Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405

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No Lets less than 2 Today, Friday (September 2) man of the SAZF, who will speak on “Update Collectables - bric-a-brac, “granny’s cup- ing Simon Susman who will be talking on weeks. on the Middle East”. Venue GH Lounge, board” and lots more. Time: From 10:00 “Building a Sustainable Branch”. Venue: Non-smokers & no pets. • UZL hosts Shirley Zar who will speak on “An Golden Acres. Time 10:00 for 10:30. onwards. Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Email: Amazing School - Jewish Government Entrance: R20 (incl refreshments). [email protected] Monday (September 5) • Israel Centre in conjunction with 101.9 Chai School in the Shtetl Doornfontein”. Enquiries: (021) 434-9555 (mornings FM presents “Israel Fair Art Contest” at • UJW adult education division, hosts Prof only). SYDNEY “KOSHER” • Federation of Synagogues Women’s Guilds Beyachad. Fabulous prizes to be won. of SA, asks all Jewish women throughout Steven Friedman, Centre for the Study of ACCOMMODATION Details: Debbie (011) 645-2560. Thursday (September 15) December holidays SA to set aside a few minutes on Erev Democracy, University of Johannesburg, on Strictly kosher 4 Bedroom home Shabbat, today, 3 Elul 5771, at 17:25 to pray “A Voice in the Wilderness” at 09:30. • Second Innings hosts journalist and author • The Hebrew Speakers Society hosts a talk together for peace and harmony in our land. Mandy Wiener who will talk on her book. with garden + trampoline, avail- • SFCC presents Nadine Lemmer on “Whats by Naomi Dinur on Dura Europos, the Pledge a donation to any charity of choice “Killing Kebble, an Underworld Exposed”. able for 3wks over Dec/Jan in and Hows of Arthritis” at 10:00 at Sandton amazing synagogue covered in murals North Bondi, Sydney. and recite Psalm 27, just before lighting the Venue: GH Lounge, Golden Acres. Time from the Talmud era. Venue: UJW, 1 Oak + Shul. -1km from shuls, kosher shops Shabbat candles, in the tranquility of your 10:00 for 10:30. street, Houghton. Time: 10:30 for 11:00. and Bondi Beach. own homes. Tuesday (September 6) • Big Band Music Appreciation Society The talk will be in Hebrew. Cost: R20 for Rate $2 500 per week meets at St Johns College in the Jeffrey visitors (incl refreshments). To book call (neg) email: Saturday evening (September 3) • Sandton Shul is hosting a blood and platelet auditorium in St Johns Road Lower Shulamit (011) 882-9221, or Avigail 072- [email protected] drive in its foyer, run by South African • Northcliff Shul hosts “A Touch of Class” Houghton, at 14:15 sharp. There will be a 432-9198. with the music of Rabbi Ari Kievman, National Blood Service, from 09:30 to 13:30. OFFICES & SHOPS For more information call Harelle Isaacs tel selection of audio and video material featur- Sunday (September 18) Chazzan Ezra Sher, the JJMC Ensemble and ing the great big bands of yesteryear. For Evelyn Green. Good food and exciting prize. (011) 883-4210 or fax (011) 883-4245. SPACE TO RENT further information contact Dave at (011) • WIZO’s Women Inspired branch hosts a In a newly-renovated house on Time: 20:00. Venue: Northcliff Shul Hall. Wednesday (September 7) 885-3525 or Barney on (011) 440-1996. Sharon Glass cookery morning at the HOD. Athol Str, Highlands North. Cost R300. Information and bookings, call Cost R250. Bookings imperative. Please • UJW adult education division CT, hosts Serviced and ample secure us at our landline, (011)-678-3015 or • Second Innings outing to see “The History phone either Lorraine 083-268-8016 or parking. Would suit an OT, [email protected]. Ladan Eshraghi who will talk on aspects of Boys” at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Maureen 082-445-1515 “The B’Hai Faith”. Venue: Stonehaven. Time: Theatre at 15:00. Meet the bus at Oxford speech therapist, podiatrist, • Israeli Film Festival. Cinema Nouveau, 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance: R20 (incl refresh- Shul parking at 13:30. Cost: R90 per ticket dietician, physio etc, any profes- Gateway Durban, until September 8. R15 • PS Ladies host “Time for Me” Ladies Day ments). Enquiries: (021) 434-9555. for the show; R50 for the bus. Book with sional or small business entry. Proceeds go to “Vission mission” and Market, with speakers Tanya Sachs, Laura Sher on (011) 786-5109. Contact charity project. Pre-booking available at • Federation of Synagogues Women’s Guilds Melanie Levy, Michal Samovich and Debbie Mrs Schneider www.sterkinekor.com or at box office. of SA, incorporating the Kosher Consumers Monday (September 12) Pollack. Time: 08:30 - 12:30,Venue: Judin 083-447-3678 Organisation, presents “National Voice