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south african n Volume 25 – Number 30 n 19 August 2021 n 11 Elul 5781
The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za Taliban takeover more than just a threat to Afghans PAULA SLIER control of the territories that are critical for our security and not rely on any foreign srael is bracing itself for renewed forces like America or the North Atlantic terrorism from the fundamentalist Treaty Organisation [NATO], to come and Taliban Sunni Muslim insurgency in take responsibility for our security. Like IAfghanistan. was suggested in the plan of [former US] Hamas was quick to praise the group’s President Barack Obama.”
takeover of the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Colonel Richard Kemp, a former British AFP via Getty Images Photo: 15 August, calling it “a victory that came as commander who led troops in Afghanistan, the culmination of more than 20 years of said current developments were a refection struggle”. of the American decision to scale down its Jerusalem has chosen not to comment role as a superpower. offcially. However, many Israeli observers “Washington is eager to cut deals with agree that the speed of the coup and the radical Islamist groups in Afghanistan ensuing chaos that resulted in thousands of and Iran in the hope that they will take people desperately gathering at the capital’s care of the ultra-radicals like Al-Qaeda main airport, some dropping to their death and the Islamic State and stop them from as they hung onto departing planes, sends threatening the security of the West. But it’s a strong message to the international not going to work,” he refected. community. On the contrary, the feeling in the region That message is more pertinent for is that the collapse of the Kabul government countries who consider themselves allies of will help terror groups in their efforts to the United States (US) – that they cannot rely attack American and Israeli targets around on Washington in a military crisis. the world. Afghans crowd at the tarmac of the Kabul airport on 16 August 2021, in an effort to flee the country as the Taliban retook “We have to understand the limits of “We are concerned that radical Islamist control after 20 years the Western superpowers,” said Brigadier groups are going to use this event as a General Yossi Kuperwasser, an Israeli reason for blowing wind in their sails. They have visited Afghanistan, once spending a When we weren’t with the troops, locals the pockets of a select few, and most of the intelligence and security expert. “That’s why are going to feel emboldened, and try stint embedded with the American army as would tell us they always knew when soldiers Afghan population would be no better off we should keep saying to ourselves that we to carry out more attacks and have more part of the NATO-led International Security were coming to inspect a village and would than before. have to be able to do whatever is necessary infuence in the region.” Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in the county. inform the Taliban, who were usually family Even more ludicrous, the security in order to make sure that we can defend But there is one positive consequence. Soldiers had nicknamed ISAF “I Surrender, members. They would, in turn, lie low and companies would pay the Taliban who were ourselves by ourselves. Retired Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Afghanistan’s F###’ed”. I write this while emerge again only after the troops had left. active in certain parts of the county not to “I refer particularly to the issue that’s Major-General, Amos Yadlin believes looking at a magnet I picked up there, a So much money was being invested by attack the convoys they were protecting. I so contested – the Iranian issue. We have concerned countries might now reach the duplicate of which I gave to my editors back the international community, but so little remember local journalists telling me that to be able to take care of this problem by understanding that they must stick together home, “You sent me to Afghanistan, you of it made it to ordinary Afghans. At one the US strategy in Afghanistan made no ourselves because if the Americans are in order to be more capable of confronting bastards!” time, there were 6 000 non-governmental sense. leaving Afghanistan just because they don’t coming threats. I went on patrols with soldiers, once organisations (NGOs) registered in the “NATO doesn’t seem to know whether want to pay any price, will they take Iran on “The fall of Afghanistan could create walking through a village where children country. It was admissible for them to spend it’s fghting a war or making a peace. Real when Iran poses a critical threat?” space for Israel to strengthen defence ties came running after us. After we took a break up to 40% of their budgets on security, which development will take place only if there’s The answer for Kuperwasser is an obvious with countries who may be looking for a and I took off my helmet, on recognising I in turn was provided by more than 120 stability, which is exactly what NATO has no. And the message, he believes, extends more localised partner,” he said. was female, one of the boys came up to me international private security frms. In this demonstrated it cannot deliver for Afghans,” to Israel’s relationship with the Palestinians. What happened this week shouldn’t and asked, “Ma’am, does your husband know way, money would return to the NGO’s home one prophetically forecasted. “We have to be by ourselves and retain have come as a surprise. Over the years, I you’ve left the house?” country, proft would line Continued on page 8>>
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f educational school trips from Israel to former Nazi been involved in helping Haitians • psychological harm. A lawyer for Dylan FREE QUOTATIONS death camps. advocate for human rights, is also raising vigorously denied the charges. Paweł Jabłoński, the deputy minister of foreign funds for relief aid. affairs, called the trips “propaganda”, Gazeta Prawa But when it comes to Afghanistan, humanitarian Poland approves law that limits Holocaust reported. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of groups have fewer avenues to help. HIAS, restitution thousands of Israeli youths visited former death originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, wrote Poland’s president on 14 August signed into law camps in Poland annually as part of programmes on Facebook on Sunday night that it would work a bill that will restrict Holocaust restitution claims overseen by Israel’s education ministry. to help Afghans who make it to the United States by Jews and others who had property stolen by the “This propaganda, also based on hatred towards through a special programme designed to protect Nazis or Soviet-backed occupation forces during Poland, is seeping into the heads of young people people who aided the US mission there. World War II. from the early school years,” Jabłoński said. “The The law, signed by President Andrzej Duda, gives way in which these trips take place is clearly not Dylan sued for alleged sexual abuse all property restitution claims a 30-year time limit the right way. We are reviewing this matter, and we 56 years later from the alleged theft. That will effectively wipe will make appropriate out any claims from the World War II years. decisions.” Bob Dylan in 1984 Israel’s top two leaders called the law antisemitic, and the country recalled its Jewish ambassador to Warsaw. US Secretary of State humanitarian Antony Blinken, who is Jewish, voiced concern groups attempt to prior to Duda’s signing, and international aid Haitians and Holocaust restitution organisations also fumed Afghans after its passage. Jewish aid Duda and other Polish leaders claim the bill organisations are will simplify the country’s property laws and end a responding to two period of corruption and confusion over restitution major humanitarian claims, but the move is a clear continuation of the crises, although it’s country’s right-wing government’s longstanding unclear whether much crusade to separate itself from the effects of Nazi can be done from afar war crimes. to support Afghans now that the Taliban has • All briefs supplied by JTA retaken their country. Shabbat times this week The American Jewish Joint Distribution Starts Ends Committee is among 17:32 18:23 Johannesburg many foreign groups A woman is suing Bob Dylan for sexually abusing 18:02 18:55 Cape Town Looking to live in directing aid to her when she was 12 under a New York law that 17:17 18:08 Durban Haiti following an temporarily lifted limitations on such lawsuits. 17:37 18:28 Bloemfontein 17:34 18:27 Port Elizabeth the USA? earthquake on The woman, identified in court documents as 17:25 18:18 East London
Torah Thought Rabbi Yossi Chaikin, Te Oxford Synagogue Would it spoil some vast eternal plan if …? Centre n easy, albeit shallow, Te Torah explains that the reason been tested to approach to understanding for the commandment is because the maximum by suffering in this world is to Amalek “happened upon you on repeated sadness suggestA that Hashem is just letting the way”. Te attack against the and tragedy. To learn more please visit things happen, that it’s just nature children of Israel in the desert was It’s naïve to pretend that we can www.noborders.co.za taking its course without divine real, treacherous, and threatened explain anything at all. Hashem’s intervention. It helps to cope with lives. But in that sense, Amalek ways are and remain unfathomable, inexplicable events without our has come and gone, and we have particularly when dealing with faith being shaken. But is this really no certainty as to where to find his enormity. However, we dare not faith or actually heresy? Our belief descendants (though we may have suggest that there is no reason – includes the tenet of hashgacha some suspicions). there is one, we just don’t know pratit (micro-control from above). Te philosophy of Amalek, what it is. Even a leaf blowing in the wind is however, is still alive and well to this Maimonides, in his opening to the engineered as part of what Tevya day. “He happened upon you,” is the Laws of Fasts, suggests that if we called the vast eternal plan. dangerous and heretical approach say, “What has happened to us is the Te final verses of the Torah that things just happen for no way of the world, and this trouble is portion this Shabbat contain the reason and without control from merely happenstance,” it’s the way famous command of Zachor to above. Tis is what the Torah enjoins of cruelty, causing us to stick to our remember what Amalek did to our us to uproot and totally eradicate. bad ways. Instead, we are obliged ancestors when they left Egypt, and As the Jewish year 5781 nears to use such events as a trigger for to obliterate his memory forever. its end, we traditionally engage repentance and change. Troughout our history, many have in reflection during the final What a trigger year we’ve had. As tried to destroy us. Yet none of our month, Elul. Tis past year has the year draws to a close, Hashem, other foes are singled out the way brought more than its fair share of send us a 5782 filled with blessing, Amalek is. inexplicable events. Our faith has healing, and prosperity.
