THE TABLE - A WARM, COMPLEX A SMALL- LIGHT ON JEWISH CULTURE / 12 TOWN STORY IN ISRAELI FILM DIRECTOR AVI EXOTIC NESHER COMES TO SA /12 INDIA / 13 Subscribe to our FREE epaper - go to www.sajewishreport.co.za

www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday, 12 August 2011 / 12 Av, 5771 Volume 15 Number 30 ‘Boycotting dialogue’ - a strange South African student bedfellow PAGE 3

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulating a new position on the pre-1967 lines, NETANYAHU ACCEPTS '67 LINES which was called a "very serious move" by one expert. Netanyahu is shown speaking at the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on August 7. On his right is Speaker of the FOR TALKS, WITH CONDITIONS Knesset Reuven Rivlin. (PHOTO: HAIM ZACH / FLASH 90) PAGE 11 Norman Gordon - Cricketer Shirley Ancer - London riots - UK Travel SAICC’s upturn despite of yore scores ‘100’ / 2, 24 Building SA / 8 Jewish response / 10 / 14-15 global economy / 17 YOUTH / 20 SPORT / 24 LETTERS / 18 CROSSWORD & SUDOKU / 22 COMMUNITY BUZZ / 6 WHAT’S ON / 22

2 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011 SHABBAT TIMES PARSHA OF THE WEEK August 12/12 Av August 13/13 Av Spring of our national joy Va’etchanan Former SA Starts Ends cricketer 17:29 18:19 Johannesburg Norman 17:56 18:49 Cape Town Gordon, who 17:12 18:04 Durban PARSHAT VA’ETCHANAN Rabbi Ilan Raanan celebrated 17:32 18:24 Bloemfontein his 100th Dean of Yeshiva College Girls’ High School 17:28 18:21 Port Elizabeth birthday last 17:20 18:13 East London weekend. The SPRING IS the big buzzword, whether it is the ME political land- photograph, scape, the season we hope that will bring relief to those parts of Africa gripped by drought-driven famine, or closer to home in South taken last Africa, the season that heralds the end of the extreme cold of winter. year, shows Published by In terms of the Jewish calendar, although in Israel, as the rest of him with S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, the northern hemisphere, we anticipate the onset of Autumn, in a Brian Lara. PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 Tel: (011) 023-8160 sense it is a national time of “Spring”, as we rise from “sitting” shiva Fax: (086) 634-7935 on Tisha B’Av, and allow ourselves to be consoled on this Shabbat Printed by Caxton Ltd Nachamu, the Sabbath of Consolation. Norman Gordon’s ton EDITOR - Geoff Sifrin This week’s parsha begins with how Moshe pleads with Hashem [email protected] to be allowed to enter the Land of Israel. The rabbis explain that after leading the nation in the successful conquest of the COMMERCIAL MANAGER Transjordan, Moshe thinks perhaps the decree forbidding him to of a different kind Sue Morris [email protected] enter the Land he so longed for, had been rescinded. DANIEL LIGHTMAN Sub-Editor - Paul Maree Sadly his hopes are dashed. Is there something that gave Moshe PHOTOGRAPH: RICHARD KAPLAN the flicker of hope that led him to believe in the possibility of Ed Co-ordinator - Sharon Akum [email protected] Hashem rescinding a decree? NO TEST cricketer has yet scored a century in years. Several - including such Senior Reporter - Rita Lewis Our national “spring” is more than a Shabbat of Consolation, or immortals of the game as Wilfred Rhodes (95), SF Barnes (94) and Sir Donald [email protected] even the series of seven such Shabbats, but a sudden transition from Bradman (92) - succumbed in the nervous nineties. So last Saturday, August 6, Sports Editor - Jack Milner the most difficult day of our calendar to the happiest day, from the was a major landmark: the South African medium-pace bowler of the 1930s, [email protected] 9th to the 15th of Av. Norman Gordon, celebrated his 100th birthday. Books Editor - Gwen Podbrey This happy day of “Tu B’Av”, to be celebrated Monday, has a his- “Norman has brought enormous credit to his school, to South African crick- toric origin that may answer our query. The Midrash Eichah Arts Editor - Robyn Sassen et, to our country and to the Jewish community,” says former SA captain Ali [email protected] describes the death of the generation that left Egypt, a decree that Bacher. “I have known Norman since the 1950s - I used to go to his sports shop Youth Editor - Alison Goldberg resulted from the botched mission of the spies sent to Israel and the every year and my late mother would buy my cricket bats from him. He has [email protected] ensuing loss of faith in Hashem’s capacity to bring us safely to our never changed - a good person who always says how fortunate he has been to Cape Town correspondent national destination. This was the original tragedy of the 9th of Av. meet wonderful people. I respect him as a wonderful person.” Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 The Midrash describes how every subsequent 9th of Av in the Gordon was the first openly Jewish Test cricketer. MJ Susskind, second in Pretoria correspondent Wilderness, a generation would dig their own graves and lie in them. the South African Test batting averages on the 1924 tour of England, “was Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 Many would not awaken the next day. Jewish”, says Gordon, “but didn’t profess to be Jewish, didn’t admit to it”. Advertising - (011) 023-8160 On the final 9th of Av of the decree, the remnant of the generation When Gordon made his Test debut, the South African Jewish community [email protected] of the Exodus dug their graves and went to sleep only for every sin- “were very proud that a Jew was playing for their country”. Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 gle one of them to awaken the next morning. Convinced they had Not all shared their view. Gordon recalls when he ran up to bowl the first ball [email protected] miscalculated the date, they repeated this the next few nights until on his Test debut, a heckler in the crowd shouted: “Here comes the rabbi!” Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 they saw the full moon of the 15th of the month and realised the “Fortunately I took five wickets in that innings,” Gordon notes, “and that [email protected] decree had been rescinded. Perhaps this is what provided Moshe shut him up for the rest of the tour.” Marlene Bilewitz: 083-475-0288 with that flicker of hope? [email protected] Gordon’s parents left Russia for Johannesburg (and changed their surname Why should this act of Divine mercy provide the basis of one of from Eisenstat) before he was born. At Jeppe High School for Boys, Gordon Adi Lew: 083-407-8034 our greatest days of national celebration? Through a comparison developed a love of cricket - and met his wife, Mercy, to whom he was married [email protected] with the greatest day of national tragedy, we see a common denom- Classified Sales for over 60 years until her death in 2001. After making his debut for Transvaal inator: the Land of Israel. What lay at the heart of the greatest in 1933/34, in 1937/38 he took the most wickets (39) in the Currie Cup. The fol- Charissa Newman tragedy was the removal of our national homeland. What happened [email protected] lowing year, he forced his way into the SA team - with considerable success. on that first joyous 15th of Av was actually the new gift of the Land Manager: Distribution Indeed, he ended up with more wickets - 20 - than any other bowler in a five- Britt Landsman of Israel to the Jewish people! Test series against England in which the docile wickets allowed the batsmen to It is interesting to note the three periods of mourning that lead up Design and layout dominate. Frankie Matthysen to the Fast of the 9th of Av parallel the three periods of mourning Gordon’s first Test victim was England captain Walter Hammond, whom he Nicole Cook after the loss of a parent, only their order is reversed. This is logical: regards as being “by far” the best batsman he bowled against and who was a Website part of the psyche of mourning is gradual rehabilitation to normal- good friend. www.sajewishreport.co.za ity from the acute pain of a fresh loss. However, in the famous 10-day Timeless Test he bowled 92,2 (eight-ball) overs Ilan Ossendryver Thank G-d we live at a time where the persecutions of the past for just one wicket. IC-Creations have become so blurred by our blessings, it is necessary to do the [email protected] “Gordon’s nickname was Mobil because of the oil that he had on his hair,”, exact opposite when we mourn our past national tragedies: gradual says former South African Cricket Union President Joe Pamensky. Mobil used Subscription enquiries intensification as we orientate ourselves to mourn. Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd to put his hands through his hair and if he had a bit of oil on it to set his hair, Tel: 0860-13-2652 The sudden transition from the 9th of Av to the 15th leaves us with it helped him to get a bit of a shine on the ball which helped him to swing it.” little time to orientate ourselves to rejoice over the great gift of the Gordon ran a sports shop, and practised as an accountant part-time until the BOARD OF DIRECTORS Land of Israel. Someone like Moshe Rabeinu needed no time to Howard Feldman (Chairman), Issie Kirsh age of 94. A keen golfer, he scored his second hole-in-one at the age of 87 and (Deputy Chairman), Stan Kaplan, make this switch, but can that be said for all of us? Perhaps there is only gave up playing three years ago, when the Old Houghton golf course, Marlene Bethlehem, Russell Gaddin, Nor- no time because our faith is based on a natural optimism? where he used to play, closed. man Lowenthal, Bertie Lubner, When looking at the contents of the Tisha B’Av lamentations, we Benjy Porter, Herby Rosenberg, Gordon remains energetic, engaged and interested in the world. He and his read not only the horrors of our suffering in the Kinnot of the Kalir, son Brian live in the same flat in Hillbrow in which he has lived for more than Howard Sackstein, Jason but the beauty of a lost world in the Kinnot of Rabbi Yehuda Halevi. Valkin, Elton Bondi, Michael 55 years. Sieff and Steven Krawitz. Since this is part of our mourning, perhaps it simultaneously pre- He also paid tribute to his friends. “I have wonderful friends. They have pares us to rejoice! The Kinnot though are very difficult poems to never stopped giving.” Advertisements and editorial copy from understand. We should aspire to acquire the love Moshe had for outside sources do not neccessarily reflect Eretz Yisrael in whatever way we can. A practical timely suggestion: Daniel Lightman is a practising barrister who lives in London, and is the co- the views of the editors and staff. the Israel Fair! author of the cricket book Cricket Grounds from the Air.

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

‘Extraordinary Service, Extraordinary Trust’ HIGHLANDS NORTH (NEW RELEASE) SYDENHAM (NEW RELEASE) HIGHLANDS NORTH/PERCELIA ESTATE (NEW RELEASE)

Stunning home, lounge, dining room, study, new mod kitchen, 2 large bed, 2 mod bath, MES, gardens, secure inside parking, excellent staff accom or cottage. We have Interest, don't wait too long at R 799 000 ON SHOW SUNDAY 2-5 PM 4TH AVENUE HIGHLANDS GLENHAZEL/PERCELIA ESTATE (NEW HOME) NORTH/PERCELIA ESTATE IN THE BOOM !! FOLLOW SP POINTERS

ON SHOW SUNDAY 2-5 PM CARISBROOK STREET Entertainers’ family home. 4 Sunny and bright recep- SYDENHAM tions, including pub, new modern eat-in kitchen, separate pantry and laundry, 3 bedrooms and study Family home and income-producing cottage or offices. or use as 4th bed, 2 bathrooms, guest loo, sun 3 receptions, eat in kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, drenched patio and braai area overlooking lush gar- 4 Grand receptions, 2 kitchens with mod cons, 4 bed- pool, paved garden, plenty secure parking, with den and solar heated pool, secure inside parking staff rooms, 4 bathrooms all en-suite, garden, indoor heated income-producing cottage ideal for large family or work accom and much more. pool, 2 bed, 2 bath cottage and more. We have interest from home or rent out. Live & work from home. Offers from R1.9 million, asking more. We have had so hurry. Offers from R 5.6 million, asking more! R1.450 000 offers and we have new fresh interest, hurry! WIN AN ISLAND HOLIDAY & OTHER GREAT PRIZES - VISIT WWW.STAMELMANPROPERTIES.CO.ZA FOR DETAILS 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 ‘Boycott of dialogue’ seems to be a strange student bedfellow ALISON GOLDBERG handout by the boycott proposers, purporting they could be “exposed”. PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER to quote from Haaretz, in the actual Haaretz Hodes said, “It is quite clear that the PSC article, “Israeli students fly to South Africa to with its vicious propaganda is once again A GROUP of students at Wits campus last improve their country’s image”, Roy Wolff, trying to spread hate on campus.” Thursday called a press conference to one of the organisers, said the trips were a The boycotters’ statement read in part: attempt to stop an upcoming visit of Israeli private initiative. “Israeli media boast that a mission of 150 students to South African universities. “We agreed we were willing to spend $1 000 Israeli propagandists will be sent to univer- The Israeli group was due to arrive this each, the cost of travel, and hoped we could sities in five countries to fix Israel’s ‘serious week - on Thursday - and to visit raise money to cover expenses.” image problems’. The Israelis’ mission will Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town Another member of the group, Talia Dekel, begin on South African campuses, with a campuses. clarifying the boycott proposers’ misquoting of delegation that includes at least two aides Calling themselves ‘What Is Rael’ (a play the Haaretz article, added: “the organisers pre- from the Israeli parliament. on what is real), they told Haaretz SA stu- fer not to take government money so that they “A delegation member was clear about dents “hear of Israel being an apartheid cannot be cast as official representatives.” the intention of their trip: ‘We have to cre- state every day [which] means that is the SAUJS will be covering their ground ate some doubt in their (South African stu- only thing they know about Israel” . expenses in South Africa. dents’) minds.’” At the forefront of trying to organise a stu- A young black Palestine Solidarity Ndlozi wouldn’t divulge what “non-vio- dent boycott of the visit last week was Committee member of the audience ques- lent” actions the would-be boycotters would Muhammed Desai of the Boycott, Sanctions tioned why the “agents” should not be take against the Israeli students. Meeting and Divestment Working Group. At the meet- allowed to speak at the university, and that them at the airport seemed on the cards. Muhammed Desai and Mbugiseni Ndlozi. ing, the SA Students Congress (Sasco), the Young Communist League and the SA Union of Students (SAUS), issued statements call- ing for the boycott. The ANC Youth League and Wits Student Representative Council have not joined the call to boycott. According to SA Union of Jewish Students national chairman, Stephanie Hodes, that means SAUS, which comprises all South African university stu- dent representative councils, should not be purporting to represent all SRCs and making statements on their behalf. Hodes says as a member of Sasco she had not been consulted about the decision to boy- cott and she doubts that most campus Sasco members are even aware of it. Asked to identify the positions of the SAUS and Sasco members of his panel, Desai would not do so. Desai would not confirm that he was nei- ther a member of SAUS or Sasco. Panellists included Simphiwe Gada, chairman of the University of Johannesburg SRC and Mbugiseni Ndlozi, a former Wits SRC mem- ber, member of ANC Youth League, and member of the Sasco Wits branch. The others on the panel were Temba Masonda, who is a SAUS national executive committee member and provincial chairman of Sasco; Kate Joseph, a member of the Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee; and Itume- leng Mafatshe, a member of Sasco. Sasco provincial secretary, Lincoln Morgan, appended a statement to the Desai press release; The Young Communist League, also a signatory, was not present. Labelling the Israeli students “apartheid agents”, the panel members took turns to read their joint statement, headed: “There is no doubt, Israel is an Apartheid state; there is only one word, boycott!” Further down they declared: “All SA cam- puses must be Apartheid-Israel free zones.” Asked by Hodes why they were so afraid to engage with Israeli students, Desai and Joseph said: “We don’t want dialogue; we will engage by boycotting them.” SAUJS issued its own press release. What Is Rael, which is being partnered by SAUJS, represents students of different races, ethnic groups and political views. According to Hodes, they are independent volunteers, wanting to “promote understand- ing of the political situation through peaceful dialogue, robust debate and discussion”. Contrary to a “Background Information” 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011 Irving Lissoos – his zest for life was infectious DAVID SAKS a specialist urologist, he was, among many was the obvious choice to deliver Schools and Jewish Board of other things, a pioneer of kidney trans- the keynote address at the opening Education in a variety of capaci- DR IRVING Lissoos (pictured), who passed plants in South Africa and served as secre- of the SAJBD’s “Jewish Johan- ties. His diverse hobbies included away in Johannesburg on July 30, at the age tary of the Urological Association of SA. nesburg 120” exhibition in 2007. making and collecting shofars. of 74, was both highly respected in his pro- He was in private practice for 38 years and Among the other many topics Going beyond specifically fession and a much cherished personality at the time of his passing was still practising which Lissoos addressed, always Jewish themes, Lissoos was also within the Jewish community. as a urologist at Milpark Hospital. with his trade-mark sense of involved in promoting the general Of the outstanding personal qualities that Beyond this, Lissoos forged a second humour and infectious enthusi- history and heritage of his had endeared him to so many, Rabbi “career” as a lecturer and writer on a range asm, were Jewish humour, shuls beloved Johannesburg. Among Avraham Tanzer said of him: “Irving was of subjects of Jewish and general historical in India, Jewish Nobel Prize-win- other things, he was a tour guide dearly beloved and respected by the entire interest, the diversity of which testified to ners and Jewish cinema. for both the Parktown Westcliff Jewish community, as a brilliant practition- his erudition and wide-ranging intellectual In a more serious vein, he also Heritage Trust and Soweto her- er, with a great sense of humour. He brought curiosity. lectured on the Holocaust and itage tours. comfort, solace and happiness to so many, He was much sought after as a speaker at authored a guide to the Haggadah, entitled Of his work in the former field Flo Bird, over the many decades.” Jewish communal events, and further afield Seder Beseder, which is today found in herself a doyen of Johannesburg heritage Irving Lissoos was born in Johannesburg was much involved in broader local heritage Jewish homes across the globe. promotion, wrote: “Your tours were all mas- on March 2, 1937. He matriculated at King initiatives. In the Jewish communal field, he was a terpieces of research and a choice selection Edward School and went on to obtain his Given his intimate knowledge of founding member of Victory Park Synagogue of facts leavened with a delightful sense of medical qualifications at Wits University. As Johannesburg and local Jewish history, he and for many years served the King David humour. “You gave everyone a sense of adventure and enjoyment in exploring new fields of understanding Johannesburg from different perspectives - murder and mayhem, (Herman Charles) Bosman’s Johannesburg, Gandhi, the Anglo-Boer War and your most popular tour - the Jewish contribution.” Lissoos is further remembered as the ultimate family man, one who never missed a school play, sports day or the like and brought every Jewish festival to life in the family home through, for example, ani- mated sedorim and creative succahs. He leaves his wife, Pam, five children and 11 grandchildren. Community’s help solicited for Somalia WENDY KAHN, national director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, has appealed to the Jewish community for aid for drought-stricken Somalia in the Horn of Africa. In a letter to the community, she writes: “We have watched with horror the worsen- ing of the situation in Somalia. The extreme poverty, starvation and suffering on our con- tinent has touched many in the community. “South African Jewry is now answering the worldwide call to assist with relief to alleviate this suffering caused by the civil war in that country, as well as drought in the region. “The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR), an alliance of US and foreign Jewish agencies that provide a united Jewish response to humanitarian disasters, has formed a special co-ordinating group in response to the drought and ensuing famine in East Africa. “The Coalition is in contact with national and international partners to assess the sit- uation and determine the most efficient way to respond. The Coalition will use its past experience with humanitarian crises to aid those most in need. “The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has opened an account for those wishing to donate relief funds, which will then be sent via the JCDR.” Donations may be sent to: Account name: SA Jewish Board of Deputies. Bank: Standard Bank Killarney (code 007205). Account number: 200305190. Reference: Somalia and then your surname. AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF KANYE WEST COMPARES HIMSELF TO HITLER

