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south african n Volume 22 – Number 44 n 14 December 2018 n 6 Tevet 5779

The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za Darkness descends on last night of Chanukah, as terror attack hits home NICOLA MILTZ ambulance informing him that there news of their firstborn’s death was “He took us around the school, and above and beyond” as a counsellor. had been a terrorist attack. soon to crush their spirit. spent about 45 minutes with us,” said Even though she was born in Israel, t has been a harrowing week of She just remembers grabbing her Silberstein, 58, who grew up in Silberstein. she is “so South African in her torment for the South African- telephone and her siddur (prayer Yeoville and attended King David He had met Wolf earlier this year ways, including her accent and her Iborn parents of the latest terror- book), and dashing out of the house. Linksfield High School, made aliyah in May, at the 40-year King David incredible warmth”. She described attack victim in Israel, who this week On the way to the hospital, the almost 40 years ago as a 19-year-old Linksfield matric class of 1977 her as intensely private, and found described events as “every parent’s frantic couple passed police cars baal teshuva (secular Jew returning reunion in New York, attended by it strange to see her all over the worst nightmare come true”. heading to the scene of the attack to religious Judaism). about 65 Davidians from around the news, including videos of her recent “Imagine getting that call,” said unaware of the details of what In Israel, he was introduced to his world. wedding. Chaim Silverstein, the father of had happened moments earlier, wife, Liora, 49, (nee Dubb), who grew The terror attack has captured the The terrorists responsible for the Shira Ish-Ran, 21, who was seriously describing it all as “surreal”. Shira up in Port Elizabeth. The couple have hearts of South African Jewry, who attack fled the scene immediately injured in Sunday’s drive-by shooting and Amichai had been married for seven children, including two sets of have taken to social media since the after the shooting, and remain at in the West Bank. only nine months. They were at the twins. Shira, their oldest, has a twin shooting. large. The military’s search for the A group of terrorists in a passing Ofra bus stop as part of their journey brother Ariel. They were both married South African olah Dalya Abadi perpetrators of the attack entered car opened fire at Israeli civilians from Jerusalem to their home in Elon within three weeks of each other only posted on Facebook, “Breaks my its fourth day on Wednesday, with waiting at a bus stop outside Moreh. nine months ago, said Silberstein. heart to see this horrific act of troops setting up roadblocks and the settlement of Ofra, north of Silberstein said he and his wife The Silbersteins visited cowardice terror happening to my sweeping nearby Palestinian villages. Jerusalem, injuring seven people. literally prayed for a miracle as a team Johannesburg in August with three incredible madricha (counsellor) Silberstein is no stranger to news Ish-Ran’s husband, Amichai, who was of doctors performed the lifesaving of their daughters to see his sister, Shira, who guided me during my gap and controversy. He is the founder shot three times in his leg, managed operation for more than five hours who lives in Gallo Manor, Sandton, year last year. Shira is truly one of and President of Keep Jerusalem-Im to call his father-in-law and tell him on their daughter, who was shot in and show the girls where he grew up. the most amazing girls I’ve met. She Eshkachech (KeepJerusalem.org) and to rush to the hospital. her lower abdomen. Her life was in “I took them on a tiyul shoresh [roots is so super bubbly, wise, and truly the Jerusalem Capital Development In a lifesaving bid, doctors were danger throughout the operation, he tour],” he said. treats everyone with such authentic Fund, organisations which aim to forced to perform an emergency said. One of the places Silberstein kindness.” keep Jerusalem united under Israeli C-Section on Ish-Ran, who was 30 Silberstein told the SA Jewish arranged to visit was King David Abadi, who attended the couple’s sovereignty. They inform public weeks pregnant, and delivered her Report that “miraculously, the bullet Linksfield, where they met his wedding, told the SA Jewish Report opinion and policy makers about the baby boy. The baby was immediately missed Shira’s major organs”, and she headmaster, Elliot Wolf. from Israel that Ish-Ran “went Continued on page 5>> transferred to the ward for premature survived the surgery. babies at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek On Monday, doctors lowered her Medical Centre. Initially said to be sedation, allowing her to wake up. stable, his condition continued to As soon as she opened her eyes, she Have fun and don’t forget to deteriorate no matter how hard asked for her mom. doctors tried to save his life. On A tearful Liora told The Jerusalem brush your teeth Wednesday early evening the public Post that “she held my hand and were notified that baby Amiad Yisrael squeezed it”. died. Chaim told the SA Jewish Report Sobbing at the baby’s funeral on late on Tuesday night, shortly after Wednesday night, Silberstein said doctors removed tubes and pipes his grandson stayed alive until “his from Ish-Ran’s mouth, that Shira’s wounded parents could meet him, condition was improving all the time. hug him, kiss him and say goodbye”. “She is beginning to talk. She This week, Silberstein described weakly told my wife and I that we to the SA Jewish Report the gut- needed to go home and sleep.” wrenching hours and days following He said it was “miraculous” that the attack which has rocked the his son in law was only moderately

family’s world, and sent shock waves injured after being shot several times. Daryn-Lee Ilan Ossendryver Photo: through Israeli society. According to Silberstein, his son- Cronson hugs “It was a nightmare come in-law’s face “lit up” when he saw his her son, Ricky, true,” recalled Ish-Ran’s mother, young bride for the first time earlier before leaving Liora, describing how it had been that day since the incident. for Bnei Akiva an ordinary Sunday evening at He said Amichai had been offering Machaneh. home when her husband told her Shira so much support on his See stories on something was terribly wrong. He crutches and in his wheelchair and pages 4 and 13. had received a call from his son- that it was wonderful to see them in-law, Amichai, speaking from an together after such a trauma, but This is our last issue for 2018 Wishing all our readers and advertisers an enjoyable and safe holiday Our next edition is on 18 January 2019 with our sought-after Matric Results issue 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 Appliance Repairs on Site EU Council calls on Europe to do more to fight anti-Semitism rs, MARCY OSTER ashe hw Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Dis toves uropean nations must increase s, es, S e chin their efforts to ensure security for dg Ma ri ing the continent’s Jews in the face of F sh more E a ryers & widespread anti-Semitism, the Council of the W le D mb Call Jason European Union said in a declaration that one Tu Jewish group called “unprecedented”.

082 401 8239 / 076 210 6532 The declaration passed last Thursday in FREE QUOTATIONS Brussels called on the council’s member states to develop a common security approach to better protect Jewish communities and their institutions. Kim Hatchuel Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whose Proofreading • Editing • Grammar country holds the council’s rotating presidency, promoted the declaration. The council is made

Punctuation • Spell checking up of the heads of state or government of the Hans Punz/AFP/Getty Images Photo: member states. In its declaration, the council acknowledges can be disguised under the cover of political the European Commission and the European that Jewish communities in some EU countries views. Parliament will monitor the progress made by feel particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks The document also calls for an emphasis on each state against anti-Semitism. Today, we following an increase in violent incidents in the importance of holocaust remembrance and hope that the implementation of the provisions recent years. It notes that anti-Semitic hatred education for all. contained in this declaration will severely remains widespread, as confirmed by the EU’s The European Jewish Congress (EJC) called restrict the space for hate, and that our Jewish 083 657 3377 • [email protected] 2018 Fundamental Rights Agency report on the declaration “unprecedented” in a statement communities will feel more safe in Europe.” anti-Semitism. praising its passage. The World Jewish Congress said that it had DECEASED ESTATE The declaration calls on member states to “This declaration is an important step in worked for several months with the Austrian “adopt and implement a holistic strategy to the fight against anti-Semitism because it government and European institutions, as well HOUSE CLEARANCES prevent and fight all forms of anti-Semitism, provides a positive and concrete roadmap as the EJC, to draft the declaration. It praised Entire households cleared as part of their strategies on preventing for the safeguarding of Jewish communities, the council for passing the declaration, and professionally & confidentially. racism, xenophobia, radicalisation and violent and strengthens the legislative tools for called on the EU to appoint a co-ordinator on extremism”, according to a statement issued governments to fight hate and intolerance,” said combating anti-Semitism. (JTA) We will take the burden off your by the council. It also expresses concern the EJC President, Dr Moshe Kantor. “Now, that the situation for Jewish people has not we hope that each EU member state will take Shabbat times this week shoulders and pay you for it. substantially improved, and that anti-Semitism the required and appropriate action, and that Starts Ends For a trusted service call Jewish tombstones desecrated in Cape cemetery 18:15 19:31 Johannesburg Ladislav Miklas on 079 810 8837 19:15 20:32 Cape Town [email protected] TALI FEINBERG that the Jewish section of the cemetery 18:15 19:29 Durban was targeted is a concern, said Cape Board 18:15 19:46 Bloemfontein hirty-nine tombstones were knocked Director Stuart Diamond. The incident has 18:15 20:04 Port Elizabeth

083 460 3633 Design Bandits down, damaged, and broken in been reported to the local police, and the 18:15 19:51 East London Business Cards Tthe Wellington Jewish cemetery community will be kept up to date on the Magazines | Brochures last weekend, the Cape Jewish Board of findings. Hate’. Let us make the Western Cape no “The Cape Jewish community is appalled place for hate for all who live and die in it.” Adverts | T-shirts Flyers Deputies has confirmed. Wellington is a country town in that such violence and hatred should have Diamond said the board was considering Websites | Billboards the Western Cape winelands, about a been perpetrated by people living in a town the cost of repairing the stones, and how Logos | Ezines 45-minute drive from Cape Town. The renowned as a centre for excellence in its to future-proof them. The obvious example Bookmarks | Posters Wellington Hebrew Congregation was educational and theological studies,” wrote might be to lay them flat. Diamond founded in 1902. Diamond to the Bolander newspaper. has learnt that the tradition of putting Invitations | Emailers While there are “We ask that the Drakenstein local headstones upright was brought by South no anti-Semitic municipality, businesses, and charitable African Jews from Eastern Europe, as flat markings on the organisations join us in embracing our stones would be covered by snow in those tombstones, the fact anti-bias campaign called ‘No Place for climates. VEHICLES WANTED Torah Thought Insular or involved: the two ways of being Jewish “And Yehudah approached him [Yosef]...” in some of the world’s major countries. and “joys” of It is quite in vogue to aspire to live secular life? Is this he showdown between Yehuda and off-grid. People don’t want to rely on the second generation Yosef starts at the beginning of our government for the essentials. People truly doomed? Or, Rabbi Ryan Goldstein, Tparsha, and continues for millennia want to free themselves from being have exceptional West Street until our day. Yehuda was even ready to reliant on other parties for their most individuals arisen Shul Any make, any model, any condition wage a tremendous war if necessary. basic needs. The same applies to a Torah from these greatest of challenges? Accident damaged vehicles and non-runners also wanted As Jewish people, we have always had lifestyle, where groups of people are It comes down to us choosing between two approaches to our place in this world. convinced that the only way to ensure two legitimate ideologies: should a Jew % There is the Yehuda approach, where the continuity of their way of life is to cut himself off from the secular world, Arnold Orkin 082 823 7826 we see him going to the Land of Goshen shield their progeny from the allure of and live in an insular Torah world, free AUTO AFRICA and setting up places of Torah ahead of the outside. Such groups form their own from TV and the internet? Or should he his family’s arrival. Yehuda doesn’t want close-knit, insular bubbles, which protect join the world, and have the opportunity to mix or get involved in the nitty-gritty them from the complexities of modern- to make a Kiddush Hashem and be a negotiations and running of this world. day life and its challenges. They have light to those who he meets? Obviously, He prefers to be separate from the bad the pleasure of sitting and learning or both paths have their pros and cons. The influences that roam outside. Yosef, on davening all day long. important lesson for us is to accept and the other hand, not only gets involved, but However, does this work? Does the tolerate all Jews and their decisions, climbs the rungs of power until he can second generation of bubbled groups remembering that so long as the motives influence the major political decisions retain its purity as a result of protection? are l’shem Shamayim (in the name of of Egypt. His descendants follow his Conversely, do those who live outside heaven), everyone is right! example to this day, with powerful posts the bubble all get sucked into the ways Have a safe holiday. • Videomed Instore • First Aid & Wound Care • Cholesterol Screening • Breast Feeding Advice Editor Peta Krost Maunder – [email protected] • Sub-editor Julie Leibowitz Senior writer Nicola Miltz • Journalist Tali Feinberg • Junior journalist Jordan Moshe • Vaccinations • Baby Milestones The source of quality content, news and insights Editorial co-ordinator Martine Bass – [email protected] • Family Planning • Immunisations Proofreader Kim Hatchuel – [email protected] • CEO Dani Kedar – [email protected] • Advertising Britt Landsman: 082 292 9520 – [email protected] • Design and layout Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – [email protected] • Discovery Vitality • Rapid HIV Testing & Counselling Subscriptions Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860 525 200 • Board of Directors Howard Sackstein (Chairperson), Herby Rosenberg, Dina Diamond, Herschel Jawitz, Assessments • Ear Piercing Shaun Matisonn, Benjy Porter. Advertisements and editorial copy do not neccessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff and board of directors. Tel: 011 430 1980. 580 Louis Botha Ave, Savoy Estate (Opp Nando’s) The SA Jewish Report subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Public Advocate at 011 484 3612, Tel: (011) 885-1200/1 • Email: [email protected] fax: 011 484 3619. You can also contact our Case Officer on [email protected] or lodge a complaint on their website: www.presscouncil.org.za 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Top musicians pay tribute to Johnny Clegg TALI FEINBERG Although Clegg was not told teens. Through these, he also album was nominated for a To young people wanting to many of the details of the project, gained a profound understanding Grammy Award for best world succeed in the music industry, he “I’m holding on as best I can, he was asked to choose the song of Zulu culture. music album. King Sobhuza II of says that today, it is one of the and living my life as fully as I that would be covered. He told the Clegg’s involvement with black Swaziland named Clegg an official hardest professions to pursue. can,” says iconic South African SA Jewish Report that he chose musicians often led to arrests “royal minstrel”, and his alma “You need a lot of stamina and performer Johnny Clegg, who has The Crossing because “education is for trespassing on government mater, Wits, conferred on him endurance to go with whatever been battling pancreatic cancer critical in our crossing over into property, and for contravening its highest honour, the degree of talent you have.” As someone since 2015. an inclusive and internationally the Group Areas Act. Undeterred, Doctor of Music honoris causa, who has integrated deeply into Clegg recently slowed down his competitive country. Our he immersed himself in the world saying that, “Johnny Clegg’s life other cultures, his advice to fellow legendary musical performances, education system is in many of Zulu migrant labourers, and and productions give meaning to South Africans who want to build but his legacy has been in the respects hollowed out, and apart was soon entering hostel dance the multiculturalism and social such bridges is to learn an African spotlight over the past week, as from small pockets of excellence, competitions at the head of his integration South Africans yearn language. thousands of people have watched the system is in crisis.” own team. for.” Regarding this new version and shared a video of his song, The special version of the song The Crossing, sung by more than was produced by Theo Crous, Johnny Clegg 50 South African musicians in his and mastered in Los Angeles by honour. Lurssen, a multi-Grammy award- As he stepped down from winning studio. It was performed the world stage, local and for Clegg at a private function at international musicians felt it was Ellerman House in Cape Town on time to celebrate the path he has 5 December 2018, five years to the blazed as an artist, activist, and day after the passing of Nelson educator. Mandela. “What makes the video and the On the same evening, the song so significant, profound, Friends of Johnny Clegg was and poignant is what it does not launched, a fund created in his explicitly say – that Clegg, our honour to help alleviate the elder, is growing weaker, having education crisis in South Africa. lived with pancreatic cancer for All proceeds from downloads several years, and that soon he of this version of The Crossing will have to say goodbye. He will go toward this fund, and will be ‘crossing over those dark be distributed by the Click mountains where we will lay down Foundation. our troubles’,” singer Karen Zoid “The Click Foundation teaches told Daily Maverick. 58 000 pupils and operates in 105 schools across South Africa,” said Clegg. “It teaches literacy to As he stepped down from learners from Grade R to Grade 3, which are the critical foundational the world stage, local and years for language comprehension. In the early 1970s, Clegg of The Crossing, he says, “It’s a international musicians The goal is to have one million and Sipho Mchunu, a migrant wonderful validation by my peers, felt it was time to celebrate learners in these early grades worker and guitarist, formed an and gives new life to a song which reading and comprehending acoustic Zulu musical duo called will support a cause bigger than the path he has blazed “Johnny Clegg’s life and English by 2022.” Juluka (meaning sweat). He also us all.” as an artist, activist, and Clegg is currently writing his studied social anthropology at the productions give meaning On social media, South Africans educator. autobiography. He was born University of the Witwatersrand to the multiculturalism and expressed their appreciation of near Manchester, England, in (Wits), and pursued an academic social integration South the project. Mike Abel said that it “It’s not only this gentle 1953, and grew up in Zimbabwe, career for four years, lecturing was, “An incredibly moving tribute goodbye that threads through the Zambia, and South Africa. His at Wits and the University of Africans yearn for.” by South African musicians to the song and the video, but also the step-father, a crime reporter, took Natal, and writing several seminal iconic Johnny Clegg, the White sheer joy, energy, and celebration him into the townships at an early scholarly papers on Zulu music Jewish Zulu who has brought so of Clegg’s artistry and music, how age. and dance. Indeed, Clegg believes in the much African magic and cultural it will always be part of South As a teenager in the northern Clegg’s record-breaking and healing power of music. “All crossover to our beautiful country Africa’s DNA,” she said. suburbs of Johannesburg, he award-winning musical career artistic and cultural expression and the world, especially during In September, more than 50 encountered the city’s Zulu followed, including his cross- elevates our sense of self, and the dark days of apartheid.” artists flew to Cape Town to migrant workers’ music and cultural band Savuka selling more puts us into a different quality Wrote Jesse Brian Micheal record a unique version of The dance. Under the tutelage of than a million copies of its debut space,” he says. “This can be Harvey, “A fantastic song with a Crossing at Mothership Studios. It Charlie Mzila, a flat cleaner by album. He was declared a Chevalier momentary, or last a lifetime, like beautiful message. South Africa may be the biggest South African day and musician by night, Clegg des Arts et Lettres by the French a life-changing book or a song has so much potential. I’m sure music collaboration of all time. mastered the Zulu language government in 1991 – an order of that captures a moment in the ‘the tide is turning’, and we will International artists included and the maskandi guitar and merit that recognises significant listener’s life and presents it back eventually make that crossing to Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews, and isishameni dance styles of the contribution to the arts. in a new way, forever linking them what South Africa truly can be as Paul Rutherford. migrants while still in his mid- In 1993, Savuka’s last trademark to that time or moment.” a nation.”