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Unvaccinated patients I want to flood Florida hospitals buy your bobba! old or new, NICOLA MILTZ families aren’t shattered,” he said. we’ll pay you Governor DeSantis has reportedly tried a price octors in the United States (US) are to block local communities and schools wow expressing their frustration as they from mandating the use of face masks, for your car. battle to keep COVID-19 patients as well as opposing attempts by private Dalive in Florida hospitals who chose not businesses to require vaccination as a to be vaccinated or take the necessary condition of providing services, drawing precautions. criticism from many local leaders. “The biggest tragedy we see is the As Florida continues to set records Call Alan: 082 850 0004 preventable loss of life,” says ex-South for new cases and hospitalisations, the www.alfinauto.co.za African, Dr Ari Sareli, who is chief of mayor of Miami Beach, Dan Gelber, called critical-care medicine and oversees all of DeSantis the “Pied Piper of COVID-19, Memorial Healthcare System’s intensive- leading everybody off a cliff”. converted to provide additional patient reading this, but when you’re seeing care units (ICUs). While many residents have been fully spaces,” he said. someone fight for their life to take that Sareli, a King David High School vaccinated, there are many who refuse to “There are problems with oxygen delivery, breath and survive, it’s heartbreaking.” Linksfield alumnus who grew up in get the life-saving jab. and the entire healthcare system in the An ex-South African mom in Boca Raton Glenhazel, lives in Boca Raton. He told Hospital beds in the state are filling state is under huge pressure.” who preferred to remain anonymous, told the SA Jewish Report, “It’s when people up rapidly with people who have serious Justine Goldberg, originally from the SA Jewish Report that though she and pay the ultimate price, and as healthcare cases of COVID-19. Some hospitals have Johannesburg who lives in Miami, is a her family had taken every precaution to workers, we understand the tragedy is that reportedly reached capacity in their ICUs. medical physician at Memorial Healthcare remain healthy, many did what they liked. loss of life could have been prevented with “We wear masks anywhere in public, but vaccination.” not everyone thinks like this. People are Certain states like Florida are buckling selfish, stupid, and ignorant,” she said. under a crippling summer surge in “COVID-19 has gone crazy in Florida. COVID-19 cases led by the contagious Delta While some of us are extra cautious, there variant. are many refusing to wear masks or get the In Florida, where thousands of Jewish vaccination, and they are the ones getting ex-South Africans have settled, hospitals gravely ill. It makes no sense to defy the are groaning with severely ill patients – the evidence and the science – vaccination and majority of whom are unvaccinated. Mask masks work.” wearing isn’t mandated, and restaurants, She’s disappointed because like many of beaches, bars, and businesses remain open. her friends, she wants life to return to a Florida is one of the worst hit US states new normal as soon as possible. “My child in terms of new COVID-19 cases and death hasn’t been to school for more than a year attributed to the disease. A few days ago, and a half. Our family hasn’t eaten at a the state which comprises a little more restaurant since this pandemic started. than 6% of the US population, accounted Thankfully, when my son goes back to for about one in five of the country’s new school later this month, masks will have cases, according to the Centers for Disease been mandated at his private Jewish school, Control and Prevention. but other schools are different. The state’s Republican governor, Ron “Every conversation is about COVID-19. DeSantis, has urged people to vaccinate, Everyone has their own thoughts and but hasn’t instituted a mask mandate and ideas. While our hospitals are full, people intends to keep the tourist state open in This week, Palm Beach County is to System, in Hollywood, Florida. She posted are going away on holiday, eating in spite of the Delta spike. He is opposed to declare a state of emergency to deal with on Facebook on 15 August, “This war isn’t restaurants, and travelling. The schools imposing lockdowns and new restrictions. the pandemic. With more than 1 000 new even halfway over. should do full COVID-19 testing on every Some are saying these factors have COVID-19 cases per day, the community “We are already running out of steam, staff member and kid before they go back to contributed to the surge in the sunshine spread is high and the numbers are and can’t afford to give up the fight now. school. Kids have all been away on various state, and it’s not expected to reach a peak expected to rise, experts said. Today is my 12th day in a row working. summer camps, and bring the virus home anytime soon. The vaccination rate among the elderly For most healthcare workers, exhaustion with them. It’s going to get interesting.” Sareli said healthcare workers “get to is quite high, but lower among younger is an understatement. The hardest part Annette Polovin, who also lives in Boca see the suffering, we get to see the broken people, and healthcare workers are is to keep going, saving lives when people Raton, has been extra careful since the start lives, and we see patients dying in what witnessing more hospitalisations in that aren’t vaccinated and are presenting of the pandemic to the point of insisting could have been a preventable tragedy”. population. more critically ill than ever. The majority that her grandchildren are tested before “It’s absolutely true that, with vaccination, Sareli said that his hospital group had of patients affected right now are visiting on weekends. In spite of this, three a very small minority of people may get 133 ICU beds. At the time of going to unvaccinated!” out of four family members contracted critically ill and may even die, but that print, there were 145 ICU patients, with She explained how after trying everything COVID-19 about a month ago. proportion is so small and the overwhelming the overwhelming majority of them ill with possible to help a 50-year-old unvaccinated “Fortunately, we were all fully vaccinated, majority of people could be saved. Tey COVID-19, mostly on ventilators. female patient, she was forced to intubate her. so we had it mildly, but my sister in Durban could be at a point in their lives where they “The ICUs are operating above capacity. “Eventually I had to call it and intubate got it and landed up in hospital. She hadn’t aren’t devastated, where the lives of their Cafeterias and conference rooms have been her. This doesn’t seem so bad while you’re received the vaccination yet,” Polovin said.
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Afghanistan. by Iran. Commercial ties are also thriving. A the accords, it has the largest remnant Israel Government Press Office Amsalem, Shlomi Photo: confers with Nasser Bourita, “We welcome and support • Recognising Morocco’s claim to an massive UAE investment in Israel’s offshore Jewish community. A number of Moroccan his Moroccan counterpart in the normalisation agreements area it has claimed by force was seen natural gas extraction is going ahead. Tens Jews are advisers to King Mohammed Rabat, Morocco between Israel and countries in the Arab as undercutting efforts to counter other of thousands of Israelis visited the UAE in VI. Morocco and Israel have existing and Muslim world,” a state department expansionist bids, for instance, Russia’s the months after the signing. A kosher food commercial and, reportedly, security ties. critical role in the 1980s in the wave of offcial said last week, responding to a JTA effective annexation of Crimea. industry is blossoming in Dubai. The countries have so far exchanged Ethiopian Jewish immigration. query about the status of the accords. “The • While the government of Sudan There is still one important point of envoys, and have launched for the frst Right now, its deal with Israel is stuck United States (US) will continue to rejects everything its predecessors tension: Israel’s military actions against time ever direct commercial fights. as the two sides hash out details, not encourage other countries to normalise stood for, the families of victims of the the Palestinians. Before the latest round of But there have been some hiccups, a because any of the parties are having relations with Israel.” September 11 attacks are still pressing for fghting between Israel and Hamas in May, consequence, in part, of uncertainty for a second thoughts. Sudan’s government The degree to which the normalisation compensation. the UAE criticised Israel’s crackdown on period about how Biden would treat the is contending with internal tension as it agreements are thriving varies from Biden has so far kept all of them intact. Palestinians protesting evictions in eastern recognition of the Western Sahara. transitions to democracy. country to country, and for the moment it At frst, he froze the UAE F-35s deal, but Jerusalem. Another factor impeding a full-fedged Who’s next? doesn’t look like there are any imminent then recommitted to it, in part because the Bahrain, which houses a Jewish mutual embrace has been the country’s The big domino that could lead to a new members of the club. But experts and pro-Israel community, which had joined community that’s more than a century elected government, which is more Islamist cascade of mutual recognition in the peace-brokers say that the deals are here the opposition to the deal, dropped its old and which has had quiet relations than the royal court. Arab and Muslim worlds is Saudi Arabia. to stay. objections. The Biden administration has with Israel and the pro-Israel community Yasmina Abouzzohour, a visiting fellow But that’s not likely to happen The Trump administration negotiated said that reversing the Western Sahara since the 2000s at least, didn’t need a at the Brooking Center in Qatar and soon. Legislators in Congress, mostly incentives for three of the four countries recognition is off the table for now. And lot of convincing to buy into the accords. an expert on Morocco, said the pluses Democrats but a number of Republicans that normalised relations with Israel. These Secretary of State Antony Blinken has Two months after the signing, Bahrain’s were the economic ties, the concomitant as well, see the country as toxic because are in place – for now. accepted the terms of the Sudan deal, commerce minister was in Jerusalem strengthening of ties with the US, and of its human-rights abuses, including • The US agreed to sell the United Arab accepting payment for victims of some acts formalising already existing commercial the potential for Morocco to have a its murder of a US-based journalist in Emirates (UAE) state-of-the-art F-35 of terrorism Sudan facilitated in the 1990s ties. bigger role in helping bring about a 2018, and because of its Yemen war stealth fghter jets, which some – and preserving the right of victims of the Bahrain has named an ambassador resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian interventions. including (for a time) former Israeli Prime 9/11 attacks to continue their quest for to Israel, but unlike the UAE, hasn’t yet confict. But she said the average pro- That said, there are a number of Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – believed compensation. established an embassy in Israel. Palestine Moroccan citizen wasn’t thrilled countries that already have informal ties could weaken Israel’s “qualitative military The UAE deal is the biggest success Morocco was always seen as the easiest about the relationship. with Israel that could easily transition edge” in the region. of the four, and Israel and the UAE have get: there’s a huge Moroccan Jewish Sudan is another country that has long to full-blown ties, among them Oman, • The US agreed to recognise Morocco’s already exchanged offcial ambassadors. community in Israel that has since the had sub rosa ties with Israel – it played a Mauritania, Indonesia, and Qatar. More countries boycott ‘Israel hate-fest’ conference NICOLA MILTZ Delegates present at the conference said some NGOs sparked a walkout by many European delegates. while rejecting the misuse of the Durban process to distributed anti-Jewish and anti-Israel material accusing France made its announcement last Friday, unfairly single out and target Israel.” he list of countries boycotting next month’s Israel of genocide and questioning whether Hitler was 13 August. “France will continue to fght against all Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok reportedly told the United Nations anti-racism conference is right. forces of racism, and will be watching to make sure that Dutch Parliament, “This decision was taken due to the growing over concerns that the gathering in New Several delegates including those from the United the Durban follow-up conference is held in accordance history of the Durban process, the risk that this platform TYork will promote antisemitism. States and Israel walked out in protest as the negative with the founding principles of the United Nations,” the will once again be misused for antisemitic expressions, This year marks the 20th anniversary of the infamous tone against Israel continued unabated. presidency said. and because of the conference’s disproportionate, United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Last week, France joined the growing list of countries President Emmanuel Macron has promised to fght one-sided focus on Israel, as exemplifed in the original Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance boycotting