LONDON - The popular rapper Kanye West was booed at a concert in England after comparing himself to Hitler. "I walk through the hotel and I walk down the street, and people look at me like I'm (expletive) insane, like I'm Hitler," West told an audience of 40 000 over the weekend at the Big Chill Festival. As the audience booed, he said, "One day the light will shine through, and one day people will understand everything I ever did." (JTA) 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Rabbis graduate as dayanim THIS PAST week at the Chief Rabbi CK Harris Annual Rabbinical Conference, three South African rab- bis, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein, Rabbi Anton Klein and Rabbi Meir Trepp, graduated as dayanim. A release from the Office of the Chief Rabbi says the graduates were given their certification by the rosh Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein; Rabbi Moshe beth din, Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag, Kurtstag; Rabbi Anton Klein and Rabbi Meir head of the Johannesburg and Cape Trepp. (PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED) Beth Din, and by Rabbi Yosef Carmel, the co-head of Eretz Hemdah an esteemed programme, sent the curriculum and dayanut kollel based in Jerusalem and the sources to be studied as well as questions to Beth Din of a network of Batei Din in Israel. be answered. They also marked the papers. This ordination was the culmination of The process has been very comprehensive more than eight years of intense learning of and, for example, in the section of the laws of a curriculum specifically tailored for the gittin (divorce documents) more than 600 needs of the South African Jewish communi- questions were set and answered. ty. The dayanus programme which started in The Chief Rabbi said: “I would like to pay 2003, is an initiative of the Union of Orthodox tribute to the vision and foresight of Rabbi Synagogues, envisioned to provide locally Kurtstag and the UOS Executive Council for trained dayanim for our community. establishing this programme. The mark of Rabbi Klein said: “This graduation is an good leadership is to have a broad vision of outstanding testimony to the amazing South the future needs of the community. This pro- African Jewish community that local rabbis gramme is a perfect example of that.” were given the opportunity to advance them- Rosh Beth Din Rabbi Kurtstag said: “The selves, to grow in their Torah learning, course was a very difficult and extensive one under the wise guidance of world-renowned and especially catered for South African Torah sages, and to ultimately receive the rabbis.” certification of dayanut.” • See story on the Rabbinical Conference on Eretz Hemdah, the institute that ran the page 19. LEIBY KLETZKY'S ACCUSED KILLER PLEADS NOT GUILTY AROUND NEW YORK - Levi Aron, the Pierre Bazile, a member of Aron's THE Brooklyn man accused of killing defence team, said to reporters and dismembering eight-year-old after the hearing, The New York WORLD Leiby Kletzky, has pleaded not Times reported. “It is not a ren- NEWS IN BRIEF guilty at his arraignment on dering on sanity or insanity.” August 4 in Brooklyn. An attor- Aron is charged with murder- ney spoke for the suspect. ing Leiby after the boy became A psychological exam requested lost while walking home from by his defence team found Aron camp for the first time and asked was competent to stand trial. He for directions, then got into his had told his attorneys he heard car. Kletzky's death sparked wide- voices. spread grief and heated debate “He understands the nature of within the Chasidic community. A the charges and the proceedings charity created in his name has and can assist in his defence,” raised $265 399. (JTA) 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011

JOHANNESBURG SOCIAL SCENE Rita Lewis [email protected] COMMUNITY BUZZ LIONEL SLIER From Bernard Lapidus in Toronto: 082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448, [email protected] “Your article about my old friend and colleague, Abe JOHANNESBURG Rakusin, is completely inaccu- rate. Day-Nite Pharmacy was Alf James (continues): started by a pharmacist, Henry Josephson, in Orange Grove, After Alf James’ crushing defeat who later sold it to Chookie at the hands of George Angelo in Brenner, later of Brenner which the former welterweight Toyota. CEO of Hospice, Nigel Unwin, king suffered a knock-out, it “Abe Rakusin worked at the came as no surprise when shortly after-hours pharmacy in Rissik thanks the gathering for helping afterwards he announced his Street, owned by the Southern the organisation. Organiser Ivan Zartz with Gerald Sacks and head of general marketing retirement from active boxing. Transvaal Pharmaceutical So- and communications at Mpumalela Racing in South Africa, Robert It will be remembered that two ciety. He later owned a phar- Garner and his wife Nicky. weeks prior to this defeat, he lost macy in Pretoria Street, his crown to Don Carr on the Hillbrow at the corner of closest of margins, but he was Catherine Avenue. handicapped by having to reduce “After being there for nearly weight to make the limit. It will 30 years, he sold it and bought a The ponies ran for a be remembered that James’ draw small pharmacy on the corner of with Laurie Stevens brought the Jeppe and Eloff Streets, where boom back to boxing in South he traded until 2009, when he good Hospice cause Africa and since then James held retired.” the lightweight and welterweight STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY an area of some 1 500 square kilo- titles respectively, beating Willie • Community Buzz is happy to RITA LEWIS metres – the Johannesburg metro- Miller and George Angelo. print these clarifications. politan area – and accepted every- LAST SUNDAY, the Fourth Annual one and anyone at no cost whatsoev- THE DIAMOND CUTTING FORDSBURG MAYFAIR Hospice Wits Million Rand Race er. INDUSTRY REUNIONS Day organised by Ivan Zartz and his He said their budget was around team, proved once again to be most R38 million per annum – every cent From Jack Leibowitz From Keevan Gordon: successful. of which was fundraised. “So it is Alec Leibowitz (continues): Singer Len and his wife, Not only was there a “full house” very important for us to have events “The first reunion took place at of some 300 participants at like these,” he said, “because we “In the 1940s Alec Leibowitz be- the Jewish Guild (in central Charmion Kay. Turffontein Race Course, but also accept everyone.” came involved with the Diamond Johannesburg) in 1984 and was the usual array of fantastic “big” He asked the gathering not to Research Laboratories of De reported in the Sunday Times. prizes such as overseas boat cruis- think of Hospice as a place to die, Beers, where he researched dia- In a photograph which appeared es; air tickets including a flight to but a place where terminally ill peo- mond grits. Later during the mid- in that paper of the reunion, are Dubai; inclusive weekends away at ple could receive palliative care, sixties, an automatic polishing the late Ruben Sher - probably beautiful resorts such as the psychological care, clinical care and (blocking) machine he was devel- one of the most famous medical Carousel, the Coach House in the best possible care available. oping, came to the attention of De giants ever in South Africa after Tzaneen, Madikwe Lodge, Sun City “We all have to die,” he said, “but Beers’ directors who were suffi- Chris Barnard and also in the and the Westcliff Hotel. the difference between us and the ciently impressed by the machine photo is the late Julius The event was in aid of Hospice people there at Hospice, is that they that an agreement was made to Weinstein who became a famous whose CEO, Nigel Unwin, expressed know when they are to die and we retain Alec, with De Beers having Zionist of great distinction in his gratitude to Zartz for all the don’t.” the first option to take further South Africa and Israel. work, time and effort that he and his That is why we need as much any of his future inventions. “There is a photo taken in the team had put in. money as possible, so that we can “Later, De Beers established a 1940s of the Fordsburg Mayfair He then announced that Hospice make a “home from home” for our development laboratory with Shul choir - almost half the would be changing the name of the patients. support services for him in choir are deceased. We loved event next year to the Ivan Zartz, Many people had bought raffle London. It is said that Sir Ernest singing in this choir, which was Hospice Race Day in honour of tickets to raise more money and win Oppenheimer found Alec’s devel- formed with the opening of the Zartz’s long-standing relationship spot prizes including packages of opments ‘understandable’ unlike brand new shul in 9th Avenue, and efforts for the organisation. coffee table books, vouchers for many that he had been shown! If corner of Park Drive. We never one questions engineers who had Maggie Motsepe who won two He also thanked J J van der restaurants, luggage, clothes vouch- received money or gifts - only Linden and his Tawney Syndicate ers, make-overs for women, etc. contact with Alec, there is a com- this photo - plus the koved of nights at the Dettoek Country whose clients had brought in over To make the event more exciting, mon consensus regarding his being chosen to sing. House in the Magaliesburg R30 000 and various valuable items various items were auctioned such inventive brilliance, although, “The choir members were: worth around R6 000, for being to raffle and sell at the event. as paintings and “special” getaways apparently, he was not always an Sam Copans; Herbie Lang; Kee- the “best dressed lady”. Unwin said that Hospice serviced – many worth thousands of rands. easy person to work with.” van Gordon; Roy Wolf; Charlie To be continued. Friedland; Hymie Altman; Joe Glick; Charlie Plein; Alec JOHANNESBURG Gloucer; Jesse Goldblatt; Teddy Glazer; Isaac Altman; Chazzan From Norman Blum: Rudi; Choirmaster Fogelman; Hymie Goldblatt; Ruben Swidler; “With reference to the note about Hymie Krut; and Leib Krut. Abe Rakusin in Community Buzz “I hope you see your way of August 5, Dae-Nite Pharmacy clear to publish this nostalgia, in Orange Grove was started by which will provide many fami- Henry Josephson on his own and lies in South Africa and further he carried it on alone for some afield in Israel and the Etihad Airways’ Damian Sadie with Cary Mazwy as he is known with Matthew, Shoshana and Sean years. He actually slept in a room Diaspora with warm memories Cunningham and Ivan Zartz. Lazarus from the Burger Box. at the back of the shop to make of part of the magnificent his- sure that he was available for tory of the Jews who were priv- emergencies day and night. ileged to grow up in “At some stage the Pharmacy Johannesburg.” Board objected to the name ‘Dae- Nite’ as ‘advertising’ and he BOBBAS changed it to ‘Dae-Lite’. I don’t know whether Abe Rakusin was A perpetual problem and mys- connected with the store at a later tery to Jewish grandmothers is stage, but he wasn’t in it, during this: How can such a nudnik, a the early years. schlemiel and a no-goodnik like “In Henry Josephson’s time it the man my daughter married was the only branch and I think manage to father such wonder- that it was after he sold it, that ful grandchildren? Claire Bacher with former Springbok cricketer, Chris Clive Sidley, Ken Suchard and Joy Rubin, one of the the purchasers opened other She reasons that obviously it Duckworth and his wife Dawn. organisers of the event. branches.” is all from our side of the family. 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 7

in the IDF, said near the outset of the pro- gramme. “But I’ll find out.” To help with war trauma, Israeli Edel said the programme gave him con- crete and immediate results. “It gave me a feeling of lightness, having put the burden away,” he told JTA from soldiers take Manhattan Israel after the programme had ended. Although excellent treatment is available DAN KLEIN In one rocket attack that hit their to the average soldier within the IDF, NEW YORK sleeping quarters, a soldier who Weltman said, soldiers must seek it out. had switched mattresses with a “We think the treatment should come to WHEN ISRAEL wanted to help its friend was killed by the projectile. them,” he said, explaining the rationale for troops, it sent them to America. Ten others were wounded. Peace of Mind. Last month, 15 former soldiers Most of the platoon members Weltman said the programme helped the selected by the Israel Defence Forces, were injured during the war. IDF because it reduced the dropout rate for travelled to New York for a weeklong Months later they were civilians reserve duty and increases resilience for programme to treat lingering trauma again. trauma, which he said was measured before from their combat during the 2006 Their lives took different paths. and after the programme. The IDF did not Lebanon War with Hezbollah. They travelled, went to school, respond to a request for comment in time for An Israeli group called Peace of married, worked jobs, had kids. publication. Mind, organised the programme, Some kept in touch, but not all. For the Jewish communities taking in which ranged from group therapy Every so often they regrouped for and entertaining the soldiers, it’s an oppor- and painting to sightseeing at the reserve duty. But many could not tunity to learn and to help. On their first Empire State Building and a cocktail leave the war completely behind day in the United States, the soldiers were party on Manhattan’s Upper West Israeli Soldiers drink at a cocktail party in their honour them. the guests of honour at a cocktail party and Side. thrown by the Manhattan Jewish Experience, in July. Captain Yuron Edel is taken comedy night hosted by the Manhattan The long distance - not just from (PHOTOGRAPH: DAN KLEIN) back to the combat zone by the Jewish Experience, an outreach organisa- Lebanon, but from Israel as well - is smell of metal or Mediterranean tion that caters to unaffiliated young pro- at the heart of the treatment pro- Peace of Mind doesn’t treat soldiers with herbs. Second Lieutenant Yoni fessionals. gramme. post-traumatic stress disorder, but helps sol- Beck still wonders whether he could have The organisation’s founder, Rabbi Marc “In Israel, it’s not socially acceptable to diers realise that they may have repressed saved his friends. First Sergeant. Shay Shem Wildes, told the soldiers in a short welcom- talk about these experiences,” said Alon trauma from their wartime experiences that Tobi says fireworks make him jumpy. Levy ing speech that they were admired by the Weltman, an Israeli psychologist and direc- affect their everyday lives. Forchheimer can’t listen to a particular song Jewish community and viewed as “holy sol- tor of the programme who accompanied the “Think of someone experiencing a sudden without remembering the friend he lost in diers”. The men listened, but also kept their soldiers during their visit. death of someone close,” Weltman said. combat. arms around each other, whispering and Bringing them to the United States, “That person is dealing with a difficult expe- “Everything since the war has changed. I interjecting jokes. Afterward, Edel thanked Weltman said, was an effort to break that rience but is not necessarily post-traumatic. try to avoid situations that remind me of the the rabbi for the welcome but offered a cor- taboo and help them move beyond their He might not have the right tools to deal war,” said Tobi, who left Israel to travel rective. traumas. The soldiers spent half of each day with this experience, though, and that is when his service ended and recently started “You see us as holy soldiers, but we see in New York in intensive group therapy. part of what we try to do in the programme.” studying animation. “Some take it more ourselves as simple people,” Edel said. “We The programme was developed by the The 15 men who came for the visit to harshly than others, but everyone took want you to see us that way, and talk to us Israel Centre for the Treatment of America last month were platoon mates in something from it, something good or bad.” that way, and pass that along.” Psychotrauma, a nonprofit affiliated with the IDF’s 931st infantry regiment during the For some of the soldiers on the pro- Barbara Messer, who helped organise the the Sarah Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem and month-long Second Lebanon War. The 931st gramme, the realisation that the war still Long Island residents who sponsored and the School of Social Work at Hebrew saw particularly tough combat, including touches their lives, felt like a revelation. hosted the soldiers, said the lesson was University. urban fighting against Hezbollah militia- “I didn’t think the war affected me,” Beck learned. The centre asks the IDF to choose a group men in closed quarters. said. “Now when we sit and talk, I realise “When they were coming, people were of soldiers for treatment and then finds “There were a lot of missions,” said First how much it’s affected my life.” saying: ‘The soldiers are coming,’” Messer international Jewish communities willing to Sergeant Amit Ginat, who spent a year in Other soldiers said they didn’t think they recalled. “But after they arrived, they were take in the soldiers and foot the bill - about physical therapy after being wounded by had lingering trauma. just the guys - people who had been through $55 000 - to pay for the expenses of the 15 sol- gunfire and grenade shrapnel during an “I wouldn’t like to think the war changed a lot and who then became our friends.” diers and three psychologists. In this case, a assault on a house occupied by four enemy me,” Forcheimer, an American who served (JTA) group of Jews from Fire Island, a popular fighters. vacation spot on Long Island about two The platoon defended strategic buildings, hours from Manhattan, paid the bill. staged assaults and came under rocket fire. AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF STANDARD & POOR'S DOWNGRADES ISRAEL'S US LOAN GUARANTEES WASHINGTON - Standard & Poor's said Unaffected was S&P's overall rating for ratings for the loan guarantees Israel Israel, which remained at A/A-1, a level obtains from the United States dropped reporting a "strong" capacity to meet finan- commensurately with its downgrading of cial commitments. the US credit rating. Another major credit rater, Moody's, had The rating agency, one of three major said before the debt ceiling matter was credit raters, said on Monday that the resolved that Israel might see its loan guar- $6 billion Israel receives in guarantees antees downgraded in the event that the dropped from its highest rating of AAA to United States was downgraded. Moody's, AA+, as had the overall US credit rating in however, did not downgrade its US rating. the wake of 11th-hour negotiations On Sunday, the Tel Aviv Stock Market between Congress and the White House experienced its largest one-day loss in near- over the terms of raising the US debt ceil- ly three years in reaction to the downgrade ing, The Associated Press reported. of the US credit rating. (JTA) VAST SENATE MAJORITY URGES SANCTION OF IRAN'S CENTRAL BANK WASHINGTON - Nearly the entire US Charles Schumer (Democrat New York) Senate has signed on to a letter urging the and Mark Kirk (Republican Illinois), has Obama administration to implement sanc- garnered signatures from more than 90 of tions targeting Iran's central bank. the 100 senators. "As you know, the Iranian regime con- Laws passed last year enable President tinues to pursue avenues to circumvent Barack Obama to launch such sanctions, both US and multilateral sanctions," says which would aim to cut Iran off from any the letter sent on Tuesday and first report- banking sector that deals with US mar- ed last Sunday by The Wall Street Journal. kets. "In the banking sector, the Central Bank of The Obama administration already is Iran lies at the centre of Iran's circumven- sanctioning smaller banks that allegedly tion strategy." deal with Iran's suspected nuclear The letter, spearheaded by Senators weapons programme. (JTA) OBAMA CONFIDANTE WEXLER URGES POLLARD RELEASE WASHINGTON - Robert Wexler, one of tion and remains close to the White House. President Barack Obama's closest Jewish "Mr Pollard is the only person in US his- confidantes, has urged him to release tory to receive a life sentence for disclos- Jonathan Pollard. ing classified information to an American The July 25 letter from Wexler, a former ally," Wexler writes. "Having spent over 25 Democratic congressman from Florida, years in incarceration, seven of which was released last Friday by advocates for were spent in solitary confinement, and clemency for the imprisoned spy for Israel. having expressed remorse for his crimes, One of a recent flood of appeals from it is my humble opinion that Mr Pollard Congress members and former govern- has served sufficient time - both in terms ment officials, Wexler's appeal is signifi- of punishment for his crimes and in terms cant because it is the first to come from of deterrence to would-be perpetrators." within Obama's coterie. Pollard, arrested in 1985, was convicted Wexler, who now directs the Centre for and sentenced to life in 1987 for spying for Middle East Peace, was the Obama cam- Israel. He recently successfully underwent paign's chief Jewish proxy in the 2008 elec- kidney-related surgery. (JTA) 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011 BUILDING SOUTH AFRICA People doing remarkable things Shirley Ancer looks back on a lifetime of community service ROBYN SASSEN and convents, during my early teaching important for me to work in the general career. I wanted to work with the Jewish community and the Jewish community. A STAUNCH supporter of youth movements community. I looked at WIZO, the “I first went to the UJW in 1972. In 1973, Bnei Akiva, Hashomer Hatzair and Benevolent, Magen David Adom, the my youngest, Charles was born; the follow- Habonim, as a teenager, stalwart of the com- Sisterhood and the Union of Jewish Women, ing year, I went to teach at Yeshivat Torat munity, educator and community politician but only the latter appealed to me: its ideals Emet, in Observatory in Johannesburg. The Shirley Ancer, 75, (pictured) made a concert- were similar to mine. secular subjects were taught in the after- ed effort, when she became a mother, in the “To be a member of the Sisterhood, you noons, which effectively gave me time for my late 1960s, to join a Jewish organisation that had to belong to a Reform temple.” Born and UJW commitments in the mornings. espoused the same kind of values, in giving raised in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, “In 1979, I stopped teaching and focused on back to the community. Ancer’s religious background was UJW activities and I became involved with “I taught at Indian and Chinese schools Orthodox, with a social conscience. “It was Kosher Mobile Meals, visiting the sick at PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER BY PHOTOGRAPH Kensington Clinic, and entertaining the eld- erly in frail-care at Sandringham Gardens. “Our role was to cheer them up. It was the 1970s - we used to give them sweets, maga- zines and cigarettes! I also volunteered at the hospital and spent time primarily in the social work department there. “One of the UJW’s key programmes is Kosher Mobile Meals. It began with the ‘Friendship Lunch Club’ on a Wednesday which has been in existence for years. When I met my now late mother-in-law, she told me she often went to the ‘French’ Club at the Queen’s Hall in Claim Street, Johan- nesburg,” she reminisces. “It took me time to realise it was the Friendship Club! Most of the people the club feeds lived in Hillbrow, Yeoville and Berea - many still do. We charge R15 per person. We issue everyone with tickets, to protect the dignity of those who cannot afford it. “We do all the cooking ourselves - it costs UJW R3 500 for each lunch.” Kosher Mobile Meals was developed by the late Sybil Sifrin, in collaboration with UJW. “She taught me so much.” Ancer remembers times spent at Sifrin’s Norwood home with great fondness. “She handled the social stuff at the Union, from the 1950s; she informed much of how Kosher Mobile Meals and all the Union’s initiatives grew.” Today, Ancer chairs Kosher Mobile Meals. “Things have changed a lot,” she speaks of indigence in the community, and how profes- sional the project is now. “KMM’s conven- er/administrator works out how many meals we need. There is a social worker who works with the recipients of the meals. “The reality is the volunteers are them- selves old. Some are older than those who get the meals. Volunteers help us with packing and delivery of the meals, which have been cooked at Sandringham Gardens since 1998. We assist 165 people a day at the moment. When KMM was established, there were 14 people needing kosher meals delivered. “It costs R120 000 - R140 000 per month for Kosher Mobile Meals to survive.” “UJW feeds 60 to 80 child- and granny- headed households. We have three soup kitchens at the Charlotte Maxeke Johan- nesburg Academic Hospital: a maternity one, an HIV one and a general one; we also sup- port the Lutheran Church in Alexandra. “Last year, Dischem gave us money to enable us to keep these kitchens going. The kitchen feeding the church community in Alexandra has been running for some years on a donation received from America. “These kitchens feed children and the eld- erly each morning. Once a week the elderly are given a lunch; once a week, the children are given food to take home to their families. The problem with a system like this is that it must be controlled.” A money-earning scheme Ancer played a role in developing, was several series of low- budget recipe books and books of handy hints, which are sold to the community. In the early 1990s, Ancer became more and more involved with local politics. She was made a city councillor in 2000 on a DA ticket; retiring in 2011. “My first year as a councillor was challeng- ing,” she told the Inter Press Service Agency.” She discovered that antiquated ideas about women’s participation in political life per- sisted. “I’m still amazed how many people in the 21st century still believe that politics are not for women. It makes me realise how much work we still have to do to educate South Africans to accept that women are equal to men.” 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 Keren Hayesod-UIA honours Marco van Embden MOIRA SCHNEIDER During his tenure, the David Susman He told Jewish Report that, dur- through to everything else. I per- CAPE TOWN Community Foundation was launched to ing his four years of office, the sonally canvassed stacks of peo- PHOTO SUPPLIED safeguard the community in case there Campaign amount collected was ple every year.” was ever a drop in collections for the virtually doubled. During his communal career, MARCO VAN Embden was honoured at Campaign. The Friends of the UJC Cape In addition, the number of Top Van Embden has served as chair- the recent Campaign Cabinet concluding Town was likewise launched during his Donors was increased “significant- man of the United Herzlia the annual Keren Hayesod-UIA world term of office. ly”, as were those in the newly-cre- Schools, as well as of the Herzlia conference held in Jerusalem, for his He currently serves as chairman of ated category of Platinum Donors, Alumni Association. “most successful” tenure as chairman of both groups. “We make contact with all “and I’m talking about almost dou- Outside the community, he has the United Jewish Campaign (UJC) here out-of-towners, people who live all over bling of those numbers,” he says. assisted Solomon’s Haven, an and subsequently as chairman of the the world who have holiday homes here, “We dealt with what we called Marco van emergency shelter for abused, Friends of the UJC. and we invite them to become friends and underperformers - we identified Embden was abandoned or neglected children Van Embden, immediate past chairman patrons,” he says of the latter. “All the people who we thought should honoured at in the townships, by raising of the UJC, in fact served two two-year funds collected from them go to the be supporting the community the recent funds to buy a 12-seater bus. terms at the helm of the organisation Foundation.” more. Together with his architect son, Keren Hayesod- from 2005 - 2009. “We set out a strategic According to the Keren Hayesod-UIA “We introduced a whole host of Jacques, he has raised R400 000 to planning process when I started and at website, Van Embden’s “enthusiasm and programmes, made lots of UIA world con- build a second storey, including the end of my first term, I wasn’t finished, energy have brought very impressive changes, upgraded lots of things ference in five critically-needed bedrooms, so I decided to stay,” he explains. results to his Campaign over the years.” we were doing from IT right Jerusalem. to the Haven. A Sunday of excitement awaits in Glenhazel ALISON GOLDBERG

