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www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday, 4 February 2011 / 30 Shevat 5771 Volume 15 Number 4 Egypt: Will the unrest lead to

Israel’s worst nightmare?PAGES 3, 8, 9

SMELLSMELL OFOF FREEDOMFREEDOM ININ THETHE AIRAIR

The popular uprising in Egypt against the regime of long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak, has stunned the world as it gains momentum. The protesters are baying for blood – united not by dogma, but only by their demands for the removal of Mubarak. In the meantime Mubarak’s grip on power remains tenuous, despite last-minute political concessions he has introduced. Here demonstrators on January 25 display a poster depicting an extreme form of insult in the Arab world – throwing a shoe at an opponent. (PHOTOGRAPH: MUHAMMAD GHAFARI). Press Council promises to Contested award for ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ FEATURE: Be my get its house in order / 5 top blood donor / 2 Jaap van Proosdij passes on / 4 Valentine / 14-16 YOUTH / 19 SPORTS / 20 LETTERS / 12-13 CROSSWORD/ 16 COMMUNITY BUZZ / 6 WHAT’S ON / 16 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 04 - 11 February 2011

SHABBAT TIMES PARSHA OF THE WEEK February 4/30 Shevat Published by February 5/1 Adar 1 S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, our synagogues. Terumah PO Box 84650, It is going for gold Would we accept that our private properties be as poorly maintained Greenside, 2034 Starts Ends DID YOU know that, according to as we do for G-d’s property? Why is 18:15 19:31 Johannesburg Tel: (011) 023-8160 the Midrash, gold was only created PARSHAT it that in our own homes the bath- 18:25 20:25 Cape Town to beautify the Beit Hamikdash, rooms are not only clean but Fax: (086) 634-7935 18:15 19:26 Durban our holy temple in Jerusalem. Italian tiled, while the shul facili- Printed by Caxton Ltd TERUMAH That’s right. It wasn’t created to sit Rabbi Yossy Goldman ties are a shameful schmutz? 18:20 19:44 Bloemfontein in Fort Knox or to stabilise the Sydenham Highlands I remember getting a call one day 17:56 19:56 Port Elizabeth EDITOR - Geoff Sifrin world’s currencies or even for com- North Shul from a wealthy man who had just 18:15 19:45 East London [email protected] modity traders to make the occa- finished building a stunning new sional windfall. To give honour and glory by beau- home. He asked whether it was before Rosh Hashanah who want- Sub-Editor - Paul Maree And it was most definitely not tifying His Holy House is one way of true that all the doorways in the ed to book seats for the High Holy put on this earth to adorn our bath- paying homage to G-d and thereby home required a mezuzah. When I Days. One woman asked to be sub- Senior Reporter - Rita Lewis room sink handles. The rabbis acknowledging the source of all our answered in the affirmative, he sidised. When he asked her about [email protected] taught that if the community could blessings. complained bitterly at the high cost her circumstances and why she easily afford it, even the floors of A former South African Chief of mezuzahs. had fallen on hard times, she Sports Editor - Jack Milner the Beit Hamikdash should be Rabbi, L I Rabinowitz, once penned Frankly, I had little sympathy replied that she hadn’t at all. [email protected] paved with gold! an eloquent contrast between the knowing how many millions he Why then was she requesting a This week’s parsha deals with “cathedral” type synagogue over had just spent on the house. Never discount on the normal fees? It Books Editor - Gwen Podbrey the construction of the first which, ironically, he himself mind the building costs; for every turned out that she discovered Mishkan, the portable temple in presided and the simple little chas- latest gadget and accessory he had that her sister-in-law had been Arts Editor - Robyn Sassen the days of Moses and we read of sidic shtiebl of old. Everything was money - but for the mezuzah sud- subsidised. So if discounts were much attention to detail. Gold, sil- elegant and pristinely clean in the denly finance was a problem. going, she wanted one too. [email protected] ver, copper and other precious met- glorious domed Great Synagogue We go out to posh restaurants I know it is a long-standing and spend lavishly to dine out in Jewish tradition to drive a hard Youth Editor - Alison Goldberg als were donated by the Israelites while the unadorned shtiebl was to create a beautiful dwelling place anything but grand. style - and then complain bitterly bargain and make sure you get [email protected] for the Divine Presence. On the one hand, the residue of about the price of kosher food. We value for money and why not look Similarly, we are taught to beau- the kichel, herring and schnapps on will happily pay fortunes for the for a metziyah if you can find one? Cape Town correspondent tify all our mitzvahs. A nice meno- the tables at the back didn’t exactly barmitzvah or wedding party with But that should not apply to our Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 rah, a handsome etrog box, silver inspire reverence for the celestial. all that goes with it and then resent religious, educational or commu- crowns for the Torah; these are but And yet, wrote Rabinowitz, there why the shul charged as much as it nal institutions. Pretoria correspondent some of the ways we show respect was a certain spirit there that was did for the chupah or why we were Especially when it comes to the Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 for that which is sacred in our lives. lacking in the formal synagogue. asked for a donation on the bimah. synagogue we should remember Now, obviously, G-d doesn’t need There one could sense the scent of The caterers, florists, musicians, why gold was created in the first MANAGER: DISTRIBUTION our gold and silver. But from our a sincere genuine prayer, hear a printers, party co-ordinators, en- place - to decorate, adorn and tertainers etc, all make a living on beautify our places of worship. Britt Landsman side we ought to make that which is heartfelt Yiddishe krechtz and be important to us as beautiful as pos- warmed by the special chaverschaft the simcha, and the shul that was By all means, live well. Spend on [email protected] sible. A shul can be a humble hut and camaraderie. responsible for the main event is an yourself and your family and but we need to demonstrate what Nevertheless, we should be ask- afterthought. enjoy. But let us try and give at Sales Executives - (011) 023-8160 our values are and where our pri- ing ourselves whether we are pay- My shul president once told me least equal respect to the house of Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 orities lie. ing enough attention to the state of that he was seeing congregants G-d. Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838

Freelance Sales Executive Marlene Bilewitz & Assoc: 083-475-0288 Blood is flowing over veracity of donation record RITA LEWIS cially as he was already a member of given blood more often than was stip- Classified Sales the South African St John’s ulated by the SANBS. [email protected] THE APPEALS on radio and on tel- Ambulance Services with whom he In defence, Lewis stated that the evision for donations of blood to was involved in attending many pub- record is one of fact, that the blood Design and layout deal with the anticipated increase in lic first-aid duties. had actually been donated and used. Frankie Matthysen road accidents at the end of the year, After moving to Witbank in 1960, At a different time, another dis- were answered by many people - Lewis continued donating there soon pute arose when Durban’s deputy Nicole Cook including a record holder from became a regular donor, donating head of St Henry’s School, Mike Website Pretoria, Lionel Lewis. every eight weeks. O’Neil was recorded in the SA Lewis has now accomplished the There was, however, roughly a National Blood Service’s manual, www.sajewishreport.co.za magnificent achievement of having two-year period when donations Blood Beat, as having given 650 units Ilan Ossendryver donated his 400th unit of whole were made by him every six weeks in of plasma and blood. IC-Creations blood to the South African National a medical experiment to reduce In reply to this Lewis says that Blood Service. blood pressure and cholesterol. “comparisons made must be [email protected] Blood donations, such as Lewis’ The immediate effect of the between apples and apples. generous contribution over so many increased donations was a substan- “One cannot compare donations of Subscription enquiries years, have saved many lives and tial lowering of the figures of the two ‘whole blood’ in combination with Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd assisted doctors and patients alike. ailments - although this effect was plasma and undiluted ‘whole blood’ Tel: 0860-13-2652 Having found out about blood not sustained over a long period and donations.” transfusions and their uses as a it was eventually abandoned Plasma donors have their red cells youngster when in his teens, Lewis The dispute between the donors transferred back to them after their BOARD OF DIRECTORS “tested the waters” at the SA Blood started some years ago when Lewis white cells have been extracted and Stan Kaplan (Chairman) Transfusion Services in Hillbrow, had given his 380th unit of blood. can therefore donate every two Issie Kirsh (Deputy Chairman), Marlene Johannesburg. (The organisation After the Guinness World Records weeks - more often than regular on April 1 2001 changed its name to issued a certificate stating: “The donors can. Bethlehem, Russell Gaddin, Norman the SA National Blood Service.) record for the most blood donated is Another dispute has also arisen Lowenthal, Bertie Lubner, Lewis decided that “this service held by Lionel Lewis (South Africa) due to the new technologies utilised Lionel Lewis from Pretoria Benjy Porter, Herby which was helping so many mem- who donated his 380th unit of blood in blood usage and the resulting who has donated 400 units of bers of humanity”, was something on April 10, 2007,” the issue was con- methods used to assess the amount Rosenberg, Howard whole blood. he was interested in joining - espe- tested on the grounds that he had of blood donated. Sackstein, Jason Valkin. KASHRUT Young South African hopes to become a Jewish Star RITA LEWIS talent, one of whom is Zalman Levy, around the world and by three by Aderet/MostlyMusic.com. The following symbols will appear on who submitted a song which he judges, Avraham Fried, Mendy The winner of “A Jewish Star advertisements and/or advertising fea- THE SECOND Annual “A Jewish composed, entitled, “Soul to Soul”. Pellin and Eli Gerstner. Junior”, will be joining the Yeshiva tures to indicate whether or not they are Star Singing Competition” which This original song has received Entrants, will be performing on Boys Choir, and will be receiving kicked off a few weeks ago, has seen major acclaim and over 6 000 view- stage on February 20 at the Annual two tickets to Israel with hotel kosher. Where no Kashrut mark appears a surge of Jewish talent from ings on YouTube - making him one Soul II Soul Concert in New York, accommodation covered by VIP on an advert, the Jewish Report around the world being submitted of the main contenders to be includ- where they will try to woo the crowd Israel, $1 000 in cash and career pro- assumes no responsibility for the to its website. ed among the 10 semi finalists who to vote for them to become one of motion by Aderet/Mostly- Kashrut status of that establishment or This includes some South African will be chosen by online voters from the three finalists. Voting ends on Music.com. advertiser: February 15. Levy (22), grew up with a tremen- The panel of judges will vote on dous love for music and has com- NK Non-Kosher K Kosher each of the finalists and choose who posed over a dozen songs. He stud- will be the world’s next singing sen- ied at Torah Academy and has been Where no symbols appear, consult the South sation, otherwise known as “The studying for rabbinic ordination in African Jewish Star.” Bal Harbour, Florida for a couple of Beth Din Kosher Guide or contact the Zalman Levy The “Jewish Star” will receive a years. He hopes to receive smichah advertiser. who stands a two year car lease of a 2011 Honda in about a year’s time. good chance Accord, $1 000 in cash and he or she He says that although he lives will have the opportunity to record overseas, “South Africa will always Advertisements and editorial copy from in the US’ a song at the well-known Ruli be home” - especially as his parents outside sources do not neccessarily reflect Jewish Star Ezrachi Studio in Brooklyn, with still live here. the views of the editors and staff. Singing coaching time given by Avram Go to www.ajewishstar.com, to Competition. Fried himself and career promotion vote for Levy. 04 - 11 February 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 3

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R999 000 promotions and all our properties. world - numbers around 650 000 men, with autocratic leaders elsewhere for support, 60 combat brigades, 3 500 tanks and 600 even possibly toward America’s foe, Iran. fighter planes. Secondly, pundits insisted that by distanc- ing himself from Mubarak, Obama was encouraging the would-be revolutionary opposi- tion in Egypt in a gamble that could prove counterproductive to US and Western interests. Clearly, the American presi- dent was hoping for democracy in Egypt and a concomitant increase in popular support for America across the region. In his Cairo speech in June 2009, Obama offered the Muslim peoples of the ME a new begin- ning. Now, he seems to be using the Egyptian crisis to underscore that appeal. But Israeli pundits warn this is unlikely to work. They maintain that instead of democracy in Anti-Mubarak protestors Egypt, there could well be a two- stage revolutionary process — an For Israel, the main strategic signifi- initial quasi-democracy, overtaken within cance of the peace with Egypt is that it months by the emergence of an autocrat- took the threat of full-scale war against its ic Islamic republic under the heel of the strongest foe out of the military equation. Muslim Brotherhood. But a hostile regime change in Cairo could It would be similar to what happened compel Israel to rethink its military strat- when the US supported pro-democracy egy, restructure combat forces, and, in forces against the Shah in Iran in the general, build a bigger army, diverting bil- 1970s, only to see the emergence of funda- lions of shekels with major social and eco- mentalist ayatollahs. Moreover, in the nomic consequences. event of an eventual Muslim Brotherhood A hostile Cairo government could mean victory, the big regional winner would be Egypt would be aiding and abetting the fundamentalist Iran. radical Hamas regime in Gaza, rather However the events in Egypt play out, than, as at present, helping to contain it. they will clearly have an impact on the Worse: If there is a domino effect that also Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The leads to an anti-Israel regime change in very notion of a threat to the peace with Jordan, with its relatively large Islamic Egypt will almost certainly further political presence, Israel could find itself reduce the Netanyahu government’s facing an augmented military threat on its readiness to take risks for peace. eastern border, too. In a media conference with German That could leave it even worse off than it Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday, was before 1977, facing a combined mili- Netanyahu re-emphasised the importance tary challenge from Egypt, Lebanon, he attaches to the security element in any Syria, Jordan and the Palestinians - with peace package - “in case the peace unrav- the added menace of a fundamentalist els”. Iran that seeks to acquire nuclear Events seem to be reinforcing both weapons. sides of the Israeli political divide in their The strategic importance of the peace core beliefs. The right is saying that Israel with Egypt has come to the fore during should not make peace unless it can be crises over the past decade. Without it, the assured of ironclad security arrange- Second Palestinian Intifada (2000 - 2005), ments, and the left maintains if only the Second Lebanon War (2006) and the Israel had already made peace with the Gaza War (2008 - 2009) could easily have Palestinians and the Arab world, popular triggered wider regional hostilities. unrest such as the protests in Egypt In each case, however, in the teeth of would not be potentially so earth-shatter- regionwide popular sentiment against ing. Israel, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Either way, events in Egypt are not good adamantly rejected calls to commit news for those advocating Israeli-Arab Egyptian soldiers to the fray. On the con- peacemaking. They could push efforts to trary, Mubarak was critical of Hezbollah resolve the conflict back several decades. in Lebanon and of Hamas in Gaza for pro- (JTA) 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 04 - 11 February 2011 AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

