August 7 2015 / 22 Av 5775 Volume 19 – Number 29

days to go, south african until the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards 2015. Jewish Report 16 www.sajr.co.za Teenager’s death mourned by a nation Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90 Yonatan Photo:

Israelis are pictured mourning at a vigil for 16-year-old Shira Banki, who died last Sunday, three days after being stabbed at last Thursday’s Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade. Five others were injured in the stabbing. “It never crossed our mind that Shira would be murdered as a symbol,” her parents said in a eulogy on Monday. “An unnecessary death of a young girl, innocent and full of good intentions and deeds. A death that gives us and hundreds of other people sorrow and pain as deep as the sea, without end or benefit.” The alleged assailant, Yishai Schlissel, a haredi Orthodox man from Modiin Ilit in the , had been sent to prison for committing a similar stabbing at the same parade in 2005. Schlissel was freed from prison for that crime last month. He is now in custody. ’s leaders condemned the attack. Prime Minister promised to “deal with the murderer to the fullest extent of the law”. The attack has prompted calls for legislation that would protect LGBT rights, as well as an end to denunciations of LGBT Israelis.

Abuse at school: Jewish day Netanyahu’s focus Limmud 2015 sets the Israel trip opens minds Nuclear deal: What can Iran schools are proactive homeward benchmark very high – hide in 24 days? again Four participants in the recent Over the past 10 years schools Benjamin Netanyahu has suddenly “Young South African Leaders” US Congress has until mid- to late have lifted the lid on all kinds found himself facing down a Another highly successful visit to Israel and the Palestinian September to consider whether of inappropriate behaviour and terrorist threat – apparently from Limmud conference took place territories, shared their to reject the nuclear restrictions Jewish day schools are at the Jews. Netanyahu has fiercely over the weekend at the Indaba experiences and insights with for the sanctions rollback deal forefront of monitoring abuse on condemned a predawn arson Hotel and Conference Centre in Gauteng Jewish leaders and reached by Iran and six major the part of the teachers or other attack in the West Bank village of Johannesburg. This was the 10th community members at a report- powers on July 14. Some of the staff members. Duma, which killed an 18-month- Limmud conference and it is back evening last week Thursday. debate is over the meaning of old Palestinian boy. growing from strength to strength. certain provisions in the accord. Jewish terror draws 3 6 8 10 15

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SUZANNE BELLING to put down poison to kill rats. This was because killing was not a Jewish The Internet and newspaper classified act and should be avoided directly. sections are chock-a-block with adver- Rabbi Yechezel Landau (Yoreh tisements urging people to adopt pets Deah 10) prohibited hunting and - especially dogs and cats - but there Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Da’at) are also horses, ducks, rabbits, budg- forbade watching traditional Spanish ies, monkeys, even Bearded Dragons bullfighting. In days of yore, even if and snakes. an ox had killed a person, it could Most pets are acceptable according only be put down on the decision of to South African law, except tortoises 23 dayanim (judges). and other indigenous animals, says The veterinarian said dogs should an observant Jewish veterinarian be kept inside unless suitable shelter who does not want to be named for was provided. professional reasons. “The unusual Regarding human consumption animals are bred in captivity and are of meat, he said the Noachide Laws, used to living this way - so there is no incumbent on all people, prohibited problem having a pet that is differ- meat to be cut off a living animal. ent,” he said. In keeping with the stringent The SPCA, among other animal laws prohibiting any benefit from protection organisations, invites a mixture of meat and milk “you people to visit its centres, stating cannot feed an animal milk and meat that “working hand-in-paw with our lifestyles. cruelty to animals, known as Tza’ar make another bracha on the bread. together - there should be separate animal behaviourists, they assess the But what of the Jewish community Ba’alei Chayim. It is manifest also in “Feeding one’s animals is an bowls for them - and, on Pesach a Jew temperament of each animal to see and its teachings regarding animals the fact that we are obliged to assist element of the meal and not an un- must ensure that there is no chometz what kind of owner will suit them and their care? an animal when we see it overbur- related superfluous issue,” Rabbi Fox in the animal food they provide to best”. “The Torah is replete with instances dened by the load it is carrying said. “The Mishne Halachos, Rabbi their pets”. Recently, there was a shocked and laws which highlight the extent (Exodus 23:5). These and others are a Menashe Klein (6:216), points out He added that the Torah prevented reaction to President Jacob Zuma’s to which we are concerned about reflection and implementation of the that not only may one not eat prior to us from castrating animals and a remark in the press that having a pet cruelty to animals. For example, the biblical prohibition against cruelty to one’s animals eating, the same is true rabbinical decree prevented an animal was white, not African, culture. He Torah prohibits using an ox and a animals.” also for fish as well.” from being spayed. said black South Africans who bought mule to jointly plough a field (Deva- Jews were so concerned with this Regarding the killing of Cecil, the Rabbi Fox added that it was a dog and took it for walks and to the rim 22:10), the logical reason being prohibition that the Shulchan Aruch famous lion by a tourist in Zimbabwe, permissible to visit a zoo “for even vet, were copying white culture. that the two are unequally matched,” (OC 167:6) instructed us not to eat Rabbi Fox referred to the teaching though the animals are in captivity, Speaking at a traditional ceremony Rabbi Gidon Fox, of the Pretoria unless we ensured that our animals by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Choshen it provides a person (with) an op- in KwaZulu-Natal, he stated that Hebrew Congregation, told the SA had eaten first, so much so that if a Mishpat 2:47) who advised against portunity to see and appreciate the people who loved dogs more than Jewish Report. person had already made a bracha physically killing insects, such as wonders of Hashem’s creations, their humans had a “lack of humanity”. “The Sefer Hachinuch in Mitzvah on the bread but had not yet eaten, flies. It was not a prohibition, but the diversity and majesty. He said there was a new generation 550 says that this prohibition is part he was allowed to instruct someone killing should be done in an indirect “Naturally, the zoo must ensure of Africans who tried to adopt other of the biblical prohibition against else to feed the animals and need not manner. In this instance, it was better that the animals are well cared for.”

Parsha Cecil the Lion - in Zimbabwe and Jerusalem Lion was a killer. So why is everyone, myself and stab other people is beyond my imagina- While in the past the message of the 15th of Parshat Eikev included, saddened by the ruthless killing of a tion. To do so in the name of G-d is despicable. Av may have been a hidden holiday, today, yes ruthless killer? The tragic passing on Sunday of 16-year-old today, it is of vital importance - every day of the Rabbi Asher Deren Perhaps it’s because Cecil the Lion was a (ma- Shira Banki, has left a deep scar, not only in the year. The Shul of Blouberg - jestic) creature of G-d-given instinct. Cecil John hearts of her grieving parents, but the entire Let that Cecil within us be one of a human West Coast Rhodes, Walter Palmer, Yishai Shlissel and the nation who witnessed the horrific act. As a col- being, “rising like a lion” as the first halacha in rest of us are (potentially majestic) creatures of lective family we carry individual responsibility Jewish law teaches us, to serve Hashem, and Was Cecil the Lion that different from Cecil G-d-given conscience and purpose. for it - and to repair it. His creations - human, animal, and even the John Rhodes? Was Cecil’s status as king of the When a lion follows his instinct he’s a Right after Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of Av, we leaves on His trees - with strength, with joy and Hwange National Park attained in a manner all majestic reflection of G-d. When a human fol- celebrate the greatest holiday on the Jewish with love - in a Jerusalem of unity rebuilt by the too different than his namesake’s? lows his/her instinct (ignoring conscience and calendar - and you didn’t even know it existed. ultimate Lion, our righteous Moshiach. “What?! - How can you say that?!” purpose) they’re a tragic desecration of that Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction So wait a second. Firstly, let me be clear that reflection of G-d. of the Temples in Jerusalem because of Jewish Shabbat Times sport hunting is possibly the most despicable And perhaps that’s why the lion is the symbol infighting. But right after mourning on Tisha Parshat Eikev form of human recreation, and is arguably im- of Jerusalem - because a lion could and should B’Av we marked the holiday of the 15th of Av Aug 7 / 22 Av moral if not outright forbidden. Just this week I inspire our greatness, in the greatest city on - www.TheShul.co.za/15Av which was tradition- Aug 8 / 23 Av was listening to a talk from the Rebbe where in earth. ally celebrated with “the maidens of Jerusalem an almost cracking voice he asked how a human Last week in Jerusalem we saw a human be- dancing” in unity. 17:26 18:17 Johannesburg being can take pleasure in the senseless killing ing, a fellow Jew, act like a wild lion. Not with If the 9th of Av reminds us of the dangers 17:53 18:46 Cape Town of a defenceless animal. If he could, would he strength of character but with heartless instinct in attacking one another, the 15th of Av 17:09 18:01 Durban also take pleasure in killing human beings? of grossly distorted values. How someone, os- highlights the critical power in embracing one 17:29 18:21 Bloemfontein That said, can we be honest here? Cecil the tensibly religious or otherwise, can take a knife another. 17:24 18:17 Port Elizabeth 17:16 18:09 East London More news on our website www.sajr.co.za

Editor Vanessa Valkin - [email protected] • Sub-editor Paul Maree • Ed Co-ordinator Sharon Greenblatt - [email protected] • Advertising: Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 South African - [email protected] • Classified sales: Shereen Miller: [email protected] • Distribution manager Britt Landsman • Design and layout: Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – bryan@ Jewish Report designbandits.co.za • Website: Anthony Katz • Subscription enquiries: Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860-13-2652. Board of Directors: Howard Sackstein (Chairman), Howard Feldman, Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter, Herby Rosenberg, Herschel Jawitz, Dina Diamond. Advertisements and editorial copy from outside sources do not neccessarily reflect the views of the editors and staff. Tel: (011) 430-1980. 7 – 14 August 2015 News SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Abuse at school: Jewish day schools are proactive