TWO COMMUNAL events will take place next Sunday, August 14 at The Terrace, one floor above KosherWorld in Glenhazel, Johannesburg. In honour of Tu B’Av in the evening (start- ing at 18:00) community organisations and youth groups are planning a “White Night Rooftop Party”. Aimed at the 20- to 30-year- old age group, Layla Lavan (White Night) cel- ebrates a time when single girls in Jerusalem would dress in white and dance in the vine- yards. Borrowing white clothes from one another so as not to embarrass those who didn’t have, and so they could all look the same, young men would go to the fields to choose a bride. From the last Mishnah in Masechet Taanit: “Young man, lift up your eyes and choose wisely. Don’t look at physical beauty, look rather at the family. ‘For charm is deceptive and beauty is vanity, a G-d-fearing woman is the one to be praised...’” (Mishlei/Proverbs 31:30) The focus is on women and marriage - our very own Jewish Valentine’s Day - and will be celebrated with dance and music. The event is a combined IUA-UCF, Yad, Israel Centre, Hagshama and youth move- ment effort. Earlier in the day, from 11:30-15:00, a fete will take place at the very same venue, for eight- to 16-year-olds and their parents. Starring Shooby Doob Shloimy, a Jewish singer and entertainer and his troupe of child singers, he will be co-launching an edu- cational game “Journey Through History”, created by Soul Workout, on a audiovisual slide show. The board is aimed at strengthen- ing Jewish roots and identity. Ten games will be given away to lucky lottery drawers. • The film “Prince of Egypt” will be screened thereafter for the younger children. 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011 OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS Politics aside - the famine in Somalia NATURAL DISASTERS don’t give a damn whether the people affected are Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus or any other faith. It’s all the same as far as the suffering is concerned. All South Africans should be proud of the med- ical aid mission sent by the Gift of the Givers, a local Muslim organisation, to Somalia. They returned this week to South Africa after spending 10 days there. TV footage shown on SABC gave a sense of the nightmare scenarios they witnessed and the desperate situations of the people they tried to help, particularly the confused, frightened children, seen in photos with bloated bellies and flies covering their eyes. The team’s courage and compassion are an example to all. In Somalia, which is suffering its worst drought in 60 years, some 3,5 million people, a third of the country’s population, are facing life-threatening hunger and thirst. Famine has been declared in five regions of South Central Somalia and the UN has begun food airlifts into Mogadishu, to try to reach the almost 2,2 million people yet to receive aid. The Somali people’s chief source of livelihood are its cattle, which are dying in the drought. Tens of thousands of people have also died already. Of the estimated US$2,4 billion needed for the food aid effort for the refugees, less than half has reportedly been received. UN Secretary-General Passers-by glancing at looted stores in a London neighbourhood, on August 9. (PHOTOGRAPH: CREATIVE COMMONS) Ban Ki-moon has appealed to the international community to help urgently. The West has so far donated some $1,1 billion, while African states sent forces to Somalia to pro- tect the refugees, among them African Union As London burns, riots spread forces. The UN has also asked rich Arab states to help. Sadly, the response has been only a token one. Qatar has reportedly provided some $200 000, to Jewish communities Kuwait half a million dollars and Saudi Arabia $60 million, which a report on YNET says is “less than DAN KLEIN tering as a crowd of mounted police Green and Camden. the price of oil it produces every hour”. Somalia is LONDON officers move in. In another video, Linda W, a mother of three daugh- a Muslim country and one of the Arab League’s 22 young Orthodox men can be seen ters who lives in London, contrasted members. It’s to be applauded that the SA Jewish WHILE SOME Jews in London marked handing out challah. the rioters disparagingly with the Board of Deputies is calling for local Jews to assist. Tisha B’Av on Tuesday by lamenting “When I saw Jewish people out massive but nonviolent protests in In the Horn of Africa generally, in Djibouti, the burning of the Holy Temples on tonight I was happy,” one protester Israel over high housing prices. Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, some 12,4 million that day some two millennia ago, other told the Socialist Worker newspaper. “It’s evident who raises the better people need urgent humanitarian assistance. London Jews watched as their city “I thought, it’s not just us. They gave man,” she wrote in an e-mail to JTA. With large areas controlled by armed organisa- burned amid widespread rioting. us bread.” Linda said the Riot Act - a 1715 law tions such as the Muslim al-Shabaab group, the UN “Everyone is shocked,” Joel Most Jews, however, appear to be that made it a felony for groups of 12 aid unfortunately doesn’t all get to the desperately Braunold, a lifelong Londoner, told eager for a return to law and order. or more to refuse to disperse after needy. Its leader Ahmed Abdi Godan, has reported- JTA in a phone interview just after Local rabbis and the Shomrim being ordered to do so - should be ly denied on his radio station that hunger prevails, leaving Tisha B’Av services on Monday Orthodox security service have returned to the books. The law was saying it is malicious propaganda from Islam’s night. “People are angry and scared.” warned Jewish community members repealed in 1973. enemies. Violent protests that broke out last to stay away from the riots, the UK “People want to enforce the law by International aid organisations have been pre- Saturday following a deadly police Jewish Chronicle reported. any means necessary,” Braunold vented from providing food to hundreds of thou- shooting in the North London neigh- As the riots spread to Jewish areas said. “They don’t care anymore; they sands of refugees, although al-Shabaab has now bourhood of Tottenham, quickly of Stamford Hill and Golders Green, just want the riots off the streets.” reportedly been driven from Mogadishu by AU turned into riots, arson attacks and several Jewish-owned businesses The rioting began following the forces, allowing aid - including the Gift of the looting in neighbourhoods this week all were ransacked. Joelle Selt told JTA police shooting on August 4 in Givers team - to arrive there. They have promised over the city in the worse civil unrest that her father’s general store was Tottenham of a suspected drug dealer to return next month, but obviously what they do, that London has seen in 25 years. robbed at knifepoint by masked men, named Mark Duggan, and spread to as laudable as it is, is but a drop in the ocean. In some cases, the Jews reportedly and a 71-year-old Jewish-owned store young people in poorer neighbour- When it comes to situations like Somalia, poli- weren’t just bystanders. in Tottenham was looted Sunday hoods. Many analysts have linked the tics must step aside and pure humanitarianism The Guardian reported that some morning, the Chronicle reported. riots to the weak economy, wide- towards the suffering masses on the ground must members of Tottenham’s small Chasi- “They are tearing up their own spread unemployment and deep budg- prevail. In a “normal” situation, Jews cannot help dic community - all that remains of a community,” the store’s owner, Derek et cuts that have hurt Britain’s poor. being intensely aware of the Muslim Arab world’s once-substantial Jewish community Lewis, said of the rioters, as reported “There are underlying causes,” unrelenting hatred towards Israel and their that earned its local soccer team the in the Chronicle. “It’s tragic.” Braunold said, “but first the rioting attempts to destroy it. The Muslim world is also nickname “the Yids” - gathered to jeer At least two stabbings were report- and hooliganism needs to stop. This today the world’s greatest focal point of anti- police. ed Monday night in Stamford Hill, brings out the worst characteristics Semitism. A video posted on YouTube shows and clashes between rioters and in people, and they need to face the Yet this is not the time to dwell on that. Who Orthodox men laughing and then scat- police were reported in Golders consequences.” (JTA) knows, perhaps when diverse peoples collectively respond as caring human beings to crises like the Somali one, it might remind us that underneath our political and religious conflicts, there are ordi- AROUND THE WORLD nary people on the ground who share similar needs and dreams. NEWS IN BRIEF Jewish groups have responded, including IsrAid, an Israeli humanitarian aid organisation which LONDON RIOTS SPREAD TO JEWISH COMMUNITY together with American and Canadian Jewish LONDON - Rioting in London has the riots, according to the Jewish bourhoods. groups is helping bring emergency food and water spread to the Jewish community. Chronicle. They were advised that Some observers believe that the to Somali refugees in neighbouring Kenya. Stores in the Jewish communities of they could go to synagogue, however. riots are the result of a weak economy, IsrAID has important experience in providing Stamford Hill and Golders Green were No synagogues have been reported widespread unemployment and deep expert disaster assistance speedily. Aside from urged to close and secure merchandise damaged in the riots, though some budget cuts targeting the poorest com- other places, it was active in the humanitarian cri- on Monday night as unrest that began Jewish-owned stores have been ran- munities. sis following the 2010 Haitian earthquake. There, last Saturday night in the north sacked, according to the newspaper. Prime Minister David Cameron cut its field hospital was the first international team to London neighbourhood of Tottenham A YouTube video showed some short his vacation in Italy, returning to arrive and begin offering medical help to the spread throughout London. Orthodox young men handing out London to convene an emergency needy. IsrAID is working with the UN on practical Residents of Tottenham's Chasidic challah to passing residents from a Cabinet meeting to handle the crisis. details of rolling out aid to accomplish the greatest Orthodox community reportedly gath- cardboard box He has warned of strong action “the effect. ered on the street to heckle police over At least two stabbings were reported thuggery”. We carry the SAJBD’s appeal for donations on Shabbat, The Guardian reported. on Monday night in Stamford Hill. The looting, riots and arson attacks page 4. It has opened a bank account for this pur- But following warnings from local The rioting began on August 6, fol- occurred just kilometres from the new pose. We are sure that the local Jewish community rabbis and the Shomrim Orthodox lowing the shooting of an alleged drug stadiums and athletes' villages being will again respond generously. security service, most members of the dealer, Mark Duggan. The violence constructed for the 2012 Olympic Jewish community stayed away from spread first to youth in poorer neigh- Games. (JTA) 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 11