HOUSE LEADERS TO OBAMA: VETO UN SETTLEMENTS' RESOLUTION WASHINGTON - House of Representatives lead- "We respectfully request that the Adminis- ers have urged President Barack Obama to veto tration continue and increase pressure on the a proposed UN Security Council resolution that Palestinian leadership to return, immediately slams Israel on settlements and urges a return to and unconditionally, to direct negotiations with direct Israeli-Palestinian talks. Israel," the letter says, "continue and increase "We are deeply concerned about the Pales- pressure on the Palestinian leadership to cease tinian leadership’s decision to reject the difficult pursuing anti-Israel measures in international but vital responsibility of making peace with forums; declare that Palestinian failure to take Israel through direct negotiations, and instead to these steps would have significant negative con- advocate for anti-Israel measures by the United sequences for United States policy towards the Nations Security Council and other internation- Palestinians; and pledge in response to this letter al forums," says the letter sent on January 26. to veto any UN Security Council resolution that The letter was initiated by Representative criticises Israel regarding final status issues." Holocaust survivor Jack Puterman (left) and Jaap van Proosdij, a Righteous Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican Florida), chair- The resolution in question, reportedly drafted Among the Nations, discuss the exhibition in 2008 at the opening of the man of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, by the Palestinian delegation, does not address Durban Holocaust Centre. (PHOTOGRAPH: TERRY HAYWOOD) and signed by Representatives Eric Cantor final status issues and urges a return to direct (Republican Virginia), the majority leader; Steny talks. Hoyer (Democrat Maryland), the minority The Obama administration has said it opposes leader; and Howard Berman (Democrat the resolution but has not said it will veto it. The Righteous Gentile California), the ranking Democrat on Ros- Anti-Defamation League last week Friday urged Lehtinen's committee, as well as the lead con- the administration to make public its intention gressman on its Middle East subcommittee. to veto the resolution. (JTA) Jaap van Proosdij IRISH ACTIVISTS PREPARING GAZA-BOUND FLOTILLA DUBLIN - Several Irish politicians and adventure Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. travel writer Dervla Murphy will join a group of O'Snodaigh was prevented from boarding last Irish anti-Israel activists on a boat bound for Gaza May's flotilla. dies at age 89 next month. Murphy, who is writing a book about the The group, which is expected to sail for the Middle East, including her impressions of Israelis DON KRAUSZ surveillance of the SS, had to tread Palestinian territory from an undisclosed and Palestinians, said she contacted the Ireland CHAIRMAN ASSOCIATION OF warily and handled with circum- Mediterranean port on March 30, will be led by Palestine Solidarity Campaign because she felt HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS IN spection. two protesters who took part in the Gaza-bound “so strongly about the whole situation in Gaza”. JOHANNESBURG Working there, Van Proosdij had flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli commandos “I think the flotilla is a good way of drawing access to the lists of all the last May, leading to the death of nine Turkish international attention to what is going on there,” IT IS with deep sorrow that I have to Portuguese Jews in Holland. These activists aboard the Mavi Marmara. she told the Irish Times. “I hate publicity of any report the death of Jaap van he handed to the still functioning One of the politicians scheduled to travel on the kind, and this is the last thing I would normally Proosdij in Pretoria on January 22, Jewish Council in Amsterdam, Irish ship is Aengus O’Snodaigh, who in 2009 com- do. It shows how passionately I feel about Gaza.” at the age of 89. Van Proosdij was an requesting them to mark those who pared Ireland’s only Jewish parliamentarian to (JTA) accredited Righteous Among the had died, were deported or protected Nations who saved hundreds of by marriage to a non-Jewish spouse. Jews in Holland from death in the In due course these lists were GERMANY GIVES ADULT RATING TO TURKISH FILM SEEN AS ANTI-SEMITIC concentration camps and gas cham- handed to Calmeyer who was told BERLIN - German authorities have barred those film and asked them to rally the support of local bers. which people qualified for exemp- under 18 from seeing a Turkish film widely con- Turkish associations to discourage people from This account of Van Proosdij’s tion and which did not. sidered anti-Semitic. seeing it. remarkable exploits is based on “Little did he know that the names Jewish groups continue to raise concerns The movie is a sequel to the 2006 production Mordecai Paldiel’s volume, The we gave him of those who did not about the release in Europe of "Valley of the "Valley of the Wolves: Iraq”, which focused on a Righteous Among the Nations. qualify were of people who no Wolves-Palestine", which critics say demonises fictitious Jewish doctor harvesting organs of After their conquest of the longer existed.” Israelis and contains virulent anti-Semitic Iraqi soldiers for use in Israeli hospitals. The film Netherlands in May 1940, the Nazis In order to prove conversion to stereotypes of Jews as bloodthirsty killers of was wildly popular among young men of began to “purify” the country of all Christianity, documentation had to children. Turkish background in Germany. In all, some 3,5 non-Aryan elements, foremost among be provided. So, fictitious churches Deidre Berger, head of the American Jewish million people of Turkish origin live in Germany. them the Jews. This also created the were created and duly equipped with Committee office in Berlin, said she welcomed The new film involves a group of Turks who need to examine carefully cases of stationery and rubber stamps, all the decision by the German ratings agency, FSK, set out to avenge the deaths of nine militants persons registered as Jewish but designed by Van Proosdij and his to restrict access to the film. Berger called it “an who were killed by Israeli commandos on the claiming to be either fully or semi- associates. important step in limiting the spread of this film, Mavi Marmara, which attempted to break the Aryan by birth, so as to weed out all So impressive was this forged which glorifies violence and incites anti-Israeli Israeli naval blockade of Gaza last May. The non Aryans. material that where genuine proof sentiments”. opening scenes use actual footage from Israel’s For this purpose a special admin- was produced to the Germans they Still, Berger expressed doubts as to whether military raid. istrative unit was created to exam- often would not accept it as the for- the restriction would be enforced. Mainstream political parties have joined in ine doubtful cases in order to decide geries looked more convincing. Shimon Samuels, the Paris-based director for condemning the movie as anti-Semitic and whether they were to be considered A most remarkable case was that international relations for the Simon Wiesenthal expressed concern about its potential to cause Aryans and spared, or Jewish and of Elsa d’Oliveyra. Her name was on Centre, appealed on Monday to German further harm to Israel-Turkey relations, which deported to their death. the Portuguese list and she had been Chancellor Angela Merkel and Austrian were damaged already by the Mavi Marmara In charge of this unit was a man taken to the Westerbork Transit Chancellor Werner Faymann to condemn the incident and earlier the Gaza war. (JTA) named Hans-Georg Calmeyer. He Camp for further investigation. soon realised the need for staff that Then Van Proosdij received a secret SUNDANCE FESTIVAL RECOGNISES TWO ISRAELI FILMMAKERS had legal training and was Dutch message from Westerbork that the NEW YORK - Israeli filmmakers Erez Kav-El Institute Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award, speaking in order to peruse and following Tuesday all the and Talya Lavie last weekend received awards which supports emerging independent film- decide on the validity of documenta- Portuguese Jews would be deported at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. makers from around the world, for her film tion that sometimes dated back to to the death camps. Kav-El won the world cinema dramatic "Zero Motivation". the days of the Inquisition. Van Proosdij phoned Westerbork screenwriting award for his film "Restoration", The film looks at three women working in an He employed a 22-year-old, recent- from Calmeyer’s office and informed about a man coming to terms with his administrative office at a remote Israeli army ly qualified lawyer called Jaap van them that Calmeyer was considering estranged son as his antique furniture-restora- base and their power struggles. Proosdij in a fulltime capacity to a special application for Elsa and tion shop suffers financial problems. The festival for independent films ended last examine documentation brought in that she should be kept in the camp. Lavie received an Inaugural Sundance Sunday night. (JTA) by Jews who requested reclassifica- But by that time Elsa had already tion from their previous Jewish sta- been put on the train which was due ACCUSED NAZI DIES BEFORE DENATURALISATION TRIAL tus. to leave at 11:00. Van Proosdij was not a Nazi and Van Proosdij immediately drove to SEATTLE - A retiree living near Seattle, ferred to concentration camps. He also admitted soon realised the potential of suit- the camp and walking alongside the Washington, accused of committing genocide serving as an interpreter during interrogations able documentation in exempting train while calling Elsa’s name, he and other crimes as a Nazi officer during the of political prisoners that sometimes involved Jews from transport to the death managed to find her and drove her Second World War, died a month before his severe torture. Prisoners often were executed fol- camps. So did Calmeyer. Soon peti- straight to Amsterdam where she denaturalisation trial. lowing their interrogations. tions began to flow to his depart- was placed in hiding. Peter Egner, 88, died last week in an assisted- Serbia's justice minister on November 26 for- ment requesting that the status of a In 1997 van Proosdij received living community in Bellevue, Reuters reported mally requested Egner's extradition to stand parent or grandparent be changed recognition from Yad Vashem as a on Monday, citing a facility representative. trial in Serbia. from Jewish to half-Jewish or even Righteous Among the Nations. To Egner, a Yugoslavia native, is accused of join- Meanwhile, on Monday, an immigration judge fully Aryan. Baptismal certificates, achieve this he had to be able to sub- ing in April 1941 the Nazi-controlled Security in Detroit ordered the deportation of John most of them forged, were readily stantiate his claim. He travelled to Police and Security Service in German-occupied Kalymon of Troy, Michigan, who is accused of supplied to support such claims. Holland, found Elsa and obtained Belgrade, a Nazi mobile killing unit that partici- committing violent acts against Jews during the Dutch lawyers such as Van written confirmation of how he had pated in the mass murder of more than 17 000 Second World War as a member of the Nazi-spon- Proosdij, specialising in Aryani- saved her life. One week later she Serbian civilians during the Second World War. sored Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Nazi-occu- sation, helped produce false records died. Egner came to the United States in 1960 and pied Lvov. testifying to the non-Jewish origin I am writing this as a Holocaust became a citizen six years later. Kalymon, who became a US citizen in 1955 of the applicants. Using such survivor. We were surrounded by The US Justice Department filed a lawsuit in after emigrating from Germany six years earlier, method, it can be said that at least hatred and humiliation, and under 2008 attempting to strip Egner of his citizenship, had his citizenship revoked in March 2007. A fed- 3 000 Jewish lives were saved, often sentence of death. The only lights in saying he had lied about his Nazi past on his citi- eral judge concluded that Kalymon took part in with the co-operation of the German the darkness and despair were peo- zenship application. wartime violence against Jews and lied about it staff in Calmeyer’s department. ple like Jaap van Proosdij. Without Egner has admitted volunteering to serve in to immigration authorities. Calmeyer too, would be awarded men such as he we would have lost the Security Police and Security Service as well Kalymon, whose former first name was Iwan, recognition as a Righteous Gentile. all faith in our fellow Dutchmen and as guarding prisoners as they were being trans- denies the accusations. (JTA) However, he was under the constant in humanity. 04 - 11 February 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 5

avian countries are much like the one in South Africa, so too the one in Canada, Press Council gears up to counteract though it has provincial press councils. Another issue is the constitutionality of the waiver complainants must sign of their right “to approach a court of law or any government threatened interference other tribunal to adjudicate upon my com- plaint or any dispute arising from my com- ALISON GOLDBERG plaint submitted to the Ombudsman”. PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER Ziyad Motala, a professor of law and Jane Duncan, professor of Media and Information THE PRESS Council of South Africa has Society at Rhodes University, contend it is embarked on a review of its entire setup, as a not constitutional. Thloloe is adamant it is, result of serious criticism in the wake of the based on a landmark judgment by Ms Justice threat by government to institute a statutory Kate O’Reagan of the Constitutional Court Media Appeals Tribunal with powers to fine in March 2009 on private arbitration. and imprison journalists. The aim is to Asked whether he acts for the press or improve self-regulation of the print media. public, Thloloe says he is “on the side of Last October it called for public comment excellence in journalism”; further, that the on its constitution, the SA Press Code and its whole PCSA system is designed to protect complaints procedure. the public. In November, when it had received 24 writ- As a measure of his impartiality, he says of ten submissions, many substantial, it decid- all the complaints his office receives, 66 per ed to extend the public comment period to cent are upheld in favour of the public and 34 mid-March and hold public hearings around per cent in favour of newspapers. The same the country to increase the number of com- holds true of its analysis of politicians’ com- ments. plaints - from Deputy President Kgalema The Council has taken no specific direc- Motlanthe to President Jacob Zuma, provin- tion yet in order not to stifle further com- cial premiers, mayors and city councillors. ment. But it will evaluate submissions based Complaints lodged with the PCSA against on three criteria: whether they are in the the print media have increased from 94 in interests of ethical journalism; their practi- 2007 to 200 in 2010. cality; and finally, not to make changes “sim- ply because the ANC wants them”. “Ultimately, whatever changes we recom- mend will have to be endorsed by the press. When we have completed our work, we will be ready to make submissions to Parliament if we are required to do so,” Press Ombuds- man Joe Thloloe (pictured) told Jewish Report. The PCSA is funded by the Newspaper Association of South Africa (NASA), The Magazine Publishers Association of South Africa (MPASA) and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), which con- tribute in relation to their size and ability. For its part, the ANC is holding off its investigation of a Media Appeals Tribunal until this self-regulatory process is complet- ed, according to ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu, as quoted in the Mail & Guardian recently. For Thloloe the increased use of anony- mous sources in recent years is worrying. “This practice applies to both political and business spheres. While the Press Code states that the press has a responsibility to protect confidential sources of information, this is not carte blanche to publish false- hoods and say you can use anonymous sources. “My advice to journalists is to use confi- dential information as a tip-off rather than the crux of the story. Journalists need to check the tip-off with other people who could corroborate it. “According to the Press Code 1.4, where it has not been practical to verify the accuracy of a report, this shall be mentioned in such report. I have addressed the issue at all Avusa offices (publishers of inter alia the Sunday Times and Business Day) where workshops have been held on the matter.” Editor of SAPA and a member of SANEF, Mark van der Velden, goes further. He believes the “existing section dealing with confidential sources should be expanded to include an obligation to explain, as far as possible, the reasoning, authentication and likely motivation/agenda of anonymous sources, where these are used as a primary source of a news story where there is no other way of attribution and the story is pub- lished in the public interest.” Among the written public comments the Council will be evaluating, are the Law Society of SA’s and others’ calls for “parity of publicity for an apology in location, space and detail”. They have also requested the Press Code to specify respect for the “dignity, privacy and the common law right to reputation”. Calls for the imposition of fines and mone- tary compensation to be paid to the com- plainant, have come from the Centre for Constitutional Rights (FW de Klerk Foundation), Media Monitoring Africa, the Institute for Accountability in Southern Africa (Paul Hoffman SC), Reg Rumney, a former editor at the Mail & Guardian, cur- rently director at the Centre for Economics Journalism in Africa at Rhodes University, and the Freedom of Expression Institute. While the Broadcast Complaints Com- mission of SA does impose fines, Thloloe points out that very few press councils around the world do. Those of Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the Scandin- 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 04 - 11 February 2011

SOCIAL SCENE “In those days every schoolboy had a Rita Lewis [email protected] COMMUNITY BUZZ ‘Swanee whistle’. By mistake I blew mine LIONEL SLIER in class with the result that Mrs Milowitz took mine away. I was very upset about The YAD committee 082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448, which organised this and ultimately I went to her house [email protected] where she gave it back to me on condition the annual comedy that I would never blow it is class again. In evening, Naomi HEILBRON my class were Hymie Hochman, John Hadar, the Gauteng Jackson, Frank Falowitz and Alec Meyer executive director; From Emile Shreeve (now of Somerset who now lives in Israel. Jessica Schneider; West): “When Mr Lazar became principal he Bev Schneider; had a hard time with the boys... One day Robbie Cohen; “I well remember Kaalkop Van der Merwe when the windows of the classroom who had been terribly resentful that the were open, some of the pupils outside Greg Katz; Michal young Harry Lotzof drove a Lincoln threw clods of sand and Mr. Lazar fran- Baruch; Kinneret Continental (pink colour with tartan seat tically told the boys to behave them- Bitton; Gary covers) after his return from working in selves. The look on his face was unfor- Rothstein YAD Hollywood at Paul Hessey Studios doing gettable.” chairman, Gauteng; black and white still photography of To be continued. Urit Eschel; and movie stars. Harry told me Kaalkop used Yanky Woolf. to sneer insults at him because of this. JOHANNESBURG/YEOVILLE “Harry and his American-born wife, Genevieve, (former showgirl with the From Sheina Gordon: Marcus Follies) opened a photographic studio at Ingram’s Corner in Hillbrow in “Tilly Romm z”l was a firm believer in the the good old days when Hillbrow was a words of Pirkei Avot – (dabeir me-at ve- fabulous place. aseh harbei) – ‘say little and do much’. “He introduced colour photography to She showed constant, quiet commitment magazine publications – I think the origi- to her duties. nal one was “Outspan” magazine with the “Tilly and friends formed the ‘Ba-avur first Miss South Africa on the cover, HaShabbat’ (For the promotion of the except the printers got the register all Shabbat) at almost the same time. They wrong and she had three eyes etc. group arranged a regular ‘Oneg Shabbat’ “Colour in those days was made with in the hall of the Yeoville Synagogue. Above: The three comedians who kept everyone in fits four separate primary colour transparen- “These occasions were thoroughly of laughter: Tshepo Mogale; Mel Miller; and Robbie cies placed one on top of the other. enjoyed by both adults and children. How Collins, with some of the guests. “He had big name accounts like Pepsi sad that Yeoville is now but a shadow of Left: YAD Gauteng Chairman Gary Rothstein. and General Motors and did many covers its former self and its vibrancy – Jewish for CAR magazine way back then. related – is gone. “My grandfather, Jan L V Liebenberg “Note: ‘Ba-avur HaShabbat’ – for the (his wife Deborah Gregorowski Botha was promotion of the Shabbat. ‘Oneg Shabbat’ Using laughter to raise funds Jewish) resigned as the MP for Heilbron - delight/enjoyment of the Shabbat.” and Linley due to ill-health. I’m not sure RITA LEWIS generous pledges,” said one of the commit- how long afterwards Kaalkop took on the ENTREPRENEURS PHOTOGRAPHS BY YANKY WOOLF tee members. responsibility. This all made for not only a fun-filled “When we attended the funeral of Ben What did they put in the matzo flour, the THE ANNUAL comedy evening of the Young event, but a winning one in many ways as Simon, the local attorney and all-round chicken soup and the gefilte fish in the Adults Division of the IUA-UCF, entitled YAD, under the guidance of its chairman, nice guy in Heilbron, Harry pointed him 1940s and 1950s that there was this blos- Bliksem II was held recently at the HOD Gary Rothstein, is dedicated to getting the out to me and said: ‘There goes the crook soming of Jewish entrepreneurs who Hall in Oaklands, Johannesburg. As the young adults of the South African Jewish that replaced your gentleman farmer,’ changed the way South Africans did busi- comedy evening’s popularity has increased, community more committed, informed and (meaning my grandfather who always ness, entertained themselves, shopped, so has its attendance and this year was no connected to both Israel and South Africa. wore a suit to ‘farm’ – he was a lawyer.) gambled and gambolled? exception with people of all ages joining in It has a very committed volunteer com- “Kaalkop had acquired for himself a Sol Kerzner gave South Africans a new the evening. mittee who work tirelessly. Besides Cadillac and he was chauffeured through way of enjoying hotels and introduced After dinner, three top notch comedians fundraising, YAD arranges informal, fun the little dorpie, sitting in the middle of casinos which had to operate in the so- Tshepo Mogale, Robbie Collins and Mel events that enable young adults to socialise, the back seat, just the bald dome of his called bantustans. Raymond Ackerman Miller, each showed off their own particular network and foster stronger relationships head showing through the back window. gave a new way of life to shoppers and brand of humour and each one had the audi- with Israel and ensure that the local com- “Ben Simon’s wife, Miriam, was a another experience with his Pick n Pay ence literally rolling with laughter. munity’s needs are taken care of. rabbi’s daughter and despite the age gap, chain of super-and later, hypermarkets. Towards the end of the evening a lucky Funds raised for the IUA are channelled to Harry’s mother had been young Miriam Pick n Pay has become a way of life for so draw was held with some wonderful prizes Keren Hayesod which does vitally important Simon’s friend. many South Africans... being given away, including return air tick- work in Israel. This includes creating secure “Miriam worked tirelessly for the Natie Kirsh with Metro Cash and Carry ets to Durban, spa packages and beauty environments and assisting Israeli society Union of Jewish Women for decades, driv- was every bit as innovative in his own products. with many projects such as renovating and ing all alone for miles in her little Morris way. Isie Kirsh, his brother, played a A weekend away at the Sabi Sabi Game building bomb shelters, the rehabilitation of Minor from Heilbron to outlying towns major part in commercial radio in Reserve was very “successfully” auctioned victims of terror and facilitating an easy and farms. Lourenco Marques. Such was the impact with much friendly rivalry between the bid- aliyah and absorption into Israeli society, “I met her shortly after I married Harry that the SABC, to compete, started their ders. among other things. Lotzof (circa 1970-71) when she was own commercial radio station, Springbok The evening also received very generous YAD will be running a young leadership attending a UJW meeting in Anstey’s Radio. sponsorships from Wicount, Premier Dead course this year, with the intention of ensur- Building in Johannesburg where we had “Isie Kirsh was involved in the start-up Sea Products, Comair, Sabi Sabi and Comic ing the preparation of future Jewish leader- the penthouse and despite the age gap we of 702 Radio which, later, as Talk Radio Revolution. ship in South Africa and a strong bond with became friends too... I was married to him 702 has had a major influence on the lis- “As a fundraising organisation, it is heart- Israel. for 10 years.” tening habits of many people in this coun- warming to receive these sponsorships as More information regarding the course is “How important the past becomes when try, especially in Gauteng. well as to see the bigheartedness of the available from Jason Farber, the YAD co- one gets older! Donald Gordon changed the way the donors who attended the function and made ordinator on (011) 645-2525. “Thanks for the pleasant surprise insurance industry was conducted with reading about Heilbron in The Jewish his Liberty Life. Involved were Louis Three repre- Report.” Shill, Sydney Lipworth, Michael Rapp and Michael Katz among others. Mark sentative of MUIZENBERG Weinberg did the same in Great Britain sponsor with Abbey Life. He is now Sir Mark Wicount, Dan Hyman Jocum continues with the Weinberg. Pallay; Jessica Exhibition of Old Muizenberg: Eric Ellerine in the furniture industry, Schneider; Brian Joffe in the financial field, also and Nick “In a section captioned ‘Jewish those at Sasfin, Adrian Gore who discov- Friedman with Education’, mention is made of Lily ered gold in health cover and all those Ginsberg who opened her own Montessori guys at Investec, Stephen Koseff, Ian and SAUJS’ Dani School. The daughter of a diamond mag- Bernard Kantor whose zebra icon is seen Emmanuel nate Ms Ginsberg gave up the principal- at so many international rugby fields and (third from There is nothing better than ship of her school in 1924. cricket grounds. left). having a good laugh. “At the end of that decade Col The list of these young lions involved in Leversohn opened a Jewish day school for changing South Africa is endless and this girls in the former home of Mr Clifford list here is far from complete. Knight along the Main Road. This was a triple story stone house The two schools SAUDI ARABIA established by Colonel Leversohn were probably the first Jewish day schools in A vulture has been arrested in Saudi South Africa.” Arabia on suspicion of being a Mossad agent working for Israel. The bird was PORT ELIZABETH carrying a GPS transmitter and a tag from Tel Aviv University and seemed to From Rollo Berman: be embroiled in a “Zionist plot”, according to reports in the local press. “I started off at the Port Elizabeth Hebrew The Israeli authorities say that the vul- School in Clevdoon Road. The principal at ture is innocent and was simply being the time was a Mr Goldman followed by a used in a long standing study of migrato- Caterer Ido Sirton with Naomi Hadar, IUA- Mr Lazar. My arithmetic teacher was a ry patterns. UCF Gauteng executive director and Yanky Some of the guests enjoying one of the Mrs Newman and Hebrew instruction From the British journal “This Week”, Woolf. jokes. was given by a Mrs Milowitz. January 15, 2011. 04 - 11 February 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 7