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011 880 3550 www.jawitz.co.za 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 Morasha shul rises from the ashes

TALI FEINBERG and members of the Community assembly” for all pupils from Security Organisation (CSO) to the Herzlia, Phyllis Jowell Pre-Primary, lames and smoke billowing Friday night service, a community Cape Town Torah High, and the from the roof, seven Sifrei walk beginning at the Morasha Sinai Academy. FTorah scrolls burned in the Shul, and a musical Havdallah A thousand children came inferno, and a crumbling, burnt- ceremony. together to watch sofer (scribe) out synagogue. These are some of “We have just come out of an Rabbi Avi Shlomo inscribe the the images that have haunted the incredibly inspiring Shabbat with first pasuk (passage), and each Cape Town Jewish community our beautiful Morasha friends and child was able to contribute R18 and beyond since a fire destroyed family,” wrote congregant Ma’ayan towards a letter of the new Torah. much of Beit Midrash Morasha last Sevilya Jowell on Facebook. “One It will be completed in Israel over Tuesday night. of the highlights was having the the coming year. Although it happened on the third opportunity to thank our brave “It is a tribute to our Cape night of Chanukah, candles were not firefighters and CSO crew, who Town community that in times left out overnight, and the cause of risked their lives to try save our of adversity, we rally together the fire is still to be determined. But, shul, our books, and precious Sifrei to assist and offer whatever like Jews did in the Chanukah story, Torah. They joined us for our Friday Beit Midrash Morasha Photo: help can be given,” said UHS the congregation and the larger night service, and were really Cape Jewish Board of Deputies Director Stuart Diamond, Cape Board Director of Education Geoff community have picked themselves appreciative of the gratitude that Chairman Rael Kaimowitz, and Rabbi and Rebbetzin Thurgood thank Cohen at the event. “I know up from the destruction and have we showed them.” firefighters and the CSO that Rabbi Thurgood has been begun to rebuild. Morasha also partnered with as “Kevin’s Torah”, indefinitely for went to collect the Torah from deeply touched by the incredible In less than a week, the shul the Sephardi Hebrew Congregation Morasha’s use. the Ohr Somayach Shul, and letters of support and solidarity has already raised more than in hosting a Chanukah carnival, A Sefer Torah from the carefully wrapped and prepared that he has received from R2.5 million towards its recovery, with record attendance. There, Lichtenburg community in North it for its journey to Sea Point. A Jewish, Christian, and Muslim with a goal of R5.5 million under Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal West Province was also delivered representative of the SAJBD flew communities.” the campaign #MorashaChai. lit a channukiah that survived the to Cape Town for Morasha’s use. with it to Cape Town, and delivered The Beth Din declared “This month marks 18 years of Holocaust. This Torah, entrusted to the South it to the community in time for 13 December a fast day to mourn our community – our year of chai The shul has managed to continue African Jewish Board of Deputies Shabbat. the destruction of the Sifrei Torah. (life). With your help and the will its daily minyanim, first at other (SAJBD) for safekeeping when United Herzlia Schools (UHS) Members of Beit Midrash Morasha of Hashem, we will bring renewed shuls, and now at the Bnei Akiva the community closed down many started the process of writing a were encouraged to fast. life to our community,” says Rabbi Bayit across the road from Morasha. years ago, has been on loan to new Sefer Torah for Beit Midrash Sam Thurgood, who has led the Financial and moral support has the Ohr Somayach community in Morasha, as a gift from the Jewish • To contribute to the #MorashaChai congregation with his wife Aviva poured in from around the world. Sandton. children of Cape Town. On 10 campaign, visit www.charidy.com/ since 2012. Bnei Akiva created a video with Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft December it hosted a “unity morashachai As last week came to a close, the messages of hope from chaverim Cape Town community rushed to (friends) around the world, many of ensure that Morasha would still be whom have experienced the warmth Nice people, shame about the beliefs able to have a full Shabbat together. of the Morasha congregation. Herzlia Weizmann offered the use Replacing the precious Sifrei JULIE LEIBOWITZ behaved. of its school hall, the Sephardi Torah that were lost in the fire It was only when you took a closer look at their Hebrew Congregation sponsored the has been top of the agenda of the hat was most unnerving about the t-shirts and listened to what they were chanting that kiddush brocha, and all services and Jewish community throughout Palestinian Solidarity Alliance’s (PSA’s) you got a sense of their intent. Many were wearing children’s programmes ran on time. South Africa. The Green and Sea Wsunset march against Israeli “occupation” in t-shirts with the Google logo and the entry “Israel”, The theme of Shabbat was victory Point Hebrew Congregation (Marais Johannesburg on Saturday was the sheer gentility of all with the question, “Do you mean Palestine?”. Others over adversity. The celebration Road Shul) loaned the Ichikowitz involved. sported shirts saying, “Stop Israeli baby killers”, included welcoming firefighters Family Tefillin Bank Torah, known Chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will “Boycott apartheid Israel”, or “South Africa will never be free”, more than 500 ambled through the leafy be free until Palestine is free”. Their smiling faces and surrounds of Emmarentia Dam on 8 December, in friendliness only added to the overall sense of cognitive a broad circle from Orange Road to the Greenside dissonance. What about tech and Mosque and back again. It was a genteel march through one of the city’s To all intents and purposes, the “Great Return most beautiful suburbs by the most bourgeois people March” looked like an everyday peace protest. Everyone in Johannesburg calling for the obliteration of the security at machaneh? from mothers with strollers, kids, teenagers, parents, only peaceful, democratic state in the Middle East. Go and grandparents was there, and the crowd was well figure. JORDAN MOSHE cannot use them during any of the camp activities,” says Habonim echnology and security are Shaliach Danny Adeno Abebe. two defining issues that make “[These activities] are crucial to the TJewish youth camps different experience, and they need to pay to the camps of 10 years ago. attention.” These two issues are among the He recognises, however, the need greatest priorities of parents and for parents to remain in touch with children when considering whether their children, and says that the or not to attend camp. Parents want use of smartphones is permitted to know that their children will be at certain times. “Jewish mothers Julie Leibowitz Photo: safe while not in their care, and will always be Jewish mothers” he The PSA marchers in Emmarentia youngsters want to know that they laughs. “They want to make sure that will still be able to access technology. their children are safe and enjoying Parents also want to know that their themselves. They need to check in they can disconnect from their tech Logistics at Bnei Akiva. projectors.” children will not be on their devices with them from time to time, and and connect with themselves and “We understand that we can no Netzer adopts a more stringent all holiday, but will still be able to this we allow. those around them will they longer exclude cell phones totally approach. According to Camp Head communicate with them if they need “Kids know that we take anything from from camp, but we are aware that Jason Bourne, channichim are not to. have the power to the machaneh phone calls and messages to parents allowed to have their phones on confiscate their experience.” causes homesickness. Also, when camp for the duration of machaneh. Technology tech from the Bnei Akiva children send a message to their “Phones are to be handed in on the The all-pervasive need for day camp allows Grade parents that they have a sore throat, first day, and will be given back to smartphones is true in any space starts. We 8 and older parents worry, even though we have the channichim when camp ends,” he today, and it is no different among explain to to bring cell medical experts at camp.” Because says. Jewish youth at camp. them at the phones to of this, the youngest three shichvot Bourne believes that the camp Both Habonim and Bnei Akiva do outset that camp, but (age groups) are not allowed to have experience can be fully utilised only not allow channichim (campers) to the camp they are phones with them. if technology is absent. “Channichim bringing laptops or tablets with them time is for not allowed “We have come to a stage where are discouraged from bringing to the campsite. them, and to be used at we embrace rather than push technology as we believe they need Although smartphones are that they need mealtimes or away technology,” he says. “We to be fully immersed in the camp permitted at Habonim for all ages, to make the most during any formal use technology to enhance our experience and what is going on their use is strictly monitored and of it. Ultimately, it’s The Bnei bangle activities, according tochniot, and even our mealtimes, by around them,” he says. regulated. “We make sure that kids their time, and only if to Milan Levy, Rosh creating interactive videos or using Continued on page 13>> 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Gaza border may be scary, but it’s home, Show your love, gratitude & appreciation with our beautiful visiting Israeli teens say presentations, filled with TALI FEINBERG fields that have been burned by these devices. fruit, nuts and chocolates All the teens emphasise that they are used to being under “Even when it’s scary, we don’t want to leave our kibbutz. It’s constant threat of rocket attacks, and some shrug their Kingswood Centre, our home,” say Chen Belkin and Rotem Goldman, two Israeli shoulders, saying, “It’s no big deal. We are used to it. We’ve 9 Northfield Ave, Glenhazel teenagers who live close to the Gaza border. They are part of learned to handle it.” But later, one admits that even in a group of Grade 10 learners from their area who have just South Africa, a sudden noise at night will scare her. ☎ (011) 440-4924 arrived in South Africa to attend Habonim machaneh as a The teens are excited to be in South Africa, but some of respite from living under the constant threat of terrorism. them feel nervous about speaking Hebrew or displaying Shortly after they arrived in Cape Town, they were their Jewishness for fear of anti-Semitism. They are also Scoop 5x3.indd 1 2018/03/19 12:01 PM whisked off to a braai at the home of Tamar Lazarus, anxious about being put on the spot by their South African where they were indulged with breathtaking views of the Jewish peers, who they feel will force them to “take a side” in city and harbour while chatting about their adventures in the conflict or ask them why they choose to live so close to South Africa. They felt a million miles away, literally and the border. They re-iterate that they could never leave their figuratively, from the threat of rocket fire to their homes, communities. schools, and environment. “There are two sides to every story. We want peace. Hamas The teens hail from kibbutzim in the Gaza envelope. could turn Gaza into a thriving place, but it doesn’t want “The kibbutz I was born on is on the fence between Gaza to. Whatever we give them, they use to attack us,” says and Israel, and we are always exposed to burning tyres, Goldman. Rahaf says that he Israeli teen feels safe in spite of visitors with their Habonim hosts the attacks, knowing that the country has some of the best defence systems in the world. But Efraim feels frustrated that this untenable situation has still not been resolved. Even while living in a conflict zone, all the teens are proudly Israeli, deeply connected to the land, and upbeat about their future. “We still feel safer there than we do in a different country,” says Belkin. shouting, and windows breaking from the rockets,” says “It’s home.” Belkin. “Before the tunnels were discovered, [Israelis have “We are excited to build a deeper connection with the discovered numerous Hamas-built tunnels underground South African Jewish community,” says Efraim. “Young to get into and attack Israel], friends on the kibbutz heard people have the power to talk to each other, and strengthen people knocking and talking under their floor.” Being so that bond.” close to these threats forced her family to leave that kibbutz, “This initiative stemmed from a deep sense of our shared but the place they relocated to is still under threat of attacks. fate in the light of the continuing and intolerable reality Gil Rahaf, from a different kibbutz, says that a man from in which these boys and girls grow up. They live in the Gaza was once found wondering around inside his kibbutz, shadow of unacceptable terrorist attacks,” says Habonim and that kibbutz livestock have been killed by rockets, one of Dror Shaliach Danny Adeno Abebe. “Habonim Dror joined which landed 10 metres away from his house. “Sometimes the project, and decided to make a supreme effort to realise 5 NOV - 3 FEB | GAME SHOWS EVERY WED AND SAT | CAR DRAWS: 6 JAN AND 2 FEB we hear the ‘boom’ before we even hear the siren,” said his this Zionist idea out of a deep understanding that we are friend, Regev Shoshan. “On a bad day, we run to the shelter brothers.” 16 times a day,” says Goldman. The initiative is all about bonding and showing the Their madricha, Sapir Efraim, who came with the teens resilience of youth. One person who epitomised this from Israel, emphasises that the area Goldman is talking resilience was the late Gideon Prodgers, and this tour is in his about is not a constant war zone. In fact, it’s incredibly memory. Prodgers was a South African Habonim madrich beautiful and peaceful. “My husband grew up there, and we who passed away ten years ago in Israel during his gap-year moved back to the kibbutz six years ago as we want to raise programme after an eight-month battle with leukemia. The our children in a close-knit community,” she says. project to bring the Israelis to machaneh in Hermanus is However, she explains that calm can quickly descend into called “From Light to Light” in Gideon’s honour. chaos, and then back to calm again. “A few weeks ago, we had He would have been 31 years old on the day of the 400 rockets in a day, then the next day was quiet again. We gathering – 11 December – so Gideon’s parents, Rod and 30 Nov - 2 Jan 2019 | Daily 19h00 - 22h00 are used to it, but the stress does build up in our minds.” For Laura, and sister Kayda, joined the teens on their late son Tickets R25 | Proceeds to charity example, an incendiary balloon sent from Gaza landed in her and brother’s birthday. Said Kayda, “Seeing Israeli youth in garden, but it did not catch alight, unlike the acres of kibbutz Cape Town would have made him very happy!” Darkness descends on last night of Chanukah, as terror attack hits home >> Continued from page 1 importance of keeping the city united, and fostering “Together with his wife, the Silbersteins Jewish population growth. Silberstein also holds volunteered to serve as an adoptive family for one of for only R299 regular guided geopolitical tours of Jerusalem and its the young Chinese Jewish descendants from Kaifeng, FROM R1575* PER ROOM borders. China, that Shavei Israel brought on aliyah two years Movies | Meal | Drinks | Shopping Voucher 14 DEC - 20 JAN | Bookings: 0860 777 900 or A personal friend of Silberstein, Michael Freund, ago. And now they are grappling with a painful and FreePlay* | Draw Ticket | Purchase at Cash Desk online | Promo code SUMMER who is the Chairman of Shavei Israel (an Israeli-based difficult tragedy.” international Jewish outreach organisation) told Silberstein told the SA Jewish Report that his family *TERMS AND CONDITIONS the SA Jewish Report, “The Silbersteins are a warm was truly grateful to the South African community for APPLY TO ALL OFFERS AND and loving family, filled with Jewish and Zionist its prayers. “We believe your prayers have helped, and PROMOTIONS