OPINION AND ANALYSIS - FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS

stiff and inflexible.” In the meantime, however, In accepting ‘67 lines for talks, Netanyahu Netanyahu’s statement has dis- tracted attention from Abbas’ pre- condition to negotiations: a total tries some political manoeuvring freeze on construction in the set- tlements. Even with Netanyahu’s JESSICA STEINBERG upper hand in the international be propelling Netanyahu toward Bradley Burston wrote last week: an concession, Abbas could still push JERUSALEM arena - and at home. peace talks with the Palestinians: immediate return to peace negotia- on the construction issue. On the one hand, merely articu- the growing social movement that tions. In the end, Gilboa said, despite IN THE never-ending game of lating this new position appears to has seen massive demonstrations “This is the time,” Burston wrote. Netanyahu’s new position, every- diplomatic chess played by Israeli be a significant shift for the prime over the high cost of living in Israel, “His party and his government are one’s hands were tied. and Palestinian leaders, Prime minister, who initially described particularly housing prices. laying back, uncharacteristically The Palestinians are determined Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last those borders as “indefensible” In the past few days, some 300 000 silent, waiting for him to take charge, to go to the United Nations, but week made a new move to try to when President Barack Obama Israelis have turned out to protest make a move bold enough to meet Netanyahu’s statement makes a outflank the Palestinians. suggested in May that the pre-1967 across the country, and many are the challenge of the nation’s broad- rejection of negotiations more dif- On August 2, he said that Israel lines - with agreed land swaps - camped out in tents on Tel Aviv’s est social movement in memory.” ficult. Netanyahu has spent much was ready to use the pre-1967 lines should serve as the starting point leafy Rothschild Boulevard. A few Shmuel Sandler, another re- time in recent months trying to as a rough starting point for discus- for talks. weeks ago, a Facebook-driven searcher at Bar-Ilan’s Begin-Sadat convince European leaders to sion of a Palestinian state - if the “It’s a very serious move,” said protest against the high prices of Centre, said the protests in Israel abstain from, or oppose a unilater- Palestinians recognised Israel as Bar-Ilan University political scien- cottage cheese, an Israeli staple, also have prompted Netanyahu’s coali- al Palestinian bid at the United the Jewish State and back down tist Eytan Gilboa, a senior re- drew mass popular support, and the tion partners to rally behind him Nations for statehood recognition. from their plan to petition the searcher at the Begin-Sadat Centre price subsequently dropped. because they don’t want to fall prey This week, he met with 19 visiting United Nations for statehood recog- for Strategic Studies. “For him it’s If Netanyahu wants to deal with to early elections, which paradoxi- diplomats in Israel, urging them nition in September. quite a concession to make because the protests that have grown with cally may strengthen the prime min- not to vote for unilateral recogni- Analysts are divided over after Obama proposed his platform each week, he “has to draw the one ister’s hand in peace negotiations by tion, saying it could make future whether this constitutes a real shift for renewing negotiations, Bibi card that no one is expecting, the giving him enough flexibility to negotiations more difficult. for Netanyahu, or whether he’s rejected it. So he has changed his card that can outflank his oppo- make headway with the Palestinians The Europeans are key. Without merely trying to call the tune.” nents on every segment of the polit- despite right-wingers in his coali- European backing, a vote in favour Palestinians’ bluff and gain the Another, domestic element may ical spectrum”, Haaretz columnist tion, wary about concessions. of Palestinian statehood support- It’s still not clear whether ed mostly by Muslim and develop- Netanyahu’s August 2 statement ing countries, would be seen as Some analysts say represents a substantive shift or a lacking in moral authority. demonstrations by tactical move. Tactically, the Obama already has indicated appearance of being flexible on the that the United States will oppose Israelis protesting issue of the borders could help build a UN vote for Palestinian state- social inequalities international pressure on the hood, and congressional leaders and high living Palestinians to return to the negoti- are threatening to cut off aid to the costs, as shown ating table and against a Palestinian Palestinian Authority if it goes here in Tel Aviv on statehood bid at the United Nations. forward with its plans for Aug 6, are pro- “The Palestinians are so hard - September. pelling Prime they don’t want to budge on the Ultimately, Gilboa says, that issue of declaring Israel a Jewish may not make enough of a differ- Minister Benjamin state and they will never accept ence to deter the Palestinians. Netanyahu toward Israel as a Jewish state,” Sandler “Rational thinking is not their peace talks with the said. “This way, Bibi can’t be strong suit,” he said. “The UN Palestinians. blamed if something does happen in move is complicating an already (PHOTOGRAPH: DIMAI September” at the United Nations. highly complicated situation.” VAZINOVICH/FLASH90) “He can’t be blamed for being too (JTA) 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011 ARTS MATTERS Setting the table for TAPESTRY a special Shabbat, COMPILED BY Flora (Janet ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE ROBYN SASSEN Hampton Carpede) Call 084-319-7844 or and Sara (Annabel Linder). (PHOTO- [email protected] at least one GRAPH BY RUPHIN week prior to publication It leaves you COUDYZER) Artisan Contemporary Gallery, Morningside, with a full heart Durban: Hand-coloured linos by Theo Paul Vorster through Show: The Table (The Laager, Market Theatre, August, (031) 312-4364. Newtown (011)832-1641) Cast: Janet Hampton Carpede; William Harding; Cinema Nouveau, Annabel Linder; Khabonina Qubeka; Karin van der Rosebank, Johannesburg: Laag; Brian Webber The Israeli film festival, until Director: Sylvaine Strike August 18, (012) 470-3513. Playwright: Craig Higginson and the cast. Design: Sam Sklair, Dan Selsick (music); Chen Cinema Nouveau, V&A Nakar, Sasha Ehlers (set); Nomvula Molepo (light- Waterfront, Cape Town: ing), Brian Webber, Sylvaine Strike (costumes) The Israeli film festival, Until: September 18 matriarch, with roles British OBE-awarded Julie tically and poetically. The emotive nuances of the August 19-25, (012) 470-3513. Walters has reprised. Shabbat brochas are not compromised. Nor do REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN It’s not about physical resemblance: Like they become pedantic. Similarly the rules of Elizabeth Sneddon Walters, Linder embraces the vulnerabilities and klezmer are articulated with freshness and con- Theatre, Durban: Kander YOU MIGHT look wrecked when you leave the the- strengths of the elderly woman with such a full text, rinsing through the work memorably, blend- and Ebb’s “Cabaret”, directed atre after this play; your heart will be sated. The heart, you weep with her sorrows and weep also ing clarinet and percussion. by Steven Stead, until August Table is woven with enchantment, commitment to with her nachas. The only anachronism is the backdrop; your 28, (031) 260-2296. truth and generous collaboration. The whole cast holds the work with intelligent eye might digress to gaze at this dangling mass of Iziko: SA National Set on a Shabbat commemorating the first esteem, not devoid of humour and violence, evok- what could be drapes allowed to decay on a win- Museum, Cape Town: yahrzeit of a family’s husband and father, the play ing how Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem mingled dow, or the synthetic intestines of a vast monster. “Tretchikoff: The People’s focuses in narrative, gesture and choreography on magic with baseness. Indeed, in some of the cho- It challenges the work unnecessarily. Painter”, curated by Andrew a table. It’s flawed, as is each of the members of reography - and there is an unspeakably fabulous The Table sheds complex, culinary but not dis- Lamprecht, until September this family, torn and buffeted as they are by pas de deux between the maid Flora (Janet respectful light on Jewish culture. It reveals 25, (021) 481-3970. apartheid, the pressure of conforming and the Hampton Carpede) and Sara - the drawings of truths that will blast you out of your complacen- shadow of the Holocaust. Chagall are evoked. cy and make you sit up straight: most of this tale Joburg Theatre Complex, Strike has assembled the cream of local thespi- It is impossible to sidestep the finely turned is based on fact. In doing so, it engages stereo- Braamfontein: In the Nelson ans, from veteran Annabel Linder, to brand new interpretations Hampton Carpede, Brian Webber, types of adult children reuniting on a sad occa- Mandela, Latin and Ballroom firebrand, William Harding who debuts in the Khabonina Qubeka (“Doobsie” of Muvhango) and sion, of petulant and selfish Jewish princesses dance extravaganza “Burn quirky role of Levi, the youngest. Linder soars to a Karin van der Laag (“Maggie” of Isidingo) bring and young Jewish men who resort to ill health for the Floor”, until August 14; height we haven’t seen from her, enabling sensible their characters. emotional safety. The ridicule is fond but spot on; “The Pink Floyd Experience”, comparison between her “Sara”, the family’s In blessing Shabbat, the piece is pinned authen- the piece’s magic realism will leave you buoyant. opens August 18, (011) 877- 6800. country it is today; he also tried to understand his Award-winning director Avi Nesher, parents - his mother is a Holocaust survivor. Linder Auditorium, “I had been thinking for a long time to make a Parktown: On August 17 and film that involved the impact of the Holocaust on 18, JPO performs talks about The Matchmaker Israeli society,” he said. Mussorgsky’s Dawn on the PETER FELDMAN Nesher told Jewish Report: “My trip to What fired his imagination was Amir Moskva River, Dvorák’s PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED South Africa is a location scout, plus ini- Gutfreund’s novel, Our Holocaust (2006, Toby ‘Cello Concerto and Borodin’s tial casting, plus crew interviews for In a Press). He contacted the author, and the two col- first symphony. Conductor: CELEBRATED Israeli film director Avi Strange Land. Though the story takes laborated on the project. Bernhard Gueller, soloist: Nesher (pictured) is a busy man. Not place in Mauritius, South Africa has ele- Nesher likened the relationship to “jazz musi- Wolfgant Schmid (‘cello), only will he be a guest at the Israel Film ments of the appropriate colonial archi- cians improvising together, then each goes home (011) 789-2733. On August 20, Festival in Rosebank, Johannesburg this tecture plus good crews and some good and writes his own score.” Yvonne Timoianu (‘cello) and week, where the acclaimed The Match- actors. The Matchmaker is a coming-of-age drama Anthony Preda (piano) per- maker, which he directed, will be “We will be casting leads in London about a boy, Arik (Tuval Shafir), in middle-class form Austrian masterpieces screened, he’s also working on another and Paris but will certainly look at South Haifa in 1968. Nesher describes it as the encounter for the JMS, (011) 728-5492. project to be filmed in South Africa. African actors for various roles. It is for- of Israel with the summer of love when after the Nesher will attend the premiere/ open- tunate that this trip coincides with the ’67 victory there was a sigh of relief and a shift fin The Magnet, Observatory: ing of the festival - a private function for Avi Nesher. festival - my producer is a good man for focus from survival to interest in life. Mark Fleishman directs “The diplomats/the media and close friends of allowing me to interrupt the scout at the Nesher came to prominence in 1979 with the Children and the Bees”, a the Israeli Embassy - on August 11: the festival kicks 11th hour and attend the festival opening. comedy/drama, The Troupe (Halehaka) about an work created as part of the off in Johannesburg the next day, August 12. The “The producer is Jean-Pierre Ramsey-Levi, IDF entertainment troupe. He followed this with a Brundibár project, that first screening of the festival happens to be on a from France, who has produced, among other host of films, including Dizengoff 99. reimagines the Pied Piper of Friday night; all films that are screened on Shabbat movies Total Eclipse.” He then headed for America to study film at Hamelin, engaging children will be repeated throughout the week. The Matchmaker, released last year, premiered Columbia University and returned to Tel Aviv in in genocide awareness, The subject matter of his new film, In a Strange as an official selection at the 2010 Toronto Film 2004 and directed Turn Left at the End of the August 16-21, (021) 448-3436. Land, was covered in a story recently published in Festival and later won the Silver Plaque award at World, a surreal deconstruction of Israel’s immi- these pages, about 127 European Jewish detainees the Chicago International Film Festival. It was gration mythology. This became the biggest Market Theatre, Newtown: buried in the Jewish Cemetery in Mauritius, based also nominated for nine Israeli Academy awards grossing film in Israeli history. In the Laager, “The Table”, on Nathacha Appanah’s best-selling novel, The (including Best Picture) and won three - including directed by Sylvaine Strike, Last Brother. Best Actor and Best Actress. The festival is on at Cinema Nouveau outlets: until September 18, (011) 832- It deals with the British authorities, who ruled Released in Israel under the title Once I Was, August 12 – 18, Johannesburg (Rosebank Mall); 1641. Mauritius, and detained 1 580 political prisoners - The Matchmaker is Nesher’s most personal film August 19 - 25 Cape Town (V&A Waterfront); so far. By using the Holocaust as a dramatic back- August 26 - September 1, Pretoria (Brooklyn Mall); Montecasino, Fourways: In men, women and children - in Beau Bassin prison, drop, he said he explored how Israel became the September 2 - 8 Durban (Gateway). the Main Theatre, Alan 1940-1945. Bennett’s “The History Boys”, until September 11. In childhood to adulthood. When it remains within Eventually, he reaches breaking point. the Studio, “Off Beat FELDMAN these tight confines, Malick shows his mettle and Though much of the day-to-day events are seen Broadway 4”, with Lindy the offering is excellent. through Jack’s eyes, there are segments allocated Abromowitz, Anton Luitingh ON FILM However, Malick is given to veering off at tan- to showing the perspectives of his parents, a move and Paul du Toit, from Peter Feldman gents involving bringing in elements of spiritu- which firms out the characterisations and gives August 19, (011) 511-1988. ality, the cosmos and the future incarnation of viewers a better understanding of the O’Brien the central character. family growing up ordinary in rural Texas. Old Mutual Theatre on the PICK OF THE WEEK Malick conjures up images of breathtaking While Mom is the kind, loving nurturer, Dad Square, Sandton: Conrad beauty, dramatically orchestrated to add impact doesn’t spare the rod. In their own way, they both Koch’s “My-Pro-Doll and The Tree of Life to the narrative’s occasionally disjointed seg- love their children. Nuro-Friends”, a puppet ments. Another aspect is that Mallick tries to frame show for grown-ups until Cast: Brad Pitt; Hunter McCracken; Jessica The story is about a boy named Jack O’Brien the story within a larger, metaphysical context, August 27. Friday lunchtime: Chastain; Sean Penn (Hunter McCracken), the eldest in a Southern something he is less successful at doing because Miro Chakaryan (violin) and Director: Terrence Malick family, as he battles through the innocence of it does not expand the film’s horizons, nor does it Ventura Rosenthal (harp), childhood to his disillusioned adult years, all the reveal a greater truth about man’s place in the August 12, (011) 883-8606. “The Tree of Life” is not the easiest of films to time attempting to reconcile a complicated rela- universe. digest. It addresses so many levels of conscious- tionship with his father (Brad Pitt). The narrative is broken into short interludes SA Jewish Museum, ness and embraces so many ideas and images, Jack is a lost soul in the modern world. He depicting the creation of Earth, beginnings of life, Gardens: “Jiving with that at the end of its lengthy running time, you seeks answers to the origins and meaning of life era of the dinosaurs, and events presaging the Madiba: Jonathan Shapiro’s need to reflect on what its intention is. while questioning the existence of faith. rise of man - sequences that would be more at Mandela”, until November, Renowned director and writer Terrence Malick Malick observes how brute nature and spiritu- home on the History or Discovery channel. (021) 465-1546. has emerged from a self-imposed hibernation, to al grace help shape not only our lives as individ- On the acting side, Sean Penn is wasted as the tackle a truly ambitious slice of cinema and uals and families, but all life on the planet. adult Jack, while Pitt and newcomers, fresh-faced Wits, Braamfontein: In the while it may fail here and there, where dramatic Being the first born, Jack bears the full weight Jessica Chastain, and the outstanding young Nunnery, Claudine Ullman involvement wanes, one cannot ignore its visual of high expectations from his father and he Hunter McCracken, are totally immersed in their and Lara Lipschitz perform and intellectual pull. resents this. He sees his stern, dogmatic father roles. “Curled Up” and “My Uncle At the core is a personal, coming-of-age drama as a dictator and his luminous, angelic mother While “The Tree of Life” remains a fascinating Oswald”, until August 13, that deals with the evolution of a child of the (Jessica Chastain) as a weak character unable to work, one feels it’s too private and personal to be (011) 717-1376. 1950s as he treads the long, weary path from stand up to him. accessible to all audiences. 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 13

TAPESTRY - ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE A poetic novel conjures a small Indian village The Folded Earth by Anuradha let, chillies and curry. form from which to grandstand, only recourse. “There are no Roy (Maclehose Press, R189) Each afternoon, Diwan Sahib - promising sweeping urbanisation secrets hidden from those who his tongue loosened by rum - and development that will exploit escape the Himalaya when it is at REVIEWED BY GWEN PODBREY expands on the India he once knew, the area’s tourist potential. its bleakest: the mountains do not its former grandeur and the rigid Charu begins an illicit relation- reveal themselves to people who FEW COUNTRIES have made so caste and class divisions which ship with a young waiter, who forces come here merely to escape the awkward a transition from antiqui- once ruled the country. the girl to embark on a life-changing heat of the plains. ty to modernity as India, where - Now, the old eccentric notes the course of action for which she is ill- “Through the summer they veil among the filth and squalor of its events in the village with a con- equipped. Diwan Sahib is insulted themselves in a haze. The peaks rural villages, overrun by cattle, temptuous, but amused eye. It is an by a young upstart constable, who emerge for those devoted to them goats, sewerage and mud - the eye which has also noted - with far neither knows nor cares about the through the coldest of winters, ancient shrines and temples of more acuity than Secuira realises - old man’s former rank. the wettest of monsoons. The Hindi gods and the palaces of for- her unhappiness. Yet, for all these disturbances, mountains, Diwan Sahib said… mer moguls still castellate the Other friends include Ama, the ancient, overarching imper- believe that love must be tested by landscape, a stone’s throw from Sahib’s second tenant, a peasant turbability of India prevails. So do adversity.” factories churning out laptop com- woman whose backward son and its secrets, hidden deep in the Anuradha Roy’s writing is poet- puters and cellphones. little niece, Charu, live with her. earth. ic, delicate and deceptive in its And just metres away, where the Illiterate and unruly, Charu’s atten- Showing Secuira one of the bland tone. Maya Secuira, narrat- hovels and rutted roads end, the dance at school is erratic, for her area’s indigenous foxgloves, ing the novel, gives us only rare jungle still teems with leopard, daily duties include goatherding, “Diwan Sahib said… the line indications of the turmoil below wild elephant, monkeys and eagles. mind. but the schoolmistress becomes between medicines and poisons is her forbearant, temperate tone. It is in a small town just like this, And she is not entirely alone: she greatly attached to the child. finely drawn, and this…foxglove, so But the real strength of the novel Ranikhet - north of the Himalayas, quickly befriends her landlord, Then there is Diwan Sahib’s poisonous and so beautiful, in the lies in its descriptive passages, for within view of the mountains bor- Diwan Sahib, a former nobleman nephew, Veer, a trekker and moun- correct quantity, produced digitalis, Roy brilliantly conjures every dering Tibet, China and Nepal - who was once an intimate of the tain guide who leads expeditions of which was medicine for troubles of detail of Ranikhet’s sounds, acrid that Maya Secuira escapes after the province’s rulers, including climbers through the Himalayas the heart. Not devastated hearts… smells and gaudy colours into vivid death of her husband in a climbing Mountbatten and his wife Edwina and is the first man, since like yours or mine: for that there is life. accident. (whose secret love letters to and Michael’s death, to evoke sexual no medicine but death, which too Her sensitivity to the tiny, but It is a very far cry from her for- from Jawaharlal Nehru are still in excitement in Secuira: a sensation the foxglove can provide.’” crucial elements of the region’s mer life: the daughter of a wealthy his possession). she does not altogether welcome. “I These “devastated hearts” are geography, its inhabitants’ make- industrialist in Hyderabad, she has Sahib, a passionate botanist, his- had lost my taste for adventure, my what the novel is really about. shift houses and their pitiful cir- been disowned by her father for torian, alcoholic and iconoclast, impulsiveness. I wished Veer had Secuira’s existence, and that of her cumstances is exquisite. One does marrying a Christian. Now, half- develops a deep affection for his never come, to fling a stone into my fellow village-dwellers, is as fragile not so much open the book as enter maddened by grief, she forces her- young tenant, Secuira, who visits calm pond,” she tells us. as glass. Loss must be borne; it, drawn by her skilful hand into self into the narrow, provincial him daily. There are other changes, too - betrayals - even hideous ones - the heart of India’s penury, its lifestyle of a village schoolteacher. The daily routine of this insular, gradual, but jarring - which disrupt must be shouldered. The pain of flashes of beauty and its enduring But Ranikhet is the village near- impoverished village is both placid the village and Secuira’s hard-won the past, like the injustices and contradictions. And one emerges est to the place where her husband and predictable: festivals come and tranquillity. With national elec- anomalies of the present, must be with a smile that, in the twilight, died and it is remote enough to help go, marked by ribbons, bells and tions looming, the province’s can- digested. could be another expression alto- her push her memories out of her variations in the staple diet of mil- didates choose Ranikhet as a plat- Ultimately, submission is our gether. Schoeman and Korsten separate the men from the boys Concert: Johannesburg Both of them attacked the chor- ate broader contrasts and more pli- performance of Dvorák’s Sym- feeling of expectancy at the opening Philharmonic Orchestra (ZK dal opening of Liszt’s Piano Con- able rhythmic impulses. phony No 7 in D minor, Opus 70, and he contoured the movement to Matthews Hall, Unisa, Pretoria) certo No 1 in E flat major with the As an encore, Schoeman per- the playing was not as alert as the reach a stirring climax at the coda. Conductor: Gérard Korsten kind of resonant force separating formed, in a beguilingly sultry Wednesday evening before in the The Poco adagio was spacious and Soloist: Ben Schoeman, piano the men from the boys. manner, a magnificent transcrip- Linder – the horns were technical- ardent, with a surge of emotional Programme: Music by Enescu, Schoeman launched into those tion of Gershwin’s song The Man I ly under pressure, the principal power after the horn solo. Liszt and Dvorák octave fusillades with all guns blaz- Love, by the Australian born com- flute entered a phrase too early The Scherzo sounded lilting yet ing - not totally clean and a hun- poser Percy Grainger. The sensitive during the Poco adagio, etc. - but positive, nicely pointed rhythmical- REVIEWED BY PAUL BOEKKOOI dred per cent secure, but at least and spellbinding performance of it one could revel in the conductor’s ly with the hint of hesitation in the giving it to us in the right spirit. brought the house down. rhythmic pointing, lyrical ardour opening phrase perfectly executed. TWO-AND-A-HALF years after Yet, as we soon found out, his The concert opened with Roman- and warmth. The powerful finale never sounded being the first South African to win inwardness and musical quality ian composer Georges Enescu’s Korsten created an immediate too Brahmsian. a Unisa International Piano Com- are no less remarkable. Romanian Rhapsody No 1 in A petition (the 11th one presented), Thankfully Schoeman’s way major, Opus 11. This chimerical both the South African music press with Liszt was all but full of aggres- work was given an exciting, colour- and audiences still refer to Ben sive accomplishment. There were ful, analytical interpretation with a Schoeman as “the new boy on the parts of this concerto where he folkloristic impulsiveness which block”. tried hard to freshen-up the hack- demanded close attention from the During the third of three con- neyed bits. One can relatively easi- listener. certs in which this programme was ly be seduced to aim for external Under Korsten’s orchestral paint presented, Schoeman returned to impact rather than seeking out the brush, one notices how foreground the concert hall, the piano and the music’s essence. and background, development and audience where it all happened: Nearer to the concerto’s end, the embellishment are in constant flux Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall in very fast tempo did demonstrate within a framework of often basi- Pretoria, Schoeman’s home town, the pianist’s fine agility, but it did cally bold and clear-cut melodic as well as that of the conductor less for the music due to the fact material. Gérard Korsten. that he had little room to accentu- During this Sunday afternoon 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 AUGUST 2011