Great Flu Epidemic that immediate- Grand style tribute to ly followed the First World War, had resulted in the deaths of many HOD funds help keep Jewish children from the East Rand. Benoni Chevrah Kadisha Most of them had been buried in unmarked graves in the Benoni and Savyon Lodge going DAVID SAKS who recounted his many unique Boksburg Jewish Cemeteries. experiences relating to Chevrah In 2001, assisted by fellow Chevrah DAVID SAKS ceived a much welcome dona- BENONI JEWRY came together Kadisha matters in his work. Kadisha members, Danzig embark- tion from the Hebrew Order of recently to pay tribute in grand Incoming Chairman Ronnie ed on a project to identify and mark DESPITE THE embattled David in Johannesburg. The style to the outgoing chairman of Suttner, praised Danzig for ensuring the various graves in the Benoni Zimbabwe economy having funds, channelled through the the Benoni Chevrah Kadisha, that the community could always Cemetery. This involved intensive recovered slightly over the AJC Zimbabwe Fund, will be Danny Danzig, and to the many rely on the presence of an efficient research in the records, where the past year, the overall situation used towards purchasing basic dedicated members of the organi- and dedicated burial society. relevant details were sometimes remains dire. Without the sup- medical requirements and sation, who have given long serv- “His leadership skills have influ- found on the back of cigarette boxes. port of international Jewry, adult diapers. Since the aboli- ice. enced the members of the Chevrah Once the identification process Savyon Lodge in Bulawayo, the tion of the Zimbabwe dollar, all This took the form of a festive Kadisha: Benoni has always had a was completed, a tombstone was country’s only Jewish aged items are now available in all Shabbat dinner, attended by nearly fully self-sufficient devoted team of erected on each grave, bearing the home, would no longer be able currencies. 100 community members and well- people who drop everything when deceased’s name and date of death. to provide a safe (and kosher) Savyon Lodge President wishers from outside the town. needed and just do what needs to be In July 2002, a special consecra- haven for its residents, of Brian Sher, who works very The main speaker was Rabbi done, no matter what,” he said. tion service was held, with the late which there are currently just closely with AJC Zimbabwe Moshe Silberhaft, senior spiritual Suttner recounted one of Danzig’s Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, obm, offi- over 20. Fund President Rabbi Moshe leader to the country communities, most noteworthy projects. The ciating and intoning the haskara. To date, fortunately, suffi- Silberhaft, said he was cient funding from abroad has “delighted at the generous been forthcoming to enable the response by the HOD in identi- home to meet its many pressing fying the needs of Savyon Congregants rally to save Edenvale Shul commitments, but ensuring Lodge as a beneficiary of their CLIVE MASSEL Edenvale Shul had become an age- the house of Stanley and Lorna that this continues, remains sterling work”. ing community; the relocation of Sneech in 1967. With the outbreak of one of the ongoing challenges of • Anyone interested in con- A FEW weeks before the start of the members; there were no major the Yom Kippur War, shul services the African Jewish Congress tributing to Savyon Lodge, should High Holy Days, last year, the benefactors; a reduction in mem- were commenced and progressed to Zimbabwe Fund. please contact Rabbi Silberhaft Edenvale Shul was in dire financial bership; and a drop in simchas such Shabbat services at the Sharon Recently, Savyon Lodge re- on [email protected] straits. The shul was unable to meet as births, barmitzvahs, batmitz- Country Club. In 1976, the EJC pur- its day-to-day expenses. vahs and weddings. chased from the local municipality A few of the community members A “Chai Save the Shul an old church building and the were called to an emergency meet- Campaign” was started. Members adjoining house. These buildings ing; a special financial committee were invited to pledge a basic were converted into the current was formed. It was established that bronze chai of R100 per month, shul and house of the rabbi. The unless a strategy was developed, the ranging to a Platinum Plus chai of current rabbi of the community shul would not survive. R2 500 or more per month. The tar- Rabbi Ze Aiv Gruzd. Problems it faced included: the get for the monthly chai contribu- As a result of donations received shul’s overdraft was at its limit; tion was set at R30 000. from former members now living there were past debtors who were The response to the campaign overseas, as well as very generous unable to meet their commitment to was phenomenal. The community donations from the local communi- the shul; there were no cash rallied around the shul and realis- ty, the shul has been saved. reserves; and there was a monthly ing what they stood to lose, came Plans are in place to address the shortfall of at least R30 000. forward in a variety of ways. medium term growth and sustain- The reasons for this were that the The Edenvale Shul was started in ability of the shul. Johnny Sonnabend on behalf of the HOD, presents a cheque to Brian Sher, president of Savyon Lodge, while Rabbi Moshe Two Jewish events of note in Piketberg Silberhaft, president of the AJC Zimbabwe Fund, looks on. THE PIKETBERG Museum Com- At 10:45 there will be a dedication in an old Victorian-style house at 10 mittee in the Western Cape, as well of the Ten Commandments and Kerk Street. as Phina Hoberman, Doreen Crown over the Holy Ark in the old The synagogue was erected for Goldberg, Josie Barnes and Harry Jewish Synagogue in Church Street Jewish refugee families who settled Shaer, will officiate at two Jewish (Kerkstraat) which is now an exten- in the area from about 1880. It was events in the town on February 17. sion of the museum. The Ten built in 1923 by Andras Simon, a Descendants and interested par- Commandments and Crown are Hungarian Jew, and was bought by ties are invited to participate in the donated by Phina, Doreen, Josie and the municipality in 1970. consecration of a memorial stone at Harry in memory of their late broth- • For information, e-mail Phina 10:00 in memory of the Gilman fam- er, Max Shaer. Hoberman: [email protected] ily who are buried in unmarked Some of the graves in the old and RSVP to the curator of the graves in the Jewish section of the cemetery in Trek Street date back to Piketberg Museum, Rochê du Toit: old historical cemetery in ‘”Die the 17th century. (022) 913-2177, Monday to Friday Trek” (Trek Street). The Piketberg Museum is housed 09:00-14:00. ORT SA educator assistants to graduate in 2011 STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY learners and the school principals LISA MORALEE who have welcomed and supported the educator assistants. The learners will SINCE FEBRUARY 2010, ORT SA, graduate at the end of February. together with Services SETA and the During the event, Martin Behr, hon- Adrienne Verster (ORT SA proj- GDE, have implemented the Edu- orary life president of ORT SA, con- cator Assistant Project in six high gratulated the learners for their dedi- ect co-ordinator), Victor Sefike schools in Alexandra and six high cation and hard work. “The experi- (educator assistant) and Carol schools in Diepsloot. With only two ences you have had during this learn- Rod (ORT SA business develop- months left of the course, ORT SA ership will stand you in good stead ment executive). held an appreciation lunch for the throughout your lives.”