commitment. A former senior advisor to Israel’s we send our blessings back.” EMPERORSPALACE.COM Tourism Minister, Chaim has devoted himself to The family have also thanked the community and FOLLOW US strengthening Jewish life throughout all parts of Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein for their multiple Jerusalem. He tirelessly takes members of Knesset, heartfelt messages of support, saying, “We are deeply foreign dignitaries, and groups on informative tours of humbled and grateful for the love shown by the South the city through his organisation, KeepJerusalem.org. African community.” 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 south african What does the UN vote on Hamas JTheewish source of quality content, news andR insightseport mean to us? Friends where you didn’t n the Middle East, everyone declares victory regardless of the results. So, it’s no surprise that the recent United DATELINE: know you had any INations (UN) General Assembly resolution against MIDDLE EAST Hamas was praised by both Jerusalem and Hamas. If it hen the world seems like a dark place, there are always had passed, it would have condemned the Gaza-based Paula Slier pockets of light and love. movement for the first time ever in the world body. W Last weekend, I was away with my extended family in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it international positions. Wallmansthal, on the other side of Pretoria. It was a delightful and a “principled stand” of the “sweeping majority”. Hamas States like Qatar, which are close to Hamas, are in relaxing family time. spokesperson Sami Abu Zahri tweeted that “the failure of conflict with countries like Saudi Arabia with whom the On Saturday in the late morning, there was a strong-man the American venture at the UN represents a slap to the US US and Israel have a good relationship. Saudi Arabia has demonstration at the lodge we were staying at, and some of us administration and confirmation of the legitimacy of the accused Qatar of supporting terrorism. went along to see what it was about. The strong man was a devout resistance”. So, while Riyadh voted against the anti-Hamas Afrikaans Christian, who made comments relating to his faith as he Both are correct. For Hamas, it was a success because resolution, it faces the quandary of not backing Hamas bent metal and gave his audience an interesting show. the resolution failed. For Israel, it was the first time a too closely because that would mean it endorses similar Later, the strong man and his family overheard us saying kiddush, resolution like this condemning the Palestinian group movements in its own backyard. Yet, in spite of the and his wife came over while we were sitting outdoors having lunch. nearly passed in the assembly. contradictions, in international arenas, Arab countries She asked us how we knew Hebrew. Astonished, we weren’t quite sure The resolution was called “Activities of Hamas and inevitably vote as a block, especially when it comes to Israel where she was going with her line of questioning. Eventually, we told Other Militant Groups in Gaza” and, among other things, and the Palestinians. her it was because we were Jewish. condemned the militant group “for repeatedly firing Russia is another case in point. It voted in favour of the She became quite emotional when she heard this, and told us how rockets into Israel and inciting violence, thereby putting two-thirds requirement, and then later voted against the she was so excited to meet “G-d’s chosen people”, and felt blessed to civilians at risk”. It also denounced the movement’s resolution. Moscow and Jerusalem have strong bilateral be in our presence. construction of terror tunnels and incendiary kites. and diplomatic relations and yet whenever there is a vote at She said she loved Jewish people because we were so special, and But before members could vote, Kuwait put forward a the UN, Russia invariably stands with the Arab world. It’s was grateful to have made our acquaintance. preliminary motion requiring a two-thirds majority for the politics after all. I found it a little overwhelming to be called “the chosen ones”, American-sponsored resolution to succeed. Observers have As for Africa, only seven of the continent’s 54 countries because I don’t believe anyone criticised the move as underhanded. What it did effectively – Rwanda, South Sudan, Eritrea, Malawi, Liberia, Lesotho, is better than anyone else, and was ensure the failure of the resolution. and Cabo Verde – voted with Israel and the US in support it sets us apart in a somewhat Had only a simple majority been required – as has been of the resolution. Ten abstained, another 10 did not vote, uncomfortable way. I guess that in the norm for past votes – the resolution would have passed. and 28 voted against the measure. my head, it sets up expectations of Eighty seven countries voted in favour of it, 57 against, and What is ironic is that while Nigeria and Zambia were us being a true light unto the nation. 36 abstained. voting against the resolution, representatives from their I know that we try, but I, for one, What Israel needs to ask herself now is why so many respective countries were in Israel learning how to improve certainly don’t always live up to that states supported its position against Hamas, but still voted agriculture production. expectation. for the two-thirds majority needed to pass the resolution. Also striking is that the Nigerian government is However, I loved the fact that It suggests that the message they were imparting in a bloody battle against the Boko Haram terrorist while we have so many enemies and to Jerusalem is, “We can support you, but only if the organisation, but still chose to vote against the anti-Hamas people who dislike us just because we resolution is meaningless.” These countries want to resolution. happen to be Jewish, here were some condemn Hamas, but at the same time, they empathise Experts point out similarities between the two people who genuinely appeared to with the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Their organisations in terms of their extremist religious views love us for exactly the same reason. message to Israel is, “Yes, we support you against Hamas’ that are waged against civilian populations. In our chat with this woman, we found out that she and her aggression, but the violence is also happening in a context.” Netanyahu has been pushing for the past few years for husband were very involved in their church, and it was through In other words, Israel is not blameless. improved ties with Africa by offering Israeli technology, the church that they had found their love for Israel and the Jewish It’s a far cry from how Arab countries voted. It should expertise, and counter-terrorism intelligence. people. come as no surprise that they all supported the two-thirds The goal, in part, is to stop African nations from voting In this newspaper, we invariably have stories about people disliking motion, and voted in support of Hamas, as did South reflexively against Jerusalem in international forums. To us or simply finding fault in us because we are Jewish or because we Africa. some extent, it’s succeeding – but not enough. Israel has support the state of Israel. However, we rarely look around us to see This, in spite of a concerted effort by the Trump close relations with Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia – but who is on our side, who supports us, and wants to be our friend. Just administration to ensure they wouldn’t. Even those Arab they voted for the two-thirds majority. Had they not, then writing it sounds trite, but it is true. countries who have warmed up to Israel recently, such the anti-Hamas resolution would presumably have passed The strong man and his wife are part of a massive group of as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and with a simple majority. Afrikaans Christians who love us – albeit putting us on a bit of a Oman, voted against denouncing pedestal. Hamas on the world stage. The Then, there are literally millions of African Independent same was true for Egypt, Jordan, churchgoers and African Zionists who love Israel and the Jewish Morocco, and Sudan. people. We truly have the support of millions and millions of In recent weeks, Netanyahu Christians in South Africa. has made a lot of noise about Hard to believe, isn’t it? That is, especially when we have a ruling Jerusalem’s warming ties with UN Security Council meeting party that is so anti-Israel and anti almost anyone who supports the Arab countries, but he would do Jewish state. We also have a strong anti-Israel lobby that makes a big well to remember that when it noise and tries to turn as many people against Israel as possible. comes to taking a public stance Because of that, it sometimes feels like we are on our own here, against the Palestinians – even if with many against us and what we believe. However, in the overall it means only pointing fingers at scheme of things, there are more people who are on our side than Hamas – none are prepared to do against us. so. But it doesn’t look this way in Parliament or in government, where Most Arab populations the Boycott Divestment Sanctions-aligned voice is loud and strong. are sympathetic towards the While the Democratic Alliance does its bit to make sure that things Palestinian struggle, and so are fair, the honourable Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, President of the naturally support Hamas in its fight against what they In the bigger picture, the resolution does not affect African Christian Democratic Party, always takes a stand against the perceive as an Israeli occupation of Gaza. the reality on the ground, and it makes no difference anti-Israel lobby. Even Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who heads whether it passed or not. UN resolutions seldom do. When I told my little story to Benji Shulman, the Director of Policy the rival Palestinian faction, Fatah, hailed the resolution They are, rather, an indicator of public sentiment and at the South African Zionist Federation, he clarified things for me. result. He said that under no circumstances would he “allow world opinion. Netanyahu and Hamas can claim as He explained that most Christians who support us in Africa see, for the condemnation of the Palestinian national struggle”. many brownie points as they want, but nothing has “the Jews and Israel as the biblical root that supports the Christian For more than a decade, his Ramallah-headquartered changed. tree. They take seriously the biblical view that, ‘those who bless Israel government has clashed with Hamas, but, still, when it It begs the question why there was even an attempt will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed’.” comes to Palestinian unity, they stand together on the to get the UN to vote on the issue. It seems like And so, as the year draws to a close, and we all take time out to international stage. outgoing United States Ambassador to the UN, Nikki reflect and reconsider, or simply just veg out for a few weeks, it is worth However, votes at the UN are not always reflective of Haley, wanted one last major vote to seal her legacy. acknowledging that we are not alone on the southern tip of Africa. what Arab governments really think, and what is going on She will be replaced at the end of the year after We do have friends who support us and the Jewish state. behind the scenes. One should be careful not to put the announcing her resignation in October. May your holidays be filled with peace, love, and laughter, and may whole Arab world into one basket. A case in point is Cairo. For real change to be affected, there will need to be a you start your new year refreshed and ready for anything. Whenever I report from the Egyptian street, I interview split among Arab states (and, to a lesser extent, African ordinary people who inevitably tell me that they dislike ones) in the international arena. Shabbat Shalom! Israel and do not support the 1979 peace treaty between For this to happen, Sunni states will need to lead Peta Krost Maunder the countries. This is far from the government’s position, the way. They will always have much more influence on Editor but it still needs to reflect public sentiment in its Hamas than the UN, other organs, or governments. 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 7 Humus with Hamas: what is the ANC thinking? political matrix, including then President, Jacob Jackson Mthembu with the Hamas delegation Zuma. OPINION This latest visit to the ANC’s parliamentary caucus and Hamas’s presence at the party’s Twitter Photo: policy conference last year suggest an expansion Benji Shulman in ties. ANC Party Whip Jackson Mthembu cast the outh Africa woke up last week to yet visit as a discussion about humanitarian aid, another delegation of Hamas in the and was careful to say that the ANC was not Scountry. South Africa under the African choosing one Palestinian faction over another. National Congress (ANC) has always been the Clearly, however, there has been a shift in ANC world’s “rogue democracy”, engaging with all thinking, which is being driven by a number of manner of dictators and autocrats. But why the factors. specific interest in the Gaza-based Palestinian While the PA co-operates with Israel on terrorist organisation? security behind the scenes in the West Bank, The ANC has a long history of co-operation with Hamas’ frequent violent confrontations with are also strong domestic factors driving the strategy has become ugly, and several ANC the Palestinians. However, it has been with the the Israeli state have enhanced its reputation the Hamas visit. The Boycott, Divestment, officials have had cases brought against them Fatah faction connected with the Palestinian in the ANC’s eyes as a defender of Palestinian Sanctions movement, and particularly its more for inciting anti-Jewish hate speech. Authority (PA) located in the West Bank, which people. Islamist affiliates, has never been particularly So what does this visit mean for South is Hamas’s rival. The PA has international standing at enamoured with the more secular-minded, even African policy regarding Hamas in the future? The South African government supports institutions like the United Nations (UN). conciliatory Fatah. In the short term, Hamas’ supporters will hope the Palestinian Authority materially and This means that it cannot be ignored, but the As a result, it has been pushing for better it goes a small way toward reducing the group’s diplomatically. It even recognises the Palestinian view inside the ANC seems to be that Hamas relations with extremist groups like Hamas isolation in the international community. embassy here, which is funded in part by South should also be given a seat at the table. This is for nearly a decade. It has been abetted in this They will also hope that it starts to erode the African taxpayers. important for Hamas, which is trying to avoid process by the extreme left wing of the ANC, ANC’s connection with Fatah positions. The Several years ago, the South African international isolation, having recently lost a which would like ties between Israel and South memorandum of understanding signed between government invited PA President Mahmoud condemnation resolution at the UN. Africa to be severed in their entirety. Hamas and the ANC supports, for example, a Abbas for a full state visit to the country, This development also dovetails with a trend The Hamas visit helps to fuel already strained full boycott of Israeli products, which is not a bilateral agreements were signed, and in ANC foreign policy of growing the country’s relations between Pretoria and Jerusalem, and public Fatah position. a commission of joint co-operation was relationship with Iran. When sanctions on strengthens extremist attitudes inside the ANC. In the long term, however, they will hope established. Iran were initially lifted, several high-level With a national election coming up next year, that this visit serves as a basis for the ultimate Although the ANC has had an informal delegations visited the Islamic Republic. the move also plays well with conservatives in goal of getting the South African state to liaison with Hamas for a long time, an Guests on these tours have included Maite the Muslim population who live in the Western adopt Hamas’ maximalist positions by ceasing official visit to the ANC in 2015 signalled the Nkoana-Mashabane, the then Minister of Cape. The province is run by the Democratic diplomatic ties with Israel, and removing South ramping up of the party’s relationship with the International Relations and Cooperation, as Alliance, and is the only one in the country not Africa as potential supporter of peace in the movement. well as then Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. controlled by the ANC. Since the ruling party’s region. It wasn’t an official state visit, but Hamas The strengthening of Hamas, which Tehran loss of control of the Western Cape in 2009, leader Khaled Mashal received red carpet supports, can be seen as a natural result of these provincial officials of the ANC have ramped up • B enji Shulman hosts the ‘New Blue Review’ on treatment during his stay. He was introduced to engagements. anti-Israel sentiment. This is used as a means to 101.9 ChaiFM focusing on Jewish current affairs many of the important players in the country’s Apart from international concerns, there gain the support of this constituency. At times, and culture.