the upcoming conference. It brings to 11 the against antisemitism in all its forms, and last year, Durban declaration.” that was originally held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in number of countries so far that have pulled out. warned of “the unbearable resurgence of antisemitism Earlier this year, Jerusalem-based research institute 2001. Israel, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, in our Europe”. NGO Monitor hosted an online event titled, “20 Years of Organised to discuss issues of racism and the United Kingdom, Hungary, Austria, Netherlands, The government has in recent days expressed concern Hijacking Human Rights: The Lasting Impact of Durban”, discrimination, the original conference devolved into and the Czech Republic are among them. The New about antisemitic slogans at protests against COVID-19 which brought together experts who discussed the an all-out campaign to delegitimise Israel and its York conference is being held on 22 September on the restrictions. enduring infuence of the original Durban conference supporters. It resulted in the “Durban Declaration and sidelines of the opening session of the 76th United The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) and the NGO campaign to delegitimise Israel. Programme of Action” against racism which condemned Nations General Assembly. has resolutely opposed the 20th anniversary The Jerusalem Report said participants at this event racism and all related forms, including antisemitism. commemoration, describing it as “in effect a racist included NGO Monitor President Professor Gerald However, an initial draft of that declaration attempted conference against the Jewish state”. Steinberg; Professor Irwin Cotler, a former member to equate Zionism with racism. Rowan Polovin, the national chairperson of the of Parliament in Canada and minister of justice and Known as the frst Durban conference, held from SAZF, said this week, “We welcome the fact that 11 attorney general; and NGO Monitor legal advisor Anne 31 August to 8 September 2001, it veered into an anti- major countries will boycott next month’s high-level Herzberg, among others. Israel, anti-Jewish hate-fest, according to numerous event in New York. The Durban conference is known Said Steinberg, “Durban became one of the most reports written at the time and several delegates to have been the genesis of the modern antisemitic potent symbols of organised hate against Israel as the present. It resulted in the popularisation of slogans BDS movement, which over two decades, has been nation-state of the Jewish people. We are now such as “Israel apartheid” and the rise of the Boycott, responsible for vile acts of antisemitism against 20 years later, and the Durban NGO plan of action is Divestment, Sanctions movement (BDS) against Israel. Jews and a concerted campaign of demonisation being implemented in every direction.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog last month said and delegitimisation against the world’s only Cotler, who participated in the Canadian delegation the upcoming United Nations conference, called Jewish state. to the 2001 Durban Conference, said, “A conference Durban IV, is a “gathering of hatred and slander, an “The anti-Israel activists in attendance in 2001 that was to commemorate the dismantling of South antisemitic event in the worst sense”. Speaking at distributed the infamous antisemitic forgery The Africa as an apartheid state turned into a conference the Global Forum to Combat Antisemitism, he called Protocols of the Elders of Zion and shared pro-Nazi calling for the dismantling of Israel as an apartheid for countries and organisations to band together by fyers bemoaning that if only Hitler had won the state.” acting “decisively, unanimously, and fearlessly” against war, Israel wouldn’t have existed,” he said. Herzberg said, “From the very outset, it was clear September’s Durban IV conference. The legacy of Durban is a “global and systematic that antisemitism would be promoted rather than Twenty years ago, countless non-governmental effort to undermine Israel’s right to exist as an tackled, and that demonisation and delegitimisation of Protestors from the opening of the Durban III Conference organisations (NGOs) were represented at the indigenous Jewish and democratic state”, Polovin Israel would be a central feature.” in New York in 2011 conference at a separate NGO Forum at which Israel said. Said Polovin, “Ultimately, antisemites end up on was singled out for racism. According to reports, a France also boycotted follow-up meetings in 2009 Austria has also joined the Durban conference the scrapheaps of history. Twenty years on, Israel strategy of isolating Israel through boycotts, legal attacks, and 2011. At the 2009 conference, a speech by Iran’s boycott. The Austrian Embassy in Israel announced, is stronger, securer, richer, more loved, and more and accusations of “apartheid” was launched. then President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attacking Israel “Austria supports efforts to combat racism worldwide respected than ever before.” 19 – 26 August 2021 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 LET US HELP JSC to re-interview candidates for Constitutional Court YOU FIND THE NICOLA MILTZ Casac sought an order declaring the decision display of bigotry and intolerance”. PERFECT HOME to shortlist five candidates invalid, and for it to National Director Wendy Kahn said, “When steemed Gauteng Judge David be set aside. calls are made for Jews who serve on the IN ISRAEL. Unterhalter as well as several other From the start, the interviews were mired in Jewish community’s democratically elected prospective candidates will have another controversy after politics seemingly played a representative body to be excluded from public Echance at interviewing for a position on the heavy role above jurisprudential merit. Certain service, it amounts to gross antisemitism.” Constitutional Court. judges were subjected to relentless questioning Following the interviews, the names of Te Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and probed on their relationships with judges Judge Fayeeza Kathree-Setiloane, Judge Jody last week agreed to run fresh interviews for and judgments that affected politics. Kollapen, Judge Rammaka Mathopo, Judge Constitutional Court nominees following a In the main, the complaints centred on Mahube Molemela, and Judge Badshier Vally challenge from the Council for the the interviews of KwaZulu-Natal were submitted to the president for his final Advancement of the South High Court Judge Dhaya decision. African Constitution (Casac), Pillay – a friend of Public Casac was opposed to the “political questions” which criticised the Enterprises Minister that commissioners such as Economic Freedom interview process. Pravin Gordhan – and Fighter leader Julius Malema put to prospective Casac spokesperson Gauteng High Court candidates. JULIAN NATHAN, Lawson Naidoo Judge Unterhalter, According to City Press, Naidoo said in his said last week that neither of whom founding affidavit, “Te interviews aren’t a MANAGING DIRECTOR the civil society made the JSC platform for party politics; they aren’t there for WILL BE TRAVELING TO SOUTH AFRICA organisation Judge David Unterhalter shortlist. the JSC to investigate and evaluate complaints had reached an In the days against judges; and they aren’t there to give FROM WED 18TH - agreement with the preceding the commissioners a chance to quibble with WED 25TH AUG 2021 JSC following its interviews, the judgments they lost as litigants. intention to challenge South African “Nor do they exist to enable individual BOOK YOUR the interview process in Boycott, Divestment, commissioners to ventilate grudges against court. Sanctions (BDS) coalition judges. Party political considerations and APPOINTMENT NOW He said the JSC had agreed tried to stop Unterhalter political agendas should play no role in the [email protected] to the relief sought by Casac in its from being interviewed. Te JSC’s decisions and processes. Te JSC’s application to the Gauteng High Court. organisation vehemently opposed obligation to guard its independence – and, Julian provides expert advice on Following the controversial interviews Unterhalter’s candidacy on the basis that he through it, the judiciary’s independence the Israeli property market, offering in April, Casac lodged a court application was associated with the South African Jewish – rests on each individual commissioner clients access to new developments challenging the constitutionality of the JSC Board of Deputies (SAJBD). as well as the JSC’s chairperson, who has and existing properties across Israel. interviews of candidates for the vacant posts. However, in spite of its attack on the ultimate responsibility for controlling Casac argued that the manner of questioning judge for his association with the SAJBD, the conduct of meetings, interviews, and EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES some of the candidates went beyond the Unterhalter’s interview went ahead, but he was deliberations.” IN ISRAEL bounds of what was permissible to determine grilled about his involvement with the SAJBD. It’s understood that most of the nominees the fitness and propriety of the candidates. Unterhalter briefly assisted the Board with for vacancies at the Constitutional Court It asserted that some of the questions were the upliftment and welfare of the Jewish and will be re-interviewed, and legal entities and NEW RELEASE! irrelevant, and were aimed at ambushing the broader community during the direst phase of members of the public can also have their candidates, which may have resulted in them the COVID-19 pandemic last year. say on the candidates. suffering prejudice. Te SAJBD on 14 April lambasted BDS Te recommended shortlist of candidates Te JSC was criticised for failing to deliberate for attempting to have Unterhalter rejected submitted by the JSC to President Cyril on the performance of all the candidates from applying for the position, describing the Ramaphosa in April is to be set aside, and following the interview process. organisation’s efforts as “yet another shocking new interviews will be conducted in October. Haifa Port (Urban co-living space) Illicit engagement party roils Australian Jews in lockdown PHILISSA CRAMER – JTA to condemn gatherings that violate the city’s lockdown Kennard wrote. “Because the law states that we must rules and to penalise local rabbis who have condoned stay at home, because the experts tell us that this is the ideo from a packed engagement party is them. way to save lives, because of the risk of terrible chillul roiling the Jewish community of Melbourne, On Sunday, the Rabbinical Council of Victoria Hashem [desecration of G-d’s name], every rabbi and Australia, amid a growing outbreak of issued a statement urging local Jews to “comply with leader must cry out. We must take the heartbreaking VCOVID-19 that has extended yet another stringent all government restrictions without exception”, then path and stop the gatherings – for prayer, for s’machot, lockdown there. it issued a stronger comment after criticism from the for school. Just stop.” Savyon City Towers, 7 Brandeis, Netanya Ra’anana Compliance with local rules has been spotty across newspaper and others. Speaking on Australian television, Daniel Aghion, Melbourne during the latest lockdown, which comes the president of the Jewish after a year and a half of intense restrictions meant to Community Council of Victoria, stop the spread of coronavirus there. said, “We’ve heard about a number But the local Jewish community is again emerging of non-compliances. That’s actually as a hotspot. Local authorities are planning to set up quite disturbing for us.” vaccination and testing sites in the heavily Orthodox Australia has experienced suburb of St Kilda East after a mother and son there perhaps the world’s most stringent tested positive, and sites in other Orthodox areas, restrictions aimed at curbing the Yefet 117, Jaffa, Savoney, Harish including Caulfeld and Balaclava, have landed on spread of COVID-19. Since the Tel Aviv the growing list of locations with known exposures. In pandemic began, Australians Melbourne, 25 people tested positive for COVID-19 on and permanent residents have From new complexes in cities along the Saturday. effectively been barred from Mediterranean coastline, to projects in Meanwhile, the engagement party video has offered A view of an empty street in Melbourne, Australia leaving the country, while only a new areas of development and growth, what many say is hard proof that some Orthodox Jews via Getty Images Agency Recep Sakar/Anadolu Photo: small number of people have been our portfolio of new residential projects offer a solid investment to those seeking aren’t taking the pandemic seriously. The video, which is “For the removal of any possible doubt, this includes allowed to enter. Under the current lockdown in Victoria, long-term capital growth. circulating online, shows a groom speaking to a crowded all illegal gatherings including for prayer,” said the Melbourne’s region, all gatherings in private homes are room of unmasked guests, at one point joking, “Clearly unsigned clarifcation, which was posted to Facebook. banned, and the only kinds of gatherings allowed are this is legal, because this is a group therapy session.” “We implore anybody considering fouting the law funerals of 10 people or fewer. Contact Julian Nathan Laughter follows. to refrain from doing so. We unreservedly condemn Tension over compliance with COVID-19 rules has +27 87 551 0734 “Many people will have seen a video from the such actions, which bring risk and shame to the entire emerged around the world in and around Orthodox +972 58 631 9754 engagement party circulating. I have,” Philip Dalidakis, community.” communities since March 2020, when rules aimed at a Jewish former legislator who works for Australia Post, But the group didn’t suggest that it would name or stopping the spread of disease made minyans, or the wrote on Facebook on Sunday. “There are people in it penalise rabbis who have participated in gatherings, quorums required to say some prayers, illegal in many that I know and I am speechless. I am genuinely shocked which local Jews said had been happening for a variety places. at the brazen disregard for our laws.” of reasons throughout the pandemic. Early in the pandemic, Melbourne police raided According to Rafael Epstein, a journalist with the Responding to an Australia Jewish News Facebook several sites where Orthodox Jews were illegally holding Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 68 people were post, Rabbi James Kennard, the principal of Mount minyans. Last October, private citizens confronted a In association with present and contact tracing is taking place after someone Scopus Memorial College, a modern Orthodox school, group of Haredi Orthodox men leaving a school. at the event tested positive for COVID-19. wrote that such condemnation is needed, and signalled Dalidakis wrote that most local Jews were adhering “If you’re angry, believe me you are not as angry as that a wide array of gatherings had been taking place in to the rules. But, he said, “small pockets of our Orthodox almost all of the Jewish community,” Epstein tweeted. contravention of local rules. and ultra-Orthodox community need to see this event Among those expressing anger was the Australia “It’s painful to speak out against fellow Jews in public. as an opportunity to reset and refect on just how Visit our website: www.hold.co.il Jewish News, which called on local Orthodox leaders But at this time, the danger of staying silent is too great,” dangerous and selfsh their behaviour has been”. 