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From a purely strategic, cynical, self-interested perspective, this is not Either embrace change a message that Israel or friends of Egypt: another ‘Iran’ Israel want to be sending to the people of a nation that when the dust settles in Egypt or stay quiet will still be Israel’s most important or ‘South Africa’? neighbour and almost certainly will LARA FRIEDMAN ments and draw the conclusion that have a government that will be more SOUTH AFRICANS know the heady feelings WASHINGTON the best thing for Israel and friends of populist in its approach. evoked by overthrowing an authoritarian regime, Israel to do is bash the protesters or Since Israel’s birth as a state, particularly when it has been in power for decades THERE IS the old joke that “denial is stump for Egyptian President Hosni regimes throughout the region have and has protected its rule by systematically sup- not just a river in Egypt.” And indeed Mubarak, who has been in power for been non-democratic. This is not pressing and eliminating opposition, through it is true. three decades. Israel’s fault. Nor can anyone fault brute force or other means. The Nile is the longest river in the Make no mistake, change is coming Israel for developing security and for- Our prisons were filled with political detainees, world, along whose shores the in Egypt - indeed, it has come already. eign strategies that capitalised on the and the majority of the population lived in fear of Egyptian people continue their Few serious observers believe there is overwhelming authority of these security police and other of the regime’s agents. unprecedented protests, demanding an even the remote possibility that regimes - whether with respect to The oppressive system was so pervasive and long- end to the Mubarak era. But denial Mubarak can hold on to power much Israel’s peace treaties with Egypt or standing that it became almost “normal” to live also is the increasingly discordant longer. Jordan, or its de facto detente with the that way. notes sounded by some elements in the The longer he tries to hang on, the Arab world at large. It is not easy to wrest the power back to the peo- American Jewish community and in greater the likelihood that he will have But the Middle East is changing, ple. Courage and dedication from activists pre- Israel seeking to attack and discredit to resort to more repressive (violent) and the attitudes and approaches of pared to give their all are needed. And the general the protests and lobby for a return to measures to do so. Many fear a Israel and friends of Israel must populace must reach the point where they will no the pre-January 25 status quo in Tiananmen Square-style showdown in change, too - even if in their hearts longer tolerate the situation – a general “gatvol” Egypt. Cairo’s Tahrir Square. many still believe that for Israel’s sentiment, where the most unexpected incident sake, an autocratic but reliable Arab sparks an entire revolution, with everyone’s rebel- neighbour is preferable to a democrat- lious emotions feeding off each other, creating an ic but potentially unreliable one. irresistible force. We saw it in 1976, when Soweto’s According to reports from the children in unison led the uprising. ground, the protests in Egypt have Fortunately for us, one of the leaders who arose been mostly bereft of anti-Israel senti- to take us through the turmoil and anger to a bet- ment. The protests are genuinely ter society was Nelson Mandela, along with many about domestic politics - against poor comrades. The passionately-held ideal of him and governance, corruption, lack of his ANC movement was creating a free, democrat- democracy, etc. ic society. And today, despite our society’s many They are not about Egypt’s foreign warts, we live in a pretty close reflection of that policy or Egypt’s peace treaty with ideal, guarded by a constitution ranked among the Israel. This should be taken as a world’s best. promising sign for the future, but it We can be thankful there was no significant reli- should not be taken for granted. gious component to our apartheid struggle. If Israel and friends of Israel Notwithstanding the morality and good order unwisely insist on making what is inherent in most major religions, religious con- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, second from right, meeting with US happening in Egypt about Israel, this flicts are among the most brutal and intolerant, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud could change. They may get their wish especially if it is brother against brother. No side Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, at Sharm el-Sheik, and see Egyptians begin protesting can ultimately win in such a faith-based clash. Egypt, on September 14, 2010. (PHOTOGRAPH: MOSHE MILNER/GPO) against Israel, too. South African society, in contrast, contains a Fears that a post-Mubarak regime basic respect for people’s religions and beliefs - Last Sunday, for example, Malcolm Egypt, however, is not China, and will be less friendly to Israel are anti-apartheid activists were of all stripes. Hoenlein, the executive vice-president such a horrific event would not save understandable, but some of the peo- Looking at what is happening in Egypt, one must of the Conference of Presidents of Mubarak. Rather it would only cement ple speaking out now from Israel and support the fact that the populace is saying to the Major Jewish Organisations, blasted his regime’s total loss of legitimacy the US Jewish community need to be dictatorial Egyptian government and President Mohammed ElBaradei - one of the few domestically and make it impossible aware of self-fulfilling prophecies. Hosni Mubarak after his 30-year reign: “Enough! faces to emerge as a “leader” in for even old friends like the US govern- Their fears are only more likely to We demand a better society!” Egypt’s ongoing protests - as a “stooge ment to continue speaking of the cur- materialise if Israel and friends of But what sort of “better” are they talking about? for Iran”. rent situation - and what must come Israel act foolishly during this transi- What will emerge from Egypt’s revolution: an The same day, Haaretz carried an next - in diplomatic, measured tones. tion period. Egyptian “Mandela” promoting a free, democratic article headlined “Israel urges world Denying the reality of change in For Israel and friends of Israel, country? A “Khomeini” turning it into a funda- to curb criticism of Egypt’s Mubarak”. Egypt does not help Israel; it only there are two smart choices: Either mentalist Islamic regime? Or something in Panic at change in Egypt and what guarantees that Israel’s future rela- embrace the change that is happening between? its impact will be on Israel simply can- tionship with Egypt will be more diffi- with the same goodwill that is being The prospect of the most cohesive body in not justify this kind of response. cult. It sends a message that Israel shown by the rest of the world, or Egyptian politics today, the Muslim Brotherhood, Yes, everyone who cares about Israel wants to hold on to the title of “the keep quiet. (JTA) hijacking this revolution for its own narrow politi- is concerned about what change will only real democracy in the Middle cal means, is frightening. There are strange bedfel- mean for security and stability in the East” in perpetuity, even if this means (Lara Friedman is the director of lows in this process, with virtually nothing in com- region, especially for Israel. But only a directly engaging to frustrate the will policy and government relations for mon except the desire to be rid of Mubarak and his fool could look at the ongoing develop- of Arab peoples for democracy. Americans for Peace Now.) son Gamal, who has been groomed as his succes- sor. The presence of the religious component in the Arab and Egyptian world, which was absent from When Israel & Egypt made peace 32 years ago the South African scenario, is potentially explo- sive. South Africa could never have turned into a fanatical Islamic regime. But Egypt could. What then? The Americans and the West feel obliged to give public support to a democratisation process in Egypt, and this is appropriate. But their concern about stability and preservation of a reliable ally in that region is palpable. The Iranian example is vivid, where Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi - a secular Muslim and a staunch ally who brought stability, though his regime was dictatorial - was replaced by a radical Islamic theocracy under Khomeini and his ayatol- lahs. The result was never-ending threats to the region and the world - including the Arab world. Israel’s place in this maelstrom concerns Jews greatly. Losing Egypt as a three-decades-long, peaceful neighbour and being surrounded again by hostile countries would set it back to an era of existential threat most Jews thought had passed. Traumatic memories flood into the mind of sev- eral Arab armies attacking it – or gearing up to attack it – from all sides simultaneously, as in 1948, 1967 and 1973. Having gone through our own South African rev- olution and emerged with a very positive outcome, we hope and pray that Tahrir (Liberation) Square in Cairo does not become a Tiananmen Square - and that the new Egypt will be a constructive The Cairo talks, March 1979 when Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement. From left: Menachem Begin, prime member of the international community of minister of Israel; Yehuda Avner, Israel’s ambassador to London at the time; President Anwar el-Sadat of Egypt, nations, and continue to be at peace with Israel. who was assassinated three years later; Egypt’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Boutros Boutros Ghali (in dark glasses); and the then Egyptian vice president, Hosni Mubarak. (FILE PHOTO) 04 - 11 February 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS Dilemma of pro-Israel groups: To talk Egypt or not RON KAMPEAS stability that this period of turmoil and nudge Mubarak toward democratisation. Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice-presi- WASHINGTON uncertainty be resolved peacefully and that Pro-Israel congressional insiders said dent of the Conference of Presidents of Egypt remain a strong ally.” there had always been talk throughout the Major American Jewish Organisations, told AS EGYPT convulses, pro-Israel groups and US Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen years of shifting funds from defence aid to the Yeshiva World News that the United US Congress members are seized by the (Republican Florida), chairman of the House democratisation assistance, at times from States should have been working more proac- ancient maternal dilemma: If you have noth- Foreign Affairs Committee, took that posture unlikely bedfellows: Ros-Lehtinen and the tively to ensure an orderly transition to ing nice to say, should you say anything at further, saying in a statement that US assis- Zionist Organisation of America had backed democracy. all? tance should be contingent on an election such a shift, but so had the former “This is something that we knew was com- The question of whether to stake a claim that allows only parties that recognise Appropriations chairman, Representative ing — we should have been working at it all in the protests against 30 years of President Egypt’s “peace agreement with the Jewish David Obey (Democrat Wisconsin), a fre- along,” Hoenlein said, adding that the Bush Hosni Mubarak’s autocracy is a key one for State of Israel”. quent Israel critic. administration had paid lip service to the the pro-Israel lobby and pro-Israel lawmak- Such cautions are fuelled by fears of the Such initiatives were abandoned, the notion of building democratic institutions ers because of the role they have played in role the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood might insiders said, both in Congress and in the and the Obama administration not even that. making Egypt one of the greatest beneficiar- play in a new Egypt. Other pro-Israel law- Bush White House after Hamas won elec- Hoenlein warned against the emergence in ies of US aid. makers notably omitted reference to the tions in the Gaza Strip. Egypt of possible transition leader And in the same way that the outcome in peace with Israel in their statements. In a hearing on Egypt assistance in May Mohammed ElBaradei, saying he covered up Egypt continues to idle in the gear of “any- US Representative Gary Ackerman 2006, just after the Hamas victory, Iran’s true nuclear weaponisation capacities one’s guess”, there is little consensus in the (Democrat New York), the ranking Democrat Representative Shelley Berkley (Democrat while he directed the International Atomic byways of pro-Israel Washington over how on the House Middle East subcommittee, Nevada), the lawmaker who is perhaps clos- Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog. to treat the nation and its nascent revolu- called for a suspension of assistance to Egypt est to Israel, made this aside: “I am wonder- “He is a stooge of Iran, and I don’t use the tion. until Mubarak left — and then its renewal ing if I need a change in the way I think term lightly,” Hoenlein said. “He fronted for The competing claims were evident in the once a transitional government was in place, about the Middle East and about democra- them, he distorted the reports.” divergent, and at times contrasting, calls whatever its makeup. tising nations that are no more ready for Keith Weissman, a former AIPAC lobbyist issuing from figures known for their close- “I believe the United States must suspend democracy than the man on the moon.” and analyst who witnessed the Iranian ness to the American Israel Public Affairs its assistance to Egypt until this transition is The remark made headlines in Egypt. Revolution unfold and who has lived in Committee, or AIPAC, the trendsetter in the under way,” said the statement from Now some pro-Israel voices are saying that Egypt, said the warnings about ElBaradei pro-Israel community. Ackerman, who is a pro-Israel stalwart. not pushing for democracy has disastrous were overheated. Reactions to the unrest in Egypt crossed In an interview, Ackerman said the omis- consequences - including critics of the “From what I see in Cairo there is no evi- political lines, with some liberal and conser- sion of an Israel reference was deliberate. regime. For example, the ZOA, which has dence he is on an Iranian agenda,” he said vative commentators pressing the Obama “I understand the angst and anxiety that frequently accused the Egyptian govern- Weissman said the inclusion of the Muslim administration to help topple the regime, exists in Israel, but we’re not going to pick ment of undermining peace and pressed for Brotherhood in the opposition alliance and others stressing the need for stability. the next leader of Egypt,” he said. a reduction in US military aid, now is calling ElBaradei is leading, should not be a cause Some AIPAC-related countries called for Instead, Ackerman said, the United States for the Obama administration to do every- for concern. assistance to Egypt to be contingent on should use what he said was a closing win- thing it can to keep the regime in place, with “In a post-Mubarak Egypt, you’d want the whether the emerging government dow of opportunity, and side pronouncedly Mubarak or one of his associates in charge. Brotherhood close,” he said. remained committed to co-operation with with the people and against Mubarak. Obama “should be showing some loyalty In any case, meddling was counterproduc- Israel. Others were emphatic in omitting “If we sign the people of Egypt up as lobby- to a regime with which we have had good tive, said Lara Friedman, legislative director Israel as a consideration, saying it was not ists, they will do the right thing,” he said. relations for 30 years,” ZOA President Mort for Americans for Peace Now, writing in an the place of Israel or its friends to intervene US Representative Howard Berman Klein said. “If we have elections in the near op-ed for JTA (see page 8). in what appears to be an organic shucking- (Democrat-California), and the ranking future, you’re going to have a result like in “Denying the reality of change in Egypt off of a dictator. member on the Foreign Affairs committee Gaza. Of course I want democracy, but I does not help Israel; it only guarantees that Josh Block, AIPAC’s former spokesman and the author of last year’s sweeping Iran don’t want democracy when the results sup- Israel’s future relationship with Egypt will who is still close to the lobby, said the com- sanctions law, also kept Israel out of his port Islamic takeover.” be more difficult,” she said. (JTA) mitment of whatever government emerged statement. Unlike Ackerman, however, he to peace with Israel should be a critical ele- said assistance should continue as a means ment in considering whether to continue the of stabilising the Egyptian military. $1,5 billion Egypt receives in aid, much of it “So long as the Egyptian military plays a in defence assistance. constructive role in bringing about a demo- “Given what’s taking place, it’s appropri- cratic transition, the United States should ate for the US government to be reviewing also remain committed to our ongoing assis- US aid to Egypt,” said Block, a senior fellow tance programmes for Egypt, both military at the centrist Progressive Policy Institute. and civilian,” he said. “No matter what happens, clearly one of Betting on the military was perhaps the the top criteria Congress is likely to use is only certainty in the current chaos, said Egypt’s approach to its peace treaty obliga- David Schenker, an Egypt expert at the pro- tions with Israel.” Israel Washington Institute for Near East That seemed to be the tack adopted by US Policy think tank. The Egyptian army is pop- Representative Nita Lowey (Democrat New ular among Egyptians and, has taken steps York), the ranking Democrat on the foreign during the uprising not to alienate the street. operations subcommittee of the US House of “The arbitrator of this may be the mili- Representatives Appropriations Committee. tary,” Schenker said. “It doesn’t want to cede She framed her statement in the context of power to a civilian power that’s Islamist. The the 1979 Camp David peace accords with army has entrenched interests with this Israel, which is the basis for Egypt’s status regime and likes its relations with the US as one of the top recipients of US aid. military.” “Ever since the historic Camp David peace Egypt’s potential collapse triggered an accords more than 30 years ago, Egypt and intense “who’s to blame” debate in the United States have been partners in Washington over which party or group had seeking a just resolution to the Israeli- done more to prop up Mubarak’s regime. Palestinian conflict,” she said. “It is in the One emerging theme was that more should interest of the United States and regional have been done to use aid as leverage to 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 04 - 11 February 2011 ARTS MATTERS TAPESTRY COMPILED BY ROBYN SASSEN ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE Call 084-319-7844 or [email protected] at least one week prior to publication Two maestros conduct AVA Gallery, Cape Town: “The Space Between”, a solo minor masterpieces exhibition by Dale Washkansky, until February PAUL BOEKKOOI Anichenko, last year’s Belorussian 18, (021) 424-7436. Unisa String Competition winner in The men who will lead the JPO’s first season this year: THERE IS a prominent overarching the ‘cello section, will perform the Bernhard Gueller (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY WWW.COLBERTARTISTS.COM) and Gold of Africa Barbier theme found in the Johannesburg Concerto in D major. The only Emil Tabakov. (PHOTOGRAPH BY VASILKA BALEVSKA, COURTESY FLICKR.COM) Mueller Museum, Cape Philharmonic Orchestra’s First showstopper-concerto this season Town: “Earth is Watching Symphony Season of 2011, although will be Tchaikovsky’s Piano cipal guest conductor Bernhard & Juliet Overture (Tchaikovsky); Us”, an exhibition by it was not necessarily planned that Concerto No 1, performed by the Gueller leading the final three. Tzigane (Ravel); Introduction and Threads of Africa project, way. We are hearing many of the Taiwanese pianist Ching-Yun Hu. Three concerts will be repeated in Rondo Capriccioso (Saint-Saëns); until March 31, (021) 405-1540. minor masterpieces of major com- On the romantic symphonic fields the ZK Matthews Great Hall, Unisa Capriccio Espagnole (Rimsky- posers, a refreshing break from it is charm driving this season: main campus, Pretoria, on Sunday Korsakov). Goodman Gallery, hackneyed warhorses. Bizet’s Symphony in C, Dvorák’s afternoons at 15:00, while all six pro- March 2 and 3 (Jhb) – Conductor: Rosebank, Johannesburg: Take Mozart: We’re presented Symphony No 6 and Mahler’s grammes can be heard on Gueller. Soloist: Natalia Navrova, “Broomberg and Chanarin” with the wonderfully refined Sym- Symphony No 4, the last and most Wednesdays and Thursdays at 20:00 piano. Programme: Ancient Dances until February 12, (011) 788- phony No 36, the “Linz”, his first approachable in his “Wunderhorn” in the Linder Auditorium, Parktown, and Arias for the Lute, Suite I 1113. major piano concerto, the No 9, set, with the soprano in the finale Johannesburg. (Respighi); Piano Concerto No 9 – known as the “Jeunehomme” (a tan- reflecting a child’s vision of heaven. The full details for the season run- Jeunehomme (Mozart); Symphony iArt Gallery, Wembley, talisingly original work), as well as Our own Kelebogile Boikanyo will ning from February 9 to March 17, in C major (Bizet). Cape Town: “To skip the last his Impresario Overture, an instru- do the honours. are: March 9, 10 (Jhb) and 13 (Pta) – step”, a solo exhibition by mental rat-race with pin-pointed del- The first half of this programme February 9, 10 (Jhb) and 13 (Pta) – Conductor: Gueller. Soloist: Ching- Beth Armstrong, in honour icacy. is devoted to instrumental music Conductor: Tabakov. Soloist: Michael Yun Hu, piano. Programme: Eight of late Mark Hipper, until Take Beethoven: Both the from Wagner’s “Tristan und Roll, piano. Programme: Semiramide Russian Folk Songs (Liadov); Piano February 23, (021) 424-5150. Symphony No 4 and Piano Concerto Isolde”. Overture (Rossini); Piano Concerto Concerto No 1 (Tchaikovsky); No 4 is on the programme. For many The Bulgarian violinist Svetlin No 4 (Beethoven); Symphony No 36 – Symphony No 6 (Dvorák). Little Theatre, Cape Town: the latter work is the most refined, Roussev chose two shortish virtu- Linz (Mozart). March 16 and 17 (Jhb) Conductor: “The Great Gatsby”, directed searching and in the finale the most oso pieces instead of a full-blown February 16 and 17 (Jhb) – Gueller. Soloist: Kelebogile Boikanyo, by Luke Ellenbogen, until delectable of his five concertos, concerto. He’ll perform Ravel’s Conductor: Tabakov. Soloist: Georgi soprano. Programme: Prelude and February 19, (021) 480-7129. notwithstanding the heroics associ- gypsy-inspired “Tzigane” and the Anichenko, ‘cello. Programme: The Liebestod & Nachtgesang from ated with his “Emperor Concerto”, brilliantly showy “Introduction and Impresario Overture (Mozart); ‘Cello Tristan und Isolde (Wagner); Linder Auditorium, the No 5. Rondo Capriccioso” by Saint-Saëns. Concerto in D major (Haydn); Symphony No 4 (Mahler). Parktown: Mozart Festival These two composers didn’t write Two well-known maestros are Symphony No 4 (Beethoven). ends February 13, (011) 447- ‘cello concertos. That’s where Haydn sharing the podium: Emil Tabakov, February 23, 24 (Jhb) and 27 (Pta) – • For subscriptions, phone Neville 9264. On February 9 and 10, comes in. It is always a special treat Turkish born, will conduct the first Conductor: Tabakov. Soloist: Svetlin Pritchard at (011) 789-2733. Single the JPO begins 2011 with to hear any of them. Georgi three concerts, with the JPO’s prin- Roussev, violin. Programme: Romeo tickets: Computicket. Rossini’s overture from “Semiramide”, Beethoven’s 4th Piano Concerto and Mozart’s “Linz” Symphony. Death camps trigger Washkansky photo exhibition Soloist: Michael Roll (piano), MOIRA SCHNEIDER discourse around it. The fact that graphing his own landscapes at the what it means to be ‘other’ – those fig- Conductor: Emil Tabakov, survivor’s testimony is becoming camps, he decided to work from ures became like archetypes for me (011) 789-2733. CAPE TOWN PHOTOGRAPHS: DALE WASHKANSKY increasingly important due to the them, as opposed to the “more dis- to invest in and play around with.” time lapse - I feel that now’s the time tant experience”. Washkansky has also created some Market, Newtown: In the THE NAME Louis Washkansky will to really hold onto those stories and “I think that personal encounter pieces incorporating the printmak- Barney Simon, James forever be associated with the see that they don’t peter out.” transformed the project. Before, I ing and embroidery traditions which Ngcobo’s “Sunjata”, ends on world’s first heart transplant that The project was also a vehicle to didn’t know how to enter the spaces - are part of the exhibition. “I translat- March 6. In the Laager, was performed here in 1967 by Prof explore his Jewish identity, particu- that experience of them allowed me ed documentary (Holocaust) images Fugard’s “Sizwe Banzi is Christiaan Barnard. Now the recipi- larly regarding the way it was repre- to do that. into cross-stitch and tapestry - it Dead”, directed by Monageng ent’s grandson, Dale, is blazing his sented during the Nazi era. “I was “I chose the two sites quite specifi- tapped into the femininity of the two Motshabi, ends February 20. own trail with a photographic exhibi- interested in notions around the cally,” Washkansky adds, “because characters (mentioned above), and In the Theatre, “Songs of tion at the AVA Gallery until Jewish body and in my work I often they represented some sort of polar- (also) relates to how one has access to Migration” ends February 13, February 18. reference connections to the Aryan ity of bodies between (the notorious these images through the digital (011) 832-1641. A Space Between is his first solo body and the disparity between the commandant’s wife) Ilse Koch at media and how, though they are still show and consists of the body of two in the ideology.” Buchenwald and the imprisoned horrific, they enter into the domestic Maynardeville, Cape work he submitted for his MA in fine The 30-year-old always intended women at Ravensbrück, that I want- realm quite readily, becoming ‘every- Town: Shakespeare’s arts at UCT, all of which he says the Holocaust to be the focus of this ed to enquire into. It honed in on my day’.” “Taming of the Shrew”, stems from his experience at the sites body of work but it was “a little bit intentions of seeing that ‘otherness’ The AVA Gallery is at 35 Church directed by Roy Sargent, of the Ravensbrück and Buchenwald undefined” to start with. “I knew that of the Jewish body and determining Street, Cape Town, (021) 424-7436. until February 19, (021) 451- concentration camps in 2008. I wanted to explore old photographic 7695. “(The title) refers to my relation- processes because I enjoy experi- A black-and-white ship to the Holocaust and the sense of menting with photography.” painted image of the Montecasino, Fourways: In distance that is happening through Five of the images, in fact, employ the Pieter Toerien, the photographer col- time and space,” the former Herzlian the old cyanotype process, drawing a British comedy trio laged onto a explains. “My aim is to try and move connection to Zyklon B, the cyanide- “Fascinating Aïda”, until Holocaust photo- beyond that and create an experience based pesticide used in the gas cham- February 13; in the Studio, graph, tying in with that transcends memorialising, to bers. Alan Swerdlow directs “Mass keep it as a living history, to maintain “At first I was using found the Nazi propaganda Appeal”, until March 27, (011) its presence. imagery (sourced images from other connecting Jews to 511-1818. In Teatro, “We are in a time now where it’s photographers) doing crude col- Negroes and jazz “Riverdance” until February crucial to maintain dialogue and lages,” he says. But after photo- players. 20, (011) 510-7472.