SUZANNE BELLING abuse policy, which had would agree, it is almost im- place a special emphasis on to be signed by each staff possible to protect children protecting learners and staff Over the past 10 years, member. from this kind of bully- from unwanted touch and schools have lifted the lid “Every year we train ing and the most effective abuse, whether direct or on all kinds of inappropriate teachers, sports coaches and (probably the only) defence indirect, and/or the exertion behaviour and the Jew- those dealing with children against bullying is to edu- of any form of inappropriate ish day schools are at the and every teacher has to cate pupils (and parents and verbal, physical or psycho- forefront of monitoring and have police clearance to teachers) and to allow them logical influence or control preventing abuse on the ensure they are not on the opportunities to develop over learners and/or staff.” part of teachers or other sexual offenders’ list.” empathy which would see Rabbi Bernstein said he staff members. Being proactive and the end to almost all bully- had appointed Yeshiva Col- Rabbi Dovid Hazdan, dean taking preventative steps ing of whatever kind, and, lege’s fulltime campus psy- of Torah Academy, sent out is essential. Rabbi Kacev specifically, to educate chil- chologists and social worker a letter to parents and staff reported that in the early dren about how to use social as monitors to investigate at the beginning of the term eighties there was a teacher media responsibly.” all reports of concern. emphasising that “the safety whose actions with the chil- Programmes are in place “Our counsellors are of our children is a priority”. dren were “inappropriate” to make Herzlia a school in trained to liaise with all par- He said that over the past and a letter of apology had which all its pupils can find ties involved and will refer two years key personnel of been sent out to parents. a home “and feel acknowl- to statutory bodies where Torah Academy had been But this had been insuf- edged, celebrated and af- legally required to do so. They involved in training and ficient. firmed”. work closely with our princi- workshops relating to the Today there are training Yeshiva College in Johan- pals to ensure all necessary broad area of safety of learn- sessions with learners, par- nesburg is committed to steps are taken in relation to ers with regard to abuse or ents and teachers conducted providing a safe and ap- the proper handling of the sexual misconduct during by a social worker. “There is propriate environment for matter, while being bound by school and school-related much more awareness and all learners and employees. strict professional codes of programmes. This is done with confidentiality and ethics.” Ilan Ossendryver Photo: “We are, together continuous educa- with the principals, Today there are training tion and awareness currently in the sessions with learners, campaigns, aimed at process of creating parents and teachers learners, staff and a Torah Academy conducted by a social the parent body, policy document worker. said Rabbi Leron relating to the safety Bernstein, managing of our learners and director of Yeshiva staff.” openness to talk,” Rabbi College. A workshop was held, Kacev said. “Our policy “Acknowledging that conducted by Dalya Er- covers all forms of abuse, abuse is a universal issue ster, social worker at Torah including bullying. that cannot be ignored, Ye- Academy, and psychological “The King David Schools shiva College, over the last counsellor, Kim Lazarus. welcome information - let- few years, has been working The presentation at TA ting us know what previ- very diligently, in conjunc- included different types ously was brushed under the tion with professionals in of abuse - sexual, physi- carpet. Generally, there is the field to tighten up on cal, emotional and neglect. more awareness across the policies and protocols to do These phenomena “have be- board today.” all that we, as an education- come an indisputable reality Marc Falconer, principal al institution, possibly can across the Jewish world. We of Herzlia High School in do, in order to prevent and are not creating a drama or Cape Town, said bullying deal with any issues of this crisis but raising awareness was a problem in all schools, nature.” of appropriate behaviour. but it had changed over the Rabbi Bernstein quoted Sexual abuse can happen years. excerpts from the school’s anywhere, at any time,” said “At one stage it involved, “Values and Standards Erster. to a large extent, repeated Policies”, saying: “Devel- The training was to help incidents of physical abuse opmentally appropriate staff and learners recognise where a person was picked life skills and awareness a potentially unsafe situa- out because of some or of inappropriate conduct, tion “and have the ability to other perceived oddity. Of which is within the context deal with it accordingly”. course, there was also name of our school ethos, are Rabbi Hazdan added: “We calling and insults. continuously arranged and have put in place a compre- “The ubiquity of social implemented for our learn- hensive educational process, media has changed the kind ers, from play school to high addressing children, par- of bullying most children are school. ents, educators and anyone exposed to - and means that “Recently we launched a who comes into contact with even adults are victims of policy, with the guidance the children in our care.” bullying in ways that would of an advocate, bound by He said the concerns were have not been the case be- applicable South African mainly of a sexual nature fore. Whatever the structure legislation, and the relevant but were expanding into and whatever the laws, the Torah ethos imperatives and other areas. very ‘social’ part of social halachic guidelines. Rabbi Craig Kacev, media means that this most “The policy details ap- director of the King David common form of bullying is propriate and acceptable Schools in Johannesburg, very difficult to contain and standards of interaction said the schools had in to repair. and behaviour for our entire place a prevention of sexual “As most thinking schools campus. These standards 4 SA JEWISH REPORT News 7 – 14 August 2015 Hard to replicate SA day schools abroad SHIRA DRUION one’s heritage,” says Wolf. Former South Africans who themselves Jewish education in the United Kingdom has went to Jewish day schools, often feel a desire been a contentious issue for thousands of to offer their children the same kind of expe- parents comprising the Jewish community rience they had. of approximately 300 000. The question of Lori Tanur Hudalay is an expat who now whether or not to choose a Jewish education lives in North West London and is a parent at for one’s children brings with it a complexity Kerem, a private Jewish school in Hampstead of factors. Garden Suburb. She comments: “I attended During his tenure as chief rabbi of the Jewish schools all my life. I went to Yeshiva United Hebrew Congregation of the Brit- College Primary and King David Linksfield ish Commonwealth, Rabbi Lord Jonathan High. They were both very traditional Jewish Sacks embarked on a very vocal campaign to schools and definitely instilled strong Jewish encourage Jewish communal life and he suc- values in me. ceeded in making enormous strides to help “I have chosen to send my kids to Kerem improve education in Jewish schools. because we live in the area; it’s a very small His campaign to strengthen areas of obser- school and the community is a close-knit one vance for British Jewry recalls the dramatic - which I love. advert in 1993 which launched his call to “I think all Jewish children should be bolster Jewish education. It depicted lines afforded the chance to receive a Jewish educa- “Unlike South Africa, there do not seem to be Pikuach, an organisation that inspects Jewish of young people queuing like lemmings to tion because it imparts the fundamentals of schools in London which combine a Jewish religious education in Anglo-Jewish schools. tumble off the edge of a precipice, with the Judaism, which are lessons which stay with ethos with outstanding academics, great fa- “This could suggest that academic headline: “Today, we’ll lose another 10 Jews”. you for life. I think South Africans would cilities, good sport and other extracurricular achievement is seen by many families The campaign had the desired effect and probably want that outcome for their children activities,” says Shapiro. as more relevant than Jewish religious served as a catalyst for a staggering growth in because that is what is familiar to us from “So, by deciding to go to a Jewish school, development,” says Leader. “It’s interesting enrolment into Jewish schools. Attendance back home.” parents might need to accept lower standards to note that the popular private schools in grew from 24 per cent of Jewish youth to 68 These sentiments are echoed by Lindsay on some of the other areas of education.” London such as City of London Boys and per cent in only two decades. Shapiro, a former King David Linksfield pupil And still others feel that although they Girls, Haberdashers and UCL, all have large “In a world spinning in a kind of values who has also chosen to send her children to a would have liked Jewish day schools for their numbers of Jewish children and therefore vertigo, Jewish education is the only means Jewish school. children, these schools don’t always offer the wealthy families are comforted by the fact we have of ensuring that the next genera- “King David Linksfield was instrumental kind of education that would prepare their that their sons and daughters will be mix- tion will cherish their cultural heritage,” says in nurturing my love of Judaism and friend- kids for the best British universities. ing with other Jewish children of the same Elliot Wolf, former headmaster of King David ships and has helped me to stay connected. I “The Jewish Lives Project, a study of the social class. Linksfield and now director of the King David have chosen to send my children to Mathilda impact of secondary education on the lives of “Some parents also feel that Jewish educa- Schools Foundation. Marks Kennedy in North West London be- Anglo-Jewish families, has shown that those tion is ethnocentric and view a faith school “A Jewish education is all-embracing and cause it is a lovely Jewish school, and provid- opting not to send their children to a Jew- as a narrow option. They want their children draws on our long religious and cultural his- ing my children with a Jewish education was a ish school do so because they want private to understand that at least from a British tory, nurturing a love for Israel, confidence non-negotiable for me.” schools with a good academic record,” says perspective, we live in a multi-ethnic society and pride in one’s identity, knowledge of Parents feel, however, that it is difficult to Jeffrey Leader who has 45 years’ experience and it is better their children are introduced one’s past, and commitment to preserving replicate the King David experience entirely. in Jewish education and is the director of to this reality sooner rather than later.” Do you get the JR Newsletter on Wednesdays? Be the first one on your block to get all of the Wednesdays, so that digital readers anywhere in Jewish Report news, and then some… the world can read JR immediately. 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World News in Brief Iran’s Khamenei writes 416-page book on long-term plan to destroy Israel unpleasant if not impossible for a majority of Israeli TEHRAN - Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Jews so that they leave the country,” wrote Taheri. Khamenei has written a 416-page book titled “His calculation is based on the assumption that “Palestine” that details his long-term plan to destroy large numbers of Israelis have dual-nationality and Israel, the Gatestone Institute think tank reported. would prefer emigration to the United States or Europe Khamenei states that his plan is rooted in “well- to daily threats of death,” he wrote. “Khamenei makes established Islamic principles” rather than the no reference to Iran’s nuclear programme. But the “European phenomenon” of anti-Semitism, according subtext is that a nuclear-armed Iran would make to Iranian-born author Amir Taheri. Israel think twice before trying to counter Khamenei’s “One such [Islamic principle] is that a land that falls strategy by taking military action against the Islamic under Muslim rule, even briefly, can never again be Republic. In Khamenei’s analysis, once the cost of ceded to non-Muslims,” Taheri wrote. “What matters staying in Israel has become too high for many Jews, in Islam is control of a land’s government, even if the Western powers, notably the US, which has supported majority of inhabitants are non-Muslims.” While using the Jewish state for decades, might decide that the the ayatollah’s usual incendiary descriptors for Israel cost of doing so is higher than possible benefits.” such as “a cancerous tumour,” Khamenei’s book does The book, according to Taheri, “has received not recommend “classical wars” to wipe the Jewish approval from Khamenei’s office and is thus the most state off the map, but instead advocates “a long authoritative document regarding his position on the period of low-intensity warfare designed to make life issue”. (JNS.org) REMINDER Book your tickets to the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards 2015 [email protected] 7 – 14 August 2015 News SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Around the Jewish World