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 south african End-of-year holiday could JTheewish source of quality content, news andR insightseport be drowned by fourth wave The silence of the “activists” OPINION PROFESSOR BARRY SCHOUB here has been a sudden ‘disappearance’ of a number ow is the time when serious could give rise to the generation of new escape of people in South Africa who are very outspoken consideration is being given to mutants and the advent of novel variants. Not about what they believe to be human rights. Their what lies ahead for the end-of- only is their arrival unpredictable, but equally Nyear holiday season under the spectre of unpredictable is their personality and how Tsilence is strange. Some of them are powerful government officials and COVID-19. Will it be a quiet period? Can serious a threat they would pose to human some hold high positions in influential organisations. They preparations go ahead for youth camps? Can health. have clout, because they seem to have won over many in we consider planning for a year-end wedding Will human behaviour be a factor in our government to their way of thinking. or a Barmitzvah function? What about the determining the onset of the fourth wave? How does it happen that they have all gone so quiet this annual holiday or perhaps travel abroad? Certainly, in the past, major super-spreading week? What will COVID-19 look like during the events have triggered the first and second It seems the Taliban retaking power in Afghanistan had 2021/2022 holiday season? waves. Unfortunately, the timing of a potential something to do with it because, if anything, they should According to the Talmud (Yoma 9b, fourth wave looks ominously similar that of be shouting about the prospect of human-rights violations. Sanhedrin 11a and Sota 48b), prophecy ceased the second wave – this time the 2021/2022 You see, these particular people are always the first to in the early second Temple period with the holiday season. make themselves heard when something happens in the Middle East, especially when Israel is deaths of the last prophets, Chagai, Zechariah, Lastly, there is the question whether concerned. vaccine coverage could And, as it happens, Israel is always found – in their opinion – to be in the wrong. Israel is always, reach a level that in their opinion, a human-rights abuser par excellence. Most folk in the scientific world feel would have an impact And, although this government takeover has nothing whatsoever to do with Israel, it has that a fourth wave is inevitable, on the development everything to do with human-rights abuses. The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001 of the fourth wave. with an iron fist, prohibiting women or girls from studying or participating in public life. It was with the cyclic periodicity of waves Unfortunately, most brutal and violent, chopping off the hands of people accused of stealing, and stoning people – probably the most dependable recently, vaccine especially women – to death for adultery. Men were required to have beards, and women forced to factor to rely on for timing. coverage data has wear a burka that covered them from head to toe. Afghans dared not disagree with the Taliban for worryingly dropped 43% fear of death. and Malachi. To give a reliable and dependable from a high of 273 000 to 154 000 a day over Under the Taliban, television, music, and cinema was banned. prediction of when, where, and how bad the the past few weeks, well below the figure of It was a very dark time for Afghans, particularly women and children. forthcoming fourth wave will be would really 300 000 a day targeted by the end of August. However, this week, I saw no comment from these local ‘human-rights activists’ about the require ruach hakadosh (holy spirit). So, in the Hopefully, vaccine coverage will pick up soon if Taliban taking over Afghanistan. I noticed the void, and was quite worried that something must absence of nevuah (prophecy), we will need to communication can be ramped up to entice the have happened because these folk always have something to say. They are, after all, the people rely on something far less reliable – science. vaccine hesitant to vaccination sites. However, who supposedly fight for those whose rights have been abused or have the potential to be abused. It’s less reliable because current science even if coverage improves to the level we And the Taliban’s track record is clear. No matter what its members say, their actions speak needs to rely on the behaviour of a highly would like to see, and which has been reached louder than words. unpredictable virus, the similarly unpredictable by many developed countries, it may still not However, the very same people who call Israel a brutal killer and abuser haven’t said one word behaviour of humans, and then also the prevent the occurrence of a fourth wave as has in condemnation of the Taliban takeover of this Middle Eastern country. somewhat unreliable and uncertain extent of been apparent in highly vaccinated countries While visuals fly round the world of people en masse climbing on top of planes as they vaccine coverage and its varyingly incomplete in Europe, in the United States, and in Israel. desperately try to leave Afghanistan out of sheer terror, our ‘friends’ keep mum about this. protection against transmission of the virus. However, it could greatly reduce the severity of I’m not sure I will ever get over that image of a transport plane taking off with frenzied Afghans So, to start off with, what can be gleaned the wave by radically reducing serious-disease clinging to its body, from which they dropped to their deaths. from science to try and look into the future hospitalisation and death, as has been seen in I’m aware that fingers are pointing at the United States for erroneously pulling out troops from with some degree of confidence? First, and those countries. Afghanistan, saying that doing so enabled the Taliban to take control. They are probably right. perhaps the most direct place to look, is the So, where does that leave us with plans for However, the Taliban has clearly been waiting in the wings to take control and bring about its own picture from the past patterns of COVID-19 the end of the year? Prophecy is no longer form of Sharia law that doesn’t allow for citizens’ human rights to be recognised. waves in this country, and then to speculate with us, and science is quite a bit more Perhaps our activist ‘friends’ have gone off to help those in need in Afghanistan. Or perhaps that the wave pattern will continue with the uncertain. Most folk in the scientific world they have double standards and believe that only Israel is bad. Perhaps their standards don’t same regularity, at least for this year. [See feel that a fourth wave is inevitable, with apply to other people mistreating and abusing populations in the Middle East. accompanying figure]. Thus, looking back, the cyclic periodicity of waves probably the Could it be that their focus on Israel as a human-rights abuser has nothing to do with the we can see that the duration of each of the most dependable factor to rely on for timing. people who are supposedly being abused, and everything to do with Israel being the Jewish first two, and probably also the third wave, Unfortunately for many, that assumption homeland? was about 75 days, while the interval periods seems to point precisely to the holiday season. How else can one explain their silence about the Taliban taking power in Afghanistan? Silence between waves was from 94 to 100 days. Hopefully successfully high vaccine coverage is a tacit form of acceptance and approval. Surely, if you don’t stand up against something – Unfortunately, that looks like rather bad news and, perhaps, the summer season, may particularly when it’s your way to do so – it means you approve of it. for holiday Will we soon be seeing massive billboards saying, “End Taliban rule in Afghanistan” or is makers and that large sum of money spent on billboards advertising support for those who oppose Israel machaneh earmarked only for the Jewish State? planners, with I find this astonishing, especially because every time we suggest that these activists could be the fourth doing their shtik simply because they don’t want the Jewish State to survive, they get angry with wave seeming our suggestion that they could be antisemitic. to come slap But, help me here, how else do I understand the fact that they don’t say a word in protest of a bang in the University of KwaZulu-Natal brutal organisation with a clear track record of the worst kind of human-rights abuses taking over middle of the a country in the Middle East? I would love some kind of explanation that detracts from what seems holiday season, so obvious to me. i.e. starting I would hate for them to suggest that I’m being unfair or prejudiced by believing that it’s at the end of simple antisemitism if they don’t stand up against abuses that are so obvious in the same region November and covered by their activism. peaking in late I wait for them to tell us, once again, that they aren’t antisemitic, and this isn’t about wanting December/early to remove Jews from the Middle East. Forgive me for bastardising Shakespeare in Hamlet, “The January. Photo: Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Dr Cheryl Baxter, Abdool Karim and Dr Cheryl Baxter, Professor Salim Photo: ‘activists’ [original is Lady] doth protest too much, methinks!” It seems quite apt under the Second, circumstances. what’s most Perhaps I jumped the gun and the government, the African National Congress, and our activist unpredictable is the volatility of the SARS CoV- ameliorate its severity. Hold thumbs that a ‘friends’ will soon come out and say how appalled they are about the Taliban being back in power. 2 virus, which has surprised the virology world fifth variant of concern doesn’t arise in the Let’s see. by its uncanny ability to mutate so readily and, meantime. Meanwhile, in another part of the world, Florida in the United States, we hear about the in doing so, generate pernicious variants of Finally, we all need to encourage more and frustration of former South Africans witnessing what happens when people choose not to concern. It’s these variants which have been more of those who haven’t yet been vaccinated get vaccinated against COVID-19 or to follow protocols. In Florida, everyone could have been instrumental in driving previous epidemics. to step up to the plate and make a positive vaccinated by now, but in the present surge, hospitals are full of seriously ill COVID-19 patients Thus, the advent of the Delta variant was the contribution, not only to themselves but to the who mostly haven’t had the vaccine. engine behind the massive epidemic in India rest of the community. It’s evidence, once again, that it’s to our benefit to make sure that as many of us are vaccinated earlier this year and, similarly, the gamma as possible. It’s not 100% foolproof, but it’s going to make a huge difference in becoming variant in Brazil, also at the beginning of the • Barry Schoub is chairperson of the Ministerial seriously ill or dying. So, if you are eligible and haven’t already been vaccinated, do it now. year. In South Africa, the second and third Advisory Committee on COVID-19 vaccines. waves were, respectively, driven by the Beta He is professor emeritus of virology at the Shabbat Shalom! and Delta variants. Chronic replication of University of the Witwatersrand, and was the Peta Krost Maunder the virus, either in unvaccinated infected founding director of the National Institute Editor individuals or in persons with underlying for Communicable Diseases. He writes in his immune suppression for whatever reason, personal capacity.