Old Mutual Theatre on the pressures of artistic perfection. Portman is superb as the fragile dancer who Square, Sandton: “Casual FELDMAN It is a dark side which Portman unveils here is overtaken by unsettling fantasies and eerie Sax” with Barbara-Anne in a production that is handled with depth, wit events as she prepares for the greatest role of Puren until February 19. The ON FILM and intelligence. her young life. She is complemented by a strik- Friday concerts feature The role that Nina obsesses about more than ing group of fellow players, the vibrant Mila Kristel Birkholtz (violin) and Peter Feldman any other is that of the Swan Queen in a sexy Kunis as her rival, Lily, introducing elements of Ashlea Martin (piano) on re-imagining of the ballet Swan Lake by artis- brashness and dark charm to her role as the February 4; and Malané PICK OF THE WEEK tic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel). overly ambitious newcomer. Hofmeyr-Burger (flute), However, while Nina’s technical proficiency French actor Vincent Cassel portrays the Andrea Erasmus (viola) and Black Swan makes her the perfect choice for the White Machiavellian Thomas Leroy, the artistic direc- Ventura Rosenthal (harp) on Swan, she lacks the spontaneity and seductive- tor who is all about the art and is not too con- February 11, (011) 883-8606. Cast: Natalie Portman; Mila Kunis; Vincent ness necessary for the Black Swan. Perfect for cerned about the victims he leaves behind. Cassel; Winona Ryder that role is Lily (Mila Kunis), a newcomer from Barbara Hershey, who hasn’t graced cinema SA Jewish Museum, Cape Director: Darren Aronofsky San Francisco who oozes sexuality. screens for a while, rockets back as Nina’s con- Town: “Kith, Kin and Ultimately, Leroy selects Nina over Lily with trol-freak mother, Erica, a woman who forsook Khaya”, photographs by Natalie Portman, a fine, sensitive actress, gets the hope that his new top performer will grow her own ballet career to have a child, something David Goldblatt, until the role of a lifetime with Black Swan, where into the role. But Nina is a psychological she throws into Nina’s face during one heated February 11, (021) 465-1546. she carves this horror-drama hybrid into a chal- wreck. argument. lenging web of competitive intrigue. She’s been A fascinating aspect of Black Swan is the Another rare appearance is that of Winona Wits University, nominated for an Oscar for the role, one of sev- many facets within Andrés Heinz’s story and Ryder, as Beth, whose shining star as principal Braamfontein: In the eral the film has garnered. there is a little something in it for all, whether ballerina of the company has dimmed to such a Downstairs Theatre, Under the artful direction of Darren Aro- one’s tastes run to vulgarity or elegance, or degree that she goes off the rails. It a small part, “Anatomy of Weather”, a nofsky (The Wrestler and Requiem for a whether one prefers horror to ballet. but her scenes are telling ones. dance-work choreographed Dream), this psychological thriller set in the Aronofsky returns to some of his favourite Black Swan has been likened to a cross by Bailey Snyman and Nicola world of the New York City ballet, focuses on a themes, such as monster mothers and female between All About Eve and The Red Shoes, with Haskins until February 5, disturbed ballerina, Nina Sayers, and her hysteria, and applies some deft touches in exe- a pinch of Brian de Palma and David (011) 717-1380. descent into madness, brought about by the cuting his vision. Cronenberg. 04 - 11 February 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 TAPESTRY

ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE Bach will rock for as long as music is alive The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin part biography and part literary mys- one’s sound system and play the Cello (Harvill Secker, R145) tery, it cleverly combines these elements Suites for oneself. using the suites’ prescribed components In one particularly poignant passage, REVIEWED BY GWEN PODBREY (prelude, allemande, courante, sara- Siblin – attending a Bach Festival concert bande, minuet, gigue), so that the text in a small Presbyterian Church hall in OF ALL the baroque composers, Johann alternates between Siblin’s quest to Montreal, with conservatively dressed Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) has had the explore the works, Casals’ relationship musicians and a quiet, deadly serious worst PR. The fact that, until as recently with them – and, of course, the darkness- audience of no more than 250 – reflects on as the early 19th century, his works es and light which Bach infused into the fact that just up the road, rock group remained largely obscure – and, even them, drawing on his own secret heart. U2 is doing a gig, where fireworks, strobe once they had been discovered, were rel- A pop musicologist by profession, with lights, amplifiers, oversized video screens egated to the realms of academic cham- very little classical training, Siblin – on and 20 000 screaming, gyrating fans will ber music and students’ counterpoint first hearing the suites – was instantly help embellish the music and generate exercises – has aggravated Bach’s case riveted by their spectacular rhythmic multi-million-dollar album sales. further. and harmonic possibilities: no contempo- “But will the rock band’s oeuvre still be This is not surprising: during his life- rary jazz musician, however much a vir- performed three centuries from now? time, and despite his prodigious output, tuoso, could hope to rival Bach’s improv- And will music scholars be sifting only 30 or so of his works were ever pub- isational and extrapolative skill on a through old shoeboxes in search of lost lished. In many cases, his music is con- theme. The fact is: Bach rocks. U2 compositions?” he asks. You be the sidered the domain of museums and He has rocked for three centuries, and judge. stuffy, elitist concert halls, for these are will continue to rock for as long as music Whether you are unfamiliar with Bach, where it is usually played. is alive. or well acquainted with him, you will find Secondly, the intricate structure of The circumstances in which the suites no better springboard into his beauty, baroque music, which focuses more on were composed, after Bach had just lost truth and musical architecture than technical composition than on emotion, his young wife Maria Barbara, mother of Siblin’s passionate, fulsome account. has given rise to the notion that it is his eldest four children, may have had a devoid of feeling, cold, mechanical and lot to do with them. uncomfortably mathematical for audi- The opening bars of the first suite - ences more attuned to romanticism and sonorous, mournful, contemplative – simplex, easily discernible melodic lines. evoke unmistakable grief. “One can Then, too, the prevailing image of Bach almost hear the scene… The dread that in the world’s imagination, thanks to the taken a Jew to introduce Germany to its begins the (second) prelude in a minor famous portrait by Elias Gottlob Haus- most impressive liturgical music.) key follows an initial suite – a lifetime – mann, depicts a dour, bewigged, decided- The suites are near-miraculous in their of joy,” writes Siblin. ly bilious burgher with no glimmer of contrapuntal interplay, their intricate “The last measures of the prelude humour or warmth. tonal relationships, their energy and their could well depict Bach entering his Yet nothing could be further from the harmony, whether overt or implied. Since home, heart racing, anticipation modu- truth – as Siblin is at pains to tell us. The a cello is a comparatively limited instru- lating into panic. What has happened? first time he heard Bach’s six Cello ment, allowing no more than two strings Where is she? And then a young child, a Suites, composed in 1720 and entirely to be bowed simultaneously, chords shadow of his or her former rambunc- unknown until legendary Spanish cellist (which comprise three notes played at tious self – small, alone, a broken chord. Pablo Casals stumbled upon the only once) must be arpeggiated into single He won’t see Mother again.” extant manuscript in an old music shop notes. Siblin’s ardour for his subject is palpa- in 1890 (and then waited 12 years before Bach not only mastered this technique, ble. His writing – distinctly journalistic, he trusted his own proficiency to per- but used it to its fullest dramatic effect. In rather than academic – nevertheless form them publicly) – he was smitten. doing so, he also gave the cello – for the draws on impeccable, lengthy research, The beginning of the real Bach Revival first time – the spotlight as a solo instru- while his easy, conversational tone began in 1829, when a 20-year-old Felix ment, rather than the minor orchestral makes the book at once readable and Mendelssohn – son of Jewish philoso- spot it had hitherto occupied, exploring its arresting. pher Moses Mendelssohn – performed astounding range and depth. If he occasionally lapses into arro- and conducted the “St Matthew Passion” This book tells a three-tiered story: the gance, quoting himself in other publica- to a spellbound audience. (Although his writing of the suites, the part they played tions (always an off-putting practice), one family had converted to Christianity, in Casals’ career and life, and Siblin’s own forgives him, for the jewels he brings to Mendelssohn noted the irony that it had obsession with them. Part music history, life ignite a desire to rush instantly to Dendy shortlisted for Thomas Pringle Award STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY “You could look for the sputnik SUZY BERNSTEIN and then follow it across the sky; it was always something magical. JOHANNESBURG-BASED poet There was also the Playhouse in Gail Dendy has been shortlisted for Durban, with the ceiling full of the Thomas Pringle Award, for her stars, so somehow I connected with short story, Venus Crossing. Aside that. from being a Greville Press pub- “I find writing prose easier; I pre- lished author (among others), she fer working with a small canvas, Gail Dendy and her cat. holds five university degrees, which the poem gives. With prose works as an information specialist the writing is looser. I like the tight lucky very often. It’s got to be able for a corporate law firm, and hav- structure you get with poetry. to hold up. It has to have a skele- ing had a past career as a dancer, “When I sketch out a new poem, it ton.” still dances regularly. is always hand-written. I can’t sit at Being shortlisted for this award In Venus Crossing, an event mir- a computer and think like that. administered by the 50-year-old rors a couple whose relationship “It is always very late at night, English Academy of South Africa, has diverged, like the planets. before I go to sleep… I scribble away. was simply about validation, Dendy has taken a historical event I do not set a time. I just write. Very according to Dendy. The academy and found an interesting way of often, I can start off when I feel real- was established “to promote the juxtaposing it with the existing sta- ly uninspired. That is when the dis- effective use of English in southern tus quo in this relationship. cipline comes in. You start forcing Africa”. She often writes about relation- yourself to write and then in the “Writing is an isolating and soli- ships: “I take from the exterior process, that’s when the ideas start tary experience and you don’t world and create a micro-world. It’s coming. know if anyone is reading your what interests me, because ulti- “Sometimes I’ll throw out the work,” says Dendy. “This acknowl- mately, everything breaks down first two stanzas. Actually that was edgement is feedback.” into relationships. When I formu- almost like warming up the muscles The winners of the Thomas late my ideas, it comes down to and then the poem starts taking off Pringle Award for 2010 were relationships.” from where I got inspired. And then announced last week. Stephen Dendy is interested in astrono- often in the morning, that’s the orig- Watson’s Buiten Street and my. “When we were small,” she inal draft and it stays on the page Sandisile Tshuma’s Arrested says, “in Durban, the sky was very and then I’ll type it up and then Development walked away with dark at night and on a very hot once it’s on the computer, that’s top honours in the short story summer night we would sit outside when I start fixing and editing. category. The judges were Jo- and watch the stars and see the “And if I am very lucky, there is Anne Richards, Hugh Hodge and sputniks. little to do. But you don’t get that Phakama Mbonambi. 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 04 - 11 February 2011 LETTERS The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: [email protected]