First Lady’s cousin is ‘black chief rabbi’ non-violent extremism, Cameron said, using anti- one-sided resolution that singles out Israeli settle- a permanent answer to sagging skin. Moreover, CHICAGO - Rabbi Capers Funnye from Chicago has Israel rhetoric as an example. ment building as a “roadblock to peace” and states the toxin carries many risks, some neurological. - been declared “black chief rabbi” by the International He said if people claimed “violence in London isn’t that if the next round of negotiations between Israel Israel21c Israelite Board of Rabbis, a US-based umbrella body justified, but suicide bombs in Israel are a different and the fail, it will discuss recognition of for black Jewry. matter”, then “you too are part of the problem”. - a Palestinian state. London woman attacked by burglars Rabbi Funnye, who converted to Judaism, is a Jewish Chronicle Israel’s ambassador to Australia Shmuel Ben-Shm- LONDON - A Jewish woman has spoken of her fear cousin of US First Lady Michelle Obama, and is uel, said the motion incentivises further Palestinian after being attacked by burglars at her home in north expected to assume his position in the autumn. Café owner pledges to preserve Yiddish obstructionism rather than encouraging the sort of London. The community has branches in the Caribbean, sign bilateral talks that the party purports to support. - Deborah Nathan, 49, was pushed to the floor as South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria as well as the TORONTO - A co-owner of the Taiwanese bubble tea Australian Jewish News two men forced their way into her six-bedroom home United States. café opening at 29 Baldwin Street - the storefront in Golders Green. They ransacked the safe contain- Rabbi Funnye is the spiritual leader of the Bet Sha- whose front window bears what’s believed to be To- Better than Botox? ing family heirlooms and stole her son’s barmitzvah lom Bnai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation and ronto’s last commercial Yiddish sign - says he and his TEL AVIV - A team of researchers from Tel Aviv presents. The attack took place two days after the the only black rabbi on the Chicago Board of Rabbis. partners can relate to the Jewish community’s desire University and Harvard Medical School has devised simcha, which was attended by 700 guests. Nathan The position has been vacant since 1999, when to preserve the historic lettering and will co-operate a noninvasive technique that harnesses pulsed was in her home with a friend. Chief Rabbi Levi ben Levy died. with efforts to salvage it. electric fields to stimulate new skin tissue. Nathan, a mother of four, who sustained a cracked The new incumbent aims to build closer ties with “It’s easy for us to understand what the Jewish The novel technique, utilising microsecond- rib, told the Evening Standard: “I was pushing them the Ethiopian Jewish community that was moved to community wants to do, because we also want to pulsed, high-voltage, non-thermal electric fields, out but they were so aggressive, they overpowered Israel. He met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on promote our culture, Taiwanese culture… I’ve talked produces rejuvenated skin without scars and may me. They pushed me to the floor and said: ‘Keep a previous visit to Israel. to the [Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family revolutionise the treatment of ageing skin and quiet and nothing will happen’. Black Hebrew Israelites are not recognised by the Heritage Centre (OJA)] and we have the same mind- degenerative skin diseases. “They kicked me in the stomach. I shouted to warn mainstream Jewish community unless they undergo set to protect the sign,” said Taiwanese-Canadian “Pulsed electrical field technology has many my friend but they pulled her down the stairs and a certified conversion. – Jewish Chronicle Daniel Li, part owner of the new café - a franchise advantages, which have already proved effective smashed her head against a banister which broke off called Formocha - and full owner of the café’s original - for example, in food preservation, tumor removal from the force. UK prime minister on conspiracy theories Yonge and Eglinton location. and wound disinfection,” said bioengineering “They were pushing us down and put tape over BIRMINGHAM - British Prime Minister David Cameron The painted Yiddish letters, which translate to expert Alexander Golberg, who led the study on our mouths.” has said conspiracy theories about Jews may be the “Eggs, cheese, cream cheese, made fresh every behalf of TAU’s Porter School of Environmental She said she believed the attackers - who also first stepping stones to Islamist extremism. day”, originally adorned the former Mandel’s Cream- Studies. stole a £7 000 pair of sapphire earrings - were He also warned of extremists who believe that ery, one of the many Jewish-owned businesses that “Our new application may jumpstart the secre- familiar with her home. “Jews exercise malevolent power” and engaged lined Baldwin Village and the adjacent Kensington tion of new collagen and capillaries in problematic She added: “One of them kept watch while the in conspiracy theories that Mossad was behind the Market from the early 20th century to the 1950s. skin areas,” Golberg continued. “Considering other went upstairs. He didn’t ask me to show him September 11 terror attacks in 2001. Though left intact for decades by the storefront’s next that, in the modern era of ageing populations and where everything was. It was like he knew where In a major speech in Birmingham, the prime (non-Jewish) occupant, John’s Italian Caffe, the sign climate change, degenerative skin diseases affect everything was… minister outlined a five-year plan to combat Islamists appeared to be in jeopardy earlier this month when one in three adults over the age of 60, this has the “I said: ‘Please don’t take my son’s presents’. They which will see the government “confront, head on, John’s Italian Caffe closed. - Canadian Jewish News potential to be a healthcare game-changer.” picked up my head by my hair and kicked me in the the extreme ideology” behind terrorist actions. It is estimated that Americans spend some $10 face… Cameron said he had visited the King David Jewish ALP anti-Israel resolution slammed by billion a year on products and surgery to rejuve- “I looked horrible with a black eye and a swollen primary school in the city. The majority of its learners Jewish leaders nate ageing skin, but most solutions are tempo- face. I was in agony for a week.” are Muslim. The Australian Labour Party (ALP) has been rary. Botulinum toxins, such as Botox, smooth lines Both victims now wear panic buttons around their A five-year plan would involve tackling violent and condemned by communal leaders for passing a and wrinkles when injected, but do not provide neck. – Jewish Chronicle

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Upcoming auction Saturday, 12 September @ 9:30am www.rkauctioneers.co.zawww rkauctio • 083 675 8468 • [email protected] Corner Garden and Allan Roads, Bordeaux 6 SA JEWISH REPORT Opinion and Analysis 7 – 14 August 2015 Jewishsouth african Report