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They patrol our streets so we can walk them, leave their families to protect ours, work through the night so we can sleep. And they can sing a Marvin Gaye classic. Check it out on our Facebook and YouTube page. 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 What to watch out for in 2019 Herman Mashaba’s gaffes; and the drawn-out similarly bodes ill for any warmer Israel- looming corruption charges, will Netanyahu battle with former Cape Town Mayor Patricia South Africa relations. survive? There is no obvious heir-apparent OPINION de Lille? The vote will show whether the DA Israel’s security concerns will continue into within Likud, though little-known ministerial can continue its incremental growth. 2019, on both its southwestern and northern names like Gideon Sa’ar, Israel Katz, and Besides the Western Cape, I don’t expect flanks. Another military incursion into Gilad Erdan have been bandied about. Steven Gruzd good results for De Lille’s new party, Good. Gaza cannot be ruled out, especially if Iran- Further afield, other party leaders Naftali She’ll prove as disappointing as Dr Mamphela sponsored Hamas steps up its rocket attacks Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, or Yair Lapid s the curtain comes down on 2018, Ramphele’s Agang SA was in 2014. on southern Israel. are unlikely to muster enough support to what might 2019 bring for South Perhaps the biggest question is how strong The recent discovery of tunnels burrowed become prime minister. The once-mighty left AAfrica, Israel, and beyond? the populist Economic Freedom Fighters into Israel from territory controlled in that dominated Israeli politics from 1948 Next year, there will be celebration and (EFF) will emerge after the vote. Gauteng southern Lebanon by another of Iran’s appears rudderless and out of ideas. Smaller some introspection as South Africa celebrates will be the tightest provincial race, with an proxies, Hezbollah, may well prompt Israeli ethnic or religious parties will continue to be 25 years of freedom. We commence our third ANC loss possible. Will the DA and EFF join military action inside Lebanon itself. Israel’s kingmakers, squeezing heavy concession from two-year stint on the United Nations Security forces again to oust the ANC as they did in attempt in 2006 to destroy Hezbollah in coalition partners. Council, and the country’s sixth democratic several key cities in 2016? Or has the EFF Lebanon ended inconclusively after 34 days Gazing elsewhere, it is unclear exactly elections for national and provincial moved irrevocably closer to the ANC, as of vicious fighting. The Syrian civil war is how Britain’s departure from the leadership since 1994 is expected in May shown by the land-expropriation-without- winding down to a costly and bruising victory European Union will unfold. If Theresa 2019. compensation question? for Bashar Al-Assad and his Russian and May’s Conservative government falls Had Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma won the Ramaphosa will continue to face Herculean Iranian backers. Instability will persist on due to Brexit, a win for Labour under party leadership in December 2017, the economic and social problems in his first the Israel-Syrian frontier, where Hezbollah the anti-Semitic Jeremy Corbyn will African National Congress (ANC) would have elected term: low growth, lack of business has been active. And will President Donald send shockwaves through British and faced a tough test in the 2019 polls. But I confidence, fears about property rights, a Trump’s vaunted Middle East peace plan international Jewry. Globally, anti- cannot now see the party dipping below 50%. volatile currency, crippling unemployment, materialise, and succeed? Semitism, sadly, shows no sign of abating. President Cyril Ramaphosa has shrewdly and rising crime. Israel faces Knesset elections in 2019 – the Finally, I’ve lived through the agony of avoided a major split by keeping all factions His rousing calls to the Jewish community only question is when. They must be held every spectacular South African exit from on side, albeit retaining much dead wood in to support job creation and put their skills by 5 November, or earlier if the government the Cricket World Cup since our readmission his Cabinet. This is in spite of widespread to work for the good of the country are likely collapses. Prime Minister Benjamin in 1992. I dare not dream for next year. I do, disappointment with the ANC’s delivery to be offset by bitterness and despondency Netanyahu’s Likud-led coalition now holds however, confidently predict a Springbok record, deep-set corruption, and apparent if the ANC finally gets the government to the narrowest possible majority: just 61 of win in the Rugby World Cup in Japan in impunity for the politically powerful (Malusi downgrade diplomatic ties with Israel. At this 120 Knesset seats. November. We triumph at 12-year intervals: Gigaba aside). stage, there is no indication that South Africa In this climate, I believe the incumbent 1995 and 2007, so we’re due. Shana Tova! What damage has been done to the will send a new ambassador to replace Sisa strong-man Netanyahu is likely to prevail Democratic Alliance (DA) by Helen Zille’s Ngombane in Tel Aviv in 2019. The recent in the election – if he can continue to fend • Steven Gruzd is an analyst at the South African colonialism tweets; Johannesburg Mayor Hamas-ANC memorandum of understanding off his legal problems. Beset by scandal and Institute of International Affairs. Next year depends on three ‘E’s his year opened on a question mark over the tentative risk to South Africa’s national budget next year’s elections. euphoric note after the revival in economic growth. It has and its credit rating. South Africa needs sustained Telection of Cyril Ramaphosa also dampened the hopes that were As it is, South Africa’s economic growth of at least 3%. However, OPINION to President of the African raised by Ramaphosa’s successful growth rate is way below what improvement in employment National Congress. It raised hopes investment conference in October, the country needs to address levels and living standards will of a turnaround in South Africa’s and has cast a shadow on the other its so-called “triple challenges” depend on whether the Ramaphosa Hilary Joffe economic fortunes. initiatives his government has of unemployment, poverty, and government can implement The year is closing on a more undertaken to restore investor inequality. reforms to make the economy markets. sober note, as the economy confidence and boost investment, Over the past five years, the more competitive and attractive to Higher interest rates in the emerges from recession, Eskom growth, and job creation. economy’s average annual growth investors. United States and the prospect of enters its fourth week of load If load shedding is sustained into rate has been hardly more than It made a start in 2018 with a US-China trade war have tended shedding, and the rand is back 2019, and Eskom cannot guarantee 1%. Given that the population changes to leadership at key to make global investors more risk down to more than R14 to the a reliable supply of power, all those is growing at about 1.7%, that ministries and public entities and averse and less likely to put cash dollar after its bounce to about promises of new, job-creating means average living standards measures to fight corruption. It into higher-risk emerging markets. R12.30 at the start of this year. investment will be unlikely to are declining. The pain of slow also finalised the Mining Charter, So, too, have crises in countries growth is also and made promising changes such as Argentina and Turkey evident in the to damaging visa regulations. during the year, which had an unemployment However, much more can be done impact on the rand in one way or rate. This rose to to stop the rot in the economy and another. The rand exchange rate in almost 28% this get it growing again. turn affects South Africa’s inflation year – at a time The question is whether rate, and the Reserve Bank’s when the global Ramaphosa has the political interest-rate decisions. unemployment support to implement The Reserve Bank is being rate has fallen to controversial reforms. This is super-cautious in the face of an a 40-year-low of where the second “E” – elections uncertain global environment, about 5%. – comes in. Many in financial and in November, it hiked interest The latest official markets are looking to the rates. Whether more hikes will statistics show elections in May in the hope that follow in 2019 depends on the that the economy Ramaphosa and his party will rand exchange rate as well as put in a positive gain a clear majority. This will factors such as international oil Source: Old Mutual performance in give him the political firepower to prices, and local electricity and Investment Group the third quarter implement investor and business food prices. & Factset of this year after friendly reforms. Els believes all the negatives two negative Others are sceptical as to are already priced into the rand, quarters. This whether the elections will change and it could strengthen to R12 to Will 2019 be a better year, one materialise, and growth will probably means that growth for the year as a much at all. They also question the dollar next year. Others are in which the economy at last falter again. whole is still going to be below 1%. whether there is the political will more sceptical, with NKC African begins to deliver the growth and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin The South African Reserve to do what’s necessary to halt Economics forecasting the rand at jobs South Africa needs? That will Gordhan has promised speedy action Bank’s latest forecast for 2018 is South Africa’s slow economic slide. R14.50 to the dollar by the end of depend in part on three “E”s – to address Eskom’s severe short- 0.6%, rising to 1.9% in 2019, and Assuming the will exists, it will 2019. Eskom, elections, and perceptions term operational challenges, as well 2% in 2020. Some economists are a take time. South Africa cannot For South African households, of emerging markets. as to put plans in place to restructure little more optimistic, however. rely any longer on the favourable the message is that 2019 is likely The crisis at Eskom highlights it over the medium term. Whether Old Mutual Investment Group global environment for emerging to be somewhat better than 2018, the extent of the damage done to he can fix what needs to be fixed will Chief Economist Johann Els markets that ensured a steady flow but recovery will be slow, and there the economy and its institutions by be crucial in shaping the economic reckons that growth could reach of foreign money in recent years. will be risks. It’s a time to exercise the Zuma years of corruption and outlook for 2019 and beyond. This 2% next year, rising to 2.5% in After the rand’s “Ramaphoria” caution and patience, and hope state capture. It also shows just is not only because keeping the 2020. This will happen with lower rebound early in the year, it that the three “E”s go right. how hard the ailing state-owned lights on matters for consumers and inflation, interest rates moving has been highly volatile, mainly enterprises will be to fix. businesses, but because Eskom’s sideways, and a revival in business reflecting shifts in investor • Hila ry Joffe is a columnist for the Load shedding has put a big financial crisis is arguably the biggest and consumer confidence after sentiment towards emerging Sunday Times Business Times. 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 Issue of enforceability puts halachic prenup on hold MOIRA SCHNEIDER not our opinion, however we wish Israel until he had granted his wife complied.” all our gittin to be recognised a gett. In other countries where there are several he development of a halachic prenuptial internationally by all the Batei Din.” In Israel, the problem doesn’t Batei Din, if one refuses their services, the contract intended to put an end to Baddiel says there are not “that really arise because gett refusers individual can go to others in the hope of Tthe problem of “gett” refusal and the many” recalcitrant husbands. can be imprisoned by the rabbinical obtaining what he needs. resultant status of agunot – chained women The Beth Din is nevertheless courts. Even so, there is a case of an While the Beth Din is not pursuing the – has been put on hold for the moment. This determined to see that justice is individual who has been in jail for prenup issue at the moment, Baddiel says it is because the senior advocates and attorneys done, earlier this year pursuing a close to two decades for refusing to tries to do what it can, and is committed to who have been working on the issue for gett refuser who had relocated to grant his wife a gett. seeing things through “to the fullest extent”. well over a year are divided on whether the the United Kingdom. Baddiel says that the fact that For the time being, he believes that the monetary payment that the husband has “We took the matter up with there is one Beth Din in South Jewish Ecclesiastical Court has sufficient obligated himself to pay on separation would be the London Beth Din, and we Dayan Dovid Baddiel Africa is a distinct advantage in this leverage to ensure that justice is done to both enforceable by the civil authorities. were eventually able to get the husband to regard, and gives it leverage. “If, for example, a men and women who find themselves in the “There’s no point in having it if it can’t be give a gett,” he says. In another dramatic case, person wants to go and live in Israel, he needs dead-end situation of being at the mercy of their enforced,” says Dayan Dovid Baddiel of the Kurtstag, through the Israeli Beth Din, managed a certificate of Jewishness from the Beth Din, estranged spouses. “We’ve found Go Getters to Johannesburg Beth Din, who has been driving to stop a non-compliant husband from leaving and we wouldn’t give him any certificate until he be helpful as well,” he says. the process together with Rosh Beth Din Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag and Dayan Shlomo Gliksberg. The gett is a divorce document in Jewish law, without which individuals cannot remarry according to Jewish law. An agunah is a woman whose husband refuses her a gett, resulting in her being “chained” to him and living in limbo. Women are not the only victims of the scourge, the rabbi points out. They may refuse to accept a gett, which would likewise prevent an estranged husband from remarrying according to Jewish law. Michelle Blumenau, the co-founder of Go Getters, the South African gett network which was set up to guard against gett abuse, says, “There was some debate amongst the legal fraternity about the viability of a halachic prenup in South Africa when we looked into it this year. “Our Beth Din is not opposed to it, but the legal advice was that it was going to be difficult to enforce. In South Africa, currently the primary protection is section 5A of the Divorce Act. If one or both of the spouses will not be free to marry post-divorce, the court may refuse to grant the order of divorce. “It is essential to remind your lawyer and the judge of this,” she stresses. “We believe that ideally, the gett should be finalised prior to the civil divorce. If not, there should be a clause in the civil divorce agreement that both parties agree to be reasonable and if necessary to give or accept the gett within 30 days. “If this is not done, and a party is found to be in contempt of court, they are to go to prison for a period not exceeding 90 days, suspended for a period of 30 days, to allow the defaulting party to comply with the court order.” The idea of the prenuptial contract was that the husband would pay a certain agreed amount in maintenance to his wife after their separation if he refused to appear before the Beth Din. The maintenance obligation would stand for as long as he did not appear before the Jewish Ecclesiastical Court. The purpose was to motivate him to appear before the court to avoid running into “deep debt”, Baddiel says. BE KIND & But, he hastens to add, “We don’t want to just rush into a gett. The Beth Din explores all avenues, for instance, sending the couple to KOSHER appropriate counselling. “At the same time, once it’s clear that the husband or the wife wants to get divorced, we’ll pursue it to the very end, making sure that IN CAPE TOWN. they’ll be divorced – and we’ll try all means possible.” Passover packages now available It was envisaged that the prenuptial contract would be incorporated into the regular antenuptial contract, be made an order of court, and enforcement would take place Enjoy a stay at the country’s only Kosher hotel, the Premier Hotel through attachment of the defaulter’s assets. “But a senior attorney’s view was that it would Cape Town. A range of Kosher packages are available, such as an all not be enforceable,” says Baddiel. inclusive 9-day Passover package providing accommodation, meals “Going through all this, amending and excursions. everything, and requiring every couple to do it when we’re not even sure it’s going to gain Contact our Kosher booking experts today to discuss your needs. anything, is not worth the effort. HO TEL “Coupled with the fact that in Israel there PREMIERHOTELS.CO.ZA | [email protected] | 021 430 3400 CAPE TOWN was a minority of one or two dayanim in whose opinion the gett would be a coerced one, and they wouldn’t recognise it. That is definitely 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 Board cuts funding for Jewish Studies at non-Jewish remedial schools GILLIAN KLAWANSKY Crossroads Principal Val Witt. “Two King David bringing home menorahs, lessons.” If 20 or more kids decide to Gruskin. “When my son joined half-hour classes are offered for the for example. “Children at Bellavista continue, classes will be about R570 Crossroads this year from a religious he South African Board of different age groups – foundation and Crossroads aren’t different, they per learner per term. With less than Jewish day school where he was Jewish Education (SABJE) has phase and senior phase.” feel the same, they still feel part of 20, the price will increase. perpetually immersed in Torah, it was Tcut funding for Jewish Studies Rabbi Azriel Uzvolk and his wife the community, even though they’re Witt put this option to parents in a a great comfort knowing he’d still be classes at non-denominational Laia teach these classes. “Classes at a non-Jewish school. newsletter. Eighteen responded, with exposed to Kodesh in a meaningful remedial schools, citing the costs of have been received positively by kids “I can’t take my son to Ariel, 15 indicating they’d love to attend way. He has a love for all things funding its new remedial school, King and parents,” says Rabbi Uzvolk. they don’t have his grade. Even for the classes, and three not wanting to Jewish, and has seeped up all he’s David Ariel, as the reason. “Sometimes it’s necessary to put parents of younger kids, to put them attend. “Eight out of the 15 indicated gleaned from Rabbi and Rebbetzin Bellavista is able to absorb costs, a child in a remedial school, and it somewhere else when you’ve finally that they were willing to pay for this, Uzvolk. Shouldn’t we help foster that meaning Jewish Studies classes will shouldn’t take away from a positive got them happy, isn’t easy.” whilst the rest said they didn’t want connection to Judaism?” continue there. Yet Crossroads lacks exposure to Judaism.” “Crossroads parents have been to, or weren’t in a position to pay,” Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein the resources to do so, meaning Mom Elise Levin speaks of the given the option of continuing at a says Witt. “Presently Crossroads isn’t declined to comment, saying he parents will now be charged for value of being able to expose all her cost,” says Uzvolk. “This comes with able to fund Jewish Studies.” would be addressing the issue lessons. kids to Jewish Studies, with both her a message to them that no kid will be “School fees are crippling enough,” independently with the schools Angry Crossroads mothers are son at Crossroads and daughter at turned away if they can’t afford the says Crossroads’ mother Carla concerned. voicing their discontent. Says Shereen Sheer, “My assumption is that the SABJE is meant to look after the Home away from home: memories of King interests of all Jewish kids, not just King David kids. I think it’s a disgrace David Hostel for a rabbi to suggest that in order for our kids to get a Jewish education, GILLIAN KLAWANSKY Jacques Tariqua, lived at the hostel between 1967 my parents wanted a Jewish education for me and they have to go to Ariel. and 1968, his last two years of high school. “My dad my older siblings. I was in the King David hostel for “The Jewish community is very perational for about 30 years, the King David was working in the DRC – then Zaire,” he recalls. nine years between 1975 and 1983, from the age of strong at Crossroads, and the school Linksfield School Hostel became a home away “Perhaps the best part of hostel living was the close eight. My father had to fight for them to accept me so has always supported our beliefs. Ofrom home. Largely accommodating children camaraderie all the kids built in spite of coming from young. At eight, it was really tough for me. I missed We need our kids to have access to from South Africa’s farming communities, the hostel different backgrounds and regions. This was easily my parents. yiddishkeit.” offered a warm, holistic, Jewish boarding experience, seen on the sports front where, in spite of being “However, there was a lot of positivity. The hostel Rabbi Craig Kacev, the General playing an important role in the history of King David. the smallest house, we were by far the fittest – we kids were like family. I’ll always have a link with those Director of the SABJE, explains the Louis Sachs, one of King David’s founders, banded together.” people. Hostel life was quite regimental though, there decision. “We initiated and provided suggested opening a hostel on the school’s premises. Among his memories of misadventures is the night were set mealtimes, benching, Mincha and Ma’ariv these Jewish Studies classes over the “There were many Jewish children in country four matric boys sneaked a bottle of alcohol into every night, and designated prep – homework – time. years because we felt that was our ‘in- districts who were denied the opportunity of a their room after a Barmitzvah. “Two of our roomies There was chill time though, and I remember us reach’ Jewish community initiative. Jewish education because of where they lived,” says consumed the entire bottle on their own, with the gathering around the TV in the lounge to watch Dallas. We knew that we didn’t have the Elliot Wolf, the Director of the King David Schools’ resultant after effects. In spite of our best efforts to “Food was important to me,” she says, “although it capital for our own remedial offering, Foundation and the former principal of King David hide the evidence, news of our escapade spread like was quite good, you got the same meals all the time. so we funded teaching in these High School Linksfield. Built in 1966, the hostel was wildfire. The next morning, we were called into the Once a week we had steak and chips, that was the schools as far as they allowed us to.” named Sachs House. office by ‘the boss’, Headmaster Mr Sandler. My fate? best. There are certain foods I still refuse to make Yet, with King David Ariel opening At its height, the hostel accommodated 130 Six of the best – caning was still allowed then.” in my house though, like jelly and macaroni and its doors this year and more than to 150 kids. They came from far afield, from the Harold Kahn, a student at the hostel between 1969 cheese.” doubling in size to accommodate 76 Mpumalanga area, Bethel, Dawel, and other farming and 1971, came from Koppies in the Free State, Boys and girls found ways to mingle that were kids in 2019 in classes up to Grade 4, districts. “We also had people from Bloemfontein, where his father owned a general dealer store. “I often quite innovative, recalls Cooper. “On a Friday the SABJE’s focus has shifted. “Now, Port Elizabeth, Vereeniging, and Carletonville,” recalls attended an Afrikaans school – the only school in night, the boys came over after lights out. They used we believe we’ve responded to the Wolf. “When Rhodesia experienced its difficulties, a Koppies. My parents sent me to King David School screwdrivers to unscrew the burglar bars and get in. community with a huge investment. whole group came into the hostel. We also had people Hostel to give me a Jewish education. I left the hostel You never really had privacy though. You had to go There’s no way that a school like that from Dar es Salaam and the Belgian Congo during at 15 when they moved to Johannesburg.” into the school grounds and sit outside to get away is going to run at break-even point for difficult times there. The kids were wonderful. Always Kahn remembers the familial atmosphere and the from people.” many years,” says Kacev. “A remedial on the property, they created a great school spirit. friendships he made there. “Friday night Shabbat By 1996, the influx of students had diminished offering for Jewish kids with full-time They were one of the school houses, Sachs House. dinners were special,” he says. “It was the weekend, almost completely, with only eight students remaining Hebrew and Jewish Studies teachers I’m not saying they didn’t get up to mischief because and there was a warm, fun atmosphere.” Things in the hostel. The farmers had bought townhouses is a huge investment for us. That’s they did, but they were always more courteous and weren’t always easy though. “The worst part of hostel in the area, with farmers themselves usually what’s informed our decision to fully respectful than their Johannesburg counterparts.” invest in that offering for the Jewish Arnold Altshuler, who served as head of the community so it gets off its feet hostel for many years, recalls the family feel it successfully.” fostered. “I first came to the hostel in 1975,” he King David parents have been says. “In those days, there were 110 girls and paying to help fund teachers at boys. I realised I was entering a family where Debi Cooper Photo: remedial schools for the past eight everyone looked after each other. Yet, all was years, says Kacev. “The SABJE is an controlled and on time. It was an active, vibrant, umbrella association of the Jewish and successful entity. Respect, compassion, and schools. It doesn’t have any of its own assistance were the hallmarks. The boarders were independent funding. All funding so well-behaved because they came from loving comes from King David schools. farming families who had brought up their children Now that King David has its own in the most positive way.” remedial school, it wouldn’t be correct Known for their sporting prowess honed by to move that funding out of that constant access to school facilities, the boarders environment.” excelled in soccer, cricket, and table tennis. “Sports Addressing concerns that remedial injuries, although not usually serious, were quite kids above Grade 4 can’t go to Ariel, common, and we had our own GP on call,” says King David Hostel Primary children 1975 Kacev says, “That’s okay in the sense Altshuler. He recalls two serious incidents. One was that we’ve managed to create a when a senior got kicked in the chest. He fractured life was being homesick for my parents and family. commuting. The Jewish population in country towns good mind shift at Crossroads and his rib which pierced his lung. “Fortunately, he Not having your freedom was especially hard. There had also diminished, recalls Wolf. “It was no longer Bellavista. They’d never paid for it, recovered well.” were restrictions only hostel kids faced like having economically viable, so we closed the hostel and they’d never done anything towards “I’m a bit embarrassed to mention that as house access to treats in the ‘tuck room’ for only one hour housed the remaining students with people living in it, other than making space. master, I probably suffered the second most serious an afternoon.” the area.” “Those schools have now injury,” he says. “When playing cricket with the boys, I Yet there are many happy memories. “The night Over the years, attempts were made to house recognised that they should be hooked the ball into my nose, dislodging and breaking before we were due to go home for the much small classrooms in the hostel rooms. A computer offering something at their own cost it. After an operation – and a nose guard – I also anticipated school holidays, there would be wholesale laboratory and the Elliot Wolf Media Centre were later to help their Jewish kids, not just recovered well.” raiding of dormitories – ‘apple pie-ing’ each other’s installed. “About three years ago, we had a major accept somebody else bringing in While the kids were generally well behaved, there beds and other shenanigans. Saturday night movies transformation as the other parts of the building had teachers and paying for them.” were the typical incidents of teenage rebellion. On in the school hall – with a projector and film reels – been left as is,” says Wolf. “The King David Schools’ Crossroads’ Jewish Studies classes one occasion, Altshuler and a colleague checked the was another highlight.” Foundation got involved, knocked out the interior have formed part of its extra-mural senior rooms for smokers. “We found none, but later, For Debi Cooper (nee Jocum), hostel life was walls, and created 14 new magnificent classrooms, offerings, many of which are already a matric boy came to me to admit that he had his lit challenging. With her parents living on a farm in the now called the S block. The dining room has also paid for by parents. “Depending on cigarette under his body when I came into the room. Northern Cape, Cooper had been at a boarding school been converted into an indoor gym. The hostel has the term, 20 to 30 children attend He was in distinct pain from a burn!” in Kimberley. “I experienced anti-Semitism there, and been completely transformed.” the Jewish Studies classes,” says 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 The bald truth about Jewish men’s obsession with their hair