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YOU DON’T SPEAK ON MY BEHALF, MR KRENGEL SAHGF SHOWS ARROGANT ABROGATION OF ACCOUNTABILITY WHILE READING the Jerusalem Post online, I was an all time low? I don’t feel betrayed! THE GLIB statement from the trustees responsibility to their principal stake- disheartened to see them quote Zev Krengel (chair- I actually feel ashamed that Israel’s Ambassador of the SA Holocaust and Genocide holder, namely the SA Jewish commu- man of the SAJBD): “...and the relationship between to South Africa Dov Segev-Steinberg gets abused by Foundation (SAJR January 28), repre- nity, to publish the names of the the Israeli ambassador and the local Jewish commu- (former deputy minister of foreign affairs) Fatima sents an arrogant abrogation of trustees, how they were nominated, nity is at an all time low”, he said, adding that the Hajaig , and now by “our own representatives”. accountability by the trustees who appointed or elected, together with a Jewish community fights especially hard for Israel I believe the Jews of South Africa deserve more unanimously confirmed the continua- reasoned justification for their deci- in South Africa and now feels betrayed. mature, respectful leadership. tion of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond sion regarding the selection/nomina- Based on this quote, who gives Mr Krengel the Tutu’s position as patron. tion of Tutu as patron of the SAHGF. right to speak on my behalf ? Where does he find this E Seligmann In light of the tone and extent of the information that the local Jewish community is at Pretoria recent debate on the matter, the Joel Wolpert trustees are obliged, in terms of their Benmore, Johannesburg COMMUNAL LEADERSHIP HAS DISPLAYED VERY POOR JUDGEMENT IF ZEV Krengel and his Board of Deputies sought played by South Africa’s Jewish leadership as THUMBS UP FOR THE SAHGF some personal satisfaction from publicly castigat- Krengel’s disgraceful public insult of Israel’s I HAVE read many articles in this human violence. We have an obliga- ing Mr Dov Segev-Steinberg, Israel’s ambassador to ambassador. newspaper regarding the new tion to educate communities on South Africa, for carrying out his diplomatic duties, The arrogance of Chairman Krengel will proba- Johannesburg Holocaust and human rights issues and to pave the they should hang their arrogant heads in shame. bly evolve into a “Gbagbo” manoeuvre (where the Genocide Centre which is currently way for reconciliation and to avoid the Mr Krengel should immediately tender his resig- Ivorian president who lost the vote to Alassane being built on Jan Smuts Avenue atrocities happening ever again. nation, together with certain of the infantile mem- Outtara, refuses to relinquish power) instead of the opposite the Westcliff Hotel. Unfortunately saying “Never again”, bers that constitute his Board. proper thing to step aside. Can you imagine the As a Tutsi genocide survivor, I feel has turned out to be untrue. There is Tzipi Livni’s visit would certainly have been ben- wise and circumspect powers of reasoning which the need to express my expectations clearly danger among us. We all knew eficial and informative, but given the sensitive guides the Board of Deputies in their decision-mak- particularly regarding the Rwandan about the Holocaust but did not help to diplomatic and strike-related circumstances, a post- ing processes? G-d help us! genocide. I have no hesitation in say- save human lives on several occasions. ponement was fully justified. ing that the centre is long overdue in With the Tutsi genocide, perpetra- In the annals of our proud community history, Jack Shaplro South Africa and this is also the right tors have enjoyed immunity especially there has never been such poor judgement dis- Savoy, Johannesburg time to have this centre in our in Europe and some African countries. province. I am sure once people become aware of GUTKIN HAS AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO EXPRESS HIS VIEWS We live in a time of unparalleled this evil of mass killing, there will be IN REACTION to the letters about Irwin Gutkin’s Why not? It seems they can’t take the punch. instances of wars, genocides and eth- nowhere to hide. views on Caroline Glick and anti-South African Also, I am so unlucky, miserable and sad to never nic violence which include the I am hoping that the centre will comments and jokes, it is Gutkin’s absolute right have received any of the anti-South African jokes Holocaust, Tutsi genocide, Herero bring hope to many people, anti- to have and express these views. e-mailed from people in Israel, so where are these genocide, Darfur genocide, apartheid, Semitic actions will decrease, no for- South Africans seem to have this arrogance to be found? anti-Semitism, xenophobia and eigners will be set alight again on this and superiority, almost master race type of com- I also want to be placed on such an e-mail dis- racism... and the list goes on. land, and the law should take its plex, that allows them to be anti others and to tribution list please. Oh and a belated happy It is imperative that there is a course. make anti jokes about others, in the Jewish com- Australia Day for Wednesday January 26. greater understanding of the psycho- Lastly a beautiful thing is that the munity anti Israeli and anti-Australia jokes, yet logical, cultural, political, and societal centre is a memorial to all those who for some reason nobody is allowed to contradict Ricky Lomey roots of human cruelty, mass killing, have suffered injustice at the hands of them. Johannesburg and genocide. another! We need to raise our voices and BOARD IS IN STATE OF DENIAL REGARDING BAAL SHEM TOV SHUL examine the factors which enable indi- Bonaventure Kageruka viduals collectively to perpetrate gross Johannesburg AS A congregant, I wish to ask some searching Wendy Kahn was asked: “Did you meet with questions about the role of the SABJD in Baal Shem Christine Walters?” MIDDLE EAST AND FREE WORLD NEED ISRAEL Tov Shul’s battle for survival. Before we go any further, let us define the “you”. IT IS illuminating to observe the cur- turies. Councillor Christine Walters has engaged the full If I ask Precious at my bank to finance my car pur- rent political scenario taking place in Perhaps now more than ever the weight of the City Council in her drive to get that chase, it is clear I am asking the bank, not Precious the Middle East. Western democratic world will appre- shul terminated… and BST found itself embroiled herself, to finance it. Unjustified and puerile attempts are ciate and support the only true democ- with a Board that seemed determined to deny the When Mrs Kahn was asked: “Did YOU meet with being made to “legitimise” a Pales- racy in the Middle East where human gravity of the situation. Walters?” the question was clearly, did the BOARD tinian West Bank state in an effort to rights are enshrined, and where the The battle is now being fought on the legal battle- meet with Walters? embarrass Israel into conceding a land welfare of the citizens is given top pri- field. This is where it should have been fought in the Mrs Kahn answered in the negative. That was a grab by the Palestinians. ority, and that is in Israel. first place. Those Jewish collaborators who, to their lie. Malignant and irrelevant efforts are Thus American support for this shame, offered their support to Walters, presented The truth emerged when SAJBD Chairman Zev being propagated to “deligitimise” freedom has been justified despite BST with enough trouble from within to begin with. Krengel sent an e-mail to Rabbi Gavin Michal (of Israel by those whose intellectual reluctance by the current, hopefully That the Board should add an additional layer of Baal Shem Tov Shul), confirming the Board had prowess and suspect political ideolo- not for long, American president, who resistance to BST is unfortunate, if not downright indeed met with Walters. gies are frightening in their bigoted will finally realise, and help maintain reprehensible. Why did Krengel send this SMS? Given that is was manifestations. the status of the Holy Land of Eretz The Board’s conduct prompts the question: To sent conspicuously shortly before Krengel’s inter- And now the world is witnessing the Yisrael. whom is the Board answerable should it underper- view on ChaiFM (Michal’s invitation to participate Arabs’ revolution demanding greater The Middle East needs Israel. The form or contravene its constitution? was withdrawn), it is not difficult to draw the infer- democracy, and a better quality of life free world needs Israel. Nobody I know has any recollection of being ence that it was sent to disable an anticipated in their countries which have spawned given any say in the Board’s leadership nomina- attempt by Michal to get Krengel to answer the a rigid feudal system of unacceptable Dr A M Levin tions or its actions. We are simply told Mr question on air. human domination over many cen- Johannesburg Chairman says (Chairman’s statement), and that is While BST was desperately fighting its legal bat- it. tle with the Council, what did the Board offer? LIES AND HALF TRUTHS CONJURE UP NAZI PROPAGANDA ERA And the Board made some statements that were Mealy-mouthed denials… and a suggestion of a nice simply not true. bunch of flowers for Walters. I AM Jack Shnaier, age 81. I have lived believe lies, half truths, out of context BST stated that the Board was “elevating a park- The Board has failed a synagogue in distress. It in Doornfontein, Berea, Saxonwold stories. All this reminds me of the ing issue to anti-Semitism”. The Board turned a owes the community an explanation. and lastly in Norwood and presently Nazi propaganda machine. deaf ear to reports and evidence of Walters’ rabidly in Australia. Destroy Israel’s credibility by TV, anti-Semitic actions. Stanley Luntz I was living in an era when there radio through posters, demonstra- Worse, I believe the Board lied. National Director Johannesburg was no Israel. The Nazi propaganda tions, boycotts... machine under Dr Goebbels realised Make Israel the bad guy, just as the BLACK TYPE ON YELLOW BACKGROUND WOULD AID SAJR READERS that in order to fulfil the Nazi dream Nazis made the Jews the bad guys - of a Yudenrein world, he had to por- and no one lifts a finger to help them, AS AN avid reader of the Jewish Report, kindly Given this information, would it not be a courte- tray the Jews in a bad light. then when Iran and Syria are ready, sent to me regularly via e-mail, I not only devour it ous consideration the make the Jewish Report even He used films in movie houses, Israel can expect no sympathy from a with enthusiasm but can’t wait for the next edition. more readable by providing a pale yellow back- radio broadcasts, posters and intimi- world filled with left-wing Nazi propa- As a doctor dedicating my medical practice to ground to the written articles? dation to achieve the Nazi aims. ganda. mainly children with behavioural and learning A simple test would convince you of the reality of Europeans did nothing at all to help The Nazis were national socialists. problems for the last 35 years, problem readers my comments. A computer generated “yellow” the Jews. Today the left-wing socialists are akin (dyslexia) form a major part of my practice. Jewish Report would be very easy to implement. I They believed the Nazi propaganda to the Nazis. South African Jews who Medical research has clearly established that the am not sure the printed version would be easy, but that once Europe was free of Jews all do not support Israel are nothing but human retina of the eye has a distinct preference certainly a consideration. their problems would be solved. Nazis. for black print on a pale yellow background. Black Many examples of printed matter which changed Today I am proud as a Jew of Israel print on white paper is rejected by the retina, mak- to the yellow format, are available. and its achievements. I cringe, my Jack Shnaier ing reading even for good readers stressful. This is heart cries out when left-wingers Australia more so for the elderly and some diabetic people Dr Billy Levin and especially poor or slow readers. Benoni FOR THE RECORD LOOKING FOR... CORRECT CONTACT DETAILS FOR HEBREW ULPAN THE CONTACT information for week’s issue) should read: telephone LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON HAZEL COHEN the Morris Rutstein/SAZF Hebrew (011) 645-2531; fax (011) 640-1992 and MIKE LEVY of Cambridge in England is trying to Road, Berea. The Cohens lived in Fortesque Road, ulpan (mentioned in the SAJR last e-mail: [email protected] find a long lost relative. She is Hazel Cohen, nee Yeoville. Hazel and Leslie were married on August Sachs, last heard of when she was married in 1957. 11 1957. ELLIOT WOLF STILL HEADS THE KDSF Hazel was the daughter of Netty and Abe Sachs “Hazel would be related via my maternal grandfa- THE BLURB on the front page of last Linksfield, but is still the executive and she married Leslie Cohen, younger son of Ann ther’s sister who emigrated to South Africa around week’s Jewish Report was about the director of the KDSF, as it stated in the and Natie Cohen, at the Great Synagogue in 1900. My family lost contact after that wedding invi- Wolf twins. It states that they have article. Also, Barney Myers was the Wolmarans Street. tation in 1957.” retired; in fact Elliot some years ago first principal at King David Primary Back in 1957, Hazel’s family lived in 15 Olivia Levy may be contacted at [email protected] retired as headmaster of King David School Victory Park not Linksfield. 04 - 11 February 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 13

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

HIGHLIGHTING THE ALL-IMPORTANCE OF ALLIES Russian communist threat. In 1939 Britain IN THE editorial (SAJR Jan 21) you write extreme Hamas and on the other side the spoilt the party by declaring war on on “truth tellers”, ie people on the far left followers of Avigdor Lieberman (Israel’s Germany which had invaded Poland on its and far right who voice provocative opin- right-wing foreign minister). Both these way to Russia. This gave Germany no ions. They are entitled to their opinions parties will not make concessions. Then option but to invade France via Holland ABOVE BOARD but there is a danger they become physi- there are those who are prepared to nego- and Belgium, to launch a seaborne attack Zev Krengel, cal, or their language incites violence. tiate, such as Fatah on the one side and on Britain from the shores of France. National Chairman In the matter of the Baal Shem Tov Shul, parties such as Kadima on the other side. Britain called on its allies, such as the there are the pacifists who say “close the What is the position in Israel? It is Commonwealth countries and the USA. A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies shul” and those on the right who say that threatened by a non-negotiating axis of Russia became an ally when Germany we should make a stand and fight. (I’m not Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, with Iran invaded that country. The combined fire sure who to fight - Ms Christine Walters? soon to acquire nuclear weapons. What is power from the Allies, ably assisted by the The municipality? Or even the ANC?) Israel’s reply? To antagonise our allies by Russian winter, eventually wore down the The legacy of Then there are those (such as the exercising the “non-negotiable” right to Axis powers but it took almost six years SAJBD) who believe they can solve the settle in the West Bank. from start to finish. This illustrates the Nelson Mandela problem by negotiation (who, except Men- To highlight the critical role of allies, I critical role of allies and Israel’s right wing achem Begin, would have believed Israel can recount the progress of the Second should bear that in mind. IT IS testimony to how much Nelson Mandela would sign a peace treaty with Egypt?). World War. In the mid-30s the fascist states means to the people of South Africa, and indeed the Regarding the matter of the sovereignty formed an alliance (Germany, Austria, John Brenner world, that despite his having been in retirement for of the West Bank, we have on the one Romania, Hungary, Italy) to combat the Cyrildene, Johannesburg over a decade, news of his admission to hospital generated international concern. SA JEWS CAN STRENGTHEN POSITION THROUGH ALLIANCES, CONVERSIONS The anxiety was heightened by the initial media THERE ARE many benefits to living in present an easy target. supportive community and family life. blackout, which generated all kinds of disquieting South Africa: the pleasant weather, the Jews have contributed mightily to the Interest in Judaism is very high the speculation and rumours. According to the latest friendly people, the easy lifestyle, and the new South Africa, so we shouldn’t have to world over, and we should use this to our reports, fortunately Madiba is stable and making strength of the Jewish community. South emigrate. Neither is mass aliyah a feasible advantage. good progress. Africa also has remarkably low rates of or viable option, for Israel is an over- There is no reason we should not The time will come when Nelson Mandela will no anti-Semitism. Yet it seems to me that crowded country where life is very diffi- encourage conversions, even mass con- longer be with us. When that day comes, we will all despite all of this, Jews are actually very cult; besides, why shouldn’t Jews have versions. We can start by reaching out to reflect anew on the legacy he left us, and how we, as vulnerable here. every bit as much right to pursue happi- the Lemba community, which numbers South Africans, can take that legacy forward. History has shown that our fortunes ness, as anyone else, living in places that many tens of thousands, and which We know that during the most crucial time in this even in hospitable countries, can quickly we love? already practises a rudimentary Judaism. country’s history, we were blessed to be led by a take a turn for the worse. The potential for Isn’t it also true that the Israeli side of Our goal should be to create a large, pow- man of incomparable vision, dignity and moral it happening here lies in South Africa’s the conflict deserves to be given equal erful, and multi-racial Jewish community stature. How much this contributed to the success one-sided support of the Palestinians, the time to the Palestinian side? here and elsewhere. of the peaceful transition from repressive white strength of anti-Israel groups, and the The good news is there are things we You might object that the rabbis and minority rule to multiracial democracy can never unenviable situation where an honoured can do to change the situation. First, the leaders of the community will not imple- be underestimated. national icon like Archbishop Emeritus Jewish leadership can reach out to ment such a pro-conversion policy. Don’t At the same time, we must avoid the trap of Desmond Tutu can have such a dicey his- African and evangelical Christian groups, forget, however, that the rabbis and lead- attributing the South African miracle to any single tory vis-à-vis the Jews. whose collective membership in SA runs ers serve the community’s needs; they individual, no matter how great. Our dramatic tran- To many, it seems as if the Jewish lead- well into the tens of millions, and who are don’t control the community. They will sition to democracy, accomplished in the face of for- ership is too frightened to tackle the Tutu predisposed to being pro-Israel. implement a pro-conversion agenda if we midable obstacles and widespread predictions else- issue head on, but guess what? They have They may have good intentions, but are pressure them to do so. where in the world that it would all end in chaos and every reason to be scared. Someone like not us, so we can’t expect them to under- I therefore urge all who read my letter bloodshed, was ultimately made possible through Tutu has the ability to make life for Jews stand our concerns unless we communi- to apply pressure on the secular commu- the collective efforts of the South African people as in this country very difficult indeed. cate those concerns and work toward nal leadership and the rabbinates, both a whole. The Jewish leadership is afraid of Tutu mobilising their might, to act as a counter- Orthodox and Progressive, to implement a Mandela himself would be the first to acknowl- because they understand that we are a weight to the pro-Palestinian groups. pro-conversion agenda. Our fortunes in edge this. Democracy came to South Africa because tiny, weak group largely confined to a few Secondly and more important, we live this world will change when we choose to ordinary South Africans bought into the vision of a little enclaves of Johannesburg and Cape in a world of lost, rootless souls. Judaism make it change. free, equal and unified society that Mandela and Town. Also, we are also almost entirely is a rich, deep tradition that focuses less others like him devoted their lives to striving for. In white, which in South Africa, does not on dogma and creeds than other faiths, Jared Joel doing so, they transcended the bitter divisions of translate into prestige. but instead contains developments in Sydenham, Johannesburg the past and reached out to one another in the com- South Africa may be good to the Jews, ethics, psychology, and spirituality well mon cause of creating a better society for all. but make no mistake about it, Jews here ahead of other civilisations, and offers This letter has been shortened. - Editor Time and again, the South African people have confounded the sceptics by pulling through - and CHASTISING AMBASSADOR SEGEV-STEINBERG ‘SHAMEFUL AND UNDIGNIFIED’ much more - against the odds. This should be upper- most in our minds when facing up to the inevitable I REFER to the article two weeks ago in the nal Israeli governmental issue and should Israeli diplomats already navigate hos- challenges that face us in the here and now, yet all Jewish Report, “Israel’s Foreign Ministry be respected as such. tile territory in South Africa. We can ill too often we fail to muster the necessary self belief. union dispute scuppers Livni visit”. I read the above-mentioned article with afford to have ties between official emis- We can use the example of Nelson Mandela to The right to strike is an important great concern as blame was heaped on saries and our community strained. overcome this, not by putting him on a pedestal benchmark in any capitalist democracy. Ambassador Segev-Steinberg and his Publicly chastising a dignitary, especial- and treating him like a man apart, but rather by Members of the Israeli Foreign Ministry embassy. This is an embassy which has ly someone like Ambassador Segev- recognising him as the epitome of the national exercised their rights when they shown great support for and a willingness Steinberg, is at once shameful and undig- spirit that made the new South Africa a reality. embarked on a month-long strike. to grow and maintain not just the vital nified. For Madiba himself, one can think of no more While this unfortunately was a factor in links of South African Jewry to the State inspiring a legacy. opposition leader, Tzipi Livni, cancelling of Israel, but diplomatic ties between our Rolene Marks her trip to South Africa, it is also an inter- two countries. Modiin, Israel This column is paid for by the SAJBD 14BBe SA JEWISH eREPORT mmyy VValentinealentine 4 - 11 February 2011

Royal romance and Intrigue through the ages

BARRY BILEWITZ his own humble ancestry, King Oscar disap- proved of his son’s betrothed, and for a long DAVID, KING of Israel and Judah, while walk- time the lovers found it impossible to marry. ing on the roof of his house, saw Bathsheba, At last Queen Sophia on the eve of an who was then the wife of Uriah the Hittite, operation, begged her husband to give his bathing. He immediately desired her, had an consent, which he did and the marriage of affair and made her pregnant. Prince Oscar and Ebba Munk took place at David arranged for Uriah to be abandoned Bournemouth. They lived very quietly, de- during a heated battle and left to the hands voting much time to good works and were of the enemy. After Uriah was dead, David greatly loved by the people of Sweden. made the now widowed Bathsheba his wife. One of the great romances of English roy- She bore him a son, Solomon and secured alty was the love between Queen Victoria him succession to the throne, despite Adoni- and her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe- jah being David’s eldest surviving offspring. Coburg and Gotha. They had nine children, Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concu- all of whom married into royal and noble fam- bines and although there is no reference to ilies of Europe as did 26 of their 42 grand- any form of physical contact between him children. and the Queen of Sheba in the Tanach, the Her son, King Edward VII and her eldest imperial family of Ethiopia claims its origin grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II, were at her directly from the offspring of the Queen of deathbed in 1901. Thirteen years later their Sheba (Makeda) by King respective countries Solomon. were facing each other “Tis better to have in the First World War. loved and lost than never Franz Ferdinand be- to have loved at all ,” Al- came heir presumptive fred Lord Tennyson wrote. to the throne of Austro- Anne Boleyn and Cather- Hungary when his cous- ine Howard would, how- in Crown Prince Rudolph ever, probably not have committed suicide and shared those sentiments his father renounced his as they were beheaded own succession rights. when King Henry VIII tired Franz Ferdinand fell of them. deeply in love with So- Catherine of Aragon phie Chotek despite her and Anne of Cleves mere- not being eligible. ly had their marriages to After four years, his him annulled. Jane Sey- uncle, Emperor Franz mour died shortly after Josef, finally consented childbirth and Catherine to their union, but their Parr survived him. offspring would have Queen Elizabeth I was still unmarried in no rights to the throne. He and Sophie were 1574, at age 40. Parliament was urgently re- shot in Sarajevo, an event which triggered questing her to marry. Several people were the First World War. considered, but nothing came of it. The King Edward VII of England’s love was so Queen had a habit of giving nicknames to great that he abdicated the throne to marry her favourite people and her beloved, warty Wallace Simpson, a twice divorced socialite Frenchman she called “Grenouille” or “Frog- from the USA. gie”. This was François Duc D’Alençon, Lilibet twice refused to marry Bertie, presi- the youngest son of Katherine de Medici of dent of the Industrial Welfare Society, before France. succumbing to his ardent wooing. She was They courted and things were getting se- both pretty and bright. rious despite their age difference. However, Shortly before the Second World War start- her subjects were in an uproar at the thought ed, Bertie took on the name of King George of a French Catholic ruler in their court. VI when his brother abdicated, as he felt that Prince Oscar, son of King Oscar II of Swe- “King Albert” would diminish the status of his den, fell madly in love with Ebba Monk, a grandfather whose name should stand alone maid- of-honour to his mother. Forgetting among royalty. Compiled by Marlene Bilewitz Contact (011) 023-8160, Cell 083-475-0288 or e-mail: [email protected] 4 - 11 FebruaryFeb 2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 BE MY VALENTINE Valentine special at Adega Always something new Greenside at Limpelloula