8 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 Walking with Mandela – an ‘Elul moment’ TALI FEINBERG the palace], over these next 29 days, we get the rare opportunity to have a face-to-face encounter with our he Goldman family have experienced many king, but ‘outdoors’, in a casual setting. incredible moments, but few have come close to “Imagine running into the president when he’s not in the time they took a spontaneous stroll with then- the White House, but on a casual walk, and being able to Tpresident Nelson Mandela. Every Elul, Rabbi Michoel bypass all the red tape of an offcial meeting? You could Goldman refects on how this encounter reminds him of speak your heart and have an intimate moment without the power of this month. all the protocol. This incident makes it real for me every Writing on Facebook last week from the United States year. Let’s maximise the power of the coming month to where he is based, Goldman shared a photo with the meet the king, radiant, in the everyday stuff of ordinary caption, “Yes, that’s Nelson Mandela with my young life.” brother, Yisroel.” In the image, one can see the statesman His brother, Mendel Goldman, refects on how the Nelson Mandela and smiling and shaking hands with the Jewish youngster. moment stood out for him. “My recollection is I was Mendel Goldman Elaborating on the memory, he says, “Shortly after about 16 years old, it was a fast day, I think it was 17 he was released from prison, and a few months before Tammuz. My dad had just come home and said, ‘Guess he was inaugurated as the frst black president, making who’s walking outside?’ Madiba had apparently just history, Nelson Mandela decided to take a stroll through walked past our house and I think my dad saw him on the neighbourhood, experiencing what it was like to walk African Street, which is just around the corner. “When it was freely. He had recently moved to a home not far from us. “It was quite funny because I was in high school at the my turn to walk with “Since he was already president-elect, he had security time, and we had just been doing a mock election [as him, I remember him detail behind him. My father was coming home from an educational exercise]. The high school was divided asking which school I went to, synagogue, and noticed this African gentleman being into different groups representing political parties, and I told him Torah Academy. I explained escorted by two white men, and did a double take: ‘Oh and I was part of the ANC [African National Congress] that it was a Jewish school, and told him it was up the My G-d! That’s Nelson Mandela!’ He and some of my representation. So I had a whole lot of paraphernalia like road from there. He asked what I was studying, and at siblings walked and talked to Mandela for an easy 30 ANC badges, fags, and T-shirts. Also, for my Barmitzvah, I that stage, I was doing a kodesh stream, so I told him I minutes. What a surprise encounter! What a memorable got a camera from my uncle which I remember was quite was learning from the Talmud. He asked me what it was moment!” an advanced camera for a teenager to have at the time. about.” He tells this story every year at the same time. “Why? “So I grabbed my camera, put on an ANC badge, and While he doesn’t remember exactly how he Because tonight begins the Jewish month of Elul,” he ran outside. Mandela was there with his daughter and responded, he does recall that, “I tried to make a good wrote on Facebook. “This is the last month of the year as two policemen. I remember after stopping and talking to impression of my school so that he could have a good we prepare for Rosh Hashanah 30 days from now. us for a couple of minutes, he asked if we could walk with impression of the Jewish community.” “This month is very special, known as a month of him. So, we walked from the bottom of African Street all Responding to his brother’s thoughts on how the divine compassion,” continues Goldman. “Rabbi Shneur the way up to Cheltondale Park near the Norwood Pick encounter ties into the month of Elul, he says, “As a child, Zalman, the founder of Chabad, taught that in this n Pay, which is probably 800m. I vividly remember us I felt honoured to have met the president of our country. month, ‘the king is in the feld’, meaning that while the kids each having a turn to talk to him, and I was running What I couldn’t get over was how such an important high holidays are days of awe [like meeting a king in ahead taking photos. person was able to connect with everyone on whatever level they were on. For example, I was a teenager, 15 to Nelson Mandela 16 years old, and yet he was able to make a connection. with Yisroel This very much talks not only to the ‘king being in the (Izzy) Goldman feld’ but also to the king being able to connect to everyone on their level.” Their father, Rabbi Yossy Goldman, remembers “doing years old. He held my hand and asked me all about a double take and seeing the unmistakable fgure of school. I remember it clearly, and felt so special that he Nelson Mandela. I ran into the house and said, ‘Kids cared.” come quick, Mandela’s on the corner!’ He chatted to all Goldman says his son’s analogy to Elul is “beautiful the kids. I was just hovering nearby. My daughter, Zeesy, and really ftting. This is a time when ‘the king’ is much Considering a move was holding the youngest, Nissen, who was a baby. more approachable and accessible. It’s a time of grace. Madiba tried to engage him, but he wasn’t interested. Normally, getting an audience with a king isn’t easy. But He said, ‘This one is fghting old battles!’ And when we this is a time when He doesn’t mind mixing with the to Melbourne? told him Yisroel’s name, he said he was hoping to go to crowds. Israel soon, with [the late] Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris. And “I don’t know many heads of state who would do such he did so, soon after that encounter.” a thing [that Mandela did that day], and take the time As the family walked with him, “he took the hands of to chat to a bunch of children. He took such an interest my daughter, Sara [now Rebbetzin Sarah Feldman], and in them, asking them what their favourite subject was at my son, Yisroel, and walked a full block holding their school, and so on. Politicians do it when they are running hands. He was like a zaida walking with his grandkids for election. But this wasn’t a photo op, it was genuine. to shul.” He didn’t need the votes. That kind of humanity is very Feldman remembers the moment vividly. “I was eight special.” Taliban takeover more than just a threat to Afghans >> Continued from page 1 There was a lot of patronising going on. Foreign including those of the country’s last Jew, Zabulon troops often couldn’t distinguish between the Taliban Simantov. Although the spokesperson had never and local villagers, and neither could the Afghan heard of Simantov, he said he had nothing to fear. American translators they used who’d grown up in In June, Simantov, who lives in Kabul, vowed the US. We visited an airbase where American pilots he would leave Afghanistan “by the time the were training their Afghan colleagues. One told Taliban come”. But on Tuesday, 17 August, he spoke me off camera that he would never let an Afghan to Indian TV, declaring that he wasn’t moving pilot fy him because they were so bad. Later, while anywhere. standing alongside each other, the American pilots “I will not leave my home. If I had left, there would were proudly demonstrating their important role have been no one to maintain the synagogue.” in the country when an Afghan pilot boldly said in For 16 years, Simantov has been the only Jew Russian so the Americans wouldn’t understand how living in Afghanistan after another Jew, Isaac Levi, he couldn’t wait for them to leave and give them all died in 2005. Their relationship mirrored the their equipment. well-known Jewish joke where a Jewish man is Since taking over the country, representatives of stranded on an island. When he’s found, he shows the Taliban have been appearing on international his rescuers the two synagogues that he’s built. Why television in an effort to reassure the world that their two? “This is the one I go to,” he says, “and the other return won’t be the nightmare scenario many in the is the one I wouldn’t be caught dead in.” West fear. They’ve gone as far as to brand themselves Simantov and Levi never spoke to each other. “the new Taliban”. Without Simantov, the synagogue is likely to www.scopus.vic.edu.au This week, a spokesperson for the group stressed close, ending an era of Jewish life in Afghanistan that they would respect the rights of minorities, that scholars believe began at least 2 000 years ago. 19 – 26 August 2021 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 Israeli TB patch could save millions TALI FEINBERG “Te patch contains sensors made from nanoparticles. What we’re doing is sensing changes in the smell ith COVID-19 on our minds, it’s easy to pattern of the person, which can tell us with high forget that tuberculosis (TB) is an epidemic accuracy whether or not they have TB,” Vishinkin says. that takes South African lives every day. Te patch changes colour as it gives a diagnosis. If it Now,W a tiny patch developed by Israeli scientists could turns red, the person is infected. If it turns green, they make a big difference in getting TB under control, even aren’t. eradicating it. In the current model, a computer is needed to provide results, but the final product will automatically transmit results to a cell phone or clinic. More testing is taking place, and they hope to get the product on the market within a few years. In addition, it will be cheap, fast, and simple to use, requiring no specially trained personnel. Te group hopes the same methodology can be used to diagnose other diseases and conditions in future. “Te collaboration [with South Africa] was amazing and the engagement of health workers and volunteers was a great success,” Vishinkin says. “We had several training sessions and visits at local clinics prior to starting the actual volunteer recruitment.” A recent survey shows that South Africa has a far higher number of people with TB than previously thought. Te survey was conducted between 2017 and 2019 by the South African Medical Research Council, Human Sciences Research Council, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases on behalf of the health department. About three million cases of TB go undiagnosed annually, which results in 1.4 million deaths every year. Many people die because early symptoms are non-specific, which complicates the diagnosis. What makes matters worse is that existing diagnosis methods are slow and at times too expensive or complicated in rural or underdeveloped A prototype of the new Israeli tuberculosis-detecting skin patch areas. Courtesy of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Asked what impact the patch could have on the A research team from the Technion-Israel Institute TB epidemic in South Africa, of Technology says it has produced and tested a patch Vishinkin says as a triage test that gives a diagnosis an hour after it’s attached to the that can be performed outside skin. It will reduce the number of people who die from clinics at community-based levels the disease due to a lack of diagnosis, and could help and remote areas, it will “assist the world eradicate it altogether, the team says. in lowering the burden on TB Not only that, it conducted much of its research in clinics and refer only those who South Africa, where TB is the leading cause of death. get a possible result based on About 89 000 people die from it every year – that’s 10 the patch test. Additionally, due every hour. to its low cost, it will allow for Te project’s scientific leader, Dr Rotem Vishinkin, fast triaging, without the active told the SA Jewish Report that involvement of the the patch was evaluated in subject to produce collaboration with Groote Schuur About three a sputum sample or Hospital in Cape Town. “Tis blood sample.” collaboration wasn’t new – we million cases of Tey hope the had a previous mutual study patch will “lower the in the past. Terefore, it was a TB go undiagnosed burden on health natural choice to continue this systems, provide collaboration with the TB patch. In annually, instant results, a later stage, the study expanded to and reduce further India and Latvia,” Vishinkin says. which results spread of disease and TB is easily transmitted by morbidity. In future, sneezing, spitting, and coughing. in 1.4 million the patch will be Each infected person passes it to efficient in detecting more than 10 people on average. deaths every year. disease even before About one-third of the world the appearance of population is estimated to be infected with TB bacteria. physical symptoms.” In spite of being a preventable and curable disease, Te study was supported the World Health Organization (WHO) has considered by the Bill & Melinda Gates TB a global health emergency since 1993. It regards a Foundation, Vishinkin says, fast, cheap, and efficient TB test to be crucial to fighting because “the urgent need for the disease. a triage test, defined by the It’s this need that Professor Hossam Haick and WHO, encourages thinking out his team from the Wolfson Department of Chemical of the box as the solution. It Engineering at the Technion address in their must be not based on a sputum groundbreaking study. Led by Vishinkin, the group sample, and must be easy to use, created a sticker patch to be applied to the patient’s rapid, and cost-effective. Our arm. Containing a pouch of absorbent material, the suggested approach answers patch collects compounds released through the skin. It these requirements, and has a then uses artificial intelligence and essentially “smells” great potential to mature into the skin to detect TB. Haick is a pioneer of disease a technological tool used in detection using smell. practice.” 