JORDAN MOSHE appearance of our hair, it’s a wonder A toupee can be spotted head’s centre that they are hair stylists and barbers have not miles off, and hair treatments forced to rely on the hair on shiny bald pate. A mess yet implemented the signing of are time-consuming and often top. This hair is often left of curls untouched by a indemnity agreements before costly. For a man to keep a hat to grow a little, and is then Ahairbrush. A finely-cropped agreeing to snip off a lock of someone on his head is considered less drawn across the top from the carpet of bristles to which a kippah precious hair. than civil, to say nothing about sides or “swirled” around the miraculously clings. I have witnessed a Jewish man impractical. A bald head can top and clamped down with From the follically challenged to throw a temper tantrum over the also bring on quite a chill. The a large kippa to prevent any the tastefully tressed, the true story cut he received while in the chair of a challenge is, as they say, real. movement. of Jewish men and their hair is not to barber. I don’t believe there was much Therefore, it should come as Reluctant to move more be trifled with. hair on his scalp to begin with, but no surprise that men – Jewish than necessary, these are the While men seem to have become when he launched himself from the ones in particular – pay keen men who try to keep to their more concerned with the state chair beside me, cast off the apron, attention to their hair. Don’t seats and avoid any extraneous of their hair in general, Jewish and yelled about his hair being “all be fooled by those who seem movements of the head. men seem particularly devoted to gone”, it was clear he felt differently. indifferent to the windswept Whether they are blessed maintaining a particular hairstyle. Sometimes I think that women, for locks on their heads. They with some hair or no hair, A few years back, my family all their complaints about the endless spend hours perfecting the there are certain men who gently pointed out to me that my hours of toil required to perfect their look, and locking every hair into its but devote their time to ironing flat prefer to replicate the bristles of their hairline seemed to be receding “ever hairstyles, have it relatively easy. Even disarrayed place. whatever hair they can, drawing chins on their heads. Sometimes so slightly”. This is an unwelcome those who sport hats or sheitls have When you’re next in a shul or sweeping curtains around their almost invisible, these hairs are kept reality for a male of any age, but it is an unfair advantage over men. brocha area, look around at the craniums. extremely short, but ever-present. particularly unnerving when you’re Whether a woman’s hair is various specimens of the male hair Often seen flattening their hair By some miracle, they are able to only 20. immaculate, slightly windswept, or spectrum. Don’t be fooled into with the palms of their hands, keep kippot locked in place atop the Glances in the mirror became even resembles a bird’s nest, they believing the uniformity that a sea of they are frequently paranoid about bristles. appointments with my reflection, are safe from even remotely critical kippot seems to suggest. exposure to water, and rely on their Perhaps even more miraculous, involving copious flattening of my comments. No one would dare say The “Jew-fro” has always been, and hair irons more than any Jewish girl however, is the bald-headed look. fringe to conceal the swathes of anything to a member of the fairer probably always will be fashionable. preparing for that perfect Batmitzvah Coming in either matte or gloss, these growing forehead. Fortunately, the sex about the state of their hair. Unlike the standard afro, the Jew- photo. heads fascinate young and old alike receding has since stopped, and I Instead, they may opt to praise a look fro is famed for its unique ability to Then there’s the bald-spot-denial because they possess the ability to make the most of what remains as “all natural” rather than suggesting appear carelessly brushed while in style. Often located at the centre back hold a kippa without slipping. Also, (though my family often thinks that it looks like the result of a night’s fact being painstakingly arranged. of the head, the ominous bald spot they are often accompanied by a differently). sleep involving a wrestling match With a small kippa typically is considered undesirable by most, full-bodied beard which completely Let’s be honest, there are few with an octopus. floating atop a sea of curls, this style and so every effort is made to conceal contradicts the nakedness of the scalp things more terrifying than a bad To be frank, men cannot make is traditionally preferred by younger it using whatever means necessary. above it. haircut. We all seem to accept the a hair piece of any kind look good, men. However, it is not uncommon to This entails adjusting the kippa by The confusion I’ve seen on the possibility that our doctors, dentists, though there are innovations that see older men who’ve been fortunate positioning it as far back on the head faces of children fixating on a man and plastic surgeons may botch a allow men to affix synthetic hair enough to keep their hair flaunting as possible, or brushing locks back to enshrouded in his tallit, with his procedure, and sign away the right to their balding heads with water- their grizzled manes. appear more follically gifted. beard protruding from the folds of to lodge complaints. Considering soluble glue, and hats are reasonably Others who are equally gifted Sadly, there are those whose hair fabric while the edge slips on the bare how strongly we feel about the popular. with longer hair may not boast curls, has receded so greatly from the scalp, is a sight to behold. 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 Modern day medical miracles TALI FEINBERG and was in hospital for eight weeks, next morning, her diaphragm and Despite it being an extremely risky but every moment of his journey has neck collapsed. “I stopped breathing surgery, the tumour was removed “We tried not to ask why this been miraculous in some way, says completely. If I hadn’t been in and, miraculously, it was benign. happened, but we believe it was his mother Kirsten. “We never had hospital, I definitely would have died.” Talia began to get back to Hashem’s way of bringing the any close calls in hospital. He gained Talia was in intensive care on a normal life, but was again short community together, and showing weight. He was never sick. He has ventilator, and doctors diagnosed of breath. Doctors diagnosed her his miracles,” says Aviva Glassman, reached every milestone, and is on her with Myesthenia Gravis, an with chronic degeneration of the whose daughter survived a dangerous par with children his age. He is tall, autoimmune disease. lungs. The only solution? A lung head injury earlier this year. healthy, and strong – an absolute She was released from hospital, transplant. In light of the miracle of Chanukah, miracle!” but during a routine check-up, a ten After four months in hospital, we spoke to community members They say life begins after 40, and centimetre tumour was found in her during which she stopped who have experienced medical for Sam Nadelman of Cape Town, abdomen, very close to her aorta. breathing twice, Talia got the call miracles when all the odds seemed this rings true. In 2010 at the age of Jamie Katzen that her lungs were on their way. stacked against them. 37, she had a double mastectomy and The surgery went smoothly, The last time the SA Jewish Report Na’ama Glassman chemotherapy. She never expected but just as she had almost fully interviewed the parents of Aaron CT scan, he couldn’t understand how to have a child, but at the age of 40, recovered, a high temperature Lipschitz in February, they were she had recovered, never mind the she found out she was pregnant. She revealed an acute rejection of the desperately searching for a bone- fact that she is still alive,” says Aviva. was monitored closely, but all went new lungs. marrow donor to save their son, “He said medically, it was a miracle.” smoothly. In March 2014, she gave She deteriorated again, but the who has a rare primary immune- Jamie Katzen of Cape Town, birth to a healthy baby boy. rejection was treated. deficiency. was born at 30 weeks because of Until the age of 30, Talia Farber Finally, Talia was able to In July, a donor was located in a dangerous condition called pre- of Johannesburg did not have any return to normal life. “Miracles Germany. “It was a ten out of ten eclampsia. Left untreated, this health problems. But one day, she do happen. I was ventilated match, which is very difficult to find,” can lead to serious – even fatal – woke up feeling extremely lethargic, and therefore near death about says his mother Taryn. complications for mother and baby. had blisters in her mouth, and was three to four times. I have defied The blood was flown to Cape Town, The most effective treatment is short of breath. doctors’ assumptions that I would but the transplant caused Aaron delivery. After a few weeks, Talia went to not make it, yet here I am,” she to become critically ill with a rare Jamie weighed just 1.07kg at birth, hospital. When she woke up the says. phenomenon called a cytokine storm. Aaron was rushed to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. There, Building a community of Jewish change-makers doctors found a dormant infection TALI FEINBERG contribute to wider society but isn’t sure where to We are creating a Jewish space for something in his lungs. “They told us that if start. It’s an inclusive space that has drawn people people are already doing and want to do,” says this infection got into his blood, ews have always been deeply involved in back towards their Jewish roots while at the same Flash. “This space actually brings people back he wouldn’t survive.” However, the improving the lives of fellow South Africans, time allowing others to reach out beyond their into the community where they have previously infection did not spread, and he was Jbut until recently, there hasn’t been a comfort zones. felt unrepresented or excluded. It also ensures given injections of an experimental network to bring all of these “change-makers” “We’re a proudly Jewish space for people to take that the community remains relevant to future drug that stopped the cytokine storm together to support each other and heighten their part in transforming wider South African society,” generations.” in its tracks. impact. In addition, many Jews in civil society says Flash. “We’re focusing on South Africa and The organisation’s vision for the future is centred Soon after, he was allowed to go don’t promote the fact that they are Jewish, while the role we have to play as Jews according to our on growth, including more networking, more home. To his parents, “he really is a those who do often limit their activity to the Jewish values.” education, experiential learning, and meaningful walking miracle”. Jewish community. Mensch offers extensive support to its members, communal social action. Mensch would also like Na’ama Glassman slipped on the This is where Mensch steps in. “It is a space to be including interaction with mentors, top quality to encourage the corporate world to step up and tiles in her Johannesburg home, and proudly Jewish and promote diversity at the same speakers and events, and practical training on form partnerships with community organisations. time,” says the organisation’s founder, Gina Flash, building social enterprises and businesses that are Mensch has a small presence in Johannesburg, Aaron Lipschitz who started Mensch as the Mensch Network, a focused on people, profit, and planet. but has big plans to expand in 2019. However, it project of South African Jewish Board of Deputies The organisation faces a number of challenges, will need support, including funding a part-time (Cape Council) when she was employed there. not least funding. It is a small beneficiary of the employee. Flash was tasked with looking at how Jews are United Jewish Campaign, the Cape Town Jewish In the meantime, anyone can get involved. “We involved in transformation in the country, and it community’s umbrella fundraising body. But for are a platform, a community, so it is a space to was then that she realised that a network to bring the rest, it must attract its own funding. step in and up to. Join the network, check out the these people together would be valuable for their In addition, many people confuse it with members on the site, and find a city and area of work and our community. other organisations like Afrika Tikkun. “What work that interests you. Offer to volunteer directly Mensch has now evolved into a fully fledged we’re doing is different. Mensch is a platform for with an organisation, or to create a Mensch independent organisation. “It is a registered supporting a range of transformation activities, event; take part in an isiXhosa or isiZulu language South African non-profit organisation and public people, and organisations. We celebrate the great course which will help us communicate; break benefit organisation with Section 18A status (for donations purposes),” Flash says. “It has two full- time staff members, its own governing board, constitution, budget, fundraising, and donor base.” by the time she reached hospital, she Needless to say, the organisation prides itself on was unconscious. A CT scan showed upholding the highest standard of governance. she had a skull fracture and a massive Underlying Mensch’s vision is a “theory of bleed on the brain. change”. “Our overarching aim is to engage the Her parents were told their Jewish community in creating social change daughter needed brain surgery, so in South Africa. We do this through capacity Dr Richard Friedland arranged a building, networking, profiling and community helicopter to fly Na’ama to Netcare’s engagement,” Flash says. Waterfall Hospital in Midrand. On the ground, this has meant engaging the “By now, we had rolling tehillim community in acts of “doing good”. On Mandela (psalms), a hundred people had Day in July, Mensch invited the Cape Town Jewish turned up at the hospital, and people community to a day of fun activities hosted by around the world were davening for non-government organisations so that they could her,” says her mother. interact with them directly and hopefully build Na’ama survived the surgery. long-term relationships. For example, people Yet the road to recovery was just of all ages could attend a yoga session with the Mensch Mitzvah Day activity at Highlands House for residents and guests from iKamva Labantu’s seniors beginning – when she woke up, she Earthchild Project, which teaches yoga to children clubs, hosted by the professional staff of the Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape Council) couldn’t see. The tehillim continued, in the townships. and soon after, her sight came back. Mensch also joined the global Mitzvah Day in achievements of change-making in South Africa’s down barriers by offering your professional skills, She made an astonishing recovery, November, inviting community members to roll up history, but we feel an urgent need to support financial support, and/or by being an ambassador and hardly needed any rehabilitation their sleeves and help others in any way they see the next generation to continue and expand this by encouraging others to support us.” therapy. Her doctor, who is Catholic, fit. “We’ve found that people really get what we are legacy,” says Flash. In the broader South African society, she told Aviva that her daughter’s life trying to do when they attend one of our events,” In addition, some people feel that Mensch encourages people to take part in civic action, was saved “by those books you says Flash. “It’s all about exercising that ‘muscle’ of focuses Jewish people’s attention and resources politics, and leadership opportunities, to champion read”, referring to the tehillim. Other doing something, instead of feeling paralyzed.” away from Jewish concerns, as it promotes tikkun democracy, and to “take your place proudly, not children in the ward with Na’ama also As an umbrella body, Mensch is open to any olam (healing the world) with a focus on the poor backing away from the task at hand”. made miraculous progress. Jewish person who is involved in making a and needy in greater South Africa. For more information, email [email protected] “When we showed the orthotist the difference in South Africa, or anyone who wants to “The truth is it is the complete opposite! or see the website www.mensch.org.za 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Record numbers for fun in the sun at this year’s machaneh and soccer and volleyball courts. will make sure that our activities, to. “These consist of Israel Day, wars,” Bourne says. JORDAN MOSHE “The shul has been upgraded, whether we’re discussing Jewish South Africa Day, Tikkun Day, and So, no matter which camp there are two pools onsite, and an identity, South Africa, Israel, or of course, how could we forget the you choose this December, you n a few days’ time, Jewish obstacle course. This was all done Zionism, will be an all-inclusive all-out, insane battle between the are guaranteed to have many youth from across South in order to stay ahead of the game space of learning and gaining a red and blue team in our colour memorable moments. IAfrica will set off for various and make sure our channies have better understanding of what it campsites on the coast, eager to the most incredible holiday while is to be Jewish. This is a platform escape the confines of home and being inspired.” for everyone, and we want every What about tech and security at machaneh? ready for sun, sand, and summer Equally determined to inspire person to feel comfortable and >> Continued from page 4 vibes. channichim is Habonim Shaliach express who they are as a Jew.” Hundreds of young Jews will Danny Adeno Abebe, who says Netzer is also adding If children do need to get in touch with their families, there are lines attend Habonim, Bnei Akiva, or that camp is a space in which to international flavour to this of communication available to them which are regulated by the camp’s Netzer camp, which all promise prepare the next generation of year’s camp with the inclusion administration. to be bigger and better than ever Jewish leaders. of American and Brazilian before. “When I arrived in South personalities. Says Jason Bourne, This is the fifth year in a row Security Africa from Israel, I envisaged this year’s head of camp, “We are Bnei Akiva has introduced a new security system this year, where each that Bnei Akiva has attracted bringing Habonim into the Jewish so excited to have two madrichim channich gets a Bnei bangle, or near-field communication wristband to wear more than 700 channichim community and creating a space for from our Netzer branch in Brazil throughout camp. When someone leaves the campsite or returns, it is noted (participants) for its Ivri Anochi young Jews to connect and grow,” join us for machaneh. We also by security personnel, says Levy. machaneh. “This year is the he says. “Putting aside all politics, have an amazing song leader all biggest machaneh in history, with we invite youngsters to enter a the way from America who will be “This is just the beginning,” says Levy. “We will be rolling this out over well over 800 channichim,” says space that promotes a Jewish in charge of anything musical on the next few years. There will be a live dashboard that will enable security Rosh Machaneh Chanan Emdin. identity no matter how religious or camp.” personnel to know where everyone is at any time. This will really improve “More than 1 100 people will be irreligious they may be.” The 60 Netzer campers can security at machaneh.” on site.” With about 900 channichim look forward to a vibrant and The move is backed by the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) and Emdin says the camp experience going to camp this year, Abebe inspirational experience. Says Community Security Organisation (CSO). has changed drastically over the says the movement is committed Bourne, “During machaneh, we Responsibility for children’s safety and security at the youth camps is a years. Once entailing a two-day to making sure that the normally have a rabbi from the joint effort between camp leadership, the SAZF, and the CSO. train ride down to Beaufort West, experience is better than ever. progressive Jewish community “The camp environment is fraught with potential dangers. The CSO and then a lengthy bus trip, today, “Twelve of our madrichim join us for Shabbat as they always recognises the numerous other responsibilities faced by camp leadership channies fly directly to George, (guides) are Israelis,” he says. “In bring a wonderful energy and and therefore endeavours to shoulder most of the responsibility for all the and have an easy 20-minute bus addition, we will have 14 kids brilliant stories and teachings. participants’ safety and security issues, says a CSO spokesperson. ride to the beautiful campsite. joining us from Israel this year. “Things will be a little different “The CSO provides security to seven different camps over the December “Over the past five years, major They are all from kibbutzim on this year, as we will be hosting the period, 24 hours a day. Over the past 25 years, we have established policies renovations have been made to the Gaza border, and have all had amazing Rabbi Emma Gottlieb on the campsite,” he says “It is totally and procedures to ensure the safety and security of all participants. experiences of trauma that no camp for nearly a full week. We “These continue to be refined as our environment changes, but you can be unrecognisable from what it was child should have to face. We want cannot wait to see how different rest assured that no-one knows the venues and security requirements better in the past. They include a new to give them an opportunity to camp will be with an in-house than the CSO. Planning for camp security starts eight months in advance, tuckshop, new and bigger tents rest and be normal kids, enjoying rabbi to guide and teach us.” and is updated every year,” the spokesperson says. for channies, a state-of-the-art an inspiring holiday with other Netzer machaneh also includes accommodation block for rabbis, youngsters. four big, special days that “More than just having a procedural advantage, the CSO teams are staffed doctors, and psychologists, a “The presence of these people everyone always looks forward by young, well trained, and well equipped volunteers who choose to give-up viewing deck, putt-putt course, almost three weeks of their holiday to protect your children.”