MARLENE BILEWITZ a wide variety of tastes, as they offer everything As we enter our third year in Melrose Arch, we from fresh sushi, poultry, pasta, Portuguese spe- THE ADEGA Greenside, a family run restaurant cialities, steaks and various delectable seafood endeavour to remain fresh and exciting. In November situated in the hub of Greenside, on the strip on dishes. 2010 we launched the very popular and beautiful Greenway, invites you to a delicious treat for Val- The Adega in Greenside is famous for their in- entine’s Day. Partners Brenda, Tristan and Bran- house specialities, so let the well-informed and Trollbead range. Trollbeads tick all of the important boxes dan actively participate in the business ensuring effi cient waiters tell you about them and make that only the best is given to their patrons in food sure to keep room for the delicious deserts. with regards to quality, range and exceptional beauty. and service. Adega Greenisde was established four years Embrace the child inside your with ago and stands proudly as one of the brand-new Peter Pan Trollbead. the best restaurants on the strip. It has an elegant yet comfortable ambience with relaxing music quietly playing in the background and it guarantees to make your dining experience a memorable one, whether it’s for lunch, after work or over the week-end. Adega Greenside is also well known for its outstanding set menus and buffets, where you are sure to get good value for money. If you’re looking for a venue to No matter when one visits Adega Greenside, host any type of celebration - large or small - be it for their wonderful specials or the regular birthday parties, farewells, meetings or a year- TROLLBEADSTROLLBEADS OORIGINATERIGINATE fromfrom DDenmarkenmark youyou as yyouou wwearear ththemem ffromrom dadayy to dday.ay menu, one can rest assured that the standard end function, Adega Greenside will cater to your and the exquisite designs are handcrafted Visit our store and allow us to help you start remains consistently excellent. personal tastes in food, music, table settings into works of art, each with incredible detail your Trollbead journey - you won’t look back. The restaurant is large by Greenside standards and live entertainment. You request and they or- and a different story or meaning. Trollbeads is a very welcome addition to and can host up to 150 guests. The menu fea- ganise and deliver exactly to your specifi cations. These stories allow you to create pieces of Limpelloula and complements the ever popu- tures an excellent array of Portuguese seafood Stay watching out for this restaurant which will jewellery that are relevant and specifi c to your lar Thomas Sabo, Pandora and Nomination dishes for which Adega is renowned. be announcing all sorts of exciting and inexpen- life and they become memories that are with ranges that are available in store. Adega’s diversity in cuisine is able to please sive specials during the year.

NK 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 4 - 11 February 2011

BE MY VALENTINE WHAT’S ON Barry Bilewitz [email protected]

ORGANISATIONS, VENUES, CONTACT DETAILS, COST mail: [email protected], tel (011) 883-4210. • Second Innings, Jhb - Jewish Community Services - Donald Gordon • BBeit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue, 38 Oxford Road, Parktown. Centre, 85 George Ave Sandringham. At the Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Fall in love with Lindt • JJJRC - Johannesburg Jewish Resource Centre (Formerly Beyachad Golden Acres, every Sunday morning for tea at 10:00, followed by the RResource Centre/Library), 2 Elray St, Raedene. Norma Shulman, (011) meeting at 10:30. Contact Grecia Gabriel (011) 532-9718. Cost: R20 6645-2567, e-mail: [email protected] members, R40 non-members. On this Valentine’se’s • BBikkur Cholim - Jewish Society for Visiting the Sick, 7A Chester Road, • SA Friends of Beit Halochem: Beyachad, 2 Elray St,Raedene. Contact GGreenside East, Jhb. Joy Gafin (011) 447-6689. Leanne tel (011) 645 2553, e-mail: [email protected] • CCAJE - College of Adult Jewish Education, Sydenham Highlands North • South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Johannesburg) - Beyachad, 2 Day Lindt lovers wilwilll SShul, (011) 640-5021. Elray St, Raedene. Contact (011) 645-2500 or (011) 645-2523. • CCARE (Chabad Addiction Rehabilitation Centre) Cell: 079-882-6776.Fax: • SA Zionist Federation (SAZF), Johannesburg - Beyachad, 2 Elray St, 0086 551 4485, e-mail: [email protected], hotline: 0861 111 770. Raedene. Contact Froma, (011) 645-2505. delight in Lindt’ss • CCSO - Emergency phone number 086 18 000 18. • Israel Centre. Contact Debbie (011) 645-2560. • EELBM - Emunah Ladies Beit Midrash, 60 Mejon St Glenhazel, (011) 887- • Jewish National Fund (JNF), Beyachad, 2 Elray St, Raedene. Contact limited edition Lindorindor 22910. “Lessons of our Lives” course on Wednesdays at 10:00. R350 for Crystal Kaplan, 083-376-5999. tthe course or R50 per shiur. • Jewish Outlook. Contact Ryan Cane, e-mail [email protected]. • FFFHS - Friendship Forum for Holocaust Survivors, Second Generation Support line: 27 76 215 8600, website www.jewishoutlook.org.za. Cornet Box, fi lledd aand Members of the Community Affected by the Holocaust. • Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society (JWBS) - Sandringham Gardens, 85 PPresentations held at the Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres, 85 George Ave Sandringham. Contact Carolyn Sabbagh, (011) 485-5232. GGeorge Ave, Sandringham. • Simcha Friendship and Cultural Circle (SFCC), Johannesburg - Sandton with luxurious • HHOD - Hebrew Order of David International, HOD Centre Oaklands Road, Shul. Contact Sylvia Shull, (011) 783-5600. Meetings on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd OOrchards. Office, (011) 640 3017 or [email protected] Wednesday each month at Sandton Shul at 10:00 unless stated otherwise. Lindor milk • JJAFFA - Jewish Accommodation for Fellow Aged, tel (012) 346-2007/8, 42 • United Sisterhood, 38 Oxford Rd Parktown. Contact Marian (011) 646- MMackie St, Bailey’s Muckleneuck. 2409. Website: www.unitedsisterhood.co.za. • JJohannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre (JHGC), tel (011) 640-3100, • Tiyulim (Jewish Outdoor Club). Contact Martin 082-965-7419 or Greg chocolate truffl es.s. ee-mail: [email protected] 082-959-9026. • KKDSF - King David Schools’ Foundation. King David Alumni • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Jhb, 1 Oak Street Houghton. Contact [email protected], (011) 480-4723. (011) 648-1053, fax 086 273-3044. Cost R15 for the Friendship Luncheon • NNechama Bereavement Counselling Centre - Room A304, 3rd Floor, Club and a R20 donation for lectures unless otherwise stated. HHospital Wing, Sandringham Gardens, 85 George Ave, Sandringham. • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), CT, (021) 434-9555, or e-mail info@ujw- CContact (011) 640-1322. cape.co.za • NNew Friendship Ladies’ Group - a group for single women. Contact Lucille • UJW CT AED Programme at Stonehaven, Albany Road, Sea Point, 10:00 ((011) 791-5226 or 082-927-5786. for 10:30. Entrance: R20 (incl refreshments). • OORT and ORT JET South Africa - 44 Central Street, Cnr 10th Ave, • United Zionist Luncheon Club (UZLC), Jhb - Our Parents Home. Contact HHoughton, contact (011) 728-7154. Gloria, (011) 485-4851 or 072-127-9421. • PPreview Theatre - 9 Valerie Crescent, Bagleyston, (011) 640-1061. • UOS - Union of Orthodox Synagogues, (011) 485-4865, e-mail: • RabbiR Cyril Harris Community Centre (RCHCC) and Great Park Shul, Jhb. [email protected], fax 086-610-3442. CContact Hazel, (011) 728-8088 or Rene Sidley (011) 728-8378. Cost usu- • WIZO Jhb - Beyachad, 2 Elray St Raedene,e-mail: aally R50, including refreshments. [email protected]. Contact Joyce Chodos (011) 645- • SSAIJE - Sandton Adult Institute of Jewish Education, Sandton Shul, e- 2548 or Sandy Kramer (011) 645-2515.

NOTE:N Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday Wednesday (February 9) priorp to publication. • UJW Cape Town presents Fascia Shaskolsky, voice Today Friday (February 4) therapist, on “Some of my Favourite Pieces”. • UJW Johannesburg presents Marcia Leveson on “An • UZLCU presents Zara Jackson on “Snippets and Examination of some English Novels in Context and SnowflakesS from the Snowbound North”. with Relevance for Today - Vanity Fair by William Sunday (February 6) Thackeray” at 09:30. THE LIMITED edition box (200 g) comes wrapped with a special heart sleeve and will be • Second Innings presents Gaye Turiel on “What is an Thursday (February 10) Addict? Could Anyone be an Addict?” available in stores this Valentine’s Day. • UJW Cape Town’s Ora Group hold their annual The classically elegant Lindt Lindor Cornet boxes cater to • JAFFA - Israeli dancing at 14:30. Charity Card Afternoon at the V & A Waterfront. R75. Enquiries: 082-426-7749. Time: 13:30 for 14:00. every occasion of gift giving and self-consumption for lovers of pre- • RCHCC is screening “The Most Dangerous Man in mium chocolate. America” at 19:30. Friday (February 11) So, whether you decide to spoil that special someone or indulge in this luxurious treat yourself, Monday (February 7) • UZLC presents Ivor Davis on “Why we write Letters to the limited edition Lindt Lindor Cornet will be this Valentine’s Day’s most lovable accessory. the Press”. • UJW Johannesburg presents David Shapiro on “Understanding the Global Economy” at 09:30. Sunday (February 13) Tuesday (February 8) • Big Band Music Appreciation Society is meeting in • Second Innings Men’s Group presents Bernie the Jeffrey Auditorium, St John’s College, St John’s Fanaroff on “The Wonders of our Planet” at 14:15 Road, Lower Houghton at 14:15. Contact Dave on for 14:30. Venue: Our Parents Home. (011) 885-3525 or Barney on (011) 615-3412. • CKCS Abused Men Support Group. Call Hylton • Second Innings hosts “Fascinating Aida” at the Marks on (011) 532-9726 for an interview. Montecasino Theatre. Cost: R100. Meet at 15:00 at the theatre or 13:00 at Oxford Shul parking for the bus • RCHCC and JHGC presents “Pictures of (extra R50). Book with Fay Smaller by no later than the Resistance: The Wartime Photographs of end of January. Jewish Partisan, Faye Schulman” until February 17th, on the days detailed below. The free exhib- • RCHCC and JHGC present the free exhibition, it opens at 18:30 followed by the screening of “Pictures of Resistance” at 18:30, followed by the the documentary “Daring to Resist”. Donation screening of “Saved by Deportation” at 19:30. R50. Donation R50. CROSSWORD NO 196 BY LEAH SIMON

ACROSS: 18. A case of matchmaking? (5) 1. Quietly, bus is destroyed by bars (4) 19. Rode around German river (4) 3. Burdened with wood? (8) 8. Catches criminal (slang) (4) SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 195 9. Christa’s shin gives in, hiding the hoard- ing (8) ACROSS: Rash; 3. Drawback; 8. Sara; 9. 11. Noisy vault is nevertheless very secure Indicate; 11. Making amends; 13. Rustic; 14. (4, 3, 5) Potter; 17. Embarrassing; 20. Billions; 21. 13. Two points to English gallery in legacy Cost; 22. Darkness; 23. Lion. (6) 14. One excellent at taking bird shots? (6) DOWN: 1. Rosemary; 2. Strikes; 4. Rental; 5. 17. Handy for coming down to earth! (7, 5) White House; 6. Award; 7. Keep; 10. 20. Diana’s flavour has repugnance (8) Intimation; 12. Brighten; 15. Tripoli; 16. 21. Girl has one French nose (4) Drones; 18. Molar; 19. Ibid. 22. Going around to good seating for 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 spectators (4, 4) 23. Peas upset by monkeys (4) 8 9 DOWN: 1. Pushed in, somehow, and castigat- 10 ed (8) 11 2. A case of youthful excess? (4, 3) 4. Penny in unity isn’t very neat (6) 12 5. As snob is to reconstruction, find one on the blower 13 14 15 (10) 16 6. Rule in a downpour, we hear (5) 7. Archaeologist’s lodgings? (4) 17 18 10. Steady wrap around, having sepa- 19 rated (6, 4) 12. Zap trees back onto high wires (8) 20 21 15. Vegetable equal to the cut (7) 16. International organisation tied up – but together (6) 22 23 4 BBirdhaven- 11 February 2010irdhavSAe JEWISH REPORTn 17 ‘The Birdhaven Courtyard, situated on the corner of St Andrew Street and Wrenrose Avenue is the northern suburbs’ best kept secret.’

THE CENTRAL courtyard onto which a number of fruiterers and convenience store which has also had shops and a restaurant open, is beautifully seclud- a major makeover, together with women’s clothing ed. You won’t fi nd a chain store anywhere in sight boutiques, nail, beauty and hair salons, an art gal- here. This is for the discerning shopper. The newly lery, home store, dry cleaners and fl orist, all have very refurbished Birdhaven Pharmacy, old stalwart Zaggs unique and personal offerings. It is a must visit! Compiled by Manuela Bernstein Contact (011) 023-8160, Cell 082-951-3838 or e-mail: [email protected]

In these tough economic times, fi nding the budget to advertise can be diffi cult.

The Jewish Report off ers you, at a very reasonable rate, the chance to advertise on a prominentt special page alongside otherer local businesses.es.

To take advantage of this special off er contact Manuela Bernstein on Tel: (011) 023 8160 Cell: 082-951-3838 E-mail: [email protected] 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 4 - 11 February 2011 TUITION & EDUCATION GENERAL