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 Pandemic has turned the future of Nominate achievers who bring us hope work into flexibility STAFF REPORTER TALI FEINBERG organisation to be more resilient. Embracing that leads to a more resilient company. Fighting against it means emember when you were raving about orking from home has become a way that people who have a more resilient mindset will look THE PANDEMIC WILL BE WITH US FOR A the incredible work someone in the of life, but before March 2020, it was for employment elsewhere, where it is valued,” he says. community had done? Well, if you unthinkable in many sectors of the South He emphasises that “the pandemic will be with us WHILE, SO PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO Rhaven’t done so already, now is the time to AfricanW workforce. All that changed in the space of a for a while, so people will continue to be concerned BE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY nominate them for the Absa Jewish Achiever few days at the beginning of the pandemic. A corporate about their safety and well-being. It may be a ‘deal Awards. You don’t have much time… culture that prized in-person interaction had to deal breaker’ for them if they are forced to return to the AND WELL-BEING. IT MAY BE A ‘DEAL Last year, the focus was on what winners did with an earthquake of change. offce.” BREAKER’ FOR THEM IF THEY ARE over and beyond COVID-19 and through the What were the seismic effects of that moment, and For many, transitioning from a corporate lifestyle FORCED TO RETURN TO THE OFFICE. toughest part of the pandemic. what does it mean for the future of work? to work from home was a big adjustment. “I never Tis year, it’s all about hope, as we see the “Remote working has led to improved thought I could work from home,” says a manager end of the pandemic in sight, death rates are productivity for 29% of organisations in and risk analyst from Cape Town, speaking on dropping, people are vaccinated, and we are South Africa, while that fgure jumped condition of anonymity. children during the work day is a major success factor looking towards a brighter future. Who is to 70% for those businesses which In March 2020, “we were given a few for remote working. The pandemic has had all kinds of enabling this? Who are the people who have had already rolled out digital days’ notice that we would have to send effects on family life, but for many, it has been one step brought us hope? Who’s bringing us hope right transformation strategies prior everyone home”, he says. Having foreseen closer to fnding that elusive work-life balance. now, and will continue to inspire us in the to COVID-19,” says local tech the lockdown, “we bought hundreds of If the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t happened, where future? Who are our winners? expert Arthur Goldstuck. This laptops and cell phones to give to our would we be? “The pandemic brought us forward “We are looking for those people who is according to a study titled call-centre staff to work from home, and fve years,” says Goldstuck. “It highlights that those brought us hope in professional “Remote Working in South Africa scrambled to get them ready. companies that are desperate to stick to the old ways excellence and business 2020” that his organisation, We managed to continue are fve years behind the times. If you apply this to leadership during these World Wide Worx, to trade when a lot of going back to what some refer to as normal, you realise tough times,” says Howard conducted for IT our competitors had to that ‘back to normal’ is going backwards.” Sackstein, the chairperson company Cisco. shut down. Our huge He notes that the term “new normal” is thrown of the Absa Jewish Achiever Goldstuck told advantage was that about a lot, but what he has realised is that “there’s no Awards and the board of the SA Jewish we have an overseas new normal – everyone has a different normal. But the SA Jewish Report. Report that offce, so we already if your normal was the way things were before, “Nominate those who fexible working had the set-up to you’re putting yourself at a massive disadvantage.” showed true leadership environments work using remote The shift to remote work will mean a “massive and went way beyond are a key tools.” acceleration” in technology. “At Cisco, for example, the call of duty factor if an He’s grateful everything the company is doing now is geared when there was organisation that he has towards a hybrid environment. There is also a looting and rioting wants to since been able more extensive rollout of permanent technology in the country survive and Arthur Goldstuck to convert his for working from home. So, what was previously as well as a spike thrive in a post-pandemic world. garage into an offce. From never imagining working temporary might become more permanent. in the pandemic “Companies insisting that all staff return to the offce from home, he now can’t imagine going back to the “For example, I’m installing a signal booster, so if Johnny Broomberg numbers.” won’t be able to reap the digital dividends of a remote offce full-time. And his colleagues feel the same way. my fbre goes down, my cellular data will still be fast Sackstein admits workforce,” he says. His advice to all employees is to “In a recent survey, 20% of our staff said they never enough to give live talks online. I can work regardless that the judges’ decisions will be tough “build a working environment around a hybrid future. want to return to the offce, and a further 60% said they of the circumstances and operate at full capacity. It’s not this year as many heroes have risen to the Those companies that are unable to work in a hybrid would prefer to go in for two days or less a week.” necessarily new technology, but it’s about embracing it challenges of community and country. “It’s fashion will be much less agile. He notes that “hybrid” means different things to to facilitate hybrid work.” essential to create a record of these times, and “Being able to leverage a hybrid or remote different people – from four days a week in the offce Looking back, he says the pandemic’s impact on those who have stood out when life was at its workforce is a powerful foundation for a more effective to once a month. “The company hasn’t decided on its work was like a digital awakening. “It wasn’t that the most challenging,” he says. organisation,” he says. “It means you are much more approach. But we are looking to redesign the space world changed, it was that we woke up to a changed Professor Barry Schoub last year won the Kia ready for load shedding, chaos in traffc, rioting, so that when we do go in, it’s worth it, and the time world. It’s been changing for decades and the tools Community Service Award for his awesome foods, storms, pandemics – any natural or man-made is spent engaging with others. If you’re just going have become more available, but it was only when contribution to the Jewish community through catastrophe. If you have those foundations, you can to go in and sit with your headphones on and not lockdown happened that we woke up to this change. COVID-19. Te emeritus professor in virology cope with those disruptions. But if you insist on a talk to anyone, there’s no point. So, we’re looking at “It was like a light went on. People suddenly realised at the University of the Witwatersrand and blanket return to work, you’ll be subject to the vagaries collaborative sessions.” that for most workers, their laptop, smart phone and the former director of the National Institute of your environment.” While people may be more productive at home, he internet connection was their offce. That was the clarity for Communicable Diseases came out of In addition, he believes that the best talent will says they also sometimes struggle to “switch off”, which that the moment of lockdown brought home – literally retirement to help the community, going on to seek jobs where they can work remotely. “People is leading to burnout. On the other hand, Goldstuck’s and fguratively. It was like a tsunami that washed away become chairperson of the Ministerial comfortable working from anywhere will enable an study showed that being allowed to spend time with everything we thought we knew.” Advisory Committee on COVID-19 vaccines. Since his award, he has led South Africa through the process of acquiring vaccines and getting vaccinated. Dr Mervyn Mer, who won the award for professional excellence in the time of COVID, Wendy Fisher has gone on to save many more lives from this dreaded coronavirus. He also almost singlehandedly reopened the COVID-19 ward at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital after the medical facility was closed following a fire. As the numbers of people getting desperately ill due to COVID-19 rose during the third wave, he did what he believed he needed to do to save lives. Our other winners, Johnny Broomberg, Suzanne Ackerman-Berman, Liran Assness, Michael Katz, Wendy Fisher, Jody Scheckter, and Sir Sydney Kentridge have gone from strength to strength since then. You have until the close of business on 3 September to make your nominations. Don’t wait, do it now. Go to https://www.sajr. co.za/absa-jewish-achiever-awards-2021/ ABSA JEWISH ACHIEVER AWARDS 2021
ABSA BUSINESS ICON AWARD EUROPCAR WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD Awarded to a Jewish person who has achieved iconic status within the Honouring the leadership, impact, business community. achievements, success and overall contribution of distinctive Jewish ABSA BUSINESS LEADERSHIP women in business or in the broader AWARD - FROM COVID TO HOPE South African community.
Awarded to a Jewish person who has played a critical leadership role in LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD business during this period. In honour of Helen Suzman Awarded to a Jewish person who has contributed in an extraordinary manner ABSA PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE over a long period of time. - FROM COVID TO HOPE
Awarded to a Jewish professional who has achieved national recognition and acclaim ART, SPORTS, SCIENCE AND in their profession during this period. CULTURE AWARD
Awarded to a Jewish person who ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD has excelled in any of these spheres.