Deconstructing Flash90 Photo: our drive to succeed

In just over two weeks, the Jewish Report will celebrate along with the rest of this community, the 2015 Absa Jewish Achiever Awards, which honours all the incredible contributions Jewish citizens have made in the fields of business, arts, law, philanthropy, innovation, education, job creation, sports - and more. I have had the honour of editing all of the articles and biographies that go into the Jewish Achievers magazine. There will be many wonderful speeches on the glamorous evening of the gala and awards ceremony on August 23, about the incredible impact our small community has made on South Africa. We are amazing parents, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, scientists, teachers, social workers, and philanthropists - to name just a few. It is also exciting to witness that South African Jewish women are emerging as leaders and today contribute to the rich fabric of business and philanthropy in our country. The new Jewish Achievers’ Woman in Leadership award is testament to that. What is interesting to consider is why and how Jewish Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pictured last week Friday, visiting the hospitalised family of a West Bank communities, as immigrants, have placed so much value Palestinian baby killed in an arson attack. on achievement wherever we have wandered and landed. We brought with us from Russia and Eastern Europe our immigrant tendencies to overdress, over-cater, over-worry - Jewish terror draws Netanyahu’s and over-educate (oops - there is no such a thing!). Indeed, when our ancestors arrived here on boats in the earliest part of last century and even before, they were on a focus homeward mission to build, succeed and shed the tired skin of the “poor immigrant”. My own grandparents from Lithuania, to the RON KAMPEAS As thousands took part in protests Saturday night against extent they could afford it, bought furs and jewels, created a WASHINGTON violence and homophobia, Israeli President great home and prepared lavish meals - for all of them it was warned against a wave of hatred “spreading throughout the a signal for themselves and for others that they had “arrived”. Ahead of what may be the toughest diplomatic battle of his land”. In fact, when I later lived in Toronto, I was reminded again career, a final bid to kill the Iran nuclear deal, Israeli Prime Speaking at a rally in Jerusalem – others were held in Tel of my own grandparents when I observed the recent Russian Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suddenly found himself Aviv and Haifa – Rivlin said that Israel could no longer afford immigrants - women in furs through the harsh winters facing down a terrorist threat - apparently from Jews. to downplay violent attacks carried out by Jews. compared to the more casual sporty wear of local Canadians, The flow of Iran messaging from the Prime Minister’s Of- Shira Banki, 16, died Sunday afternoon at Hadassah Medi- or the parties and events of the Russian communities, offering fice was interrupted Friday by Netanyahu’s fierce condemna- cal Centre in Ein Kerem, where the high school student from tables laden with elaborate dishes - very different to the more tion of a predawn arson attack in the West Bank village of Jerusalem had been fighting for her life after being stabbed simple fare of the locals. Duma, near , which killed an 18-month-old boy, Ali in the chest and stomach during the city’s gay pride parade. In South Africa, now - three generations on - Jewry Saad Dawabsha. Yishai Schlissel, a haredi Orthodox man from Modiin Ilit continues to thrive and prosper. Yes, we have lost many of With anti-extremism rallies throughout the country last in the West Bank, allegedly stabbed six marchers. Schlissel, our best and brightest to the United States, Europe, Australia week Saturday night and an arrest on Monday, the terror- who is in police custody, had been released from prison three and elsewhere. But still, the depth of local talent is immense ist attack continued to dominate the news cycle well into weeks earlier after serving 10 years for a similar attack at and we as a community seem to regenerate and get stronger. this week and overshadowed Netanyahu’s appeal through a Jerusalem’s 2005 gay pride parade. And we have never lost that immigrant drive to succeed and webcast to US Jews to oppose the Iran The attacks distracted Netanyahu’s last- be accepted. nuclear deal. ditch attempt to quash the nuclear agree- “We condemn this,” Psychologists have theorised that a sense of being on the Factoring into the outrage was the ment between Iran and the major powers. outside or having major life disruptions such as childhood death of a teenager over the weekend Netanyahu said after a Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Ron immigration, can increase the likelihood of success due to tools from a stabbing attack at the gay pride bedside visit with Ali’s Dermer, has been working overtime to developed to thrive during periods of difficulty. parade in Jerusalem on July 30. 4-year-old brother, Ahmed, rally Congress to kill the deal within the South Africa, unlike Europe, is a place where Jews have Jewish groups in the United States who was hospitalised next two months – the window for legis- arrived without layers of preceding generations who have set called on Israel to more forcefully rein along with his parents for lative action. Netanyahu addressed Ameri- the tone. As a result, we as individuals often grow up believing in its Jewish extremists. can Jews in a webcast Tuesday in a bid to severe burns. “There is we can do anything and have a great impact on society. The attacks “must be met with de- fortify opposition to the deal, which one We can be entrepreneurial and discover new ways of doing termined action to prevent violence, zero tolerance for terrorism poll showed American Jews supporting by things. We can build businesses, invent systems or offer apprehend perpetrators, and hold to ac- wherever it comes from, a 48-28 percent margin. services that are unprecedented. It is the immigrant mindset count those who engage in incitement,” whatever side of the fence “Iran could get to the bomb by keeping or the golden possibility, like the American Dream, that the Conference of Presidents of Major it comes from, we have to the deal, or Iran could get to the bomb by anything is achievable. American Jewish Organisations said in fight it and fight it together.” violating the deal,” Netanyahu said in the It is perhaps also motivated by our own feelings of not a statement. 20-minute webcast organised by the Jew- being historically connected to the lands we wandering Similar calls came from the American ish Federations of North America. Jews have settled in. So we gain a sense of recognition Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Ameri- In addition to the Iran tangle, Israel faces a likely bid in and connectedness in the wider context from financial, can Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Orthodox Un- September by the Palestinians to again seek statehood rec- intellectual and other kinds of success. These are the perfect ion. ognition at the UN Security Council. With the backing this antidotes to any feelings of powerlessness or dislocation we Extremist Jewish settlers were suspected. Hebrew slogans time of France, one of the council’s permanent members, may experience. were spray-painted at the scene, and witnesses reported see- they may be closer than ever. Also looming is the Interna- More than just immigrants, we are also a minority where ing masked men fleeing toward a nearby settlement. Netan- tional Criminal Court’s consideration of whether to bring our actions and achievements are highly visible to others in yahu ordered an all-out manhunt to find the killers. war crimes charges against Israelis involved in last summer’s our tiny community and we are a very willing audience for one Meir Ettinger, who Israeli authorities believe oversees a war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian officials were another’s successes, failures, tragedies and celebrations. Thus Jewish terrorist group, was arrested Monday in the north- quick to add the Duma arson to their case. reputation, status and success are all the more compelling for ern Israeli town of Safed. It was not clear whether he is a A spokesman for Palestinian Authority President both the achievers and the observers. suspect in the firebombing or is being interrogated for in- Mahmoud Abbas said the Israeli government’s support for Recognising our contributions, as we do through the Absa formation he might have that could lead to the perpetrators. settlements drove the attack and urged the international Jewish Achievers, is a vital ritual. It celebrates our resilience Ettinger is a grandson of , the assassinated US- community to respond. and our essence - the ability to survive in any land we may find born extremist rabbi. On Sunday, addressing his Cabinet, Netanyahu accused ourselves and to flourish as the South African future unfolds. “We condemn this,” Netanyahu said after a bedside visit Palestinians of lionising their terrorists. with Ali’s 4-year-old brother, Ahmed, who was hospitalised “This is what distinguishes us from our neighbour,” he – Vanessa Valkin, Editor along with his parents for severe burns. “There is zero tol- said. “We deplore and condemn these murderers. We will erance for terrorism wherever it comes from, whatever side pursue them to the end. They name public squares after the of the fence it comes from, we have to fight it and fight it murderers of children. This distinction cannot be blurred or More news on our website www.sajr.co.za together.” covered up.” (JTA) 7 – 14 August 2015 Opinion and Analysis SA JEWISH REPORT 7 Orthodox feminists don’t burn bras, but demand Torah