of Hall, Pine Street Shul. Cost: R100, RSVP Sunday (September 4) • UJW adult education division hosts Tom Orthodox Jewish Women”. Joyce Levin will Kiki on 083-692-6399. WANTED Wheeler, research associate, SA Institute of • RCHCC will be screening “Steal A Pencil For talk on “My Bittersweet Journey to Lith- International Affairs, on “From Verwoerd to Me”, the story of a love imprisoned. Time: uania” and Rebbetzen Shternie Wineberg • Second Innings presents “The Japanese Mandela - a South African Diplomat My excellent 19:30. Donation: R60 (incl refreshments). will talk on “Our Bobba’s Maiyses” Venue: Ladies Choir in Song” at the GH Lounge at Remembers”, at 09:30. gardener. Venue: Clive M Beck Auditorium at the Rabbi HOD Centre. Time: 10:00. There will be Golden Acres. Time 10:00 for 10:30. Known to the family for Cyril Harris Community Centre (RCHCC). refreshments. Donation: R30. RSVP Hannah Tuesday (September 13) 30 years, completely Booking: Hazel or René (011) 728- (mornings only) on (010) 214-2600 or e- Monday (September 19) 8088/8378, after hours (011) 728-8378 or mail: [email protected] • Second Innings Men’s Group hosts Sybil honest and reliable. • UJW adult education division, hosts Dr e-mail us at [email protected], Thursday (September 8) Silverman on “My Fascinating Work of Tape Requires a room [email protected] or our website Aids for the Visually Impaired”. Time: 14:15 Susan Schwart, a Jungian psychoanalyst (Orange Grove, www.greatpark.co.za • UJW hosts Lawrence Anthony, author for 14:30. Venue: Our Parents Home. from Phoenix, Arizona, on “As the Spirit Norwood, Illovo, of “The Elephant Whisperer”, at the Grows; Learning From the Dreams of Carl • Bet Menorah has a “Yard Sale” from 10:00 - Orchid Room, HOD, at 19:45. Donation: Wednesday (September 14) Jung”, at 09:30. Saxonwold or 15:00, at the corner of Mackie and Roper R180. Booking: (011) 648-1053 or email surrounding areas) Streets, Bailey’s Muckleneuk, Pretoria. • UJW adult education division hosts Dr us at [email protected] Tuesday (September 20) Will work 1 day a Extensive selection of second-hand goods Lorraine Chaskalson, former lecturer dept of for sale at prices to suit all pockets. Tea gar- Sunday (September 11) English at Wits, at 09:30 on “Place & week or rent. • WIZO Fortnightly Forum presents Dr Craig den. For further details call (012) 460-7296. Process in Adam Bede by George Eliot”. Tel Diane • The-BZA WIZO Yomtov Market takes place Golding, specialist physician, who will reveal 011-788-7591or • Second Innings hosts Avrom Krengel, chair- at the Sea Point Civic Centre, Cape Town. • UJW CT adult education division is host- all the secrets to the fountain of youth. Janet 083-283-7410 THE BRIDGE LOUNGE by Jeff Sapire VACANCIES CROSSWORD NO 225 EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE DEFENCE IS generally regarded as to do next. BY LEAH SIMON the most difficult part of bridge. At Of course we can see that a heart YOUTH times it requires a tremendous switch beats the contract, and that ACROSS: 10. They help bikers come to grips amount of foresight to see what was what East was waiting for – but 1. Way of cleaning oneself in with things (6, 4) DIRECTOR might happen. The thing to under- it never came. West was fairly sure English city (4) 12. Until then, not a good period (4, Required at stand is that on some hands what the that his partner had the ace of 3. School group initially gets inter- 4) Oxford Shul one defender sees from his side of the hearts and likely the queen too, but national culinary standard for 15. Hobo for each southerner with table is quite different to the view he had to deal with the possibility timeless works (8) fenders (7) To apply please from the other side. that East had switched to a single- 8. It’s about Alfred – and that’s gen- 16. Compel to lie about bog (6) ton club. call 011-646-6020 East dealer, neither vul uine! (4) 18. Fruit found in cheap pleasures So, after much deliberation he NORTH 9. Mild peel broken, and driven for- (5) or info@oxford- returned a club, and that was the AJ5 ward (8) 19. Cry, being small and quiet (4) shul.com end of the defence. Declarer won, K1096 11. Two ideals you’d find in Elgar’s drew trumps and ran the clubs, dis- 10 land (4, 3, 5) SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD carding both his hearts, making 11 VEHICLES QJ982 13. They’re made to show contrition NO 224 tricks. WANTED WEST EAST (6) ACROSS: 1. Rude; 3. Rye bread; 8. When declarer tabled his hand the 32 4 14. Brawl in east, somehow – and Oafs; 9. Monastic; 11. Back track- comments started: “Why didn’t you J83 AQ54 sing like a bird (6) ing; 13. Ersatz; 14. Matron; 17. The return a heart?” said East. “Because IF YOU WANT TO