Multiculturalism attracts Jews to Canada Communally streamlined and replete with arts festivals, Canada contains the world’s fourth-largest Jewish population; of all its cities, contemporary Toronto is the most popular. It’s a city of cosmopolitanism in all its interstices and possibilities - and is considered the most diverse in the world - in travel promos on it, “multiculturalism” is the buzz-word.

ROBYN SASSEN was then known as New France; it was a rison, the Jewish Canadian population was Jew in an offi cial opposition in the British colony of the Kingdom of France. seeded. Empire. THE JEWISH presence in Toronto was not In the culmination of the Seven Years’ Lieutenant Aaron Hart became a He was expelled from the legislature for always, however, something that could be War, General Jeffrey Amherst spearheaded wealthy landowner and respected commu- taking his oath on a Jewish prayer book in- taken for granted. Up until the 1760s, Jews the capture of the city of Montreal, effec- nity member. One of his sons, Ezekiel, was stead of the Christian Bible. were completely prohibited from living in tively making it British property, and from elected to the Lower Canada legislature in A brother of Ezekiel’s, Arthur Welling- the country. The areaa ththe four Jewish men in Amherst’s gar- the by-election of 1807, becoming the fi rst ton Hart, was the fi rst Jew to have settled in Toronto, in 1832. By 1846, the census indicat- eed 12 Jews lived in Toronto, a nnumber which doubled in the ffollowing year. The fi rst Jewish cemetery was established in 1849; To- ronto’s fi rst synagogue, the Toronto Hebrew Congrega-

OURT tion, was founded in 1856. By PH C

PH C PH 1871, 157 Jews lived in Toronto. OGRA

OGRA The army and fur trade

PHOT PHOT PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY WWW.FILMLINC.COM WWW.FILMLINC.COM COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH werew the primary fi elds into PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY JANESWALK.NET whichw most Canadian Jews in

TheT façade of Anshei Minsk Synagogue - The extraordinary wooden spiral staircase PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG the 19th century turned. By Toronto’s famous CN tower, in the in Toronto, built in 1930. Famous Canadian actor Norman Jewi-of” which dominates the Walker Court in the the 1880s, because of Russian

city centre. POSTCARDSFROMWILDWOOD.WORDPRESS.COM COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH son, who directed “Fiddler on the Roof” Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto. pogroms, a wave of Jewish emi- in the early 1970s. 12 - 19 AUGUST 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 15

gration affected Canadian shores. Jewry in in Germany in 1933, Canada was closed to after the war, allowing some 40 000 Holo- Ten facts about Toronto: Canada fl ourished; between 1880 and 1930, Jews. In addition, anti-Semitism was rife. caust survivors in. By 1961, the Canadian it grew from 1 000 to 155 000. Irving Abella and Harold Troper explain: Jewish population was 260 000; the 1971 • The capital of the province of Ontario, To- Most of these Jewish refugees were in- “…anti-Semitism was a way of life in Can- policy of multiculturalism, introduced ronto is considered Canada’s economic en- digent and were supported by the wealthy ada. Many industries did not hire Jews; by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and gine, ranking alongside New York, Boston Jewish philanthropists, who had come to Jewish professionals were routinely ex- integrated into the Canadian Constitu- and Chicago. Canada a generation earlier. cluded from jobs at universities, hospitals tion, was a breakthrough for all cultural • The city covers 641km2, is 43km from east Career-wise, prospects had altered for and law fi rms. Clubs, resorts and beaches minorities. to west, 21km from north to south and has Jewish Canadians; many kept stores cater- also barred Jewish Canadians.” Today Toronto’s Jewish community, a perimeter of approximately 180km. ing to the needs of railway construction As the situation for European Jews in at 150 000, is the largest in Canada. Fed • According to its most recent census, Toron- workers, most of whom were also Jewish. exile became more and more desperate, so by three weekly Jewish newspapers, it’s a to has a population of some 2,6 million. The railways forged the growth of prosper- did the Canadian powers that be tighten community of the full spectrum of Jews, • Canada has no offi cial religion; support for ity for the towns they fed, including the access to their country; Canada emerged from Haredi, to non-practising Jews, and religious pluralism is an important part fi shing industry on the west coast. from the war with one of the worst records boasts not only religious facilities, from of its political culture. In a recent census, The fi rst major Jewish organisation in the world of Jewish refugee resettle- yeshivas and schools to cemeteries and however, it was established that 33 per cent in Canada was B’nai Brith, established in ment. shuls, to support them, but a rich array of of the population adhere to Christian prac- Montreal in 1875. It remains the Jewish Between 1933 and 1939, she had accept- commercial enterprises, specialising in ev- tices; 16 per cent claim to have no religion community’s primary independent advo- ed only 4 000 of the 800 000 Jews who es- erything Jewish from books to singles, and at all. cacy and social service organisation. caped Nazi-controlled Europe. Communal even jewellery and clothing. • Toronto is situated on the northwest shore Jews, particularly those who had fl ed response to the news of the Holocaust was The city is known for its gay dis- of Lake Ontario. Czarist Russia, were politically articulate; muted for decades, although one in seven trict and its Jewish Film Festivals, and • Toronto’s economy comprises 11 per cent the Montreal branch of the Workmen’s Canadian Jews was a survivor. Chabad exercises a strong and healthy of Canada’s gross domestic product. Circle was found in 1907, an off-shoot of the Canada’s immigration policy loosened presence. Jewish Labour Bund, a non-Communist, non-religious, working class movement, which was outlawed in Russia’s Pale of Settlement. By the outbreak of the First World War, some 100 000 Jews were resident in Canada, over 45 000 of whom were in Toronto. Many of the children of European refugees start- ed out as peddlers, working their way up to establish businesses in retail. As with other migrant Jewish commu- nities, new immigrants gravitated toward the clothing and textile industry, mostly as labourers in sweatshops owned by Jewish manufacturers. This structure enabled a dispersing of Jews from big cities to small towns, where synagogues, community cen- tres and schools mushroomed. The Canadian Jewish Congress was founded in 1919, the result of the merger of several smaller organisations, with the stated purpose of being able to speak on behalf of the common interests of Jewish Canadians and assist immigrant Jews. The First World War halted the fl ow of all immigrants to Canada, and thereafter, Canada shifted its immigration policy to exclude people who were not White Anglo- Saxon Protestants (WASPS) or not rooted in Great Britain, from gaining admission. These laws were also ethnically selec- tive: Jews, Orientals and blacks were on the bottom of the list. By the time the Nazis came to power

Ten tips for when you go to Canada:

• You need a visa to visit. The High Commission of Canada is in Pretoria: (012) 422-3000, and a tourist visa for South African passport holders costs R520. • You might need a medical examina- tion to be allowed to enter the coun- try. This injunction is in place to pro- tect the citizens of Canada. • Unlike the rest of Canada, Toronto has a mild climate. Best times to visit are between June and September, al- though the summers, in July may be extremely hot. Canada experiences long snowy winters. • Considered a city of diversity in many ways, Toronto boasts more than 100 different dialects, from Urdu and Punjabi to Polish and Cantonese, but English tops the list. • At the time of going to press, one Ca- nadian dollar will cost you R7,14. • There is currently a counterfeit con- cern with $50 and $100 bills. If you are relying on cash, make sure you have a good supply of smaller denomina- tions. • Traffi c in Canada is on the right hand side. • Electricity in Canada is 110 volts and 60 hertz. Plugs are the same as those suitable for use in America: the stan- dard grounded socket, with two fl at pins. • Toronto’s tap water is strictly regu- lated and should be safe to drink. However, if the pipes from which the water is supplied were installed in 1950 or earlier, there might be lead in the water. • Johannesburg is six hours ahead of Toronto. Daylight saving begins in the middle of March and falls back to Eastern Standard Time at the begin- ning of November. 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011 Two themes run through SAJBD conference DAVID SAKS Past opening nights have boasted an tage operations of the anti-apartheid 2010” World Cup project, media activism, impressive array of high level local and African Resistance Movement during the assistance to Jewish students and meetings TWO BROAD themes run through the pro- international speakers and this year’s event early 1960s. He managed to escape into exile, with government. gramme of the forthcoming 46th national will be no exception. In 2009, President soon afterwards embarking on an impres- The second recounts the dramatic life of conference of the SAJBD, to take place in Jacob Zuma addressed the gathering, con- sive 40-year career in Jewish communal the late Arthur Goldreich, posthumous the Maroela Room of the Sandton Sun Hotel veying his government’s greetings to the service. recipient of this year’s SAJBD Human on August 27-8. South African Jewish community. This A message from the State of Israel will be Rights Award. Two of Goldreich’s sons, Paul One is a specifically local focus on the time, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe given by Yuli Edelstein, Minister of Public and Amos, will be present to accept the Jewish role in the overthrow of apartheid will fulfil that role. Diplomacy & Diaspora Affairs. Edelstein award. and the ushering in of multiracial democra- The keynote address in 2009 was given by was prominently involved in campaigning The third presentation describes the mak- cy. The other, as indicated by the official con- Professor Irwin Cotler, MP, a world- for Jewish rights in his native Soviet Union, ing of the SAJBD’s new book, Jewish ference title, “Global Jewish Citizen”, looks renowned Jewish parliamentarian and resulting in his spending a number of years Memories of Mandela, an enthralling, copi- at contemporary Jewry in an international human rights activist. This year Michael in a labour camp for political dissidents. He ously illustrated account of the relationship context. Schneider, immediate past secretary-gener- made aliyah in 1987. between Nelson Mandela and South African Traditionally the opening night of every al of the World Jewish Congress and former The opening night programme includes Jewry. The book will be on sale at the open- SAJBD conference, which is open to the director of the American Joint Distribution the screening of three video presentations. ing and a copy will be presented to the Jewish public at large, has been one of the Committee, is the keynote speaker. The first details the activities of the SAJBD deputy president. highpoints of the Jewish communal calen- Born and raised in South Africa, in the inter-conference period, including its The opening night concludes with the dar. Schneider was actively involved in the sabo- work with international Jewry, the “Jewish presentation of the Mendel Kaplan-Eric Samson Communal Service Award, which this year is being presented to Gerald Leissner and Mickey Glass. The award goes to Leissner in recognition of his almost unparalleled record of service to South African Jewry in a lay capacity, including serving as chairman of the SAJBD, Yeshiva College, the Glenhazel and Sandton congregations, Beyachad, the Johannesburg IUA-UCF and the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. Glass is a former long-serving director of the Union of Orthodox Synagogues in Cape Town with an especially fine record in the field of inter-faith relations. The main conference on Sunday at the same venue moves from a South African to a broader, global context. The first session, following on outgoing Chairman Zev Krengel’s chairman’s report and questions, is entitled “SA Jewry and the Global Jewish Family”. Edelstein and Schneider will give presen- tations on contemporary world Jewry in a broader context. The next session, entitled “Diaspora Jewry - Choices and Challenges”, provides specific perspectives from individ- ual Diaspora communities, of which very lit- tle is known in South Africa. The panellists are Claudio Eppelman, director Latin American Jewish Congress, Ralphy Jhirad, chairman of the Indian Zionist Federation and Sammy Eppel, a rep- resentative of the Venezuela Jewish commu- nity. The latter is likely to focus on the diffi- culties being experienced by Venezuela’s Jewry in light of the rising and often govern- ment-sponsored anti-Semitism in the coun- try. In the final session before lunch, entitled “South African Jewry - Roles, Rights and Responsibilities”, the focus switches back to the South African situation. This will take the form of a debate by a “Young Leaders Panel”, comprising popular entertainer Danny K, director of the SA-Israel Forum Wayne Sussman (who will chair the ses- sion), Radio 702 and 94.7 deputy news editor Benita Levin and businesswoman Amanda Krawitz Herson. To reserve your place at the opening night of the SAJBD Conference and receive your reference number, please call Jenni on (011) 645-2521, e-mail her on [email protected]; online booking at www.jewishsa.co.za or . For the Sunday conference, please e-mail or call Jenni for your booking. AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF NON-JEWISH ADL EMPLOYEE SUES OVER PROMOTION NEW YORK - An employee is suing the Anti-Defamation League for denying her a promotion because she is not Jewish. Tonietta Moffet says the ADL will not pro- mote her to assistant director because she is "African American and not Jewish", the New York Post reported on Monday. She filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan seeking damages for discrimination. Moffett spent two years handling the duties of the assistant director in the organ- isation's National Regional Operations Department shortly after she was hired as an administrative worker, the newspaper reported, citing her filing in court. The fil- ing said her promotion was denied due to her lack of "a deep understanding of Jewish culture". The ADL has not commented publicly on the lawsuit. (JTA) 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 Despite the economic downturn, SAICC experiences trade upturn STAFF REPORTER branding opportunities, as well as its web- site and newsletter which appears once ALTHOUGH business globally has slowed every six weeks to connect with other busi- down, the South Africa Israel Chamber of nesses. Commerce (SAICC) has succeeded in mak- The chamber is investigating the possibili- ing 7 000 successful trade introductions ty of a trip to Israel, before the end of the since its inception 12 years ago. year, through which it will arrange meetings Stephen Danziger, CEO of the SAICC, cor- for delegates and like-minded companies. rectly looks as this as “a huge achievement”. Generally, trade between Israel and South “Every week introductions are being done Africa, is on the upturn. in South Africa and with local companies. It Imports in 2009 from South Africa to Israel has become almost a daily occurrence. was $680 million, which rose to $851 million People and companies are wanting to meet in 2010. Imports from Israel to South Africa all the time,” he said. in 2009 stood at $258 million, rising to $412 In the last year, the chamber has million in 2010. increased its activities in both local net- The chamber is promoting trade in specif- working and trade liaisons with Israel. ic industry sectors such as IT, security, water “We have built strong relations with treatment and agriculture. Israeli business organisations and we are Dedicated staff have been employed over looking at improving on this over the next the past six months to research product few years. We are gaining more members areas of opportunity for bilateral trade. and getting better at introductions,” he said. Clive Weil who recently returned from Israel is just one side of the business of Israel after seven years there, has now joined the chamber; local networking is just as the board in an interim advisory capacity. important. His international success in business and his “The markets have been through tough contact network in Israel, would certainly times and clients have taken the strain with add enormous value, said Danziger. the local downturn in the economy which Malcolm Ferguson (former ambassador to was beyond our control. But we have sought, Israel in Mexico) has also joined the Board. and found, ways of reinventing ourselves “He will be providing great value and spear- and giving members new value-added serv- heading the SAICC’s Israel initiative. ices. “We plan to increase our activity in Israel “We do this through regular business and, through our association with the breakfasts where about 10 people get togeth- Federation of Israeli Chambers of er to meet and network. Regular events such Commerce, as well as the ISACC, we are able as cocktail events, a golf day, and whisky to source almost anything for our members tasting evenings, are held throughout the who export,” he said. year. “South African trade has experienced “We also have lots of one-on-one meetings tremendous growth in recent years and we and take members to meet one another, per- would like to see this increase further, espe- sonally,” he said. cially between South African and Israel,” he Members also make use of the chamber’s said. 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011