Awarded to a Jewish person who has a proven track record in entrepreneurial HUMANITARIAN AWARD ventures. In honour of Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Awarded to a Jewish or non-Jewish person who has contributed Awarded to a Jewish person who has served substantially to the betterment the Jewish community with remarkable of the lives of the people of South distinction. Africa.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE AT 17:00 ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2021 SEND NOMINATIONS TO: [email protected] GO TO: www.sajr.co.za 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 Orange list travel still poses heaps of red tape for Safers
TALI FEINBERG a multiple-entry visa [it says m/ r on it]). “Tis doesn’t apply to those travelling from outh African olim and their families countries deemed ‘red’ by Israel,” says Kur. last week welcomed the news that If South Africans are vaccinated, they can Israel had downgraded South Africa to apply to travel to Israel if they are a first- Sits “orange list” of countries. Tough it eases degree relative of a registered Israeli citizen. travel from the Jewish state, it still poses A first-degree relative means a spouse, complicated restrictions for South Africans parent, child, or sibling. “So, if the child is on wanting to go there. a gap year, the parent cannot visit because “I’m thrilled that everyone is excited about the child isn’t an Israeli citizen,” Kur says. the possibility of coming to Israel,” says Tey can apply for a second-degree former MK Dov Lipman, whose organisation relative to come with a first-degree relative Yad L’Olim, assists olim with all kinds of if required – for example a dependant or bureaucracy. He has been at the forefront of child that cannot be left alone back in South dealing with the changing travel restrictions. Africa. But this is a separate application and “We have been lobbying for safe travel approval isn’t guaranteed. Grandparents can from South Africa for quite a while. I come for the birth of a grandchild even if the do want to caution everyone to reduce new parents aren’t Israeli citizens. their expectations. Te authorities are Te only time that unvaccinated South Kur says that you will need to provide void. Tere’s not much that can be done to overwhelmed by the numbers of applications Africans may be allowed in is for a wedding an “isolation affidavit” and show that speed up the process. But if you are having – some receive approvals very quickly, others (parents only), a funeral (for only 24 hours), your insurance covers COVID-19. Te problems, reach out for help.” wait weeks, and some have had to even for a family emergency, or if they are a first- isolation affidavit says that you will be able She also advises that in the comments cancel or postpone their flights. We’ll do degree relatives of a lone soldier. to isolate effectively. Tis can be in any section of applications, clearly write your what we can to help you, but understand that “All approvals given will be for 30 days,” accommodation – even with family – as long name and the reason for travel. “Spell it out, it’s not always simple or straightforward. Lipman says. “Terefore, apply within 30 as you have your own separate bedroom and as it makes it easier for them on the other “People need to understand that Israel days of the flight – the earlier the better.” bathroom and can completely isolate. And side. Also, make sure your PDFs are small. isn’t open for tourists,” says Kim Kur, who He says all passengers entering Israel must they will check!” Don’t send huge documents as they might runs the Facebook group Community Circle take a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test Asked if, for example, a grandparent not get through. Tere are websites you can Home SA, a resource for South African 72 hours prior to boarding the flight. Teir could travel to Israel from South Africa for use to make PDFs smaller.” expats and travellers. “Israel still needs to passport number appears on the test results. a grandchild’s Barmitzvah, both experts say Ten, “the passport number you travel protect her borders. Te Iron Dome protects Passengers must show the negative test it’s unlikely. “Tey’re not allowed to come with must match the application form. her from enemy fire, and these restrictions result at check in. Passengers with no valid because of the Barmitzvah, but they’re If they have already replied and need protect her from a deadly virus. We can’t pick PCR test won’t be allowed to board the flight. allowed to come if they are visiting a first- additional information, put the letter ‘P’ and choose when Israel has a right to defend Tey must also fill out and print an entry degree relative who is the parent of the before your passport number to reapply. If herself.” declaration for each person travelling. Barmitzvah boy,” says Lipman. “Tere’s no you haven’t heard back, don’t reapply – it So how can you get to Israel? Tose that “If you are entering Israel from an orange allowance to come for a Barmitzvah. Tere’s adds to the backlog,” she says. can enter without approval and without or red country, you must quarantine for 14 an allowance for parents to visit their Asked if families should rather bring vaccination are Israeli citizens and certain days. Tis can be reduced to seven days with children who may be holding a Barmitzvah relatives out from Israel to visit them in visa holders (A Class Visa Holders [A1- a negative PCR test upon arrival and on day for their child.” South Africa, Kur says it’s better not to if the A5] and B1 and B4 visa holders who hold seven,” he says. Kur’s tips for those applying are to apply person in Israel isn’t a citizen as they may 30 days before, and allow sufficient time have trouble getting back in. due to the backlog. “Exactly 30 days before, Lipman emphasises that anyone applying book your ticket. In theory, you don’t have to travel to Israel must “please make sure to book a ticket, but we recommend you do. your documents are okay. Problems with It shows intent and an actual date. When documents are the number-one cause for buying your ticket, pay the little bit extra to not receiving approval, and the authorities move or cancel it if needed. And this isn’t won’t necessarily notify you about this. Yad the time to do your booking yourself. Tis L’Olim is available to review your documents is the time for reaching out to travel agents for you to make sure they are in order. Email who know Israel and fully understand the [email protected], and we will guide you rules. how to do that.” “It’s not easy, and it’s a waiting game. Apply via the foreign ministry or the Tere’s a long list of people applying,” says interior ministry. Te links are available on the Kur. “Furthermore, anybody who applied Community Circle Home SA Facebook page or before 16 August must reapply. Tat the Yad L’Olim website or Facebook page. application is no longer valid and will be processed as if we are still a red country. • Visit www.yadlolim.org/corona-update Approvals before 16 August are null and for more information. Israel donates emergency kits to Cape Winelands ifty-eight specialised Israeli executive director of the SAZFCC, and emergency medical kits were donated Western Cape Agriculture Minister Dr Ivan this past week by the Israeli embassy Meyer, the executive mayor of the Cape Fin collaboration with the South African Winelands District Municipality and federal Zionist Federation Cape Council (SAZFCC) chairperson of the Democratic Alliance. to the Western Cape Association for Said Singer, “We thank Minister Persons with Disabilities. Ivan Meyer and the Cape Winelands The embassy’s chargé d’affaires, Hila District Municipality for facilitating this Rose Friedman, spoke about the Hebrew opportunity for the SAZF to contribute term tikkun olam (repairing the world), meaningfully. We look forward to further and how this value of helping those most collaboration, and are confident that in need is a cornerstone of the embassy’s partnership between South Africa and mission. Israel in business and technology will “When the Cape Winelands District assist in addressing our triple challenges of Municipality suggested we donate to the poverty, unemployment, and inequality”. Association for Persons with Disabilities, it was as if all the pieces of this project suddenly fit together. Israel is a world leader in addressing projects that specifically focus on innovation that improves the lives of the physically disabled.” The project was facilitated by Chaya Singer, the Israel brings emergency medical kits to the Cape Winelands District 19 – 26 August 2021 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Lose the learning labels, embrace the individual, say experts GILLIAN KLAWANSKY for their current and future success,” Lewis says. human difference, that a culture of tolerance, empathy, “A child will achieve only as high as we set our and genuine inclusivity is cultivated so that no child is aster’s graduates, performing artists, expectations,” says Ilana Gerschlowitz, the author ostracised or made to feel less capable by the system or business owners – if the people behind these of Saving my Sons – A Journey with Autism and the by their peers.” success stories had allowed themselves founding director of The Star Academy for Autism and Gerschlowitz is a strong advocate for mainstream Mto be defned by their learning diffculties, they may Catch Up Kids, which caters for the needs of students schooling for children with learning challenges. “As never have reached their limitless potential. That’s with ADHD (Attention defcit hyperactivity disorder) or soon as there’s a child with a difference, our schools tend why discarding labels and supporting our children is learning challenges. to highlight the defcit and refer to remedial or other so important when it comes to navigating barriers to “Sadly, students are largely defned therapies,” she says. “Instead, so much could be achieved learning. and boxed in by their labels. When a if certain accommodations in the mainstream classroom “There’s the young man who at just 23 is a pilot child is restricted by a label and there were made. If mainstream teachers are paired with the instructor, not bad when anxiety and apraxia were are no expectations – or the wrong correct special-education programme and receive the marked diffculties; another who runs an upmarket game expectations – it will be challenging necessary training, the student with a label can succeed lodge; a student who secured his actuarial candidacy for that child to have the self- in the mainstream classroom.” with a large corporate before he even fnished matric; confdence and motivation to Joshua Poyurs, 28, who recently attained his Master’s the dancer who defes all who say the hard-of-hearing succeed.” That’s why seeing in research and clinical psychology, managed to make Ilana won’t manage professional repertoires; the young girl beyond a child’s learning this transition. Poyurs was born with brain damage Gerschlowitz with profound dyslexia graduating cum laude to teach; challenges is so important – on the right side of the brain. This affected movement the lad whose engineering work controls OR Tambo both in the school and home in the left side of the body, mathematical ability, and airspace using software and management. The list goes environment. also built a successful arts and resulted in epilepsy, speech disorders, dyspraxia – which on.” So says Alison Scott, the principal of remedial school Scott echoes this thinking. “At entertainment career, being placed affects movement and co-ordination – and poor sensory Bellavista, speaking of the countless Bellavista students Bellavista, we hold at the very core in a “small class” at a mainstream integration. who go on to fy after matric. of our view of the child that every school in Grade 5 was the start of a With years of intensive physiotherapy from the “That’s not to say that the journey through high school human being has the propensity for signifcant decline. age of three months, as well as occupational therapy has been easy,” she says. “Yet, with goals, support, an learning and no limits can or should Nicola Date “We were marginalised and not and speech therapy each day, Poyurs transitioned to ability to sit with being uncomfortable, self-confdence, be applied, internally or externally,” given the same education as our mainstream schooling in Grade 2. With the support of strategies, and a deep knowledge of who you are and a she says. “A child may have a diagnosis which powerfully more competent buddies,” she recalls. “Being in the teachers and classmates, Poyurs began an academic path heap of grit, you can’t but succeed.” That’s why putting in directs evidence-based interventions, but no child has a ‘small class’ affected my education, social standing – I and ultimately matriculated with four distinctions. place the correct support structures as early as possible is label that suggests they are defned by that description.” was bullied – and my desire to learn. I spent the rest of Yet, it was his parents who played the biggest part so important. That’s why the school is careful about descriptions. For my school career feeling limited, stunted, and not good in his success. “My dad taught me that knowledge is “Learning diffculties or barriers to learning are example, Michael may live with dyslexia, but he’s not enough to achieve. However, I found my solace in art and invaluable, and that being on a mission to discover what impairments which create a barrier to a specifc form dyslexic. Far more important than a child’s diagnosis is drama, and discovered my academic abilities in my later you don’t know is exciting,” he says. “My mom is a hero of learning but don’t alter one’s intelligence,” says who the child actually is – a unique individual. “At school, university years.” in my eyes. I don’t know how she had the strength to do Johannesburg-based educational psychologist Lee- we don’t allow that the child references their learning Both Scott and Gerschlowitz argue against placing what she did. She did physio with me, never gave up on Anne Lewis. Though they may not learn in the same diffculty in any fashion other than to demonstrate self- children in “special” classes in a mainstream school me, and wouldn’t let my anxiety break me. way or at the same pace as their peers, these children awareness and a commitment to growth,” Scott says. environment. “I would challenge the premise of “I think as a kid when you’re different like this, you shouldn’t feel limited or defned by their barriers. With In an open letter on Facebook, Nicola Date recently needing to separate children out based on their learning know it, but you don’t understand it, you just feel the guidance of professionals, they learn how to process spoke of her own learning challenges and how the differences as a start point,” says Scott. “An inclusive different. It can be disheartening when you start to information in alternative ways to achieve their full support of her parents, who always encouraged her school environment will adjust every structure it has mainstream and realise how far behind you are. But as potential. “The emotional well-being of children and individualism, helped her to reach her potential. For to afford every child belonging. It would be important a parent, you can teach your child that there are no rules adolescents with barriers to learning is also imperative Date, now a 32-year-old senior copywriter who has for learning diffculties, as it is for any point of our about what you can become.”