Q762 AK9843 17. Insect found on a flower? (5, 7) family way; 20. Policies; 21. Tina; I thought you may well have a sin- K1063 54 20. Time chap was ordered to be 22. Cressida; 23. Depp. BUY OR SELL gleton club – declarer could quite SOUTH forceful (8) DOWN: 1. Root beer; 2. Defaces; 4. easily have had one more club and a A VEHICLE KQ109876 21. Still, one gets a mythical crea- Yeoman; 5. Blackmails; 6. Eaten; 7. heart less,” replied West. 72 ture (4) Duck; 10. State facts; 12. Andy “But then I would have had five Contact: J5 22. Ironmongers? No – and they Capp; 15. Rawhide; 16. Impend; 18. hearts, which is most unlikely,” con- A7 don’t always get things straight, Halle; 19. Epic. Solly Kramer tinued East. And so the argument either! (8) continued. 082-922-3597 South West North East 23. Sounds like I I charge East as the guilty party. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1D will be going He should have realised what the 3S Pass 4S All pass to the land, in effect of the club switch might be. ARE YOU Opening lead: D2 the main (4) EMIGRATING The correct defence is for East not to 8 9 play clubs at all, but to return a pas- DOWN: AND WANT TO SELL After South’s pre-emptive jump sive trump. 1. An occasion 10 overcall, which showed a seven card Declarer can draw trumps but YOUR VEHICLE? best celebrated 11 suit (2S would have been a weak will have to play clubs himself, in Natal! (8) jump overcall with six cards), North and now when West wins (with 2. Hobo causes 12 correctly raised with his three either the king or ace), with no the French to trumps, the singleton, and some scat- club ruff available, he will be walk all over it 13 14 15 tered values. forced into the winning defence of (7) 16 East won with the king and had to a heart return. 4. It’s the fashion decide how to continue. Clearly West in Italy (2, 4) 17 18 did not have both the ace and king of Every Tuesday (Intermediate) and 5. How the thief clubs, as he would surely have led the Wednesday (Advanced), I run bridge makes a get- 19 Please contact suit, so declarer was marked with workshops from 10:00 – 12:00 at the away? (6, 4) one of the honours. Great Park Shul – alternating play 6. Lazy person is 20 21 Solly Kramer A heart switch was out of the ques- hands one week and a bidding lec- badly riled (5) tion, so East switched to the five of ture on the other. Corner Glenhove 7. Turf gets arti- 082-922-3597 clubs. Declarer played low and West Road and 4th Avenue, Houghton.E- cle for drink 22 23 anytime took the king and had to decide what mail me at [email protected] (4) 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 02 - 09 September 2011

Rugby takes centre stage as World Cup approaches JACK MILNER tors, commentators and medics. It com- prises text, graphics, audio and video WITH THE Rugby World Cup in New recordings and interviews, and unique Syd Nomis (right) Zealand just one week away - it kicks off documentary footage. will be honoured on September 9 - it is no surprise that it is Viewers can discover remarkable anec- at a dinner at The the sport attracting most attention at the dotes about the players who were not only Wanderers Club in moment. heroes on the rugby field, but also in war, Johannesburg on There are a number of events taking politics and their careers. Every individ- place in the next few days that centre on ual has an exceptional story to tell. Tuesday night, rugby, in particular the exhibition from The hours of viewing are: Monday - while his good the South African Jewish Museum that Thursday 09:00 to 16:00, Friday 09:00 to friend, Hugh has arrived in Johannesburg, a tribute 12:00, evenings when there are events on Bladen, will be dinner to one of the legends of South and selected Sundays. Admission is free hosting a World African rugby, Springbok wing Syd but donations are appreciated. Cup discussion at Nomis, and a breakfast organised by On Wednesday September 7, there will the event. Maccabi South Africa so that people can be a tribute to the late Mendel Kaplan, (PHOTO SUPPLIED) come together to watch the Springboks who was instrumental in bringing the play Wales in their opening match (on whole project together. tor Hugh Bladen, have come together to September 11 with kick off at 10:30 SA September 11). • For further information, contact either support their friend and former teammate time. Why sit at home and watch it alone Hazel or René on (011) 728-8088/8378. at the dinner, one year after Nomis’ opera- when you can be with a whole bunch of Rugby and the Jewish Springbok tion. chaverim at Grill On Grant in Norwood, Minyan Tribute to `Sydie’ Forming part of the evening’s festivities enjoying a delicious kosher breakfast? Over the years there have