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

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

SAJBD - SILENCE DURING STRUGGLE ERA, KUDOS NOW... NETWORKING IS NECESSARY TO GET ISRAEL’S MESSAGE ACROSS CLEARLY THE ABOVE Board column in the SA Board is now so very proud of the strong AS A passionate Zionist activist and co-chair- has been reached where we need to call togeth- Jewish Report of July 22, refers. Jewish link with the white activists man of Support Association for Zionism (SAZ), er a top-level meeting of the role-players in During the apartheid years the voice of involved with Liliesleaf and the high having read Daniel Levitt’s letter urging South South African Jewish and Christian Zionism, the Jewish Board of Deputies was con- number of Jewish people whose positive African Jews to stand up in public support of to establish an organisational framework to spicuous in its silence. The Jewish contributions have been largely forgotten Israel, (SAJR August 5), I can only agree with achieve our specific public objective. activists in the anti-apartheid struggle or overlooked! him 100 per cent. It may well be that we require networks like were largely viewed as an embarrassment This is especially so when taking into Stand With Us and AIPAC in the US (outside, to the Jewish community. Ellen Ettinger account the splendid work that he and his co- but co-operating with, our existing official bod- I therefore find it very strange that the East London director of “Companions of Israel”, Ben ies) which will link associations/groups and MERELY A DESPERATE ACTION FOR A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS Swartz, have been doing in the broader likeminded individuals. Christian Zionist community. Such networking could galvanise the many I OBJECT strongly to the front page head- unemployment figures of 5,6 per cent, show However, the important question to be con- hundreds of thousands of Israel supporters in line in your edition of August 5: “With unemployment at its lowest level. sidered is: What practical steps can we our country - ready to defend the Jewish State protests, Israelis are seeking the revival of So who is to blame? Your correspondent is (SAZ/COI/BFP/ICEJ/CFI/Group18 and so against those who are hostile to her existence the welfare state”. correct. This is a multi-faceted problem, but many other South African friends of the and welfare. The headline, in large type, is presented there is little doubt that successive govern- Jewish homeland) take to channel that love of The people and the money could be there, as a clear statement of fact, when in reality, ments are squarely responsible for most of Israel into visible public support? just waiting to be given such a plan and such a it is nothing more than a generalised opin- this mess, not least of all the present Notwithstanding the fact that our estab- format for appropriate public action. ion, based on the views of a single corre- Netanyahu coalition, a motley, dysfunction- lished local Jewish/Zionist organisations are spondent, Leslie Susser. al crew of 30 ministers, representing numer- doing a good job according to their own partic- David Abel I am lucky enough to be able to watch ous factions, of the 120 member Knesset. ular mandates, in my opinion a critical stage SAZ co-chairman, George Israeli television at home and have been fol- This costly ill-fitting Cabinet has allowed lowing the protests very closely from the itself to be bullied and blackmailed by vari- start. ous entities, most notably the “tycoons” WE ALL OWE A WARM THANK YOU TO HATZOLAH AND CAP The reality is that there is a chronic and the growing religious sector who have I OFTEN marvel at the fact that as a percentage police force to understand the gap the Chief shortage of housing in Israel. Some esti- benefited most from the growing economy - of this country, the Jewish population is really Rabbi’s initiative has filled. mates put the shortfall at over 120 000 units. the “tycoons” who threaten to leave Israel if just a dot. However, the impact that we make on It is therefore important to pay tribute to these There is also a chronic shortage of places in they do not receive special tax considera- people from within and outside on a daily basis, two organisations that literally save lives on a schools and kindergartens. tion for their prosperous near monopolies, is infinitely measured. daily basis. Comprised of selfless people who It is reported that there is a shortage of while the religious sector, every year, It is important to give specific praise and risk their own lives for the sake of others, we 80 000 places and thousands of teachers in extracts a greater proportion of the state mention to two organisations, based on the dif- need to appreciate and support these initiatives. kindergartens. budget for its unique social and education- ference they make to both Jewish and non- This year alone I have witnessed scenes There is a massive shortage of places in al needs, with a disproportionately low con- Jewish life. where Hatzolah or CAP is on the scene minutes universities for young people who have tribution in financial terms. Hatzolah came at a time when our provincial before any other emergency response. already served in the IDF. The young secular population are being emergency services were battling to achieve an I was at a shooting closer to home, on a Housing prices have escalated to the squeezed. They have served their country, emergency response time below 20 minutes and Friday night, and the stars of the show again point where Israeli real estate is now have jobs, pay their taxes, yet cannot afford the private providers were carrying the weight were the Hatzolah and CAP brigade, which among the most expensive in the world; to buy or even rent a home. of a collapsing system. made this one different. rentals are unaffordable. It costs thousands On the other side, they see dozens of As the safety spokesman for a political party, While members of Hatzolah and CAP were of shekels to children to private nursery expensive limousines and private jets at the I am unfortunately called to quite a few scenes eating their Sabbath dinners among family and schools and many Israeli students are beck and call of the “tycoons”. in and around the city. I am yet to find a poor friends, at a moment’s notice they dropped forced to study abroad. There are stories of extortion of the response time from Hatzolah, but more impor- everything to assist a gunshot victim - out of Control of both land and the national national budget by the religious sector, a tantly, you might be one of the luckier patients the faith - without complaint or prejudice. budget is in the hands of the government. parade of dysfunctional ministers and their who gets a response from a doctor or surgeon – The source of pride was not only how they For years, both the Israel Land Authority aides in fleets of cars, so they demonstrate! all in a day’s work for them. managed the scene, but more importantly, the and the JNF, the primary sources of devel- Does this make them “socialists?” I think Community active patrols (CAPs) was an response from dinner table to scene was quick- opment land, have deliberately kept the not. I have seen a few socialist and commu- exciting initiative introduced by Chief Rabbi er than an advert break between a TV show. market “short”, raising both land prices nist banners, but for the most part, I see Warren Goldstein. It is with this specific incident in mind that I and the resultant tax windfall accordingly. unhappy but patriotic Israelis demonstrat- In 2000 in a policy paper I advocated the need pay tribute to the heroes of these organisations Coupled with the legendary bureaucratic ing for fairness and equality. for an alternative police reaction unit - a and call on every reader of this paper to do idiosyncrasies of the various authorities, This is not a national call for socialism or responsible unit with the powers of arrest and their bit to ensure these organisations’ success Israel now boasts a chronic housing short- a return to the welfare state. able to complement the police force where the and sustainability. age. latter fell short, namely in training, response We cannot all be security officers and para- This state of affairs reflects the failure of Clive Weil times and proactive patrolling. medics, but we have the power to donate money, a bloated government to look properly after Melrose North, Johannesburg If you take in any given area the number of time and effort. Even volunteering an hour and its citizens and taxpayers - all this at a time minutes spent in priority one crimes, in a year a half for blockwatch duty once a month, could when Israel is prospering and official This letter has been shortened – Editor. you might only have an hour of crime. This make the difference. means that if one is going to foil or prevent a SOCIAL PROTESTS IN ISRAEL HAVE LEGITIMATE GROUNDS crime, the only tactic they can try to rely on, is Darren Bergman I AM a strong Zionist who will support the The housing gaps in Israel are unaccept- the power of proactive patrolling. DA Spokesperson on Safety in State of Israel and its right to defend itself, able and are a result purely of Netanyahu’s We do not have to talk about the state of our Johannesburg as it sees fit and to determine its own bor- dogma. Let Israel go back to a caring econ- ders, until my dying day. omy on which the foundation of Zionism RUSSELL TRIBUNAL: BOMBARD ROGER FRIEDMAN WITH E-MAILS With that said I cannot support Benjamin was formed and don’t throw out the five YOUR EDITORIAL two weeks ago in the SA and tell him and his fellow organisers exactly Netanyahu’s Thatcherite economic policies basic needs every government must pro- Jewish Report, which refers to the Russell what your opinion is of them and the which have resulted in the widest gap vide to its citizens, according to Zeev Tribunal due to take place in South Africa Tribunal. between rich and poor in Israel of any First Jabotinsky’s philosophy: a home, food, during November and also the letters to the The e-mail address is [email protected]. World country. medicine, education, as well as the com- editor about the Tribunal, needs a response. I have been doing exactly that! It’s a disgrace that Netanyahu’s dogmat- mandment of the Torah to care for the And the best way to respond, is to address e- ic policies are at least partly to blame for poorest sections of Jewish society. mails to the person in charge of organising Bennie Katzman Jewish children going hungry - in a coun- Israelis want social security and security the Tribunal, namely one Roger Friedman, Telmond, Israel try where resources are so skewed and I from terror. They voted Netanyahu in, in fully support the social protests in Israel. order to receive security from Arab geno- BEV GOLDMAN HAS DONE STERLING WORK AT THE SAZF This is an across the board demonstra- cide, but now they have to contend with IT WAS with sadness that as a member of the Bev has led two media teams to Israel where tion - it is not only those on the left; it is Netanyahu trying to force a Thatcherite lib- South African Jewish community, and further we have furthered our knowledge of the opera- made up of all of Israel’s poor. Like the cur- ertarian economy on Israel. as a member of the South African Zionist tions Israel is carrying out, the outrageous rent Likud, I believe in free markets to cre- Why can’t there be a party that believes Federation’s media team, I learned of the resig- assaults and insults Israel is reeling back from, ate wealth, but unlike the current Likud, I in social justice and has a strong deterrent nation of Bev Goldman. and how best we can fight the war of words also support government intervention to security policy? I was therefore very relieved to hear that when back on South African soil. support those most in need. Of course, part blame for this poverty while she is no longer at the SAZF, she will con- On behalf of all Media Team Israel members, In the’60s and ‘70s when Israel did have has to be laid at the door of the evil boycott, tinue to lead the media team as she has done so may I say kol hakevod to you Bev, and may you more socialisation, there was not a single divestment and sanctions campaign aimed brilliantly in the years of its existence. continue to lead your team onwards so that we child in Israel that went hungry or was at dismembering Israel and forcing a geno- Under her watchful eye and guiding hands, may uphold the principles we all so fervently without shoes! cidal Arab ruled “one state” called we have learned how to best tackle the media, believe in. During this time Israel was based on love Palestine and ruled by Hamas on Israel’s who so enjoy feasting on bias and outright lies and community, and was a shining example people. concerning Israel and her ongoing fight for sur- Gill Katz to developing nations. I strongly admire the Shas Party for the vival. Johannesburg Who could throw this out to emulate the moral guidance it has given Israel and its policies of Margaret Thatcher, who actual- unwavering support for the poorer sections JEWISH PENICILLIN! A PANACEA? ly spitefully scrapped the provision of free of Israeli society. PERHAPS I should patent a project/plan of Depending on the severity of the condition, milk to nursery schools in the poorest areas incorporating an ampule of Voltaren placed in more than one injection may be needed. of Britain and made war on the poor of her Gary Selikow a 500 mg amp of ampicillin. Voltaren comes in a 75 mg amp and there are own nation. Johannesburg Ampicillin comes in a dry anhydrous powder 101 different generics on the market. form and has to be reconstituted. It is a broad Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin FOR THE RECORD spectrum antibiotic and Voltaren is a non- derivative that covers gram positive and gram- steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Voltaren negative infections. NOT ALL FASTS LAST FOR 24 HOURS has analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory The combination is truly a panacea or also IN LAST week’s issue, we erroneously begin at sunrise and last until sunset. It properties. known as Jewish penicillin. Try this instead of reported that all Jewish festivals and is only Tisha B’Av and Yom Kippur, con- Ampicillin is a penicillin derivative and the just having chicken soup. fasts start on the previous night. In fact, sidered major fasts, that begin the night combination has successfully been used in while most Jewish festivals do start the before and last 24 hours. We regret the sinusitis, sino-bronchitis, tacheitis, acute Dr H D Solomons previous night, the majority of fasts error. pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc. Highlands North, Johannesburg 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 COMMUNITY COLUMNS Vigilance is the ABOVE BOARD Board’s keyword Zev Krengel, National Chairman at all times A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies There have been a number of other cases of Nazi imagery being inappropriately publi- DEALING WITH all cases of anti-Semitism in cised that the Board has involved itself with our society is part of the core mandate of the this year. In one such case, an antique store SAJBD. We take a zero-tolerance approach to selling military memorabilia, had displayed a this kind of behaviour, following up each and Nazi flag outside the entrance, in full view of every incident that is reported to us. the general public. While the sale of militaria Sometimes, the Board intercedes in mat- associated with the Nazi regime is not illegal, ters that may not be directly anti-Semitic in we took strong exception to its being given the sense of overtly targeting Jews, but are such in-your-face prominence in this way, nevertheless extremely offensive to Jewish and the proprietors agreed to move the flag people. Most often, this involves responding from the shop entrance. in cases where individuals or organisations In another case, we worked with the gov- can be said to be promoting the hateful ideol- erning board of a Johannesburg private ogy of Nazism. school in dealing appropriately with a case of Indeed, this is something that all South pupils dressing up as Nazis at a school fancy Africans should find offensive, but given how dress day. Nazism is particularly associated with the In responding to cases of this nature, the genocide of the Jewish people, it is some- Board always has to carefully assess where thing Jews can justifiably feel especially sen- the line lies between where using Nazi sitive about. imagery is legitimate and where it can objec- The latest high profile case in which the tively be regarded as offensive. One cannot, Board intervened, took place last week, when for example, reasonably object when memo- a Pretoria University student radio station rabilia associated with the Nazi regime are sent out a message on a social networking bought and sold by bona fide dealers or col- group including a link to a blog encouraging lectors in the militaria field. It is regarding viewers to “go Nazi”. the use of imagery or engaging in such By this, they meant “displaying oneself in behaviour that gratuitously publicises random places in a standing position while Nazism that we will intervene. your right hand is in the air, and your left This is true, even when such behaviour (as hand makes a fake moustache”. To say the was apparently the case with the above-men- least, this venture was tasteless and inappro- tioned Tuks students) is meant as a “joke” priate. and certainly it is true where the perpetra- The Board formally complained to the uni- tors intend to publically express support for versity authorities, who responded by the Nazis and their ideology. Such acts cross unequivocally condemning the students’ the boundaries of decency, and we will not behaviour and apologising. We will be meet- accept them. ing later with them to discuss positive ways of taking the matter forward. This column is paid for by the SAJBD Rabbinical ‘lekgotla’ spurs lively debate and discussion RABBI ASHER DEREN PHOTO SUPPLIED

SO WHAT do you call a gathering of rabbis? A rabble? Well, there was no rabble at the Orion Hotel and Game Lodge near Rustenburg where 70 of South Africa's rabbis came together for the two-day annual confer- ence under the auspices of the Office of Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein. But there was definitely lots of lively debate and discussion! Delegates at the Rabbinical Conference The crisp breeze blowing through the discussing issues of the day. Magaliesberg mountain regions, didn't cool down the warm camaraderie and passionate will see emphasis placed on the necessity exchange of ideas and strategies that flowed and value of building a Jewish home, with a seamlessly through the many workshops, Jewish partner and values. and presentations (and the spirited games of As one speaker pointed out, the problem volleyball, squash and tennis). isn't intermarriage - that's a symptom of the Of notable mention was Dr Rivkah Blau, problem playing out too late in the game to who drew on her unique experiences grow- be remedied. The real issue is the attitude ing up in the home of Rabbi Pinchas Teitz, and outlook we give our children, in their one of the 20th century’s most prominent upbringing, on what being Jewish means American pulpit rabbis. and how we celebrate it. Among his different talks, her husband, "Matchmaker, Matchmaker..." wasn't Rabbi Dr Yosef Blau of Yeshiva University, background music, but it definitely played in offered a critical perspective of the unique the subtext of the conference with a number challenges that the Jewish world faces today of ideas put forward and agreed on to consol- and the bold leadership the rabbinate needs idate the diverse, yet disparate "single scene" to face them. across the country, to foster more opportuni- Rabbi Baruch Taub of the Bet Avraham ties where people can be introduced to one Yoseph of Toronto, one of Toronto's largest another. shuls, used his many decades in the rab- And while the mind, heart and soul of the binate to offer wise and sage advice in bal- rabbinate were engaged in the intellectually ancing the many acts of the personal and stimulating environment, the body wasn't public rabbinic persona and Rabbi Yosef left out either. From the rigorous exercise on Carmel from Israel brought an interesting the hikes and sports fields, to the mouth- discussion with contemporary halachic watering expertise of Gary Friedman's challenges in the State of Israel. catering, it was a rejuvenating experience The diverse colours in the rainbow of for all of the participants. South Africa's Torah community, came "It becomes more and more professional together with rabbis from many different each year, and I have come away more organisations, shuls and philosophies, join- informed, in touch and inspired," said Rabbi ing together in a remarkable display of our Dani Brett, "and most important, more con- common values and goals, rooted in the eter- nected to fellow rabbonim." nal divinity of Torah MiSinai. Rabbi Gideon Pogrund of SAUJS shared One particularly noteworthy subject was the sentiments of many fellow rabbis in say- the rabbinic mandate of energising grass- ing that "it was a tremendous success and I roots Jewish affiliation and identity. Various certainly gained a lot from it". presenters from Cape Town and A tight schedule packed all of this in, Johannesburg, shared results of recent sur- together with a review on the implementa- veys on these topics in the younger segment tion of last year's resolutions as well as wide of the community and the tragic statistics of arrange of new initiatives for the coming intermarriage. This High Holiday season year, to be launched in the months ahead. 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011