ONLYLEFT A FEW FOR SPACES 2019

R1999 Per Month

Contact us on: 082 343 0407 PLAYSCHOOL & NURSERY SCHOOL [email protected] www.rimon.co.za Play School to grade 00 | 12 months to 5 years 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 Every effort has been made to provide correct information. Your holiday kosher guide Please contact individual establishments for trading hours and more information. CAPE TOWN Pick n Pay Constantia Pick n Pay (Meat) Pie Works (Restaurant / Takeaways) The Bagel Zone MEAT RESTAURANTS (Kosher Butchery) Devereux Avenue, Vincent Park Centre, 74 George Avenue, Sandringham (Restaurant / Takeaways / Parev) Avron’s Place Constantia Village, Corner Contantia Main Vincent, East London 011 485 2447 / 082 457 9769 3 Bradfield Drive, Fairmount (Restaurant / Takeaways / Catering) Road and Spaanschemat River Road, 043 726 3258 [email protected] 076 062 5120 [email protected] 19-33 Regent Road, Sea Point Silverhurst, Constantia 021 439 7610 [email protected] 021 794 5031 KWAZULU-NATAL RTG (Restaurant / Takeaways) KOSHER SHOPS MILCHIK RESTAURANTS 80 Grant Avenue, Norwood Checkers Balfour Park Goldies Deli Sea Harvest Fish Shop Circle Café (Restaurant / Milk / Parev) 011 483 3375 / 011 483 1722 Balfour Park Centre, Corner Athol and (Restaurant / Takeaways / Catering) (Sealed kosher packaging) 44 K E Masinga Road, Stamford Hill [email protected] Northview Roads, Highlands North 176 Main Road, Sea Point 84 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town 031 368 1766 [email protected] 011 555 7900 021 434 1116 / 021 439 3008 021 433 0860 [email protected] The Deli Store (Restaurant / Takeaways) [email protected] KOSHER SHOPS Morning Glen Mall, Gallo Manor FreshFellas Sea Point Super Spar Pick n Pay Hyper by the Sea 071 489 9188 [email protected] (Fruit and Vegetables / Parev) The Press (Restaurant / Takeaways) (Meat / Bakery / Deli / Fishery) (Packaged goods / Prepacked meats) Long Avenue, Glenhazel 176 Main Road, Sea Point 94 Regent Road, Sea Point Uitsig Road, Mangrove Park, MILCHIK RESTAURANTS 083 575 2175 [email protected] 012 434 7724 [email protected] 021 439 0913 [email protected] Durban North Corner Café 031 581 5300 (Restaurant / Takeaways / Milk / Parev) Kosherworld (Milk / Parev / Meat) MILCHIK RESTAURANTS Shoprite Sea Point (Deli / Baked goods 13 Northfield Avenue, Glenhazel 1 Long Avenue, Glenhazel Cafe B’tayavon @ Highlands House / Pre-packed from Checkers) Pick n Pay Musgrave 011 440 3160 011 440 1402 [email protected] (Restaurant / Takeaways) 365 Main Road (Butchery / Bakery) [email protected] 9 Gorge Road, Highlands Estate 021 430 3360 135 Musgrave Road, Musgrave Centre, Maxis (Butcher) 021 461 1100 Musgrave, Berea Deejays Percelia (Meat / Milk / Sushi) Sandringham, Johannesburg [email protected] Shoprite Milnerton 031 201 4208/9 85c 3rd Avenue, Highlands North 011 640 3125 (Meat / Parev / Bakery) 073 819 5366 [email protected] [email protected] Café Riteve Corner Koeberg and De Grendel Roads, Pick n Pay Umhlanga (Restaurant / Takeaways / Catering) Tygerhof Estate, Milnerton (Pre-packed meat) DugFish (Restaurant / Takeaways) Off the Strip (Chalev Yisrael / Parev) 88 Hatfield Street, City Centre 021 528 1680 Shop 16, 14 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga 8 Bradfield Drive, Fairmount 17 Anne Street, Sandringham 021 465 1594 031 561 6365 071 080 2699 [email protected] 082 854 3799 [email protected] KOSHER CATERING Balabosta (Meat / Parev) PORT ELIZABETH Feigels (Restaurant / Takeaways / Pick n Pay Fairmount Coffee Time 082 550 9388 / 082 899 0582 KOSHER SHOPS Bakery / Milk / Parev) (Butchery / Bakery) (Restaurant / Takeaways / Catering) Buttercup Bakery (Milk) Queen Place, Kingswood Road, Glenhazel Genesis Shopping Centre, Fairmount 20 Breda Street, Gardens B. Delicious (Catering / Milk) 24D Newton Street, Newton Park 011 882 5305 [email protected] 011 640 3027 021 461 8414 23 Caxton Way, Constantia 041 365 1255 http://www.astrajse.com/coffee-time/ 021 712 6830 [email protected] Frangelicas (Restaurant / Takeaways / Pick n Pay Gallo Manor Pick n Pay (Frozen Meat / Chicken) Bakery / Milk / Parev) (Butchery / Bakery) ICECREAMS AND DESSERTS Berkies Catering Vincent Park Centre, Devereaux Avenue, 5 Long Avenue, Glenhazel Morning Glen Mall, Corner Bowling Baskin Robbins @ Mojo Market (Milk / Meat / Fish / Sushi) Port Elizabeth 011 887 7675 / 079 525 4020 Avenue and Kelvin Drive, Gallo Manor 30 Regent Road, Sea Point The Belmont, Holmfirth Road, 043 726 3258 [email protected] 011 802 3118 087 940 7474 Western Cape 082 854 1865 [email protected] Pick n Pay Butchery Jozi Blue (Restaurant / Takeaways) Pick n Pay Hypermarket Norwood Crumbs and Cream (Frozen / Prepacked meats) 4 Kingswood Centre, 9 Northfield Avenue, (Butchery / Bakery) 16 Regent Road, Sea Point Café Riteve Catering (Milk / Parev) Walmer Park, Main Road, Walmer Glenhazel Corner Hamlin Street and 6th Avenue, 081 343 2761 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens 041 367 1116 083 646 1900 [email protected] Norwood Mall 021 465 1594 011 628 0000 DELI PLETTENBERG BAY Michelos (Restaurant / Takeaways) Noa’s Hummus Bar @ Mojo Market Carolyn’s Catering (Milk / Meat) KOSHER SHOPS 15 Northfield Avenue, Glenhazel Pick n Pay Killarney (Bakery) 30 Regent Road, Sea Point 47 De Villiers Street, Western Cape Pick n Pay Frozen Chicken 011 885 1500 60 Riviera Rd, Shop 2, Killarney Mall 078 029 7537 021 461 9900 (Frozen chicken) [email protected] 011 646 6883 [email protected] Beacon Way, Plettenberg Bay JUICE BARS 044 533 4331 Mooz (Restaurant / Takeaways / Bakery Spar Sandringham (All) One Juice Claremont / Wynberg Shul / Milk / Parev) 80 George Avenue, Sandringham Shop 1, The Regency, 90 Regent Road, (Milk / Parev) Robberg Fisheries 74 George Avenue, Sandringham 083 397 8672 [email protected] Sea Point 083 677 5735 021 671 9007 (Fresh fish / Prepacked meat / Bakery) 082 457 9796 [email protected] Theron Street, Plettenberg Bay Tiberius (Fish Shop / Parev) The Daily Press Coffeeright Mobile Coffee Bar (Milk) 044 501 2620 Next Door Sandringham, Johannesburg Shop 2, Ocean Breeze, Corner St Johns 082 859 2960 / 021 439 3862 (Restaurant / Takeaways / Milk / Parev) 082 336 4436 [email protected] and Regent Roads, Sea Point JOHANNESBURG 80 Grant Avenue, Norwood [email protected] Coffeetime @ Astra (Milk) MEAT RESTAURANTS 011 728 2577 / 083 416 1221 KOSHER CATERERS 021 461 8414 Beit Yosef (Restaurant / Takeaways) [email protected] Brioche (Milk / Parev) KOSHER SHOPS 70 George Avenue, Sandringham 082 944 4018 [email protected] Checkers Hadassah Friedman Catering 084 580 4580 Sandringham Gardens (Deli / Fishery / Butchery / Winery / (Milk / Parev) [email protected] (Restaurant / Milk / Parev) Estelle Sacharowitz (Meat / Milk) Bakery) 083 346 1795 / 021 461 1100 ext. 268 85 George Avenue, Sandringham 42 Second Avenue, Illovo Corner Regent and St Andrews Roads, Friends 011 532 9600 [email protected] 082 995 3030 [email protected] Sea Point Merle Rubin Catering (Restaurant / Meat / Milk / Parev) 021 430 4680 [email protected] (Milk / Meat / Parev) Corner Swemmer Road and Boundary Shoshanna Gary Friedman (Meat / Milk) 021 439 1322 [email protected] Road, Silvamonte (Restaurant / Bakery / Milk / Parev) Orchards, Johannesburg Checkers Meadowridge 082 454 7861 [email protected] Glenhazel 082 332 1939 (Meat / Bakery / Pre-ordered and Norrie Caterers 082 657 5352 [email protected] [email protected] received from Checkers Sea Point) (Catering / Butchery (Milk / Meat / Parev) Moishes (Restaurant/Butcher) Park ‘n Shop Centre, Corner Firgrove and Unit 5d, Product Park, Product Street, 3 Birt Street, Raedene Estate Shula’s Bakery Riva Flax (Meat / Milk) Howard Drive, Meadowridge Maitland 011 485 4513 / 072 458 7684 (Restaurant / Bakery / Milk / Parev) Capri Hotel, Savoy Estate 021 710 5160 021 510 5882 [email protected] 8 Bradfield Drive, Fairmount 082 894 5729 [email protected] [email protected] 011 640 1564 [email protected] Pick n Pay Nando’s (Restaurant/Takeaways) Totally Kosher (Milk / Meat) (Meat / Bakery / Deli / Fishery) Premier Hotel (Milk / Meat / Parev) 27 Aintree Avenue, Savoy Estate Slices Pizza (Takeaways / Milk / Parev) 083 444 8822 [email protected] Artem Centre 127 Main Road 021 430 3400 011 440 7797 / 082 416 7178 071 868 9333 [email protected] 021 434 8987 [email protected] ICE CREAMS AND DESSERTS https://www.pnp.co.za/welcome Suikerbossie – Functions only So Sushi Gelatissimo (Milk / Parev) (Meat / Parev) Nussbaums (Restaurant/Butchery) (Restaurant / Takeaways / Parev) 52 Ridge Road, Glenhazel Pick n Pay Centre Point 021 790 1450 49 Ridge Road, Glenhazel 7 Queen Square, Glenhazel 079 379 5596 [email protected] (Meat / Fishery / Bakery) 011 485 2303 / 083 700 0414 072 877 1625 / 084 440 4457 Corner Koeberg and Loxton Roads, EAST LONDON [email protected] [email protected] The Scoop (Gifts and treats) Milnerton KOSHER SHOPS Kingswood Centre, Glenhazel 021 552 2057 Nahoon Fisheries (Parev) 082 610 9077 [email protected] 93 Old Transkei Road, Nahoon, East Pick n Pay Claremont London BAKERY (Meat / Parev / Fishery / Bakery) [email protected] Kosher Cakes by Design (Parev) Main Road and Campground Road, 043 735 4114 16 Shirleydale Road, Cheltondale Claremont 082 717 1151 021 674 5908 [email protected] 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 Women who put other women’s safety first MOIRA SCHNEIDER victimhood, she will pass on the skills and Shockingly, the majority of Koleinu’s cases including financial and spiritual abuse. information to others,” she says. now deal with child sexual abuse, something “At the end of the day, you’ve got to give ews are prominent in the fight for social Last year, Miller was honoured by Parliament she says is “a reflection of what’s going on in women the power to recognise abuse, manage it, justice, and this is no less so in the area of for her “outstanding contribution… to the society”, pointing out that “it wasn’t what we and when necessary, get themselves out of those Jwoman abuse. Perhaps that is because one development of advocacy for women and girls’ expected”. relationships, and not go back.” of Judaism’s central tenets – “Justice, justice rights and health issues in South Africa”. An increased awareness of Koleinu’s service, Professor Bonita Meyersfeld is an Associate shalt thou pursue!” – is embedded in our DNA. Rebbetzin Wendy Hendler and Rozanne coupled with greater focus on the topic Professor of Law at Wits Law School. She is the Here are a few examples of women who Sack perceived founder of Lawyers Against Abuse, which fights have put the lives and safety of other women a need in for the rights of women and child victims and foremost on their agenda. the Jewish survivors of gender-based violence, ensuring Rolene Miller started Mosaic in 1993 because community for that they get the best legal and psychosocial she realised that there were no groups working an anonymous support. All the work is done pro bono. with abused women in underprivileged areas. and As for what drew her to this line of work, “Other organisations working with women confidential Meyersfeld says, “It was an accumulation of charged them according to a scale, and I was helpline for factors, but mostly I felt that this particular upset that indigent, abused women could victims of form of harm was something I couldn’t get my not receive free services to help them combat domestic abuse. mind around. abuse,” she recalls. And so in 2012, “We know how terrible it is, and that it should In 1995 this social worker, remedial teacher, Koleinu was Rolene Miller and DA MP Michael stop. It’s occurred throughout history, and is set and Lifeline counsellor set about training born. Bagraim at Parliament where Miller to continue to occur throughout the foreseeable

Photo supplied was honoured for her work unskilled women from targeted areas in social- “It’s very future. What are we doing wrong? work skills so that they could educate, counsel, difficult for someone to identify themselves. including on social media, has resulted in the “I can understand the oppression of children, and provide services to help women in 33 There’s a lot of shame that they have to break organisation fielding a greater number of calls. because they don’t have their own power. communities put an end to abuse. “In those through, and it’s quite humiliating to go for “Hopefully it’s a little easier for people to come Adults are supposed to have their own power, days, abuse was not spoken about, and abused help,” Hendler says. “With other resources, you forward,” she says. and that’s non-existent, so for me, there was women felt the stigma and shame of being have to go into an office, look across the table, In spite of the devastating personal effects an incongruence that I couldn’t get my head abused,” Miller says. and meet someone’s eye.” the “very dark” work can have on one, Hendler around. Mosaic is unique in that in 1999, it was the In Koleinu’s case, however, victims still finds it gratifying, saying, “You really are helping “All my human-rights work – the fact that I first organisation in the Western Cape to start get a listening ear as well as the help and at the coalface, sometimes even saving lives. went into work around social justice – is rooted working with domestic violence complaints referrals that they need, while still remaining We’re involved in prevention, education, raising in the twin experiences of Holocaust survivors directly at the courts. anonymous. The support service is based on awareness, and being activists. In a way, that [her grandparents] plus living in apartheid “It gives me enormous pleasure when abused the global model of Rape Crisis, staffed by lay counters the darkness because we’re hopefully South Africa.” clients become empowered, and tell us that people who are trained as telephonic responders turning it into some light.” Meyersfeld describes her work assisting Mosaic has helped them to survive and flourish. with basic counselling skills. The group has conducted “a fortune” of women and children as “sometimes devastating, To change women’s lives makes me humbly The trained life coach says there has been training sessions for rabbis on domestic violence sometimes fulfilling, mostly like a constant proud,” Miller says. “some level of denial” that abuse is as prevalent and sexual abuse, she says. battle against the tide. But I wouldn’t have it any Conceding that it is difficult to prevent the as it is in our community, more particularly Hendler says that with regard to woman other way. “deeply-rooted” scourge, she says Mosaic can from middle-aged to older people. “In Joburg, abuse, physical violence is “less regular” than “It is a fundamental part of my work, and has change lives only one woman at a time. “When abuse probably runs equally across all the emotional and verbal abuse, which she says been for more than 20 years, but it’s never, ever, she becomes empowered and emerges from different strata of Jewish society,” she says. is “really, really common” in Jewish homes, stopped breaking my heart.” Holocaust survivor dreams of a Jerusalem observatory tower THE SOUTH AFRICAN