TAKING ISSUE panding the Palace of Torah”, which documents how women’s Torah education became more advanced in the last 25 years - women now study at the same high level as boys and men Geoff Sifrin at yeshivot such as Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem. Mention the word “feminism” and many people In this process, the teachers - still predomi- think of militant women in the 1950s burning nantly male - have been exposed to a different their bras and aggressively attacking the male- way of thinking and different questions, because dominated establishment for treating females the women came in with fresh eyes. So Torah as inferiors in education, careers, and so on. study has become better for everyone. A different kind of feminist spoke at Limmud Women have become yoatzot halacha (hala- last Sunday. Just as committed as the secular chic advisers), particularly on the laws of nida feminists of old, but married to a rabbi and the (ritual purity) and the mikveh. Previously, only mother of four children, Dina Brawer is advocat- men answered the questions, which arguably ing for increasing women’s participation in the often made women so uncomfortable that they Orthodox religious realm - reading from the were willing to forgo this mitzvah altogether. Torah, for example, or giving learned halachic The yoatzot halacha understand the women’s opinions. And becoming rabbis. point of view better and can find empathetic so- Brawer was a rebbetzen for over a decade in lutions, therefore more women can now observe London. She is now studying for smicha - rab- the rules of mikveh. binic ordination - at Yeshivat Maharat in New For example, she explained to the mixed audi- York and represents the New York-based Jewish ence at Limmud that it is not well known that Orthodox Feminist Alliance (Jofa). She was halachically women are permitted to immerse recently recognised by The Jewish Chronicle in in the mikveh on their own - some women want London as one of the “Power 100 List” of most this because they don’t like being naked in front influential figures in UK Jewry. of others. Previously, male rabbis dismissed Predictably, Orthodox feminism faces stiff their concerns: “What’s the big deal?” It took opposition in the Orthodox establishment. women to explain that although men might not There are typically three arguments made, says mind going to the mikveh as a group, women Brawer. Firstly, that feminism is a “foreign sometimes have a problem. import” from secular culture, not an authentic Another example involves reciting kaddish. Jewish value, and doesn’t belong in Orthodox When a man is bereaved in the UK and South Judaism. Secondly, that it is the slippery slope: Africa, he is usually invited to the shul by the “If we allow this,” say its opposers, “what will it rabbi to say kaddish, and if necessary he will lead to? Little by little, we will lose all our tradi- get help in reading it, etc. But when a woman is tional values and religion will not be what it is bereaved, most shuls will not invite her. If she now.” Thirdly, many rabbis tell women wanting specifically asks the rabbi, he might allow it, but equality: “You have misunderstood; women are she will get little support beyond that. very important in Judaism - they are central to “Why shouldn’t women be encouraged to say the home, they are akeret habayit.” kaddish, as an opportunity for greater spiritual Brawer counters each point: “If we look back growth and engagement, rather than seeing it to the Torah, when G-d created Adam and Eve, as a threat?” asks Brawer. they were created in G-d’s own image - equally There is a fear among some Orthodox rabbis in G-d’s image. So already we have the notion of that if anything is changed, Orthodoxy will no equality in the Torah.” longer be authentic. They argue: “If it was good Regarding the “slippery slope” argument, it is enough for our parents, grandparents, and go- asking the wrong question, she says. “Maybe it ing all the way back, why should it not be good DLD is actually the beginning of the ramp up rather enough for this generation?” than the slippery slope down.” Greater women’s Much of this resistance derives not from TEL AVIV participation will not destroy religion. On the halachic issues, says Brawer, but from the fear of Sep. 6-12, 2015 contrary, it might increase their religious prac- becoming too close to the liberal Jewish move- tice and bring them closer to G-d. ments. But the truth is that Orthodoxy itself is When it comes to women as the mainstay of something new, and arose as a reaction to the the home, Brawer says there is roughly a 12- Reform movement. “We are now in a different Join the South African delegation and year gap between the time women biologically Judaism than it was 200 years ago. Judaism become adults, and get married and set up their is constantly changing. The most Orthodox get FREE AccESS to the DLD TeL AvIv own home. Jewish life today is nothing like the traditional InnovATIon FesTIvAL 2015! Many contemporary women don’t get mar- Jewish life as it was lived a couple of hundred ried at all, and even for married women, when years back.” The DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival Join the official South African delega- their children leave home they still want to Brawer emphasises that Orthodox feminists brings together the best thinkers on tion to the DLD conference coordinated find purpose and fulfilment. The akeret habayit are committed to halacha. “We don’t just say issues of innovation, media, digital, by The Open Door Agency (TODA) and concept doesn’t cater for them. Furthermore, that times have changed and we scrap that. But entertainment, art and science. It get free access to the conference. even as the mainstay of the home, women have there is a lot of flexibility within halacha. There originated in Munich and is running for the 5th time in Tel Aviv this year. TODA will also facilitate direct and a large influence on their children, husbands, is no halachic reason for women not to touch or personal engagement with startups, and extended families. Therefore, “we must carry a Sefer Torah, for example. Maimonides Along with the full DLD Tel Aviv Innova- funders, government agencies and ensure we invest in women so they are educated says even a non-Jew can touch a Sefer Torah. It tion conference (7th to 9th September) other business linkages important to and inspired, and can in turn invest in their cannot be made impure. And the Talmud itself numerous events and conferences held you and your business (for delegates by multinational and Israeli compa- registering before 14 August 2015). own children and grandchildren. If the woman talks about women being called up to read from nies and organisations will be running feels marginalised, how is she going to be a good the Torah. concurrently. The Open Door Agency (TODA) is a akeret habayit? “Educate yourselves!” Brawer urges women. multi-sector business promotion and “Secular feminism has brought women unlim- “Halacha has been democratised in the social Attending DLD Tel Aviv is the perfect development agency based in South Africa. TODA focuses on developing ited opportunities for secular education, careers, media age. There is so much material available way to engage with and find out more about the booming Israeli tech, businesses through collaboration and and so on,” she says. “Yet when it comes to the online. The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alli- business, startup, investment and is driven to find ways of creating value Jewish religious space, women have limited ance website [jofa.org] provides many halachic innovation ecosystems. through innovation and partnership. choices. So the talents of 50 per cent of our answers. Then, go back and be able to talk about population are poured into matters outside the it with your religious leadership.” religious community. We lose all that potential The bra-burning feminists of the 1950s could For more information contact THE for enriching our ritual space. Rather than not have predicted the kind of feminism that [email protected] seeing it as a threat, we must invite women’s Brawer represents. But the underlying motiva- OPEN DOOR participation.” tion is the same. Religions must find the way to AGENCY What strategy does Orthodox feminism integrate the modern view of people as equal in www.opendooragency.co.za advocate? Torah study, for one thing. Brawer value. It takes pioneers like her to break the new quotes a book by Prof Tamar Ross called “Ex- ground. 8 SA JEWISH REPORT Limmud 7 – 14 August 2015 Limmud 2015 sets the benchmark very high - again GEOFF SIFRIN in the aisles and sitting on the floor of by 3 000 volunteers, with 28 500 a future for Jews in that region. Limmud participants faced was PHOTOS BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER the auditoriums. Participants includ- participants. Another equally contentious pan- trying to decide which session to ed people from across the religious Speakers at the numerous ses- el on the Israeli situation discussed attend, given the very wide range Another highly successful Lim- and political spectrum and it was sions at the Indaba Hotel included the political divisions in Israeli of stimulating topics and speak- mud conference took place over the evident that there were many young international and local specialists society today, ranging from the left ers. There were sessions devoted to weekend at the Indaba Hotel and people coming to their first Limmud, on particular topics. For example, which is severely critical of Israel’s politics, spirituality, religion, his- Conference Centre in Fourways, as well as older ones who had been Avi Melamed, an intelligence ana- current government, to the settler tory, Jewish identity, activism and Johannesburg. This was the 10th before and now were “regulars”. lyst with the Eisenhower Institute movement, which has members at outreach, Israel, tikkun olam, arts Limmud South Africa conference, Limmud is known as the fastest in Washington, gave several talks high levels in the government. and culture, and more. and it is clear from the number and growing Jewish organisation in on the dynamics of radical Islam, South African issues were Limmud has gone out of its way diversity of the participants that it is the world. It has bases throughout its sources, and the highly complex discussed in several key sessions, to ensure that people from all Jew- growing from strength to strength. North and South America, Europe, situation in the Middle East today, including a talk by Wits University ish streams feel comfortable and The hotel was packed to capacity Israel, Asia and Africa. There are as the region descends further and Vice Chancellor Adam Habib. He catered for. This year it succeeded from Friday night to Sunday. Many currently 80 Limmud groups in further into chaos. spoke on how he is trying to ensure more than ever before in attracting of the most popular sessions were so 40 countries. In 2014 there were Another high-profile speaker was that open debate remains viable on Jews from across the spectrum, pro- chock-full that people were standing 62 Limmud events worldwide, run Jewish Orthodox feminist Dina his campus, amidst all the racial and viding both Orthodox and Progres- Brawer, a leader of Jofa - the Jewish political tensions among contem- sive shul services, and ensuring that Orthodox Feminist Alliance - who porary South African students, and all food was kosher. spoke about the growing strength the difficulties he faces in ensuring Contrary to the first Limmud, of the demands from women in that the passions generated by the when the Orthodox movement the Orthodox movement to have Israeli-Palestinian conflict don’t purposely stayed away after its greater participation in religious prevent this. rabbinate urged their congregants rituals and halachic deliberations. Another panel consisting of three not to attend, Orthodox Jews were Brawer is currently studying at the DA parliamentarians - Michael present in large numbers, both as Yeshivat Maharat in New York for Bagraim, Glynis Breytenbach and delegates, members of panels and her smicha, or rabbinic ordination. Darren Bergman - discussed the speakers. A contentious panel of world current state of the opposition in Limmud moves to Stellen- experts on European countries - Swe- South Africa and what it is like to be bosch this weekend. If this year is den, Poland, the UK, France and oth- in parliament these days under the anything to go by, people will be ers - discussed the rise of anti-Semi- Zuma-led ANC government. waiting eagerly for the follow-up tism in Europe, and whether there is One of the biggest problems the next year.

Gabi Allan, Rebecca Patrick, Ashleigh Marais and Kristen Marais. Marc Friedman with Clive Evian.

Danial Noris, Tori Bench, Nina Gordin, Joshua Joffe and Adam Dison, Kelly Brook, Micaela Browde, Ryan Kramer. Kathryn Henning.

Ryan Kramer, Eve Kollenberg, Mathew Sive, Hannah Milner, Bradley Mervis and Jayna Goldstuck. Tali Nates and David Bilchitz.

Courtneigh Cloud, Jane Rosen ad Kim Nates. Cheryl and Arthur Goldstuck with Corinne Ossendryver. 7 – 14 August 2015 News SA JEWISH REPORT 9 Young Jews feature in M&G 200 list

Antony Seeff. Kayli Vee Levitan. Amanda Blankfield-Koseff. Nadav Ossendryver.

ANT KATZ management manual that explains Kayli Vee Levitan is the owner to youth how to create social pro- of The Street Store in Cape Town The 10th annual Mail & Guardian jects in their schools and communi- and is an accomplished and well- accolade to young South Africans, ties. It has been running for several read food blogger. She also sup- published last Friday, features four years in all nine provinces and the ports programmes of the Cape outstanding young people of Jew- Department of Basic Education is Council of the SA Jewish Board of ish descent among the 200 listed. involved on an implementation Deputies. Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, level, says Blankfield-Koseff. The Street Store clothes the founder and CEO of Empowervate She learned the ropes during five homeless - in their first 15 months Trust; Antony Seeff, CEO of cell and a half years at Afrika Tikkun it put clothes on over 200 000 innovation business Tariffic; Kayli where she handled marketing, homeless backs - “a number I Vee Levitan of The Street Store in events, and communications in the can’t even start to imagine,” says Cape Town; and Nadav Ossend- community and youth development Levitan. ryver, CEO and founder of Latest- space. She has an honours in com- “The Street Store is like my baby. Sightings.com, are the four.* munication. I love it, no, I cherish it and eve- The project was started in ryone who is a part of it, with 2006; the first edition featured all my heart and soul,” wrote 100 notable South Africans Levitan on her blog. under the age of 35. Nadav Ossendryver is the “Since then the publication Four outstanding young CEO and founder of Latest- Sightings.com. This multi- has evolved,” says M&G editor South African Jews are Angela Quintal. The numbers award-winning conservationist have varied from 100 to 300 in listed in this year’s Mail & founded Latest Sightings, at just 2009 and now back to 200. “The Guardian 200 list. 15. Today the 18-year-old is an style of the profiles has evolved example of what a young entre- from short and sharp biogra- preneur can accomplish using phies to slightly more personal technology. and in-depth profiles of people Channelling his passion for on the list.” Antony Seeff is CEO of cell in- wildlife, conservation and his love The guide starts out with an novation business Tariffic, an inde- of the Kruger National Park, he has alumnus section looking at some pendent company launched in 2013 created an online, real-time, wild- of the people who have featured with the objective of analysing and life spotting service for visitors to in Young South Africans over the optimising cell phone spend of the park. Latest Sightings uses the past nine editions, like Trevor business users and high-net-worth concept of crowd sourcing, combin- Noah (2010), Julius Malema (2009, individuals. ing social media such as Facebook, 2010), Lauren Beukes (2009), The software was complex, says Twitter, WhatsApp, BBM groups, Michael Jordaan (2008) and Bryan Seeff, but Tariffic has tweaked the a website and an iPhone, Windows Habana (2007). service to the point where custom- and Android app, to inform visitors SA Jewry can be very proud of ers now achieve “an average of 30 to the park (as well as enthusi- the fact that with 0,001 per cent to 40 per cent savings”. asts worldwide) where interesting of the population, it boasts at least In October 2013, technology animals and birds have just been two per cent of the “winners”! pundit Arthur Goldstuck said that spotted. Amanda Blankfield-Koseff is Tariffic would give cell phone pro- The Kruger Sightings YouTube listed in “Who’s Who SA” as having viders who over-sell their custom- channel is the most watched South founded the Youth Citizens Action ers, a bruising. Now it’s happened, African-based channel with close to Programme in 2009. She has been says Antony, adding that there are 100 million views to date. the CEO since April 2013. “well over 10 000 permutations (of *If we missed anyone else of Jew- The programme uses a project contracts) on offer”. ish descent in the list, we apologise.