been 10 Jewish Winger Syd Nomis is arguably the most will be an interactive panel discussion Maccabi South Africa will be hosting a Springboks and with them comes the leg- famous of the Jewish Springboks and a involving the former Springboks. meat breakfast where one can scrum down end that in order to have a winning team, tribute will be paid to him when former With the 2011 Rugby World Cup kicking to a wonderful plate of macon and eggs, the team had to contain a Jewish player. Springboks, rugby fans, media and busi- off days after the dinner, panel master while John Smit and his boys do all the The 10 members of the “Rugby Minyan” ness, join forces to pay tribute to the Bok Bladen will be on hand to test the know- work against Wales. were: Morris Zimerman, Fred Smollan, legend at a glitzy dinner at the Wanderers ledge and opinions of the fellow rugby Cheer on the Boks with good food in Louis Babrow, Okey Geffin, Wilf Rosen- Club in Johannesburg on September 6. stars. good company for just R160 per person. berg, Cecil Moss, Syd Nomis, Joe Kaminer, The evening will be hosted by leading • Anybody interested can book a seat Alan Menter, and Joel Stransky. courier company, RAM Hand-to-Hand Watch the Boks kick off at Maccabi with Max Klass on (011) 485-1485 or con- The exhibition - The Glory of the Game: Couriers. breakfast tact the Maccabi SA office on (011) 645- Rugby and the Jewish Springbok Minyan - During a visit to Switzerland in The Springboks open their Rugby World 2557; fax: (011)-458-1011; or e-mail them is currently on show at the Cyril Harris September last year, Nomis developed life- Cup campaign in Wellington on Sunday on: [email protected]. Community Centre in Houghton and will threatening blood clots in his left leg, run until October 5. which had to be amputated above the The exhibition pays tribute to those knee. Jewish Springboks who made their mark Former Springbok captains Dawie de on the world sporting stage as players, Villiers and Morne du Plessis, as well as coaches, selectors, referees, administra- Ray Mordt and famous rugby commenta- A festival of Maccabi golf MACCABI GOLF will be hosting three golf competition. There are daily individual as tournaments at Fancourt in the Southern well as alliance prizes Cape, in what will be called the Festival of The Masters Individual Tournament for Golf 2011 - Masters, Super Masters, 49ers. the Solly Berger Trophy, is open to men and There will be three separate tournaments women who are 50 years and older. played at the same venue from October 30 to Then there is the Super Masters Individual November 1. Tournament for the “elder statesmen” who Golfers may enter either on their own, with are 65 years and older and who are handi- a betterball partner or with their own four- capped at their clubs off senior tees. ball. Alternatively they can mix players with- Finally, there is 49ers Individual Tour- in the three categories. nament for the youngsters. This tourna- For those participants who do not make ment is open to male and female golfers their own game, Maccabi Golf will put you in between the ages of 19 and 49. a game. Entry details are on the website The tournament is an Individual Stableford www.maccabigolf.co.za Benayoun looks set to leave Chelsea CHELSEA MIDFIELDER transfer window, due to close Yossi Benayoun has revealed on Wednesday night. that he is in talks with “sever- French champions Lille are al teams” following reports thought to be keen on the play- linking him with a move to maker, who enjoyed three Arsenal or former club years at Anfield before leaving Liverpool. Liverpool for Chelsea in July Tottenham has also been last year. linked with the 31-year-old, Liverpool already has a with reports earlier this number of options in midfield, month suggesting Chelsea but as a squad player, it is pos- boss Andre Villas-Boas was sible that manager Kenny ready to offer the Israel inter- Dalglish fancies bringing him national to Harry Redknapp back to Merseyside for a sec- as a makeweight in a deal to ond spell. lure Luka Modric to Stamford A move to Arsenal likely Bridge. shouldn’t be ruled out either, as But reports in Israel on under-pressure manager Ar- Monday suggested a return to Israeli soccer player sene Wenger looks to replace Liverpool, or a move to Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri Yossi Benayoun will be Arsenal, was possible. before the transfer deadline. And Benayoun has con- leaving Chelsea and Last Sunday evening the firmed via his Twitter account could be joining Arsenal manager called Bena- that he is in negotiations with Arsenal or rejoining youn to discuss his interest in “several teams” ahead of the Liverpool. leaving Chelsea for his club.