LEARNING SUPPORT FOR GRADES 1 TO 9 Professional tutoring in: Homework, handwriting; projects & research; motivation, organisation, discipline, remedi- al; study skills, ‘difficult’ subjects; Classifieds English, Afrikaans; reading and spelling To book your classified notice or advert contact: Tel (011) 023-8160, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] Call: 082-253-6850 or email: IMPORTANT NOTICE - THE JEWISH REPORT RUNS ADVERTS IN THE CLASSIFIED SECTION [email protected] IN GOOD FAITH, HOWEVER WE WOULD LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE QUALITY OF SERVICES OFFERED AND CLAIMS MADE. EXPERT HEBREW TEACHER HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: 1. Only adverts sent via email to [email protected] will be accepted. All ages and levels, barmitzvah, 2. You will be advised on cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. matric, siddur. Tel: 079-885-0215 4. DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT is Tuesday 12pm. If deadline is missed the advert [email protected] will appear (when payment is received) in the next edition. Our banking details: SA Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405 EXTRA LESSONS: Experienced Business Studies REPAIRS teacher, expert in IEB, GDE. NOTICES PERSONAL LIFTS LIFTS HANDY MITCH Grades 10-12. Can travel to CONSECRATIONS General household cupboards, SINGLE GUYS WANTED! EX ISRAELI SERVICEMAN lesson. Cost negotiable. AIRPORT SERVICE wood work & repairs etc. We're 2 nice single Jewish girls Offers lifts to airport and Contact Saul Ozynski PHONE 072-196-1939 in cape town, keen to meet JHB appointments etc. Cell: 083-719-6114 single prof. guys 38-46yrs Don’t drink and drive. Home: (011) 615-8571 from Jhb. ALL HOURS! APPLIANCE REPAIRS Call Juliet 082-720-0700 Reliable, Call Neil 072-050-9927 ONSITE (We'll email you pics!) Reasonable Rates! Stoves, washing machine, tum- bledryers & dishwashers. Contact Arnold, IRENE'S SCHLEP DEBBIE'S SERVICES SERVICE EXTRA LESSONS Free quotations! 082-447-0185 Call Jason 082-401-8239 CHILD CARE I will take you anywhere: 011-454-1193 School, Shops, Doctor, Friends Homework and Airport. Honest and RHONA’S Trustworthy supervision, fine TENDERLOVING Airport Schlepped by Irene motor skills, CARE PLAYSCHOOL 072-356-0282 52 Boundary Rd, Talberton Shuttle Not on Shabbat learning problems (Fairmount) Tranfers LIFTS AVAILABLE 082-923-5795 A day filled with laughter, from R150 For all age groups and to all joy and happiness! A PERSONAL Reasonable, Reliable areas in Jhb, Sandton and FOR SALE kosher & safe environment. Airport. SOULMATES Children: 15 months up. SAM Contact Johnny CLOTHING (011) 728-5219 (COUNTRYWIDE – MANY For more information, 082-328-3070 or For ALL your HAT 083-627-8516 GAUTENG AND CAPE Rhona: 082-414-9558 082-876-9042 requirements. Contact MEMBERS) RESULTS: 183 School: (011) 485-5778 A-TAXI SERVICE Pam (011) 485-3623 COUPLES MARRIED! 400 www.customisedhats.co.za COUPLES MATCHED! Let Warren Pogorelsky chauffeur Beautiful blonde teacher 30yr; FUNCTIONS you to your destination in Jo’burg handsome CA 26yr; handsome and back only R100 round trip. millionaire 56yr; beautiful beauti- LITTLE MISS PARTY Tel: 082-399-6187 cian 25yr; handsome CA 68yr; PLANNER elegant blonde atttorney 53yr; organising your BEST SERVICE handsome grad (bus owner) little ones party to perfection Airport transfers. 40yr; beautiful blonde attorney from invites, to decor etc... 38yr; stunning models 28 & 51yr; Call Jodi 082-784-5173 All transport from A to B. handsome successful gent likes Tourist tours. Modern Silver repair overseas travel (retired) 63yr; HEALTH & BEAUTY spacious vehicle. Pax 6. glamorous exec 56yr; good look- Contact Pip Friedman SMILE-LEE'S LIFTS & replating ing doctor 29yr; pretty teacher HOME VISITS 083-267-3281 A reliable lift service. 33yr; handsome plumber 40yr; For chronically/ terminally ill and Specialising in lifts to and from (011) 344-1102 beautiful librarian 23yr; hand- elderly. Hourly rates, counselling, email: airports, shops, appointments, some successful attorney 37yr; companionship, light activities, [email protected] casinos and courier. or 082-473-6040 handsome podiatrist 32yr; pretty therapeutic touch. Call Charna 083-391-6612 beautician 36yr; pretty estate Sue 074-104-2394 or agent 40yr; advocates 31, 45, [email protected] (MA MISCELLANEOUS PROPERTY 58yr; handsome pilots 62, 36yr; psychology) ACCOMMODATION TO LET/SHARE handsome surgeon 59yr; pretty hairdressers 26, 34, 58yr; hand- CHIROPODY/PEDICURES/ SYBIL'S SUPER HIGHLANDS NORTH some estate agent (own bus) MANICURES/WAXING SERVICES 3 Bedroom house to let & 60yr; handsome engineer (own 5-room cottage, excellent security Call Ruth now (Kind and Reliable) bus) 42yr; pretty financial con- (011) 616-4305 (011) 440-0169 sultant 48yr; good looking BSc Ladies and Gents, all ages, 076-686-8259 (pharmacy) 53yr; good looking HOME INDUSTRIES/DRESSMAKING are you lonely, need a friend grad (own huge co) 36yr; pretty or stimulation? COTTAGE GLENHAZEL vet 43yr; charismatic handsome CLOTHING ALTERATIONS I WILL BE: AVAIL IMMEDIATELY. (co owner) 49yr; pretty grad 40yr; Done professionally. Your reader, shopper 110 m, 1 bed carpeted, full stunnning doctors 28, 30, 35, 43, Phone Jackie or companion. lounge/dining room. Complete 49, 58, 62yr; handsome attor- (011) 728-5038 CAPE TOWN CAN TEACH YOU: kitchen with loads of bic. neys 29, 33, 38, 46, 56, 68yr – Sudoku, scrabble, word Separate entrance and secured etc, etc, etc. SHUTTLE LIFTS games, cards, art, crafts and parking. The cottage is fully MANY OTHER SINCERE COMING TO mosaics, cookery, flower tiled and has a full bathroom PRETTY/HANDSOME CAPE TOWN? arranging, interior decor, incl. bath and shower. R5 000 PROF/EXEC/BUSINESS/ AFFORDABLE window-box gardening. p/m (all incl DSTv and Elec) TRADE SINGLES ARE ACCOMPANY YOU TO: 082-443-9932 WAITING TO MEET YOU! RATES. Cultural and fun outings, SANDY (011) 485-4034/ AIRPORT sport - bowls (teach or play), FAIRWOOD 082-357-3616 TRANSFERS walking. 1 bed, double storey garden HOME SERVICES cottage, garage. All incl. R4 000. FROM R180 TRANSPORT TO: EXCLUSIVE Doctors, hairdresser, shops GENERAL Linda 084-485-1289 INTRODUCTIONS NEW or library in Northern We offer a very personal and COMFORTABLE Suburbs. SANDTON CENTRAL discreet service. Meet the right BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Fully furnished duplex to share person for you. VEHICLE Ideal for young job seeker work- 083-988-0988 Wally (011) 782-8295 PHONE ANDY ing in Sandton R4 000/month 082-336-9780 Avail 1 Feb. PHOTOGRAPHY Tel: Orli 082-851-0638 DALES PHOTOGRAPHIC CHELSEA EXECUTIVE Let me capture your special GLENHAZEL CHAUFFEUR event forever! 1-4 bedroom clusters in brand Legal, with permit from the Any Simcha - Bar/Batmitzvahs new complex. Avail. 1 March. Transportation Board. Let me Call 072-144-7088 082-339-2358. chauffeur you safely. Short or long term Reasonable rates. PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS FOR A QUOTE CALL FLATS Abe 082-574-9010 ACCOUNTING OFFICER BOOKKEEPING NORTHFIELD AVENUE DURBAN LIFTS TAX & STATUTORY RETURNS Glen Manor. One bed. Airport, Umhlanga etc. JN ACCOUNTING SERVICES 1 March. R5 950 p/m includes Call Joshua 072-203-5305 elect & MNet. 072-482-6843 (011) 882-9701 Ph. 072-342-0510 4 - 11 February 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 19

PROPERTY FOR SALE Alison Goldberg [email protected] FLATS YOUTH TALK MUIZENBERG Selected flats in Cinnabar, Royal Road, Tides Bronstein is director of KDLP ‘human tree’ Call Jean Tockar Estates (021) 788-8220 celebrates Tu B’Shvat VACANCIES TA Nursery School EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY SUZANNE BELLING SHELLY FREINKEL STARLIGHTZ PHOTOGRAPH: YONIT WEIL UNIQUE CHARACTERS SARA BRONSTEIN (pictured), a Kodesh teacher and former * models * artistes substitute teacher at Torah Academy Primary School for the KING DAVID Primary * actors * starlightz teens * kidz past two and a half years, has been appointed director of the Linksfield created a * babies * extras nursery school - which is a new position. human tree to celebrate Tu - ALL STARZ- Sara, daughter of Professors Michael and Jeanne Rudolph, B’Shvat. Each child partic- (021) 438-8039 (Tel) is an alumnus of Torah Academy, having spent her entire ipated in writing activities 082-720-0700 (Cell) school career there, from nursery school till matric. on leaf shapes. This was After matric she spent six months at a teaching seminary the culmination of a mov- DIRECTOR in Montreal, Canada, and then went on to Safed, Israel, ing assembly emphasising where she was at a teaching seminary for another year. the devastating fires of the KWAZULU-NATAL As a shlucha for Chabad, she taught at Hebrew schools, Carmel forest in Israel. ZIONIST COUNCIL adult education and ran community programmes in Malibu, The school used the day California; Bal Harbour, Florida and Manalapan, New to sow the seeds of the Seeking dynamic, self-moti- Jersey, while studying for the BBA (Bachelor of Business Seven Habits of Highly vated individual to act as Administration) degree through Unisa. Effective People and the Director of Zionist activity in She spent a few years in New York as a manager and agent "Leader in Me" pro- Pictured are all the children at KwaZulu-Natal. Preferably full of a real estate office before returning to South Africa in gramme, which has been 2006, marrying Chaim Bronstein the following year. They adopted by the King David King David Primary Linksfield. time but half day position will have two children. Schools. be considered for the right “I feel very humbled and honoured to be put into such a The morning was an example of integration and synergy candidate. Salary determined position of leadership,” says Sara. between the Jewish studies, Hebrew Secular and Art depart- by experience of applicant. ments. A win-win day for all.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Love of Israel and belief in Rosabelle Klein adds Contribution sent to Zionist philosophy • Ability to interact positively with people additional baby class Gilad Shalit’s family • Self-motivating and able to motivate others STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY Pictured are SANDRA HIRSCH • Financially literate (basic some of the accounting principles) IT’S A new school year and a children from • Experience in office new start at Rosabelle Klein the show: management (Waverley) Playschool. An Hannah Miller; • Computer literate additional baby class - which Gabi Katz; (MsWord, Excel, all aspects opened its doors last week Dylan Kilov; of the Internet) Thursday - has been added for Ohad Lavie; children from the age of 18 • Experience in events Adam Kraut; management a bonus months. The children spent the morning testing out the Georgia Email CV by March 15 to new facilities and playground Stoller; and [email protected] and settled in very quickly, producer having a great time with their Marlene teacher Dani and assistant Miller. EMPLOMENT WANTED Goggo Jann. IRONING LADY JEANETTE MARLENE MILLER Avail Mon, Wed or Thurs. PHOTOGRAPH: DORI MEIRY Call Mandy 082-608- 0196 Fresh batch of house PROCEEDS FROM the solidarity concert for Gilad Shalit, captured by Hamas in 2006, recently held at King David Sandton Primary GARDENER HUMPHREE School, have been sent together with a DVD of the concert, as well Available Mon, Wed and as some of the poetry that was written by grade 7 pupils to Gilad’s Saturday. captains for YC grade 6 family, to show that here in South Africa we have not forgotten Call Adele Gilad. 082-417-5429

VEHICLES FOR SALE UJW brings joy to MERCEDES A160 Automatic, full service some young hearts history, aircon, cd, central locking. R62 500 RITA LEWIS Contact Gary on A BRAND new branch of the Union of Jewish Women recently 082-570-3695 hosted a Christmas party for some 80 children who come from the Granny-and-Child-headed families that the organisation WANTED supports in the Pimville area of Soweto, as well as from a squat- ter camp in Tembisa on the East Rand. IF YOU WANT TO The party was held at the UJW's Houghton House, where the BUY OR SELL children were treated to a variety of fun activities including face- A VEHICLE painting, jumping castles, play-ball and an exciting magic show. After all the fun, the children were served with a healthy lunch Contact: and each child received an age-appropriate gift. Solly Kramer The event was memorable for both the children as well as the 082-922-3597 organisers, who are a group of young women for whom this was their first venture and hopefully not their last. ARE YOU IMMIGRATING Top: Aharon Cohen; Yonatan Perez; Adam Melnick; Joseph Beer (principal); Aaron OVERSEAS AND Shrock; Yaakov Carno; and Darren Kozinsky. WANT TO SELL Front: Nina Gershon; Erin Jaches; Ami Lee Selikson; Talia Urdang; Rachel Lager; and YOUR VEHICLE? Carmella Illos. Some of the OWN CORRESPONDENT that requires responsibility, togetherness children PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED and unity, hence creating a great spirit having among the entire primary school contin- fun at the YESHIVA COLLEGE Primary School gent. recent Please Contact recently announced the house captains The names of those elected were party and vice house captains for 2011. announced at a special primary school Solly Kramer The learners themselves in the grade 6 assembly by Principal Joseph Beer. held for 082-922-3597 year, voted for their fellow class mates to We wish everyone in our team of captains them by anytime elect the house and vice captains. It is a job and vice captains a most successful year. the UJW. 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 04 - 11 February 2011

Maccabi Gauteng junior Sela is made to wait for squash off to a flying start with a great turn-out for the training sessions on complete SA Open opener Sunday evenings. JACK MILNER Harel Levy attempted to qualify for the tournament but lost to Canadian Milos ISRAEL’S DUDI Sela will be hoping for some Raonic. Raonic made his name recently by Maccabi Squash trains better fortune at this year’s SA Tennis Open reaching the fourth round of the Australian that began at Montecasino in Johannesburg Open last week. on Monday. On the subject of the Australian Open: at Killarney on Sunday Two years ago the Israeli was blown away Shahar Peer climbed to a career-high No 11 in his opening round match against Spain’s in the world rankings, despite failing to GAUTENG MACCABI Junior squash train- “We have an exciting programme this David Ferrer but he had a good pipe-opener progress for a fourth straight year past the ing takes place on Sunday at Killarney year with an inter-provincial tour to Cape this time when he teamed up with Slovakian third round of the Australian Open. There is Country Club. Town on March 20 and 21. Trials will take Karel Beck in their opening round of the now just 115 ranking points separating Peer Graham Prior, one of the top coaches in place later this month,” said convener Glenn doubles tournament to upset second seeds from breaking into the top-10. She benefitted the country, will be running the junior pro- Lazarus. “Tell your team-mates and friends Dustin Brown of Germany and Rogier from Serena Williams’ dramatic drop and gramme this year. The training is for boys to come down to the courts on Sunday.” Wassen of the Netherlands. They won the the fact that the retired Elena Dementieva and girls from ages 12 to 18 and will run • For more information, contact Lazarus encounter 6-3, 7-5. was finally removed from the WTA rank- from 18:30 to 20:00. on 083-273-6926 or email [email protected] Sela was scheduled to play Edouard ings. Roger-Vasselin of France in his first round The next player Peer will be looking to match but play was suspended due to rain overtake is 11th-ranked Agnieszka Rad- Venue set for Maccabi Open soccer trials with the Frenchman leading 6-1, 2-3. Play wanska of Poland. The two will face off in was eventually called off and Sela was to the Fed Cup in Eilat starting this week in JACK MILNER and hopefully bring home a medal from the resume on Wednesday. Pool B of Europe/Africa Zone Group I. tournament. The Games include teams Sela, who has yet to win a match this year, Israel opened their group games against TRIALS FOR the Maccabi Open (18+) soccer from Brazil, USA, Peru, Canada, Venezuela, climbed two places to No 90 in the world. Luxembourg on Wednesday and after play- squad for the upcoming Pan American Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Paraguay and ing Poland, will face Bulgaria. Maccabi Games, will take place on Saturday is regarded as a precursor to the Maccabiah The national team will need to finish the February 26 from 08:00 to 21:30 and Sunday at Israel in July 2013. pool in first place in order to advance to a tie February 27 from 09:00 to 14:00 at Balfour Park Players interested in participating in the against one of the other three pool winners Football Club, Gresswold, Johannesburg. trials must send their details (name, sur- for a place in April’s World Group II playoffs. The PanAm Games take place in Sao name, cell number, e-mail, date of birth and “We have got used to the courts and I hope Paulo, Brazil from December 25 to January 3 playing position) to [email protected] there will be plenty of fans that will help us and South Africa plans to take a strong team or call Ryan on 083-703-4463. win,” Peer said after practising in Eilat. Israel’s No 2, Julia Glushko, will also enter the matches in Eilat ranked at a career-high, jumping 28 places to No 205 in the world. Meanwhile, for the first time, the top 10 players in the women’s tennis rankings rep- resent 10 different countries. The WTA said in a statement that 11 different nations were represented among the top 11 spots, includ- ing Israel, and 30 different countries among the top 60. Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki remained No 1, followed by Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium, Russia’s Vera Zvonareva, Italy’s Francesca Schiavone and Australia’s Sam Stosur. The next five are: Venus Williams of the United States, China’s Li Na, Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Poland’s Radwanska. Dudi Sela in action at the SA Tennis Open Former No 1 Serena Williams, who has at Montecasino on Tuesday. His match was been sidelined with a foot injury since win- suspended due to rain. (PHOTOGRAPH: REG ning Wimbledon for the fourth time last CALIDICOTT) year, dropped from No 4 to No 12. Sports days for Jewish primary schools KING DAVID Sandton has put together an The concept is the brainchild of Hayley Inter-Jewish Schools sports festival to be Nathan, chairman of the King David Sandton played on Sundays for five weeks. PTA. She said: “It follows on the success of a The tournament begins on February 27 tournament organised by Montrose Primary and runs until April 3. However, there will School. They had a successful primary be a bye on Sunday March 20 because of school cricket day/night challenge and we Purim. It will be played at the Zoo Lake adjusted it into a Jewish event.” Sports Club starting at 14:00 on every The schools taking part are the three King Sunday and will run until around 20:00. Davids - Linksfield, Victory Park and The sports involved are cricket, soccer Sandton - as well as Yeshiva College. and netball. Netball will be played in five age “The tournament has also been endorsed groups, from Under-9 to Open, while soccer by Maccabi South Africa,’’ said Nathan. is for Under-9 and Under-10, with cricket for “They will be sending talent scouts to see Under-11s and Open. which players they can draw into Maccabi Soccer and netball teams will play each teams.” other twice on a round-robin basis with the The opening ceremony will take place on semifinals and finals taking place on April 3. February 27 from 16:15 until 16:45pm. Barney Gordon tee-off on February 20 MACCABI GOLF will be hosting the in the afternoon. Gauteng Championship for the Barney This year a Super Seniors category for Gordon Trophy at Houghton Golf Club on men of 65 years and older who are handi- February 20. The tournament is one of the capped off senior tees, has been introduced. most prestigious events on the Maccabi cal- They will also play 18 holes in the afternoon. endar. Participants can makeup their own four- The A and B Divisions will play 36 holes ball within divisions if they wish or the while C division and ladies will play 18 holes organisers will create a four-ball for them.