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Included in the group was not only about how its members had tried to bully them and commended all those who had stood up to the the chairman of the Wits branch of Sasco and the current secretary into withdrawing from the trip, but also for the way it threats and abuse by going to Israel to find out more general of the Wits SRC. went about depicting the Israel-Palestine issue. about what was happening there. The event, originally to have taken place at Investec in Sandton, in Inter alia, BDS was criticised for suppressing intel- There were those who wanted a negotiated, two- the end was held at the HOD Centre following indications that anti- lectual debate in favour of invoking one-sided emotional state solution aimed at achieving peaceful co-existence Israel activists might try to disrupt the proceedings. responses, discouraging engagement with Jews on the between Israelis and Palestinians, he said, and those In light of past disruptive tactics by BDS and its supporters, it was basis that they had nothing worthwhile to say and for seeking a one-state solution to be imposed following decided to change the venue to one where the coming and going of piggy-backing on the black liberation struggle to advance Israel’s destruction. The latter were on the wrong side of visitors could be more easily controlled. In the end, no demonstra- a personal agenda aimed not at bringing about peace, but justice, and would be shown to be on the wrong side of tions were mounted, and the evening went ahead without incident. at demonising and boycotting an entire nation. history as well. The visit to Israel took place under the auspices of the South Africa- Israel Forum (SAIF), an organisation that brings South African leaders on focused programmes to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Community Columns In his introductory address, SAIF director Dan Brotman empha- sised that the aim of such visits was not to make participants “pro-Is- A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies rael”. Rather, the intention was simply to expose them to a different perspective from that provided by the local media by having them see Jewish communal organisations a hive of activity Israel at first hand and learn about the on-the-ground realities there, by engaging with Israelis and Palestinians. This week, the Cape Council welcomed on since either gone into business or started While each of the four participants had his or her particular board its new executive director, Daniel potential conversations as a result. perspective to share, certain common themes emerged in the course Levitt, while Chaya Singer joined the staff of their presentations, as well as on a video screened beforehand of the National Board. I likewise welcome * * * providing comments by others who had gone on the trip. Daniel and Chaya to our professional In KwaZulu-Natal, the Council for KZN All stressed how, from their very arrival in Israel, they had been team. We wish them all success in their Jewry’s two vice presidents, Alana encouraged to continually ask questions and engage as widely as they challenging new positions and look forward Baranov and Jeremy Droyman, met with could with people from across the political and ethnic spectrum. to working with them. the leadership of the ANC’s Harry Gwala How little prior exposure they had had to the Israeli point of view Regional District at their Ixopo offices. also became evident; each of the speakers had been thoroughly * * * It was an extremely warm and constructive immersed in the BDS perspective, and indeed had themselves been The SAJBD, as has been frequently stressed meeting, where various possible ways in active in anti-Israel activities on campus. in this column, sees its role as being to which the Jewish community in the province Nevertheless, this had not prevented them from accepting an combine protecting the civil rights and could work with the branches and wards of invitation to visit Israel and hear another perspective, and far from security of South African Jewry with Above Board the ANC in social upliftment projects were dissuading them, the pressure exerted on them by BDS not to do so involving the community in general public Mary Kluk discussed. (including financial incentives) served only to heighten their curios- affairs. National Chairman Particular interest was expressed in the ity as to what it was BDS was so anxious to prevent them from being Our community, at the organisational work of the Durban Holocaust Centre, and exposed to. and individual level, has much to contribute in terms of the role it plays in promoting tolerance and anti-racism With regard to the visit itself, each presenter remarked on how skills, knowledge and resources, and the Board is always in a province that only recently experienced a serious all the individuals they had spoken to, while having widely differing looking for ways to facilitate this. What I always find wave of xenophobic violence. perspectives on certain issues, nevertheless all expressed a common so heartening is how very much community members desire to achieve peace and co-existence. want to contribute in some way to the betterment of * * * As a result, they had come away regarding themselves as being their society, and the varied and innovative ways in Finally, in Johannesburg on Tuesday, we were privileged neither pro-Israel nor pro-Palestinian but rather pro-peace and with a which so many are already doing so. to host Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago at a strong desire to promote dialogue and educate people in South Africa Last week, the Board’s Cape Town, Johannesburg dinner, again hosted by Investec, in the course of which as to ways in which this could be achieved. and Durban branches were all involved in activities he addressed and engaged with Jewish business leaders. All four presenters also spoke about the intimidation and abuse aimed at achieving these goals. The Cape Council held It was an enjoyable and informative evening for all another successful B-JEN (Black-Jewish Entrepreneurs’ those present, myself included. Such initiatives do Network) event, hosted once again by Investec. much to build relationships between our community B-JEN was launched by the Cape Council, in and important government portfolios, and we will partnership with the SA Black Entrepreneurs Forum, continue to look to hosting similar events in future. In in March 2013, and was successfully introduced in the course of the same week, Gauteng Council chairman Johannesburg the following year. Sean Zagnoev and other Council members attended a It acts as a networking forum for black and Jewish conference on religious fundamentalism organised by entrepreneurs to get together to share their experiences the Gauteng Legislature and ANC provincial branch. and discuss potential business opportunities. To date, the initiative has brought together some 200 emerging • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 and established entrepreneurs, many of whom have ChaiFM every Friday 12:00 - 13:00. This column is paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies

World News in Brief Jewish doctors ‘create diseases’ Iran nuke deal: Egypt, Saudi and ‘control pharmaceutical Arabia sign defence pact

industry’ CAIRO - In the wake of the Iran nuclear deal, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have signed a pact boosting military and economic co-operation JERUSALEM - Sheikh Khaled Al-Mughrabi, a teacher of Islam at between the two leading Arab Sunni Muslim states. the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, is claiming that Last week Thursday, a Saudi delegation led by Deputy Crown Jewish doctors manufacture diseases in labs and almost completely Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Cairo and met with Egyptian own the global pharmaceutical industry. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. “They own about 95 per cent of the world’s pharmaceutical “The two sides stressed the need to exert all efforts to boost industry,” Al-Mughrabi said in his most recent class, Palestinian security and stability in the region, and to work together to protect Media Watch reported last Sunday, citing a July 31 post on the Al- Arab national security,” Sisi’s office said, AFP reported. Msjed Al-Aqsa YouTube channel. According to the “Cairo Declaration” pact, both sides will work “Why do I mention the pharmaceutical industry? Many diseases towards developing military co-operation, including establishing were created in labs – viruses created by doctors who were bought, a Joint Arab Force, as well as enhancing joint co-operation and trained, and taught by the Rothschild family, the Freemasons, the investment in the fields of energy, electricity, and transportation, Zionists, or the Jews to create and spread disease so they will be able Al-Ahram reported. Both countries also said they would strengthen to sell medicine for it. More than 95 per cent of the pharmaceutical co-operation in politics, culture, and media “to jointly counter the industry is owned by the children of Israel.” (JNS.org) dangers of the current regional destabilisation”. (JNS.org) 7 – 14 August 2015 Letters SA JEWISH REPORT 11 Disclaimer Guidelines for letters The letters page is intended to provide an opportunity for a range of views on any given topic to be expressed. Letters of up to 400 words get preference. Provide your full name, place of residence, and daytime phone number. Opinions articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff We do not publish letters under noms de plume. Letters should preferably be e-mailed. Letters may be edited or or directors of the Jewish Report. shortened. The Editor, PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 email: [email protected]

Iran deal: Splendid it’s not, but the best available JVJP displays an unacceptable bias towards the Middle East