MIRAH LANGER He cites former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli’s description of Jerusalem as JEWISH REPORT n a quiet afternoon on Mount Scopus encapsulating the history of heaven and earth. in Jerusalem in 1972, Romanian-born The city’s centrality to history makes the IS HIRING! Oholocaust survivor Lyonell Fliss stood alone observatory practically viable as its appeal would on the roof of a water tower he had built and extend across religions and cultures, Fliss says. OFFICE COORDINATOR surveyed the lay of the land. “In ancient and medieval times, Jerusalem “You look around at the panoramic view: from was called the centre of the world, where the the Temple Mount, you see the Dead Sea. To three continents and religions came together. We are looking for a passionate, well organised, disciplined, the south, you can see Hebron and Bethlehem, This should revive Jerusalem as the centre of the and media savvy individual to fulfill the role of office coordinator, places with historical resonance. Then, you see world.” debtors’ clerk, receptionist, and social-media manager. the Herodium. When you look to the north, you Ideally, Fliss would like the observatory to be The individual will report directly to the CEO and work see Jericho, a town almost 10 000 years old. but just one component of an extended project closely with our sales and editorial team. Everything is history around you. celebrating the heritage of Jerusalem. Other “The idea came to me that this unique place elements would be a memorial to Albert Einstein, The scope of the position will include: should be shared with the rest of the world.” who has close ties to the Hebrew University on Fliss took inspiration from the Latin roots of whose property the tower would be built. Social Media management: Administrative support: v Manage the SA Jewish Report v Manage the office front desk the name of the site - “scopus” meaning “look In addition, Fliss aspires to create a museum social-media platforms by publishing v Sales administration out” - and came up with the idea of building an which would honour the disproportionally large daily posts, monitoring comments, v General office administration observatory tower that he believes would attract contribution Jews have made in various aspects of and ensuring that these platforms v Liaise with debtors, and take mass tourism. society, including Nobel Prize winners. increase in reach and subscribers ownership of all processes relating It is a dream that he has carried over five Logistically, he has crunched the numbers and v Strong proficiency with social media to debtors decades, and one that this civil structural engineer done extensive research. He estimates that the is essential (Facebook, Twitter and v Excellent telephonic and is determined to turn into reality. tower would cost between $40 million (R573 Instagram) interpersonal skills In what he terms his “grand vision”, the tower million) to $60 million (R860 million), and take v Proficiency with trends in digital and v Excellent client relationship skills would be a minimum of 100m tall, and would about two years to build. social media tools v Strong process implementation skills extend from a visitors’ centre at the base, to six While Jerusalem has about 3.5 million tourists a v Basic video editing v The ability to work under pressure glass lifts which would ascend slowly, revealing year, Paris has more than 30 million. v Design and post memes and content while multitasking, with attention to more and more of the Jerusalem view. Paris has the Eiffel Tower and New York the that drives engagement and website detail an absolute must There would be glass-enclosed and open-air Empire State Building. The Mount Scopus tower, traffic v A team player with the ability to work decks, including one that would have telescopes designed to host about 400 people an hour, could v Development and implementation of with the rest of the team to render a through which tourists could view sites between attract similar numbers, he believes. creative strategies that will increase professional service 50km to 100km away, including Tel Aviv or “This is the idea… but for it to happen, a SAJR’s social media community Masada. small miracle is needed,” Fliss suggests with a v Analyse, review and report on Fliss envisages special viewings at particular smile. “We are now focused on finding a Zionist effectiveness of campaigns and times: billionaire!” efforts to maximise results south african “You would have the sunrise from the Dead Sea “Israel has restored human dignity to Jews. v Report on website and social media over the desert. The sunset would be filled with People who are born free, not like me, take this analytics The source of quality content, news and insights the colours of Jerusalem: gold, copper and light.” freedom for granted.” “To have shacharit, the morning prayer, from the “This tower would be a symbol of the observatory…” marvels Fliss. renaissance of the Jewish nation.” Please email your CV to [email protected] 16 SA JEWISH REPORT Your holiday reads 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 Geoffrey Ramokgadi’s Tough, teasing, enigmatic: Abramowitz’s debut novel is a stunner covenant with Judaism SIMON APFEL chained to her damaged, unevolving self. Different planes STAFF WRITER “and as if it were a sign, we met then Prime of reality emerge, as FutureLife takes on a surprising, Minister, Yitzhak Shamir, at the Kotel”. FutureLife: A Protea is not an Artichoke is not a book about perhaps even shocking genre twist, delving into sci-fi, Wearing a yarmulke, Geoffrey Modise A huge framed photograph of Shamir horticulture. It’s not a book about breakfast cereal. In some flirting with theoretical physics, the author showing off her Menachem Ramokgadi draws stares from shaking hands with the Ramokgadis takes sense, it’s not even a book. It’s a work of paper-and-print virtuosity with forays into string theory and the multiverse. most people he encounters, whether in his pride of place in the entrance to their performance art written by one of South Africa’s best new Also interesting is the manner in which genuine adopted country of Swaziland, his home home – named The Kibbutz – in Mbabane, authors. It’s also, beguilingly, an autobiography of someone autobiographical details are sprinkled throughout the town of Rustenburg, or in the synagogues alongside an equally large photograph of else – who, as it happens, doesn’t exist. book – her father’s long-running battle with addiction, the and Jewish shops of Johannesburg. the Swazi king. Mariaan Abromowitz, the protagonist of Tanya toxic relationship with her three older sisters, the crippling This happened particularly frequently His home is full of Judaica, menorahs Abramowitz’s daringly experimental debut novel, lives a childhood knee injury she suffered on a jumping castle. in the early nineties, when he took the and Magenei David. It is par for the course charmed life. Born in the Karoo at the turn of the century Little clues lining the path of the story seem to indicate decision to affiliate to the Jewish people for him to be in the company of Jewish to a family of sheep farmers, she quickly displays a that the protagonist is ostensibly the author’s own and Israel. community leaders and ambassadors, who precociousness that catapults her out of her small-town great grandmother. And indeed, as the story unravels, “They were not used to seeing a ‘darkie’ often spend Jewish festivals with him. beginnings into the big time. FutureLife blurs the lines between fiction and reality in don a kippah,” he says, but wearing one has Ramokgadi can speak and read Hebrew In this almost Gumpian tale, Abromowitz goes on to intriguing ways. It emerges that there’s a real life Mariaan earned him the respect and admiration of like a pro. He is partly self-taught, but found a bottled-water empire, becomes an international Abromowitz who grew up in the Klein Karoo but bred Jew and non-Jew alike. was helped by his friend, Nathi Gamedze, vice-president at a global pharmaceutical company, and cattle not sheep, while the author’s actual grandmother Ramokgadi, 65, tells his life story in a linguist at the University of the plays an instrumental behind-the-scenes role in the 1969 was a sheep farmer, but from the south of England. the book, My Covenant: The Honorary Jew, Witwatersrand, and now an Ohr Somayach moon landing. And then, at some point in the story, with no Throughout FutureLife, Abramowitz exhibits a formal launched last week in Rustenburg, when rabbi living in Israel. prior warning, Abramowitz pulls the rug… daring, a playfulness with tropes and traditional storytelling his “boss”, African Jewish Congress (AJC) Another “sign” for Ramokgadi was the FutureLife begins as a techniques that verges on, but Chief Executive Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, Ethiopian Jews’ arrival in Israel. “They fairly conventional coming- never wholly tips into, satire. took copies for distribution. The book had no idea of modern facilities, including of-age tale, then morphs into Ultimately, she has too much was commissioned by Silberhaft for a flushing toilets, so I thought to myself, if something more opaque and affection for these characters number of reasons, but especially because they can be Jewish, so can I.” altogether darker. A shocking to poke fun at them. Ramokgadi brings people of diverse faiths Ann Harris, the President of the AJC, development midway through This more self-serious together by example as a calls into question everything approach is particularly true ambassador against that came before. Piece by apparent in the way ant-Semitism. piece, beat by beat, the story FutureLife tackles its Jewish Ramokgadi is a and the characters start slipping themes. Jewish identity (the Vice-President of the through the reader’s fingers, and protagonist’s and the author’s) congress, and the head of the big, reassuring world that the figures prominently. Scenes of Swaziland’s small Jewish author has so meticulously built the family around the Shabbos community, where he has begins caving in. At some point, table are almost painterly in arranged shul services, with no attempt at an explanation, their composition, and achingly Pesach seders, and Jewish Baruch Spinoza enters the earnest. Though one could communal events. He was narrative. argue that the absence of irony responsible for having This feeling of being left from these scenes is, itself, ground consecrated for unmoored from previous ironic. a Jewish cemetery, and certainties is more than Not all of it works. travels the world to attend unnerving, it’s almost stomach-turning. And then it Abramowitz overdoes the whimsy, and is prone to flights World Jewish Congress becomes heart-rending. of fancy that soon wear out their welcome. And at some meetings, and throughout Throw away details suddenly take on ominous new point, her high-wire act begins to draw attention to itself, sub-Saharan Africa for significance. The oddity of the protagonist’s very Afrikaans leaving the reader alienated from her captivating story. AJC gatherings. first name and very Jewish surname gently foreshadows Even so, there’s so much to admire here, and it seems Wherever he goes, he the disarray down the line – and emerges as a comment, churlish to fault Abramowitz for her ambition. spreads the word of Torah perhaps none too subtle, on the fractured nature of And what of proteas and artichokes? You’d have to read and love of Zion. King identity. the book for yourself to find out. Mswati III of Swaziland, Ultimately, the title is a bitter irony – the fictional the royal family, business Geoffrey Ramokgadi and Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft Abromowitz caught in a spiral of trauma that keeps her • Visit https://tanyaabramowitz.wixsite.com/futurelife to people, and labourers alike have fallen wrote a letter to Ramokgadi in the book, trapped in her past, unable to escape the platteland, pre-order the book or find out more about the author. under the spell of Ramokgadi’s devout stating: “I have watched you many times commitment to the Jewish way of life. fit so comfortably into Jewish life and It all started with another dream. practice. You have often put me and others New novel dwells on Jerusalem’s Ramokgadi told his school principal to shame! Here I am, a Jewess, born into that he wanted “to be an astronaut”. His an old Orthodox family, giving service to dark side principal told him it was an unattainable Jewish communities the world over, but I wake, she tries to piece together the lives of her goal for a young black boy from a poor often, as so many of us do, grumble about JORDAN MOSHE family, refugees who fled Vienna. Ada’s world is family. So, Ramokgadi left school early the weight of our religious and communal pieced together from an array of different shards. to embark on a music career, gaining a burdens. Not you, my friend.” ike a city in the shadow of an oncoming storm, There are the fragments of different languages, reputation as lead singer and musician in There have been setbacks, like the a novel can be dark, brooding, and forbidding. snatches of German, French, Spanish, and Yiddish the first multiracial band at the height of premature birth of the Ramokgadi’s LIn spite of being set in spoken in a place of protean apartheid. daughter, Cohava Shoshana. She was the Jerusalem of 1961, Zvi identity. The landscape Because he left school barely in his born in Johannesburg, as there were Jagendorfs Coming Soon: The is ruinous, covered in teens, Ramokgadi made a covenant with no gynaecologists in Swaziland, smaller Flood features none of the chipped stones, and eroded his grandmother and his creator that one than a wristwatch strap. She raised the city’s brightness. inscriptions. A setting worthy day, he would make a contribution to concern of the doctor, as babies were dying From its outset, the novel is of TS Elliot, this is almost a education. in the hospital because of a Sabex drip shrouded in a cloud of ominous wasteland, whose fragments Before that, he spent his school holidays contamination. Ramokgadi, wearing his darkness. The Jerusalem of may yet be used by its people at the home of his mother’s employers, kippah, said to the (Jewish) doctor, “It’s all the author’s imagination is a to prevent their ruin. the Abramowitz family in Johannesburg. in the hands of Hashem.” divided city in which characters Taking its title from His mother, Ellah Mampe Moche – later Today, their daughter is 28 years old, are still coming to terms with a production one of the Ramokgadi – was a domestic worker having survived further vicissitudes, the holocaust, trying to rebuild characters wants to put who was totally versed in kashrut. The including Down Syndrome and a form of shattered lives at a time when on, the novel makes use of Abramowitz family had a wealth of Jewish autism. life itself is a collection of Noah’s flood in an unusual literature, including books and pictures of But she is the light of Ramokgadi’s life, fragments. way, overwhelming readers the Holocaust, which Ramokgadi pored and a warm, affectionate child, remaining In the wake of the with gushing torrents over during his vacation. in the body of a 12-year-old. Nuremberg Trials, Adolf of personal stories and “I could not believe the oppression Ramokgadi, who has friendships across Eichmann is about to be tried, narratives of trauma. Readers and genocide of the six million under the spectrum, including the family of the a topic relevant to a number of who are looking to see the the hateful Nazi regime. I could not help late Nelson Mandela, kings and queens, the characters. With chapters dark side of life after tragedy, thinking that, although us blacks suffered pop stars, and paupers, has not been well including Ruin and G-d is Dead, to share the burden of under apartheid, there was no comparison. of late, and has become somewhat frail. this is a narrative of broken individuals striving to gather “Then, I felt Judaism and love of the individuals, damaged lives, and an ever-present the fragments of their lives in an unfeeling world, Jewish people burning in my heart, and • The book is available from the Kollel sense of brooding darkness. and explore a Jerusalem unlike the one they know resolved to adopt the faith.” Bookshop in Glenhazel, and the Jewish An embodiment of this theme is Ada. Perpetually will certainly find what they’re looking for in this He and his wife, Dudu, later visited Israel Museum shop at Café Riteve in Cape Town. dressed in black, carrying a haze of smoke in her novel. 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 Denialism: what you refuse to The lessor-known lesson of Chanukah know can kill you hanukah is so last week. Which makes it TAKING ISSUE HIV/AIDS doesn’t make the headlines these a lot less topical than I would like. That INNER VOICE days as it once did. It has largely slipped under Cmeans that if I choose to use my column the radar because medically, the disease is now to speak about it, then I must consider it to be Geoff Sifrin managed successfully. that important. And I do. Howard Feldman But in 1993, in the middle of the AIDS funeral homes refused to handle their remains. I might be alone in having had a very childlike epidemic, medication wasn’t available, and Now, 25 years later, Mendel has assembled a view of the festival. To my mind, Chanukah perceived legitimacy to an unjust cause, and to a people everywhere were terrified of being poignant collection of those photographs in a was all about the ancient Syrian Greeks (not cause that would result in significant damage to overrun by the virus – like a mysterious octopus book called The Ward. Its cover picture shows a to be confused with modern day Greece), and the Jewish people. associated with gay people. grief-stricken, healthy man draping himself over all about the fight against oppression and Like the Mityavnim, Jews who espouse this That was when South African photographer and kissing the lips of his sick male friend lying dominance. And, it was about the oil that lasted philosophy and approach are not interested in Gideon Mendel went to London’s Middlesex in a hospital bed. You can tell from their body way longer than it should have. the future of the religion, or the preservation Hospital. He asked to enter a ward treating language that they had once had a joyful, loving Until I arrived early for shul on Shabbat of our ancient faith. They are interested in its desperately ill AIDS patients to take pictures life together. It is heartbreaking. morning and heard the end of Rabbi Aaron annihilation. of them to help combat the stigma attached to Attitudes have changed and the furore seems Zulburg’s shiur I had no idea that one of the Why this had an impact on me is because them. Most were young gay men. alien now, with antiretrovirals allowing HIV- bigger battles of Chanukah was a Jew-versus- until this point, I hadn’t realised that there Of course, the hospital said no, but positive people to live full, healthy lives. Jew one. Apparently, there was a group of Jews is no such thing as a “self-hating” Jew. The after reassurances about sensitivity and December 1 is still called World AIDS Day. called the Mityavnim. These were Jews who Mityavnim might have lived thousands of years confidentiality, and explicit consent from the But in 1993, it took nerve to do what Mendel embraced the Hellenic culture over their own, before, but they are relevant as a concept today. patients, permission was granted. Mendel was did. and many converted to the pagan Greek belief The term “self-hating” Jew is a misnomer. allowed to go into the wards of four dying AIDS What’s the lesson for us today? The AIDS system. They have no hatred for “self”, rather their patients – John, Ian, Steven, and Andre – and denialism of those days is similar in its impact The Mityavnim fought against the concept hatred is for Jews. They abhor the faith, and photograph their treatment and ward life. to today’s climate-change denialism. Leaders of circumcision (the Greeks didn’t practice they wish it harm. That they were born Jewish This included the intimate way partners, staff, of the most powerful countries, such as US this) as it “exposed” Jewishness in the public is not as relevant as we think it is. We need to patients, and families related to each other. President Donald Trump and leaders in India bath houses. They tried to rid Judaism of other forget the notion that they are Jewish. It is just They died soon after the pictures were taken, and China, continue to behave as if there’s lots practices. It essentially became a battle for the confusing. just before medication became available. of time, while the earth shakes. authenticity of the Jewish faith. This does not mean that anyone who has a Being gay was still frowned on in many places, Our future is bleak unless major action is Why do I think it’s important to write about legitimate criticism of either the practice of and aside from the lack of successful medical taken urgently on climate change. Already, the this now? Because although I realised that Judaism or of Israel will fall into this category. care, the AIDS stigma was gigantic. Nurses seas are warming, and the icecaps are melting. as Jews we have always been our own worst Our history and pursuit of intellectualism treating patients didn’t tell their own families. Scientists hope we can limit the rise in global enemies, I didn’t connect the dots. I didn’t demands that we robustly debate and consider AIDS wards in hospitals were hidden. This went temperature to only 1.5 degrees, rather than know that the ancient Greeks used the Jews and argue. We need to engage, and we need as far as the plaque marking Princess Diana’s the two degrees that would eventually kill us to further their own ambitions. You see, not to struggle. We need to be pained by the loss opening of the AIDS ward at Middlesex Hospital all. Global greenhouse gas emissions must be at only did they [the Jews] understand the heart of Jews to anti-Jewish causes. But we need to being covered by a painting. zero by mid-century. of other Jews, but by doing this, it made it protect our faith vigorously as well. In an attempt to penetrate the wall of We need climate change activists of the acceptable to those who were not. If the Mityavnim had been successful, we silence, in the United States in 1987, a gigantic sort who tackled AIDS, or most of the planet’s It’s the story of Jews who join the Boycott would not exist today. Consider what would AIDS quilt was shown on the National Mall civilisations are doomed and the Gideon Divestment Sanctions movement. It’s the story happen if the organisations above achieved in Washington DC, created from panels with Mendels of the future will come and photograph of B’Tselem, and it’s the story of Jews for a Just their goals. names of people who had died of AIDS. Many the ruins. Palestine. They are damaging because they grant We need to learn from our own history.