YOUTH TALK Alison Goldberg [email protected]

and good practice so as to achieve a high- Herzlia’s Gary Finkelstein er standard of scientific activities and networking of youth from different coun- tries. shines at ESI 2011 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists sent 12 participants, presenting 10 projects; OWN CORRESPONDENT compete in the national final, eight individual and two group projects. PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED which takes place in Gauteng The 12 were true ambassadors of South in October each year. Africa. THE ESKOM Expo for Young Last year Gary Finkelstein, Finkelstein’s project was “Gas Goes Scientists has been running for a grade 10 pupil at Herzlia, Green: The Utilisation of Biogas from the 31 years and has established was selected to represent the Degradation of Organic Waste Matter to KDL 11th Graders pack to ‘Stop Hunger Now’. itself as the premier exposition Cape Town Expo at the nation- Run Biogas Stoves in the Informal for South African youth to al finals, which was held in Settlements of South Africa”. It won a demonstrate their inventive- Pretoria. He was selected to medal of honour and special award in the KD High Linksfield ness and innovation in the fields participate at the Milset ESI Environmental Analysis and Manage- of science and technology. 2011 Science Expo in Bratis- ment Category. It involves learners from lava, Slovakia. Fellow participant Rashmitha Dave- commits itself around the country, who submit Gary Finkelstein. ESI (Expo-Sciences Inter- chand, from Mondeor High School, science and technology projects national) is held every two Gauteng, also received a special award in again to make SA to 26 regional expositions. It started in years in a different country and is not a her category of “Medical Science”. Her July and ends in September. The winners competition, but a multicultural environ- project was “Indian Herbs and Plants: A ‘a better place’ of the regional expos are then invited to ment, allowing the sharing of experience Way to Control Hypertension”. KEREN ZWICK PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER Bnei brings cheer to abused kids and women JESSICA DU PLESSIS LAST FRIDAY morning, August 4, King David Maddies, channies BNEI AKIVA Linksfield High hosted its annual Women’s Day PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED and some of the kids Assembly. Academic head Lorraine Srage paid trib- from Amazing Grace ute to wonderful women of South Africa today and ON SUNDAY, July 31, almost 50 Bnei Children’s Home, in the past. Gabi Blumberg read out the letter to Akiva madrichim and channichim show off their messy Parliament from 1956 sent from the Women of South joined in to have fun, get messy, being hands after a fun Africa protesting the pass law system. It is thanks to creative, doing something fulfilling and these women’s courage and determination that a day of sprucing up making a difference in the lives of oth- crumbling regime was eventually taken down. the home. ers, all in one meaningful outing. Tarryn Chimes then introduced guest speaker The youth movement had a chessed flank the playground, the jungle gyms The children of the home helped Terry Volkwyn, CEO of Primedia, whose brainchild (kindness) day at the Amazing Grace and the outside walls of the buildings. with the painting and happily watched is Lead SA, a movement towards active citizenry Children’s Home in Eikenhof, near The home, which was previously a as their playground was brightened and an inspiration to all. She explained that the Alberton on the East Rand, to bring dull colour, was left in a mass of bright and beautified. year-old organisation sought to awaken the leader in some colour into the lives of the chil- colours. Murals of trees, butterflies, This outing comes two weeks after each individual. dren who stay there. flowers, inspirational messages and Bnei’s Mandela Day activities. On the Obviously, KDHL, a school synonymous with nur- The home provides a safe haven for even a complete savannah scene, were morning of July 17, maddies and chan- turing “menschen”, is a significant place for such a abused, orphaned and HIV positive painted and have left the home with a nies made peanut butter and jam sand- campaign. The school has been known to be children. Some of the children have more homey and happy ambience. The wiches, using up 60 loaves of bread! involved in an array of charitable and inspirational been victims of human trafficking and wendy house roofs got new coats of They then drove around distributing activities and engagements in all its years and its were brought to Amazing Grace by the white paint, which transformed the sandwiches to beggars and street-sell- learners, staff and alumni, have always given of police after being rescued. area and gave some daring channichim ers. After that, a group of Bnei mem- their best to the less privileged. It is also a temporary shelter for a bit of a thrill to paint. bers joined the public event run by the It is a community school and central to KDHL’s abused women and houses them until Throughout the day there was much organisation Cheesekids at Innesfree doctrine is the concept of growing individuals who they are ready to successfully return to interaction between the members of Park in Sandton where they helped run are positive contributors to society. their communities. The home current- Bnei and the residents. There were a fun day for underprivileged children. Jewish law is said to be an “Ohr Lagoyim” - a light ly houses 88 children. spontaneous soccer matches and lots of • To find out how you can get unto the nations - especially in so far as Jewish peo- Madrichim and channichim spent laughs as many new friends were involved in the next Bnei outreach ple are encouraged, as at KDHL, to be moral, respon- the day painting the wendy houses that made. event, e-mail [email protected] sible and admirable citizens. As South Africans, this is even more valuable, as learners are all too famil- iar with the concept of “ubuntu” - which makes a perfect parallel to the “menschen” the school strives Proud morning for women’s Torah learning to create. OWN CORRESPONDENT true commitment to Torah learning. “Lead SA is indeed an inspiration to our school PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED Dr Blau has had wide experience in and a perfect opportunity for alliance with Pri- high school education for girls and is media’s vision,” said its spokespeople. IN CELEBRATION of the first anni- most in touch with issues facing As such, Atlas Finance Group has partnered with versary of the Shalhevet Programme, young women of today. She shares the KDL in the “Stop Hunger Now” campaign. Yeshiva College Girls’ High School rich Lithuanian Torah lineage that Former Davidian Danny Halfon, daughter of had the unique opportunity of host- most of South African Jewry stems Atlas’ Jack Halfon, came to explain how in South ing international guest speaker Dr from. Africa, a child dies of hunger every three seconds. Rivkah Blau from New Jersey, for a She addressed the audience on “The As she pointed out: “If King David Linksfield gets “mothers and daughters” shiur and role of the Jewish woman” and shared involved, they do it to the best (of their ability).” breakfast on Sunday July 31. Gila Abrams: Ruthie Aronson; Kaylee Lazarus; with them many anecdotes of the mile- The feeding scheme combines finance from Atlas Shalhevet is an extracurricular and Rivki Bank. stones and development of Jewish edu- with the hands and labour of KDHL learners in an learning programme that runs five cation for women. agreement to commit to packing 60 000 meals. mornings and two afternoons a week The event was in honour of the success It was a proud morning for women’s “We at KDHL are thrilled to be involved in stand- in the Girls’ High School. Learners cover of the programme over the past year as Torah learning and the school looks for- ing up as King Davidians and South Africans and a wide variety of topics in both paired well as a tribute to the learners who are so ward to the continued growth and success making a difference in our country,” said the school. learning and shiur settings. dedicated to their growth and display a of the programme. 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 The indefatigable Bev

Goldman will be This 1935 photograph shows four sorely missed at SAZF prominent chazzonim of ALISON GOLDBERG the day: Cantors Isroel “PROFESSIONAL exhaustion!” That’s Alter; Simchah the reason for the surprise resignation of Bev Goldman last Friday from the Steinberg; South African Zionist Federation. Berele Chagy; Goldman headed the media, public and Joseph relations and education department of Badash. the SAZF for nine and a half years, assisted by a group of volunteers “all passionate about putting Israel’s case truthfully in the media”. ‘I remember it well...’ as Chazzan The team’s work on behalf of Israel has received recognition locally and in Israel as well. Emeritus Philip Badash recalls Though Goldman will still play a con- sultative role with the media team and MOIRA SCHNEIDER cal he was. be involved with a number of other CAPE TOWN “And then there was the great Berele Chagy, SAZF projects, she wants a less taxing PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED whom nobody could forget, the ‘sweet singer of schedule. She hopes to continue her Bev Goldman. She is leaving the Israel’, a description given to King David. He work to alert the media team about pub- SAZF after nine and a half years in a A LETTER to the Jewish Report from the grand- came here in the early ‘30s because there was a lished opinion pieces and letters against very hot seat. son of the late Cantor Simchah Steinberg Depression in America and he got a very good Israel, sending research pieces to it and expressing the wish that it would “revive fond salary here. negotiating responses with it. make. I have regrets because I have memories” of a “great period in the history of “The shul where he was chazzan (Beth What Goldman would also like to do given so much to the cause. Part of me South African Jewry”, has had its desired effect. Hamedrash Hagadol in Doornfontein) is to this now is spread her wings a bit and “do loved it. At other times I felt shattered. It has prompted a spell of reminiscing on day called the Berele Chagy shul.” Chagy had something related to editing and writ- “I’ve attended a lot of government and chazzonim of the past by Philip Badash, 85-year- been at the forefront of the golden age of chaz- ing”. She has edited many doctoral the- non-governmental conferences on the old cantor emeritus of the Green and Sea Point zonus in America, in the 1920s. ses and written speeches for communi- Middle East and I would say 95 per cent Hebrew Congregation, who officiated there for Badash laughingly describes him as a “prima ty figures. of those were extremely uncomfortable 25 years. donna” chazzan who only used to sing twice a She has a BA (Honours) in African to sit in on because of the terrible vitriol “The four chazzonim featured in the picture, month. “But the people of Doornfontein used to Politics and a Masters degree in Femi- that came from the majority of the were all actually at my barmitzvah in go around whistling his tunes.” nist Literature. She has lectured in speakers. Johannesburg (in 1938),” he begins. He shrugs Cantor Alter was the chazzan at the African Politics and English (her under- “Their naked hostility towards Is- off the suggestion that their presence must have Wolmarans Street Shul. According to Badash, graduate majors) at RAU and the Uni- rael’s actions, their misperception of been intimidating, saying, “I did my job, I didn’t its design was copied from a mosque in Turkey versity of Pretoria and for several years them, the astonishing amount of igno- care.” as the domes are very good for acoustics. was editor of the “Who’s Who of rance, but worse, the refusal to listen to The four were the top chazzonim in that city in “And then there was my father who was a peo- Southern Africa”. Israel and not even allow it representa- the 1930s and ‘40s, each with his own distinctive ple’s man - he loved the people and they loved Fighting Israel’s case has been an tion in many instances, has been part of style. “They were always top, nobody can him,” Badash recalls fondly. “He was a chazzan of “uphill battle”. Goldman finds the South the job. replace them,” he reflects. the people, not a snob. When he was in a house, he African media very hostile to Israel. “As a media team and as the SAZF, we “They came from Galicia, Russia, Lithuania, would start singing - he sang from the heart.” “Though we have had some victories, have succeeded in getting the true mes- my father from Belarus. They are all still world- Cantor Joseph Badash, who had been a chaz- got wonderful articles in the papers and sage about Israel out in the open and famous.” zan in Poland “from the age of eight or nine”, received apologies from some of them have managed to change the perceptions “Isroel Alter was a dramatic tenor, a was brought to this country by the Jeppe when we pointed out how unbalanced of people prepared to listen. European type of classical chazzan. He also Synagogue in 1935. they were, it has been very difficult.” “Christian Zionist organisations are a wrote compositions, which the chazzonim all All three of his sons became chazzonim, but In five or six cases taken to the Press case in point. We also were able to reach over the world sang and sing today. they didn’t follow the style of their predecessors. Ombudsman, only one case was won. out to children at Jewish day schools and “He has a grandson who is a chazzan in “We already drifted a little to the modern style,” Similarly only one case was won out of to the Jewish community as a whole. Johannesburg, who also sings some of his he explains of his brother Max, who served the three taken to the South African They probably benefited by those arti- grandfather’s compositions,” he adds, referring Great Synagogue, Gardens, for 20 years, and Broadcasting Complaints Commission. cles and analyses, as well as from our to Cantor Avron Alter of the Beth Hamedrash himself. She believes there is an inherent bias conferences and panel discussions. Hagadol Sandton. “We didn’t go to the yeshivot that they did. against Israel in the Press These tended to counter the negativity in “Simchah Steinberg was a very fine musicolo- They were all learned, musically as well. Ombudsman’s office. “It chooses to mainstream media coverage of Israel.” gist, a beautiful chazzan and a helluva nice man “It is important to have your own style,” he overlook blatantly unbalanced report- She has no intention of sitting back. - a real gentleman of the old school. He could adds. “But we inherited my father’s sweetness ing and always tries to find a justifica- Important to her now is keeping her link write music like you typewrite today. and sincerity in singing. tion for not forcing the print media to with the SAZF and her colleagues who “He collected a big library of music. If he “If you can’t sing from the heart, you can have retract their articles and apologise.” have become good friends over the knew a chazzan was in a picture (film), he the most wonderful voice, but it doesn’t pene- Goldman described her resignation years. At this stage she has no idea who would go to that cinema and write the music in trate to the people. You don’t have to have the as an “extraordinarily hard decision to will replace her. the dark that the chazzan was singing, so musi- greatest voice to be a good chazzan.” 22 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011 WHAT’S ON Sharon Akum [email protected] CROSSWORD NO 222 Girls Guide To Rugby” event at the Herzlia Middle NOTE: Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday BY LEAH SIMON prior to publication. school hall at 18:30 for 19:00. Tuition by Toks van der Linde and Gavin Cowley. Cost R180 (includes dinner). ACROSS: 15. I swerve somehow for TV audience (7) Today Friday (August 12) Enquiries: (021) 434-9555 (mornings only) or (021) 1. Make two trips to African grandmother 16. Mean to stay at home and take care of 439-1455. • Israeli Film Festival, Cinema Nouveau, Rosebank, (4) it (6) until August 18. R15 entry - proceeds go to”Vission • Wiser Seminar series: SA Holocaust and Genocide 3. Bare hell somehow in stube (4, 4) 18. An illuminating crime? (5) Mission” charity project. Pre-booking available at Foundation invites you to a seminar by Stern visiting 8. Walk a crooked mile for the boy (4) 19. ---- Sharif, Egyptian actor (4) www.sterkinekor.com or at box office. scholar Eva Hoffman on “Lost and Found in Transition 9. Fruit makes aspic rot badly (8) • UZLC hosts Arnie Levitan on “The Genius Within”, at - Contested Memories and Moving on From Difficult 11. Storm in a teacup? No – but a predica- SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 221 Our Parents Home. Pasts” at 16:00 in the Wiser Seminar Room, 6th Floor, ment for those needing hot water! (6, 2, Richard Ward Building, East Campus, Wits University. 4) ACROSS: Sunday (August 14) Friday (August 19) 13. A tenor is disturbed, being very deco- 1. Weds; 3. Disgrace; 8. Test; 9. Scraping; • UJW Cape Town’s Florentia Group holds its annual rative (6) 11. A happy medium; 13. Daring; 14. Stay Card & Lunch Afternoon. Entrance: R90. • UZLC hosts columnist David Bullard , who will speak 14. Serious learner gets the loose stone up; 17. Misadventure; 20. Travails; 21. on- “Can We Trust the Media to Protect Our mixture (6) Onus; 22. Preening; 23. Bind. • RCHCC hosts the much awaited exhibition from The Freedoms?” 17. Combine one’s aims – and survive SA Jewish Museum: “The Glory of the Game – financially (4, 4, 4) DOWN: • Israeli Film Festival, Cinema Nouveau, V&A Rugby and the Jewish Springbok Minyan”. Until 20. Single girl vies awkwardly for letters 1. Wetlands; 2. Despair; 4. Income; 5. Waterfront Cape Town, until August 25. R15 entry. October 5. (8) Grandstand; 6. Adieu; 7. Edge; 10. Spins a Proceeds go to “Vission Mission” charity project. Pre- 21. Girl to gamble on the hothead (4) yarn; 12. Appeased; 15. You and I; 16. • RCHCC will be screening the multi-award winning booking available at www.sterkinekor.com or at box 22. Deserter finds a greened version (8) Evelyn; 18. Irate; 19. Stop. film “The Year My Parents Went On Vacation” at office. 23. Ruse confuses 19:30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sunday (August 21) employer (4) • JAFFA in Pretoria is hosting their Great Walk/Run • WIZO Johannesburg Aviv’s Reinvention Convention (5km and 10km) at 08:30. Cost R50 (family dis- DOWN: with Danny K, Gabi Baron and Petra Laranjo. Create counts). Phone Rina or Ronny on (012) 346-2006. 1. Divine Athenian – your own personal brand, give your image a in looks, anyway! 8 9 Monday (August 15) makeover! Delicious food. Meet young women from (5, 3) all over SA - under 45s only. Book now - call Andrea • UJW House & Garden Circle has its AGM, 09:30 for 2. Make group leader 10 083- 677- 8999. 10:00. Jackie Simmonds will talk on “Revamping hear – and shine gardens”. Contact: UJW Office (011) 648-1053. • RCHCC presents “Pelham 1, 2, 3 – 3 Sisters in Sync”. (7) 11 • RCHCC hosts political analyst and journalist Moeletsi Ruth, Naomi and Aviva share moving memories 4. Have me return to 12 Mbeki and Helen Rees OBE, who will discuss Mbeki’s through cosmopolitan song. Time: 19:30. ruse and pay a salary (6) recent book, “Advocates for Change: How to • The Sydenham Highlands North Community Centre 5. A pretty undis- 13 14 15 Overcome Africa’s Challenges”. Time 19:30. is hosting a “Working Mom’s Breakfast” at 24 Main turbed place to Street, Rouxville, at 09:00, as a fundraiser. There will • UJW adult education division hosts Ann Bernstein, have a downfall! (4, 16 be an inspiring talk about the challenges of making executive director, Centre for Development & 6) positive choices every day. There will be a catered Enterprise, on “The Struggle for Jobs in South 6. At most, a revision breakfast, pamper hampers, spot giveaways and raf- 17 18 Africa”. of tiny particles (5) fle prizes. Contact Tali on 072-492-0664 or 7. The French gets • SAUJS in conjunction with The Trevor Huddleston [email protected] for more information. 19 CR Memorial Centre, hosts Prof Ben Turok at 19:00 the point – but it’s for 19:30,to launch his latest book “The Historical • The annual Limmud Conference will be taking place not that much (4) 20 21 Roots of the ANC (Understanding the ANC Today)”, at the Riverside Lifestyle Resort at the Vaal River. 10. Paying a crushing at the Sophiatown Museum (73 Toby Street, There are still a few places left for the Sunday. Over 50 compliment? (10) Sophiatown). Donation R20. Copies of the book will sessions and 50 presenters, including 18 internation- 12. Felt bad about be on sale after the talk for R60. RSVP to als. E-mail [email protected] or call 072-356- expensive French 22 23 [email protected] or [email protected]. For 0651 for more details. arrowmaker (8) more information or direction to the venue call (011) Monday (August 22) 673-1271. • UJW adult education division hosts Peter Harris, Tuesday (August 16) author and political commentator, on his book “Birth. • WIZO Fortnightly Forum presents Isaac Reznik and The Conspiracy to Stop the 1994 Elections”, at 09:30. Sudoku Puzzle 38 Stan Smookler, who will take you on a humorous trip Wednesday (August 24) (Hard, difficulty rating 0.62) down Memory Lane. Time 09:30 at Beyachad. Entrance R40. Bookings: Sandy (011) 645-2548. • UJW CT presents Priscilla Nelson, who will talk on “The History of St Luke’s Hospice”. Venue: • The Chazzonus Club will be hosting their “Third Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Cost: R20.00. 925 Annual Dinner and Concert” at the HOD in Orchards. Enquiries (021) 434-9555. Internationally renowned Chazzan Berel Zucker will be performing with Rabbi Chazzan Ari Kievman and • Second Innings presents Prof Amanda Krause on Chazzanim Ezra Sher and Barry Braun who them- “Genetic Disease in the Jewish Community”. 8597 selves are well-known overseas. Tickets are priced at • UJW adult education division hosts Shirley Ancer, co- R250, R350 and R450, depending on the proximity chairman UJW and former Johannesburg City of the seating to the stage. Corporates and others Councillor at 09:30 who will talk on Brigitte Gabriel a who buy a table will be entitled to one free ticket. US-based journalist’s book “They Must be Stopped”, 5786 Phone Lilly on (011) 485-2645. on topics related to the Middle East. • Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home) invites you to the • WIZO Johannesburg presents “Live Magazine” func- play “Flowers Aren’t Enough”, written and performed tion, featuring well-known speakers covering books, by Naomi E Ackerman. Time: 19:30 for 20:00 at health, decor and new trends in cooking. Contact 81 Beyachad. Refreshments will be served. Donation Sandy to book on (011) 645-254. R60. RSVP Barbara (011) 645-2591 or email her: Friday (August 26) [email protected] 9684 • Second Innings Men’s Group meeting takes place • UZLC hosts Victor Gordon on “Tchaikovsky’s today, due to the public holiday on Tuesday August 9. Women”, at Our Parents Home. George Jameson will speak on “The Important Role • Israeli Film Festival, Cinema Nouveau Brooklyn of the Older Jewish Community”. Time: 14:15 for Mall Pretoria, until September 1. R15 entry. Proceeds 63 14:30. Venue: Our Parents Home. go to “Vission Mission” charity project. Pre-booking • SAZF is holding the second semester of the Morris available at www.sterkinekor.com or at box office. Rutstein evening Hebrew ulpan course until Tuesday, Saturday evening (August 27) November 29. Times: Every Tuesday night 19:00 - 45 8 3 21:15. Venue: Yeshiva College (classrooms), Corner. • SAJBD Conference kicks off at the Maroela Room of Long Avenue and Ridge Road, Glenhazel. Secure the Sandton Sun and Towers. It carries on, on Sunday parking. August 28. For details phone the SAJBD offices. 6713 Wednesday (August 17) • WIZO Tzabar hosts a karaoke evening. Contact Sima 072- 338-1185. • UJW adult education division in CT hosts Erin Silke on “My Life as Artist and Self-Centred Nerd”. Venue: Sunday (August 28) 12 6 Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. R20 includes • SAJBD Conference at the Maroela Room of the refreshments. Enquiries: (021) 434-9555. Sandton Sun and Towers continues. For more details phone the SAJBD offices. • HOD Lodge Negev is holding its annual bingo * Answer to follow 953216784 evening at the HOD Centre Orchards,19:30 for 20:00. • Friendship Forum for Holocaust Survivors, presents with next puzzle R150 per person includes five games and refresh- “The March of the Living”, an audiovisual presenta- 721849365 ments. Contact Joel Goldstein 082-857-3107 or the tion by a survivor. Time: 10:30. Venue: Gerald Horwitz Centre on (011) 640-3017. Lounge Golden Acres. 486375219 • SFCC presents Margaret Rawicz on “My Trip to the • WIZO Johannesburg presents: “What You Always 849763521 Arctic in a Boat” at 10:00 at Sandton Shul. Wanted to Know, but Didn’t Know Who to Ask” 675128943 • UJW adult education division hosts a visit to the Explore women’s health issues with Prof Guidozzi, Kim Sacks Gallery, 153 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, “Is It Time for me to Give Men-A-Pause?” and Prof 312594876 Jenkins, “Do My Genes Still Fit?” Time: 10:00. Johannesburg, tel (011) 447-5804. Meet at the 134987652 gallery at 10:00 for 10:30. Venue: HOD. R180, includes delicious tea and prizes. All proceeds to WIZO beneficiaries in Israel. Note to readers: Our bridge column and 567432198 Thursday (August 18) Book your tickets now! Contact Andrea on 083- our Sudoku puzzle alternate week by week. - Puzzle 37 Answer • UJW Cape Town’s Kesher Group will be holding a “A 677-899. 298651437 12 - 19 August 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 23 GENERAL ACCOMMODATION TO LET/SHARE