I want to correct the quotation attributed to me the best of the available options it is. Jewish Voices for a Just Peace (JVJP) posted in clearing a “no go” zone along that border. in last week’s Jewish Report. I never used the I await a better option to be put on the table a letter in the mainstream press last week Gaza is also the largest recipient of interna- word “splendid” to describe the Iran deal brokered and the critics shoulder the burden to make a signed by 83 supporters. “Espousing Human- tional donor funds in the world - that’s over by the US. showing here. ism” being the core feature of their Judaism. I and above the $5bn donor monies. JVJP writes My point can be simply described thus: It is Regrettable as it is, the way the Republican certainly commend them for their bold stand that “not a single home has been rebuilt - one common cause that in the contemporary era, party, its supporters and many within this com- that highlights how we as a people tolerate must surely question this? Where has this making a nuclear bomb is hardly complex for a munity react to President Obama, is profoundly dissent and criticism, without fear of intimida- enormous pile of money gone?” country like Iran. The issue on which I assume we racist. No other president has ever been subjected tion - unlike the intimidation experienced from JVJP tells us that the people of Gaza are all agree, is to prevent this from occurring. to so vile a series of personal attacks. the likes of BDS, Sasco and ANCYL, by a group trapped, again assuming that it is only Israel The deal struck by President [Barack] Obama is, of young leaders recently returned from ar fact- trapping them. Now while commending this in an imperfect world, the best option available to [Mr Justice] Dennis Davis finding trip to Israel group, one must question, being true to their achieve that vital goal. Splendid it is not but Cape Town One of the “core features” would be telling core Jewish values, why they don’t tell their it like it is and not stopping halfway. Reading readers that Egypt has kept her border with Too many Jewish battles fought on too many fronts their letter marking a year since the Gaza war, Gaza totally sealed whereas there is a constant the uninformed would think that Israel simply flow of goods from Israel into that territory. If there’s one thing I’ve learned of the state of smugness and positional titles, because they invaded Gaza with no provocation whatsoever, We all write with a bias but a bit more hon- Judaism and indeed the Cape Town Jewish com- believe themselves to be right and never wrong. killing “mostly innocent civilians”. Painting esty in the narrative must surely touch those munity since I have been in Judaism for the past If Torah rules were strictly adhered to by all Israel with the same brush as Islamic State. core values? 15 years, is how much antagonism, prejudice and of us, then we’d all be prophets. But we’re not. Almost a year ago a donor conference raised snobbery remain. Torah-based Jewish standards are disregarded in over $5bn for the reconstruction of Gaza - this Allan Wolman The failure to bridge the gap between the favour of halachic provisions and few are alert to included the 10 000 homes destroyed by Egypt Rosebank, Johannesburg various factions continue to fragment, hurt and see what a dichotomous state this has created. demoralise Jews across the divide. Sadly, it’s a Within this minefield it is not holiness being The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth very old one, long before my time. It’s not only pursued but an obsessional occupation with end- ideology which is the main culprit and politics, less commentary and minutiae. Thus we have no Eureka! We have found the Achilles heel of the with all the means at our disposal. but also gender issues and petty racism that rear time to live the essence of the law as instructed, BDS movement as well as the ANC anti-Israel Just a note of warning: The BDS/ANC move- their ugly head too often. which is to love G-d and our fellow human beings. lobby. The answer to all their propaganda is truth. ments are hurt and they will come out fighting, Women, gays, converts and indeed blacks are Bottom line: The ability to love, hold fellowship As soon as the news broke that a group of so we must not let our guard down. still treated among certain factions as non-equals and show forgiveness must start with the family young black students and business people had We have taken them on and we are winning. and considered to be an embarrassment and first. been on a visit to Israel, the BDS/ANC factions We must be like a mailed fist. Let’s smash them blight on the Jewish nation. The BDS movement Jews are a family regardless of factionalism, have been throwing their toys out of the cot. up, once and for all. has confused the issue even more. Its mem- gender, political affiliation, colour and whether To prevent these young people from going to bership is drawn from across the factionalist one is gay or not. We don’t always have to agree Israel, they offered each one R40 000 to cancel Sonny Myerson spectrum. with all things factional and with everyone’s their journey. But nothing can stop the truth Oranjezicht, Cape Town On the legitimacy of the State of Israel there opinion - including that of the rabbi. from coming out. remains a large section which disagrees that it It’s human and okay to disagree. But mercy, The knee-jerk reaction from the BDS/ANC should be exclusively Jewish but inclusive of all compassion and forgiveness are not negotiable. camp proves that all we have to do to crush Palestinians. Too many battles are fought on too These are sacrosanct biblical pillars to be upheld these idiots, is to get the truth out there and many fronts. Few are directed at healing internal by true believers. All Israel’s prophets lived by now that we know where their weakness is, we strife. these. So until we make this mental and indeed need to drive home our advantage. Pride, bigotry and obstinacy to forge unity spiritual transition, to hold everything about G-d It should become a priority of the SA Jewish among the Jews never cease to disappoint and dear and close to the heart, to not be judgemental community, together with the Israel Embassy, amaze me. but to search for understanding, peace and unity to send as many young black academics and Only a few brave souls who strive to break with “Am Yisrael”, we dare not pretend to be business people as possible to Israel. By doing from their narrow-minded enclaves are making Jews. this and allowing the future leaders of this headway, but at a very slow and frustrating pace. Bless the nation of Israel first and the world country to see the truth, we will annihilate the At each turn these men and women, for merely will be blessed. That is what is required. That is BDS/ANC movements. attempting to foster unity and wellbeing among the law. This must be done professionally and we can all Jews, are met by many self-righteous bigots. take a leaf out of the book of Dan Brotman and Hypocrisy oozes from these sanctimonious C B Jantjies the SA Israel Forum. We need look no further cliques who tend to bask in their antiquated Rugby, Cape Town than Dan and his plan and let us support them

The WHITEHOUSE gallery The Canopy Warriors for Justice Facing the ticking time bomb ART IS EVERYTHING By: Harold Serebro This book can be purchased online YOU CAN IMAGINE at R200 each AN EXHIBITION OF VARIOUS ARTWORKS PLEASE JOIN US OPENING NIGHT 12 AUGUST 2015 6pm - 8pm

Call Wilma van der Merwe (011) 645-3614 or e-mail [email protected] 12 SA JEWISH REPORT Youth 7 – 14 August 2015 Cold couldn’t dampen spirits Service-based leadership at KDL of an eventual memorable day

DAVID POULTON through a river and cheering in our final war cry - were some of the most memorable We were welcomed into the remote bush of moments. the Magaliesberg’s “Spirit of Adventure” on This time the cold didn’t affect us and we Monday July 27. Although the cold morn- left the camp with a sense of elation and ing had dampened spirits somewhat, we all pride at being able to beat the challenge. We started to thaw out as the sun rose over the spent an exhilarating day among friends, mountains on what would be a great day of new and old, as we enjoyed the opportunity learning, teamwork and activities for the to unite as a real team. It was truly a day to King David Victory Park learners. remember. We were quickly split into four teams, before getting a crash course on the core Photo: Jodi Starkowitz concepts of leadership - what it entails and how we all could get a step or two closer to MERYL MALKIN AND LISA KLOTZ, SOCIAL WORKERS AT KDHL becoming effective leaders. Shortly after we were sent off for the first “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Mahatma Ghandi said. In the spirit of his words, activity of the day. Using very simple tools those who hold leadership positions are those who have shown dedication and commitment to such as planks, tyres, barrels, ropes, boxes their ideologies, hard work for their cause and a love and passion for bettering the lives of their and our bodies, we faced challenging prob- community, their country and the world. lems that we needed to solve in the shortest Similarly, the King David High School Linksfield leadership system has adopted a new and ex- time possible. citing process whereby those who are elected to positions of leadership in their grade 11 or grade A great deal of fun was had by all with 12 year continue to serve their school and be an example of how being involved allows one to be some arguments about just how to tackle an agent of change. the task. We successfully pulled through The leadership policy at the school is based on a committee system. There are eight committees and achieved the goal in the end. However, namely: Awareness; Cultural; Environmental; Judaica; Outreach; Service; SMAC (sound, media it was after lunch when the real challenge and communications); and Sport. started. In order to be eligible for election to the student leadership body, a grade 11 pupil must have Each team had to use the parts we were been an active member of a committee for at least one year and have attended at least 80 per cent given to build a cart; we then had to race of the weekly committee meetings. around the designated track against the The executive student leaders of the school, namely the head boy/girl and deputy head boy/girl other teams in our carts. This took a lot of are then elected from the body of student leaders. planning and of course pushing! The committee system is service based. Service-based leadership is deliberate, focused and And finally the last event of the day - we crucial to the success of the school. were quickly guided through each section of The student leaders for the 2015/6 term are: Shai Aarons (head of Awareness Committee); our last task, before we immersed ourselves Dalya Abadi, Sigalle Bachrach, Benjamin Breger, Tanna Collet, Ariella Eisenberg, Jayden Gelman in it… the assault course! Climbing nets, Gordon Yael Photo: (head of Service Committee); Gabriel Herbert, Kerry Izerel, Hannah Jossel (head of Environ- swinging on ropes, scaling walls, wading Micaela Tucker and Matthew Sive. mental Committee); Roni Katz, Deena Katzen, Erin Lazarus (head of Sport Committee); Bas- math Mati Leder, Milan Levy (head of SMAC Committee); Gabriella Lipshitz (head of Outreach Committee); Eitan Malkin (head of Cultural Committee); Amy-Lee Modlin, Tyler Richter, Gordi Riesenburg, Adam Sandler, Daniel Schwartz, Daniel Shainfeld, Jamie Smith, Alexander Soldin, Noah Tradonsky, Cheyney Travis and Jordan Upiter. The vice head student leaders are Talia Ogus and Chadd Silver and the head student leaders are Jessa Marx (head of Judaica Committee) and Daniel Gewer. Illustrating to tots concept of ‘opposites’ SUE BENJAMIN

Sydenham Pre-School held an “Oppo- sites Day” last Friday to encourage the children to think creatively about op- posite pairs. Concrete illustrations such as clothing help them better under- stand opposites. Pictured is the middle group dressed in their “opposites”.

Letters

Pollard’s ‘spying’ was not against the United States

I feel obligated as a human being, as a Jew and come other countries seem to consider the US as as an Israeli, to comment on an article which anything but “civilised”? appeared on page 2 of last week’s edition of the I know that some US officials made up other SA Jewish Report, headlined “US said to release accusations against Pollard, just like they do Jewish spy, Jonathan Pollard”, where it is said against other people and states in the world. that Pollard had been convicted “over giving Israel In any case, I strongly believe that it is the duty classified information on America”. of every human being, especially every Jew and Well, I apologise for being blatant, but this is Israeli, to do everything they can to help Pollard’s not so. The information Pollard gave Israel was cause. only about some of Israel’s hostile neighbouring states’ plans to have weapons of mass destruction Avner Eliyahu Romm and use it against Israel. Jerusalem In other words, what Pollard did was nothing against the US - and for that he is imprisoned in a It has since been officially announced that Pollard is terrible US prison. So again, as I always ask: How to be released before the end of the year. - Editor

Limmud 2015 gets both thumbs up!