A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies A year of activism for community and country his being the final Above Board column We also finally saw a satisfactory outcome for the year, I will, as has become in our cases against Tony Ehrenreich, former Ttradition, take the opportunity of ANC Western Cape Chairperson of the Congress reviewing the work of the South African Jewish of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), and Board of Deputies (SAJBD) during this period. former ANC Western Cape leader Marius For the country as a whole, there have been Fransman. Both were found guilty of hate many momentous developments, while from speech against the Jewish community by the the SAJBD’s point of view, it was another South African Human Rights Commission. On exceptionally busy year in which, in spite the the negative side, the hate-speech ruling by occasional set-back, we accomplished a great the Equality Court against Cosatu’s Bongani deal, and recorded many significant successes. Masuku was overturned in the Appeal Court The year got off to a rocky start in what is believed by many in the in the aftermath of the resolution legal profession to be a deeply flawed to downgrade the South African judgement. Papers are currently embassy in Israel taken at the ANC’s being prepared for the Constitutional electoral conference. At this stage, Court. it has not yet been implemented. We represented the community We were encouraged by President on a range of public and interfaith Cyril Ramaphosa’s reiteration bodies addressing issues of common of government’s support for concern such as combating racism engagement with both sides, rather and related prejudice, and poverty than boycotting. relief. The South Africa-Israel In terms of broader human-rights relationship continues to come activism, the Gauteng Council under persistent attack, however. Above Board organised the launch of the Hate Part of our push-back against Shaun Zagnoev Crimes Working Group’s five-year this pernicious trend has been report into hate crimes in South to work with the South African Union of Africa. Similarly, our Cape Council launched its Jewish Students and the South African Zionist “No Place for Hate” campaign. Federation to combat the grotesque “Israel Perhaps the most uplifting demonstration Apartheid Week” jamboree on university of our community’s commitment to South campuses. Here, we have made encouraging Africa was our Gauteng Council conference strides in turning this period from being a on 25 November. There, we were able to send dreaded hate fest into a celebration of Israeli a staunch message of support to Ramaphosa diversity. and other members of his government that Apart from a brief spike in activity in the the Jewish community is behind his efforts middle of the year, anti-Semitism continued to to get our country back on track. At the same be a relatively low-level problem. In a number time, the capacity hall was uplifted by the of widely-publicised cases, we were able to reach president’s warm words to the community, a satisfactory conclusion through a process of and his commitment to uproot corruption restorative justice whereby offending parties wherever it may occur. apologised publicly, and underwent a course of tolerance-awareness education through the • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, South African Holocaust Foundation. 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00. 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 KosherWorld Chanukah bash Record-breaking Chanukah doughnut tower KosherWorld hosted its annual community Chanukah Party It is not every day that Johannesburg sees a Guinness on Thursday, 6 December. The beneficiary was Yad Aharon & World Record attempt – and this one was extra sweet. Michael, the On 5 December 2018, Chabad of Strathavon Jewish Jewish food Life Centre broke the world record for the world’s fund, which highest doughnut tower. As a few hundred people entertained looked on, Rabbi Ari Shishler and his team topped a the children record-breaking 152cm doughnut stack. The previous with doughnut record was 125cm. It took 3 198 doughnuts to build icing, popcorn, the tower, and all of them went to the Chevrah Kadisha candy-floss, Jewish Helping Hand, which distributed them to the face painting, aged, needy, and disabled. colouring-in, The record was verified by auditors PKF Octagon and and more. The Bidvest Wits soccer coach Gavin Hunt. Guinness now turnout was reviews the evidence provided before it issues an official excellent, and certificate of achievement. great fun was Why doughnuts? Well, for a start everyone loves had by all. Rabbi them. And, doughnuts are traditionally eaten on Chanukah (the In addition to the doughnut tower, the centre held a night Michael Katz festival of lights). Chanukah celebrates the triumph of light and market, including a variety of children’s Chanukah-themed lit the giant goodness over repression and negativity. Wednesday night was games. Children competed in a Chanukah game show with prizes, channukiah. the fourth evening of the eight-night holiday. And, everyone and tackled the sticky task of eating – without using their hands – Shayna Newman ices doughnuts could use a dose of light and optimism these days. doughnuts suspended from string. Gap-year seminar for youth leaders cements unity and identity Education ‘change maker’ honoured in Switzerland

The Israel Centre – Jewish Agency’s growth… and allowed all who attended to While global citizens gathered in Lavinia Jacobs and and development of Education Partnership2gether Peoplehood Platform forge meaningful relationships and discuss South Africa over the weekend to James Urdang Africa’s Early Childhood hosted its second gap year seminar in concepts of unity through diversity, community, celebrate Nelson Mandela’s centenary Development (ECD) project. This November for Jewish youth who are on year- and Israel”, according to the South African and raise money for deserving causes, project, established in 2008, provides long programmes in Israel. The seminar aims Zionist Youth Council. a South African citizen was being training and support to ECD to foster co-operation and understanding Said Anthony Rosmarin, the Chairperson celebrated in Zurich, Switzerland, practitioners and current or future between South African youth movements and of the Partnership2Gether programme in for his work in the field of child and caregivers with a view to ensuring peer movements in the Israel partnership Johannesburg, “All too often we find ourselves youth development. school readiness as children progress region of Beit Shemesh Mate Yehuda. focusing on the things that divide us as a James Urdang, the Chief Executive from preschool to primary school. Seventy-five participants from Habonim Dror nation. This programme seeks to explore and founder of Education Africa, The organisation recently changed and Bnei Akiva in South Africa, and Tzofim, aspects of Judaism that unite us and build was one of ten recipients of the 2018 its focus from skills-based training to Ezra, Mechinah, and Diller in Israel, gathered tolerance around our differences. Our diversity Klaus J Jacobs Awards honouring a SAQA (South African Qualifications for a learning experience in Beit Shemesh. should be a source of strength and unity, social innovation and change-making Authority) NQF Level 4 certified Using a series of programmes inspired by not division. This is the message we wish to in the field of child and youth development. training programme, improving employment Jewish educator Avraham Infeld’s Five Legged convey.” Awardees were selected from all over the world prospects for participants, and raising qualification Table as a metaphor for building a strong This seminar laid the foundation for a including South Africa, Brazil, Uganda, Slovakia, levels in the field overall. Jewish identity, participants were given a unique commitment to work on co-operation across Nepal, Turkey, Colombia, and Jordan. Says Urdang, “Our comprehensive training opportunity to discuss their views on aspects of youth movements, and between South Africa Lavinia Jacobs, the President of the Swiss- programme is of great benefit to ECD centres in Judaism, the Jewish people, Israel, and Zionism, and Israel. based Jacobs Foundation said, “They have found disadvantaged areas that are already strained for and to find areas of common ground. affordable, sustainable ways to promote positive resources. While many of the trainees entering this “This seminar was the perfect platform to • F or more information about the youth development that can be easily implemented. They programme are already caregivers working in ECD connect all of our up-and-coming leadership seminar or about programmes run by are beyond talking – they act.” centres, others are unemployed youths seeking a from various youth movements who are on a Partnership2Gether, please contact the Israel Urdang received CHF100 000 (R1.4 million), career opportunity. We are thrilled to be able to gap year in Israel. It promoted learning and Centre [email protected] which will be used for the ongoing sustainability provide both with opportunities for growth.” New Beit David shul consecrated in Durban The new Beit David Synagogue was consecrated at the Durban Jewish Club in Durban on Sunday, 2 December. A mincha service led jointly by Rabbis Sa’ar Shaked and Emma Gottlieb was followed by the consecration service and ceremony at 20:00. Congregants were treated to the first sight of their new sanctuary, and speeches were delivered by Monica Solomon, the National Chairperson of the South African Union of Progressive Judaism; Shaked, the National Chairperson of the South African Association of Progressive Rabbis; Jeremy A healthy stomach is a healthy mind Droyman, Chairman of the South African The refurbished ark at the new shul. Jeremy Droyman (Chair, Jewish Board of Deputies KwaZulu-Natal, SAJBD KZN), Rabbi Avidan (Rabbi of Beit David, Durban), If you have a healthy stomach, you have a healthy physical, mental, and emotional approach as well as Rob Sinclair, the President of Beit Monica Solomon (National Chair, SAUPJ), and Rob Sinclair to life. David. (President Beit David Durban) So says Richard Sutton, health and wellness specialist, who was hosted by the Women’s International Zionist Organisation (WIZO’s) Women Inspired branch on Tuesday, UJW celebrates another capacity year of Brain Boost 27 November. Sutton’s inspiring and informative talk, held at the home of Joceline Basserabie, revolved Brain Boost, a stimulation group run by the around the belief that our entire anatomy, including our brain, is controlled by our stomach, Union of Jewish Women (UJW), celebrated which is why it is so important to keep it healthy. the end of 2018 with a farewell tea held at Sutton gave a lot of information about diet control, including the use of probiotics, berries, Friends Restaurant on 4 December. Brain seeds, and nuts. He Boost was established in 2016 after the UJW also emphasised identified the need to establish a group to the importance of support those affected by memory loss. It exercise as part of a has since grown to full capacity. healthy regimen. The group, which meets once a week on The event Tuesday mornings at the UJW’s offices, is was attended by supported by occupational therapist Kim about 70 women. Lewitte and UJW volunteers, who ensure The proceeds of that the morning is warm, fun, the event will and entertaining. For more information, go towards the call 011 648 1053 or email [email protected] improvement of the Kim Lewitte with volunteers Isabelle Kampel, lives of women and Bev Cohen and Sue Cohen children in Israel. 14 December 2018 – 18 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 English and American soccer clubs join forces against anti-Semitism

JACK MILNER To help raise funds, Abramovich group and is said to be worth about $6.8 and Kraft will each donate billion (R97 billion), was given an award ussian billionaire and $1 million (R14,3 million), with for his work in sport at the World Jewish owner of the Chelsea all proceeds from the match going Congress’ Theodor Herzl Award dinner in RFootball Club, Roman towards programmes to combat November. Abramovich, is joining forces with anti-Semitism. In his acceptance speech, Kraft reflected Robert Kraft, the owner of the The joint project is motivated on the power of sport to break down New England Revolution football by the murder of 11 Jewish barriers. “It’s clear we need to do more club, to fight anti-Semitism in the congregants by a gunman at to help combat anti-Semitism and all United States. the Tree of Life Synagogue in hate crimes in the wake of ongoing Abramovich – who was recently Pittsburgh in November. discrimination around the world, said to have made aliyah – is on a On announcing the move, including the recent tragedy in Pittsburgh. mission to ensure his “Say No To Abramovich said, “I’m proud “We’re excited for the Revolution Anti-Semitism” campaign remains of the work Chelsea does to to host Chelsea in support of active. promote equality and tackle Robert Kraft with son Jonathan at a New England Revolution soccer raising awareness of the dangerous Abramovich launched this discrimination all over the world. match manifestations of anti-Semitism.” campaign at Chelsea Football Club at The Say No To Anti-Semitism the end of last year, and has staged campaign has already achieved a number of projects to make people so much in raising awareness of Silk Butterfly Project a soulful way to aware of the racist sentiments that this important issue, but there pervades fans of the sport. remains a lot of work to do. celebrate Jewish heritage The Chelsea team will travel to “I am delighted to join forces When psychiatrist Dr Elisabeth fibres, it aims to give Jewish youth where they could learn more about Foxborough, Massachusetts, at with New England Revolution and Kübler-Ross visited the Maidenek an enduring thread to their history, their “twin”. the end of the European soccer Mr Kraft in this initiative, and we concentration camp in 1946, she heritage, and the humanitarian ethos In light of the overwhelming season in April to raise money to look forward to the match.” found hundreds of butterflies that epitomises the Jewish way. number of children murdered by promote equality and tolerance in Kraft, who is a member of the etched on the walls of the children’s “Although we cannot bring [the the Nazis, there is often very little the sport. family that owns the Kraft food barracks. Some had been engraved Shoah victims] back to life,” says biographical information about with pebbles, and others scratched Mervis, “the twinning programme the victims. To counter this, the with fingernails, but all of them ensures that we keep the flame participants are encouraged to South Africa Friends of represented a message which of memory burning, and honour imagine the lives of their twin: what took Kübler-Ross 25 years of these children on an individual and they looked like, the pastimes they Sheba off to a flying start working with dying patients to collective level.” enjoyed, their hopes and dreams, Ivan and Lynette Saltzman hosted an Medical Oncologist at Gastrointestinal fully comprehend. In spite of the An enthusiastic group of and what they may have grown up to event to celebrate the lauch of South Unit, shared information about the awareness that their young lives B’notmitzvah girls at Johannesburg’s become. African friends of Sheba in their home important work she and her team are were drawing to a close, the children Great Park Synagogue recently had Each participant honoured the in Johannesburg on 6 December. doing in pancreatic cancer research, as left the butterflies as representations the chance to share their simchas memory of her twin with a short The initiative aims to strengthen the well as moving personal stories which of their eternal souls, which would in this way. Each participant was presentation, and a moving candle relationship between the South African brought tears to many eyes. live on forever. given the name of a young person lighting ceremony, as well as by Jewish community and Sheba Medical Yoel Har-Even, Sheba Medical A total of 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust, and lighting Shabbat candles, led by Center in Tel Aviv, Israel. Center’s Chief of Staff, said, “We are under the age of 16 lost their lives in directed to a Yad Vashem website Robyn Smookler. Between music, fine food, and looking forward to strengthening the Holocaust. Today, the surviving menorah lighting, Professor Mordechai the relationship between the Jewish population is rapidly diminishing. Shani, Chancellor of the Sheba Fund for community in South Africa and Sheba Who will ensure that that the Health Services and Research, spoke Medical Center in Israel. Our goals memories of these young innocents about the origin of the Sheba Medical include formulating programmes are perpetuated from one generation Center, with roots that go as deep as the that will allow South African medical to the next? establishment of the country it services. students to intern and specialise The Silk Butterfly Project, founded Naomi Hadar, Executive Director of at Sheba Medical Center, to assist by musical theatre coach Vicki South African Friends of Sheba, mapped disadvantaged communities in South Mervis, is inspired by Kübler-Ross’s out the goals of the South African Africa and the rest of the African discovery. The project is a non-profit organisation, and gave hope for the continent, and ongoing support for organisation that gives South African future. Director General Emeritus Sheba’s highest standards of medicine, children about to celebrate their Dr Talia Golan, originally from South research, innovation and technology, Barmitzvahs or Batmitzvahs the Africa, and now head of Sheba’s Early transforming medicine in Israel and opportunity to twin with a young Phase Clinical Trials Program and worldwide.” Shoah victim of a similar age. With silk being one of the strongest natural Vicki Mervis, Robyn Smookler and the Great Park Synagogue Batmitzvah girls Letters

STAN & PETE PROBE LEAVES US WONDERING WHAT OUR RIGHTS ARE

There is no doubt that the Jewish community should other than to tell us about the new steps it will take not only thank Bowmans for its report, but also to ensure that in the future, a kosher affair will be just compliment it on the amount of work conducted, and that. its investigative ingenuity in arriving at the conclusions My question to the Beth Din is, surely after the it did in the Stan & Pete kashrut investigation. Bowmans report, there is sufficient evidence that Jeff No doubt, Jeff Shull was advised by his father, – and even his father – should be sent to cherem, and Bernard Shull, (a lawyer) of his right not to co-operate ceremoniously thrown out of the Jewish community. with the investigation. There is a programme on TV titled Criminal I was wondering what rights we have, considering Investigation, which shows a friend being killed by his that if the Beth Din advised that it was a kosher friend. The show starts with the words, “With friends function, we would never have thought that there like this, who needs friends?” would be a strong possibility that we would land up I would ask, with Jews like the Shulls, who needs – Aubrey Lampert, Yoel Har-Even and Naomi Hadar present Ivan and Lynette Saltzman with a eating treif chicken and meat. such Jews in our community? unique Hamsa amulet The Beth Din has been very quiet about this saga, Johannesburg

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