BRAMLEY AROUND Garden bachelor cottages THE R2750p.m Rouxville 1.5 and 2.5 bedroom flats WORLD R3750/R4750 all rents incl elec/water. NEWS IN Immed 1 Aug. Tel: 012-346-3642 BRIEF ClassifiedsTo book your classified notice or advert contact: Tel (011) 023-8160, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] 078-789-9736 tIMPORTANT NOTICE - The Jewish Report runs adverts in the Classified section in good faith, however we would like our readers to know we cannot be ISRAEL responsible for the quality of services offered and claims made. BOYCOTT GREAT place... HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: 1. Only adverts sent via email to [email protected] will be accepted. 2. You will be advised on cost & payment details. 3. SUPPORTERS Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT is Tuesday 12pm. If deadline is missed the advert will appear (when payment is check! AMAZING ARRESTED FOR received) in the next edition. Our banking details: SA Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405 location... check! VIOLATING BAIL NOTICES SERVICES LIFTS LIFTS REPAIRS INSANE extras: COMMUNITY NOTICE HEALTH & BEAUTY foosball table; BRIAN K LIFT FLYING TO CAPE TOWN MELBOURNE - table tennis Four pro- Interested in SERVICE & COURIER Let me fetch you from COMPUTER Playing cards, “AIRPORT SPECIAL R140” the airport table; furniture; Palestinian sup- CHIROPODY Secure, comfortable & safe. REPAIRS Rummy/Poker Any time to any place! dstv; maid... porters of an Anywhere 24/7. (JHB – PTA) Contact Best Rates UPGRADES & Israel boycott PEDICURES Call Brian on CHECK!! all Joe Rubenstein Mel Gottschalk were arrested in 072-366-4262 082-396-0370 LESSONS needed is a 078-272-4915 MANICURES Melbourne for [email protected] roommate. breaching bail CONSECRATION WAXING KEEN?? conditions fol- IRENE'S SCHLEP PC Tune Up lowing a protest SERVICE Justin Brivik Call Ruth now Special -R250 outside a Max I will take you anywhere: (011)762-2502 Brenner choco- (011) 616-4305 School, Shops, Doctor, Friends Virus Removal -R350 082-693-7484 late shop. and Airport. Honest and A spokesman Trustworthy justin@ for the Victoria Schlepped by Irene LIFTS powermet.co.za Police confirmed 072-356-0282 FASTFIX Silver that the four pro- Not on Shabbat COMPUTERS VACANCIES ponents of the AIRPORT SERVICE repair & SAM Boycott, JHB IVAN WANTS TO replating EMPLOYMENT Divestment and LIFT YOU !! 076-656-1912 EXCHANGE Sanctions cam- CAPE TOWN (011) 334-1102 paign who Punctual, Reliable, Energetic 64 years,male Reliable, appeared on SHUTTLE Trustworthy. TUITION & EDUCATION or 082-473-6040 sober habits seeks employ- Reasonable Rates! ment in retail as manager . Tuesday in COMING TO JHB/Sandton/ Melbourne’s Contact Arnold, O.R. Tambo/ Locum / Full time. Have 40 082-447-0185 CAPE TOWN? years experience. Owned Magistrate’s PERSONAL AFFORDABLE Lanseria own business successfully. Court were 011-454-1193 Cell: 082-962-5007 Theo 082 419 3210 among the 19 SOULMATES RATES. REAL ESTATE activists arrested COUNTRYWIDE MANY Very Competent, efficient on July 1 outside GAUTENG /CAPE/ AIRPORT LIFTS AVAILABLE young man seeking BUSINESS employment – Admin, Data the Israeli choco- DURBAN/ For all age groups and to all Airport TRANSFERS Capturing (database), latier in down- PLETT MEMBERS areas in Jhb, Sandton SCHOOL Reception, IT and Office town Melbourne. RESULTS 183 COUPLES FROM R200 and Airport. MARRIED 402 COUPLES Shuttle support. Willing to help with Police say they Contact Johnny MATCHED! NEW e-mailing, typing and typing were among Tranfers 082-328-3070 or www.rebs.co.za MAZELTOV TO ABE & DORA, JOE & of CV’s or wherever I can. more than 300 COMFORTABLE 082-876-9042 ANN ON YOUR ENGAGEMENTS from R150 Young male willing to deliv- protesters who BEAUTIFUL/ HANDSOME/STUNNING VEHICLE er pamphlets, all areas! marched on July SINGLES TO MEET Reasonable, Reliable LIFTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE At a nominal fee. PHONE ANDY 29 on the Max pretty lawyer 25yr; millionaire 65yr; LIFTS FOR ANY REASON. MISCELLANEOUS HANDYMAN Anyone interested please doctor 29yr; airhostess 28yr; glam SAM 082-336-9780 Areas: Sandton, Jhb, Airport, contact: David M Frost Brenner store, exec 52yr; C.A. 28yr; 54, 65, 72yrs (011) 728-5219 Centurion, Midrand & Pretoria. NO JOB TOO 073-345-4077 thereby breach- millionaire; CEO 54yr; librarian Reliable and trustworthy CASH PAID ing their bail 083-627-8516 Very Competent, efficient 58yr; pharmacist 67yr grad 38 & CHELSEA CHAUFFER Call Hymie 082-816-8178 ODD!! conditions. More young man seeking 49yr; social worker 43 yr; models My rates are fantastic, my car is IMMEDIATELY than 10 of the 19 employment – Admin, Data 28,51,33yrs; pretty CEO 31yr; ele- A-TAXI SERVICE brand new. Reasonable rates activists arrested Capturing (database), gant exec 63yr; gent 64yr likes Let Warren Pogorelsky chauffeur All that is missing is a call from For Gold, and reliable. Reception, IT and Office on July 1, had overseas travel; librarian 33yr; you to your destination in Jo’burg you. support. Willing to help with been ordered by plumber 46yr; lawyer 37yr; beauti- Beegone Bee-Romoval ! and back only R100 round trip. ABE 082-574-9010 Jewellery, e-mailing, typing and typing the courts not to cian 34yr; pretty estate agent 45yr; Tel: 082-399-6187 of CV’s or wherever I can. come within 50 advocates 31, 45, 58yrs; pilots 62, EXCELLENT, RELIABLE Coins, Carl Meyer: Gavin Meltz metres of the 36yrs; pretty hairdressers 26, 34, DRIVER AT YOUR Tel: (011) 485-4683 / chocolate shop. 58yrs; estate agent 60yr; BEST SERVICE 082-337-7237. SERVICE Diamonds (011) 640 2357 Omar Hassan, Engineers 48, 32yrs; pharmacist Modern spacious vehicle To lift you anywhere/ Cell: 072-232-7569 56yr; consultant 48yr, secretary who was among Pax 6 anytime 24 hours. for an PROPERTY TO LET [email protected] the 19 activists 56yr; director 55yr; pretty vet 43yr; Call Gershon CEO 49yr; grad 46yr; Lawyers Convenient and Safe ACCOMMODATION TO LET/SHARE People seeking employment arrested on July 071-974-5573. honest deal may place a free advert of 29/33/39/46/56/68yrs Transfers from A to B 1, said the four 20 words maximum. Send were released on MANY MANY SINGLES EX-ISRAELI SERVICEMAN SMILE-LEE'S LIFTS FLAT TO LET wording to britt@sajewishre- Pip Friedman Call Piero port or fax: 086-634-7935 bail, with three WANT TO U!!! Offers lifts to airport and A reliable lift service. 1 Bedroom upstairs flat CALL SANDY NOW 2 Specialising in lifts to and from paying a surety 083-267-3281 appointments etc. 083-675-7069 with private entrance and CHANGE YOUR LIFE Don’t drink and drive. airports, shops, appointments, VEHICLES of $2 000 and one [email protected] undercover parking Atholl. (011) 485-4034/ ALL HOURS! casinos and courier. ordered to pay Occupant must be prepared WANTED 082-357-3616 www.dialalift.co.za Call Neil 072-050-9927 Call Charna 083-391-6612 HOME SERVICES an extra $8 000 to stay on as a house minder by next Wed- GENERAL during student holiday IF YOU WANT TO nesday. “It’s definitely APPLIANCE REPAIRS periods. BUY OR SELL ONSITE The rent is R4000 incl.W/L an attempt to A VEHICLE silence these pro- Stoves, washing machines, Please email tumbledriers, dishwashers & testers,” Hassan samoosa711@ Contact: said. fridges. Free Quotations! gmail.com Call Jason 082-401-8239 Solly Kramer The protesters 082-922-3597 are scheduled to reappear in court on Sep- ARE YOU tember 5. IMMIGRATING The arrests OVERSEAS AND come as the WANT TO SELL Victorian Liberal government YOUR VEHICLE? asked Australia’s competition watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, to investigate Please Contact whether the boy- Solly Kramer cotters had bro- 082-922-3597 ken Australian law.(JTA) anytime 24 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 - 19 August 2011

than anybody - good line and length.” He also said that England captain Wally Hammond used to compare him to Maurice It’s ton up for our Norman! Tate, who was also a right-arm medium fast bowler. JACK MILNER England needing just 42 runs for victory, There were a number of tributes, headed with five wickets standing. up by a touching message from Vince van der A YEAR ago I was berated for not carrying a Norman set a record which still stands Bijl whose father played cricket with Gordon. story on former South African Test cricketer today. He bowled 92,2 eight-ball overs. West Indian cricketer Brian Lara, who Norman Gordon when he turned 99. “I don’t Translated into simple numbers that means recently met Gordon at Houghton Golf Club, do 99,” I responded rather defensively and, I he bowled 738 balls in a single Test match. called to wish him happy birthday. Dr have to admit, somewhat thoughtlessly. “I’ll Nobody has ever come close. Mtutuzeli Nyoka, president of Cricket South wait until he gets to 100.” Now he’s the oldest “You couldn’t get any movement off the Africa, presented Gordon with a specially living Test cricketer in the world. wicket,” said Gordon. “It was like bowling on minted commemorative gold coin from the The way, when Gordon turned 100, arrived glass. It wasn’t important that I only got one International Cricket Council and comment- last Saturday, August 6, and I was privileged wicket. I was doing what I loved - playing ed: “Norman Gordon is a true South African to receive an invitation from Dr Ali Bacher to cricket.” hero.” attend a special celebration to pay homage to This was his final Test match. Gordon is Adam Bacher presented Gordon with a gift this remarkable centurion. the sole survivor of the TImeless Test, and from the Israeli Cricket Association and The function was held in the Long Room at the last living person to have played Test chairman Harold Magid, conferred the the Wanderers Cricket Stadium and was cricket before the Second World War. He is “Freedom of Houghton Golf Club” on both attended by some of the major role-players in also the only Test cricketer to ever reach the Gordon and Brian, which gives them the use South African cricket over the years. age of 100. of the facilities and restaurants for no As expected, many speakers used the well- For the record, the next in line to claim the charge. worn expressions about Gordon having title of oldest living Test cricketer is another “Golf has always been an important part of reached his century, a rare feat for a bowler, South African, Lindsay Tuckett, who is - in his life. We will also be playing each year for but Ali Bacher spoke about some good cap- comparison to Gordon - still a spring chicken a new trophy - the Norman Gordon tain’s advice he had given Gordon last year. at 92. Alliance,” commented Harold. A day earlier Jeppe High School for Boys, “I told him that on 99, he should not do any- Former cricketer Norman Gordon with Dr Neil Adcock, by comparison, played in 26 thing rash. Don’t go for hook shots and don’t Tests and was the first South African bowler the school Gordon attended, organised a spe- play reverse sweeps. Just nudge them one by Ali Bacher (right) and Adam Bacher at a to take 100 wickets. “Norman was still play- cial day for him at the school. The entire one into the gaps. function to celebrate his 100th birthday ing in 1951 when I was coming through and school attended and three of the previous “Fortunately he’s got to his century, held at the Wanderers last Saturday. (PHO- we played provincial cricket together,” he headmasters were also there. The scoreboard although, with all the cold weather, we did TOGRAPH: DUIF DU TOIT/GALLO IMAGES) said. at the school was named after him. have a couple of close calls. His son, Brian, When Gordon was asked if there was any The final word goes to Gordon, who got up got him to hospital and we had to call for the out: “I just wanted to play cricket.” modern-day bowler who was similar in style to thank everybody for the wonderful recep- third umpire and luckily Norman got better In 1938 he was called up to the South to himself, he responded immediately: “My tion. “I promise you, I won’t ask for another and he’s here tonight in great spirits.” African team to take on the touring England bowling was nearer that of Shaun Pollock one until the next 100 years.” Among the players who came to celebrate team and he played in all five Tests. the evening were six other fast bowlers – Neil In the first Test, he took his best Test fig- Adcock, who played with Gordon in 1951, ures of 7 for 162, including 5 for 103 in the Peter Pollock, his son Shaun, Mike Procter, first innings. He was stumped by Les Ames Fanie de Villiers and Mkhaya Ntini. off the bowling of Tom Goddard for a first- Also at the function was one the greatest ball duck in the drawn match. In the second batsmen of all time – Graeme Pollock. match he took 5 for 157 in England’s only “Five of these bowlers live away from innings, but was again stumped by Ames off Johannesburg and when I called them to the bowling of Goddard for 0 in another come to the function they all accepted with- drawn match. out any reservations,” said Ali Bacher. Included in that batch of wickets, was that Among the guests were former South of Len Hutton – twice! In fact, Hutton African Cricket Board Chairman Joe referred to him as the best South African Pamensky, South African Breweries chair- bowler he had ever faced. man, Meyer Khan, and Sascoc president, In the third match, Gordon took 2 for 127 in Gideon Sam. England’s only innings and was out for 1 and As he came into the Long Room, Gordon 0, falling to Ken Farnes and Hedley Verity, as was introduced to all the dignitaries and as England won by an innings and 13 runs. In he came up to Neil Adcock he quipped: “I’m the fourth match, he took 2 for 47 and 3 for 58, glad I didn’t have to face you!” but did not bat in the drawn Test. It was in 1934 that Gordon was first called In the final Test Gordon took match figures up to play for (then) Transvaal, but it was an of 1 for 256 and was not out in each innings, inauspicious beginning. It was his first time scoring 0 and 7. That match in Durban was on a grass pitch and Gordon had a bad game. the famous Timeless Test, which took 10 days It was not until 1937 that he was recalled to and was eventually drawn by agreement as the Transvaal team and in that year they won the British team had to board their ship for the Currie Cup. their journey home. The threat of war was There was no money for them in those looming in Europe and as the tourists had to days, but Gordon did not care. As he pointed get home, the match was called off with Cricket great Ali Bacher for Maccabi Stag PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER

FORMER UNITED Cricket Board chairman, Dr Ali Bacher, will be the guest speaker at Maccabi Stag on Wednesday, August 17. Bacher needs little introduction to local cricket followers and with all the issues going on in local cricket circles, it will be interesting to hear his take on the current events and investigations. In addition, Maccabi South Africa will be making a pres- entation to Norman Gordon, who turned 100 last Saturday and they are hoping to have him present at the Stag evening. The talk will take place at Beyachad in Raedene, and for catering purposes, those interested in attending, are asked to please confirm their attendance with the Maccabi office, on tel: (011)-645-2557; fax: (011) 458-1011; or e-mail them: Dr Ali [email protected] Bacher.