Olga Meshoe. Dina Brawer. Annika Hern- May we glean inspiration from them and roth Rothstein. These were just a few of the take it forward to enrich our communities, outstanding female presenters at this year’s our countries and the world! Well done the fantastic Limmud in Johannesburg. Limmud team for a fantastic Limmud 2015! They are strong women of faith who engaged, challenged and inspired their audi- Michele Engelberg ences, particularly other women. Johannesburg

14 SA JEWISH REPORT Opinion and Analysis 7 – 14 August 2015 Ray of hope that bullies needn’t always win and a strenuously contested one at that, but as a given fact from which no dissent was allowed. BARBARIC YAWP What it amounted to was that an institu- tion ostensibly founded on the principles David Saks of free intellectual enquiry and debate, was dictating to other scholars what opinion they Advocating for Israel, as anyone engaged in were required to adhere to as a precondition that thankless task knows, is being rendered for being allowed to practise their profession. all but impossible in an environment where It is scandalous that such a resolution could the thinking on the issue is becoming pro- have been seriously debated at all, let alone gressively more unhinged. passed - and with just a handful of dissenting How does one put across a reasoned, factu- voices to boot. ally argued case when brute invective, ad I have little doubt that many, if not most, hominem abuse, brazen untruths, omissions of those voting in favour of the resolution, and emotive sloganising is all that is coming did so out of fear of being labelled as Zionist from the other side? sympathisers and ostracised by their peers. This would be less of a problem if the latter It is some comfort at least that the university approach was confined to individual letter itself declined to endorse the policy. writers or spokespeople for organisations that However, the incident was depressing have an overt anti-Israel agenda. evidence of how, far from making a reasoned, The problem is that overwhelmingly, the scholarly contribution to the discussion as same unbalanced, emotion-driven rhetoric is one would expect professional intellectuals to being served up by those who, at least theo- do, academics are among the worst offenders retically, should be expected - simply from a when it comes to spreading jaundiced misin- professional point of view - to adopt a reason- formation. ably nonpartisan approach that weighs and Nor is it a new development for Israeli takes into account all conflicting claims. They academics - over and above their counterparts include university academics, political leaders from anywhere else in the world - to be con- and the mainstream media in general. fronted with demands that they condemn their I am not even bemoaning the absence of own country before being allowed to speak, occasional commentary explicitly supportive regardless of what their subject might be. of Israel. What is becoming more and more A few years ago, an Israeli national ar- apparent is that even the taking of a neutral, riving to deliver a paper at the annual SA even-handed stance on the question is being Sociological Association (SASA) conference thrust off the table. Nowadays, no-one can at- was informed at the last minute that he was tempt a middle-of-the-road analysis without expected to make such a statement; when he being reviled as a Zionist stooge and therefore refused, the entire gathering staged a walk- an apologist for colonialism, racism, apart- out, without a single person remaining to heid, ethnic cleaning and baby killing. protest against this shameful treatment of a Under the circumstances, it is to be expected colleague. that those without any particular axe to grind Subsequently, it was made official SASA prefer to stay out of the whole debate rather policy that Israeli academics be included in than jeopardise their professional standing. its programmes only once they had made an When it comes to Israel, a pernicious form of appropriate statement distancing themselves ultra-leftist post-colonial McCarthyism has from Israel’s actions. taken root, with those espousing virulent anti- The outlook looks bleak indeed, but fortu- Israel positions being given free rein to impose nately, not all appears to be lost. Recently, a their ideology on everyone else while forcing group of young South African leaders stood all dissenting opinion to the margins. up to a sustained campaign of abuse, threats I was for many years grateful to be a and intimidation to go on a six-day explora- product of the humanities faculty at Rho- tory visit to Israel under the auspices of the des University. It was particularly shocking SA-Israel Forum. to learn, therefore, that shortly after last None of them had been in any way pro-Isra- year’s Gaza conflict, members of that faculty el to start with, and not a few had even taken voted by a substantial margin in favour of a an active part in boycott campaigns against resolution making any participation by Israeli it. On hearing them report back on their academics (as well as “official representa- visit, there is no doubt that their views have tives from Israel”) in university programmes, undergone a profound change, not because academic or otherwise, conditional on their they have suddenly become pro-Israel and/or first condemning the actions of the Israeli anti-Palestinian, but because they have heard government. and honestly engaged with views differing Specifically, it was resolved that Israelis be from the narrative that had been presented to “requested” prior to being formally invited them as the sole truth and come to their own on campus to make a statement “renouncing conclusions. the use of lethal military force by the Israeli It was a rare but welcome indication that government against unarmed civilians in the bullies needn’t always win, and that space Palestine”. still remains for the Israel-Palestine question Business decisions are rarely black and white. Dynamic organisations That Israel was deliberately targeting civil- to be honestly, constructively and, perhaps know they need to apply both reason and instinct to decision making. ians was presented not as an interpretation, above all, civilly debated in our society. We are Grant Thornton and it’s what we do for our clients every day. Contact us to help unlock your potential for growth. World News in Brief 76% of Israelis think Israel must fight Iran nuclear deal

JERUSALEM - More than three-quarters of the Israeli public believes that Israel needs to press on with efforts to torpedo the Iran nuclear deal, a new Israel Hayom survey conducted by New Wave Research has revealed. According to the poll, 76 per cent of Hebrew-speaking Jewish Israelis believe Israel should continue fighting the deal, while only 15 per cent think that Israel should not fight it. In the survey - a random selection of 500 individuals over the age of 18 - the Israeli public’s decisiveness on the nuclear issue was also reflected in the general opinion regarding President Barack Obama, who is seen as having led world powers toward the www.gt.co.za agreement with Iran. Asked whether they thought Obama was looking out for Israel’s interests, 73 per cent said © 2015 Grant Thornton South Africa. All rights reserved. Grant Thornton South Africa is a member firm of no, and only 20 per cent believe Obama had Israel’s best interest at heart. (JNS.org) Grant Thornton International Ltd (‘Grant Thornton International’).

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But critics say there are other activities related legal cover to solicit assistance from other coun- [email protected] to nuclear weaponisation that can go undetected, tries, such as China, in stopping cyber attacks. www.dialalift.co.za such as computer modelling for nuclear devices, explosives testing and the building of nuclear Ghasan Soleymani To place your classified warheads, says Mark Dubowitz, director of the Soleymani, the general in the Iranian Revolution- adverts, call Shereen on Foundation of Defence of Democracies. ary Guard Corps whose Quds force is believed (011) 430-1980 “That kind of activity may not involve actual to have trained Hezbollah and helped carry out enrichment where there would be traces of ura- some of the worst Assad regime atrocities during nium to detect,” he told JTA. the ongoing Syrian civil war, has appeared on a Additionally, a small centrifuge plant with broad array of sanctions lists since 2007. In the advanced centrifuges in a containment system agreement, he appears on a long list of entities could be rapidly moved without leaving traces, and individuals to be removed from “nuclear- according to Senate testimony given last week related” sanctions lists. Tuesday by David Albright, a former US nuclear Critics say that this and other delistings open inspector who is now president of the Institute up the floodgates to global financial activity by for Science and International Security. the Revolutionary Guard. Deal proponents say the mining and transpor- Deal defenders note that Soleymani still ap- tation of the uranium needed for a contained en- pears on multiple lists, in the US and elsewhere, richment site would be impossible to hide, given sanctioning him for terrorist activity. (JTA) 16 SA JEWISH REPORT Sport 7 – 14 August 2015 Sport is able to overcome political barriers

JACK MILNER brokered by US President Barack Obama and his European colleagues. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if sport was left to However, in a show of mutual sportsmanship, sportsmen and politics to politicians? Two the delegations from the two nations found recent incidents proved that if politics was left common ground and bonded, even breaking out of sports, the world would be a much better diplomatic protocol and posting pictures of place. Alas, this would be an ideal world... Israeli athletes alongside Iranian ones. Photo supplied The first took place at the Special Olympics On their Facebook page the Israeli team wrote World Games recently staged in Los Angeles. alongside a picture of cyclist Alon Dolev and an The event hosted some 6 500 athletes with Iranian rider identified as Yaser Tahmasbi: “At special needs from 165 nations from around the the Special Olympics there is peace. world, including those who politically did not “During the different competitions at this see eye to eye. year’s world games, exciting and emotional Right now the relations between Israel and encounters with athletes from countries that do Iran are at a low point, highlighted by Israel’s not have diplomatic ties with Israel are taking fervent opposition to the current nuclear deal place. Such encounters don’t happen every day.”

Cyclist Alon Dolev from Israel and Iranian rider Yaser Tahmasbi form a bond during the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. There is also a photograph of Reuven Astra- The other incident concerns Mixed Martial chan, head of the Israeli delegation, hugging Arts (MMA) fighter Jackie Gosh, who is a Sunni his Iranian counterpart, Asghar Dadkhah, Muslim. Gosh, a 32-year-old Circassian Israeli along with other photos posted with the words: Muslim fighter from Abu Ghosh, says he takes “Make sport not war.” pride in fighting under the Israeli flag. The interaction between the two delegations He became observant about eight years ago apparently began when they found themselves and is now scrupulous in following his religion’s C together on a cross-Atlantic flight from France tenets, praying five times a day and fasting dur- M

Y to Los Angeles. It’s a 12-hour flight and the two ing the holy month of Ramadan. CM teams ended up sitting next to one another. Gosh is also very proud of his Israeli national- MY They started to talk about the subject common ity and sees no contradiction between his Islam- CY to both teams - sport. ic faith and his patriotism, or even participating CMY

K The connection seemed to have caught the in certain Jewish religious ceremonies. A video attention of the Games’ organisers, who decided on Gosh shows him receiving the traditional to orchestrate the official torch-passing cer- Jewish blessing before entering a fight. emony so that the Iranian representative would When he fights - mostly in Eastern Europe - pass the torch on to an Israeli. That is exactly he always carries an Israeli flag with him. what happened. In fact, for Gosh, winning his fights is very Iran has been one of the most vocal Muslim much a matter of Israeli pride. nations to have boycotted sporting events “I love to go around the world and win in involving Israel. In 2011, the Iranian National these fights so I can put the flag in their face,” Olympic Committee reportedly issued a state- he says. ment saying it was “a general policy of our coun- Israel’s Circassians originated in the northern try, to refrain from competing against athletes Caucasus and they arrived in pre-state Israel of the Zionist regime”. towards the end of the 19th century. Today, the The most recent such incident was a volley- Israeli Circassian community numbers approxi- ball match scheduled for July 21 in Japan and mately 4 000, mainly residing in the villages of promptly forfeited by the Iranian team, citing Kfar Kama and Rehaniya. alleged injuries by their athletes. National teams The Circassians are among only three minor- and athletes competing in Olympic events ity groups in Israel who, like the country’s Jew- can face sanctions for boycotting meetings for ish citizens, are obligated to serve in the Israel political reasons. “Injuries” are therefore often Defence Forces, the other two being the Druze cited. and the Bedouins.

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