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CALL US TODAY: 087 655 0075 | [email protected] | www.auria.co.za 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 Journey from reverend’s daughter to rebbetzin GILLIAN KLAWANSKY While she was a bit like a chameleon who who claimed to have spoken to G-d, she Tis gave rise to even more questions, adapted to her surroundings, Goldschmidt felt decided to try to do so too to find some form of especially as she was forced to prepare for a orn into a Christian family, South African very little connection to her peers or family. connection, albeit unsuccessfully. pledge of allegiance to the church at the end of born Rebbetzin Elisheva Goldschmidt “Internally, I grew increasingly distant from Goldschmidt was about 16 when her parents the school year. She caused such a “disruption” never felt that she quite belonged. When everything and everybody.” She felt there divorced. “Knowing the private reasons in her classes at the church that the pastor Ba trip to Israel sparked a passion for Judaism, was no one to talk to about her feelings of surrounding their split, I could no longer keep paid a visit to her mother telling her that he’d she followed an unexpected path to becoming a dislocation. When she encountered an energetic up this farce of spirituality,” she said. “I lost all prefer it if she didn’t return. Goldschmidt rebbetzin in Kochi, India. pastor at one of her many choir performances faith in the church and the system of which I therefore left the church. Afterwards, she “As a child, I felt external to was a part.” It led to extreme rebellion. explored all sides of Christianity, searching for my human experience,” said “I got into all sorts of trouble and landed meaning, eventually investigating the Messianic Goldschmidt speaking at a in abusive relationships, all while still movement. Yet, she battled to find a sense Sydenham Shul webinar this shining on the music front. I had this of belonging in any of the belief systems she week. “I never felt like I fitted dual life. I was struggling with all these encountered. in, and I had no idea why.” At things that one wasn’t allowed to talk Tat’s when a friend suggested that an early age, she found her about in our community. Inside I was Goldschmidt travel to Israel. At the age of 19, calling in singing, music, and screaming for attention and acceptance.” in the midst of her music studies, she took the dance, yet this didn’t detract After moving to a new town with trip that would kickstart a greater journey. from her unexplained feeling of her mother and joining a new church, “When I stepped foot on the El Al flight, it was otherness. Goldschmidt began vocalising all her the first time I’d heard Hebrew spoken or met Growing up in a small town long-held questions – something that a Jew. I was intrigued. In Israel, I was on cloud where her father served as was strongly discouraged at school and nine all the time, it was like walking into a world a reverend to the church, church. that I didn’t know existed.” As she approached Christianity was the prevalent When her history teacher began the Western Wall, Goldschmidt felt something religion. Goldschmidt, an only preaching religion, telling the class that within her shake. “I sat down and started child, was never exposed to if they give their hearts to Jesus, they crying. I had no idea why, but I couldn’t stop. anything except conservative would be alright for the rest of their Te reason is that I heard the call of home.” churches. “Anything that was lives, Goldschmidt questioned this idea. Giving insight into the world of converts, other was shied away from and Kicked out of the class, she wouldn’t Goldschmidt said, “At the beginning, when not explained. I never met a Jew be silenced, and decided to read the Hashem created this beautiful collective soul until much later.” Rebbetzin Elisheva Goldschmidt spreading love in India Christian Bible cover to cover. of am Yisrael, it was almost like a container with glitter. With the fall of Adam HaRishon [the fall of man], that lid came off, and some of Archaeology’s rising star sheds light on the past those sparks went flying and landed in people like me – other people. And we hear the call of TALI FEINBERG managed to establish their pre-colonial origins in the city in a moment of chaos – much like Pompeii. Our Shema to come home.” Indeed, someone recited 15th century. This is important as it undermines often knowledge of the Philistine period at Ashkelon comes the Shema as Goldschmidt sat on the steps ost of us picture archaeology as digging racist suggestions that African farmers didn’t innovate from one of these layers. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed approaching the wall. “My little spark could no in the dust, but Ruby-Anne Birin is using prior to European innovation.” Ashkelon in 604 BCE, 20 years before his destruction of longer sit on that step, I had to find my way cutting edge technology to blaze a trail in The work took several years to write up, and a few the frst Jewish Temple. home.” Mthe feld. months ago, they published the fnal results. “We “This was the frst time such a cemetery was Yet it was still a long road to conversion. After An archaeological science student at Oxford accompanied this academic paper with a public- excavated,” she says. “The cemetery provided a way returning to South Africa and marrying and University, Birin is passionate about history and its engagement paper in The Conversation to ensure that to explore human life before this destruction, to divorcing within a year, Goldschmidt embarked relevance to our present and future. everyone has access to our work.” understand the ritual and livelihoods of these people. on an international opera tour. Escaping an She was drawn to the feld because she has “always Meanwhile, at Oxford, for her Masters, “I applied a It gave us the opportunity to tell the Philistine story, not abusive relationship that began during this had an interest in the past, as well as geography and new type of luminescence dating to Wonderwerk Cave through the lens of their enemies, but through their time, she returned to Israel. “I went back to science. Archaeology is a broad umbrella that allows for and Pniel. These ancient sites show very early human own remains. It gives the Philistines their own place in where I felt I had an identity, back to where I all these different parts of human interest to collide and innovation and development. I have now shifted my history rather than remaining a footnote for others.” felt a sense of belonging.” Tere, she began her help uncover human stories”. interests to understanding what all the ages mean for Asked why archaeology is important, she says, conversion process and met her future husband, Her work includes “developing maps to show how our shared African story. This will be obtained through “Archaeology helps us to connect with our past. It isn’t who later helped her complete the process back technological innovation moved through southern many methods and from multiple labs.” only about the history that’s written, but the everyday in South Africa. Africa, the home of many of these ideas, through space Explaining OSL in layman’s terms, Birin says, “OSL people who lived throughout our human journey. She believes her journey was part of a greater and time during the Middle Stone Age [300 000 to measures when last quartz grains [the shiny stones you It’s deeply personal and collective, giving insight into plan. Tough she’d never learned about the 30 000 years ago]. This will involve collating ages of often fnd at gift shops] that are the size of beach sand individual stories, helping us to understand how as Holocaust as a child, Goldschmidt says that archaeological sites. These ages are derived through were last exposed to light. Imagine each little grain is a a society we came to be where we are today. These she’d suffered from nightmares for most of her several techniques including optically stimulated battery. The battery exists at 100%. However, when it’s discoveries can bring happiness, excitement, and life. Some were about going into half-moon luminescence (OSL) – which I might get to do myself, exposed to sunlight, the battery drops to 0%. The grain is heartache. It helps us understand who we were in the shaped ovens. Others were about being stuck uranium-series, and a little bit of radiocarbon dating.” then buried or trapped in a pot. Within the soil, there are past, and that can guide us to where we are going in the in a train in a tiny wooden cart packed with Her undergraduate degree included working radioactive elements. The grain uses these elements to future.” people, when a soldier opens the door and they across southern Africa. “As part of your undergraduate, recharge itself. Archaeologists extract these grains using Her advice to anyone wanting to go into archaeology step out into the snow. “Since coming out of the students are encouraged to go to feld schools. These lightproof tubes, and then open and measure them in a is to contact your local university and fnd out if there are mikvah after converting almost 10 years ago, trips show the breadth of South Africa’s heritage – from dark lab environment, making sure that the quartz isn’t any public lectures or clubs you can be part of. “You can I’ve never had another nightmare,” she said. the caves in Sterkfontein, which contain our hominin re-exposed to light, resetting it to 0%. also get involved in excavations to see if you like feld She and her husband married in Cape ancestors to the southern African coast, which hold “We then measure how much the grain has been work. You can fnd out about local opportunities through Town, and soon made aliyah. Te couple keys to early human innovation and the much more able to charge itself and divide it by the rate at the universities or online in the case of Israel. Every year, joined a shlichut kollel, which sent rabbis and modern pre-colonial and colonial past.” which it recharges itself. This gives us how many Israeli sites welcome hundreds of people with their families to run kollels (study institutes) Birin decided to go into OSL dating in part long ago the grain was buried. If you think little archaeological feld experience. The team I was with abroad. It was Goldschmidt’s idea to ask for a because of her interests in all these periods. of it as your phone – if someone comes in Ashkelon now runs a site called Tel Shimron. Mostly, posting in India as her husband had frequently “Initially, I worked as a lab technician for and sees that it is on x% and they know keep an open mind. Archaeology is diverse, and whether travelled there and loved it. His family also Dr Mary Evans at the Wits luminescence that the voltage is y, they can assume your interests lie in the humanities or sciences, there is had longstanding business connections in the labs [University of the Witwatersrand], you plugged your phone in however space to explore as long as you are willing to look.” country. And so, they moved to Kochi and took helping her prepare samples from many hours or minutes ago.” Her ultimate goal is to be involved in public over the Pardasei Synagogue, the oldest shul in across southern Africa and the Birin was privileged to go to engagement and research, “helping to link our past and the commonwealth, built in 1568. Tis is also globe. In my Honours, under Ashkelon in Israel for her frst make it relevant and accessible to people in the present”. home to the only kosher mikvah in the south of the supervision of Dr excavation. “This remarkable She says growing up in the South African Jewish India. Evans and Professor Alex site was occupied and community had an impact on where she is today. “I Today, the Goldschmidts have three children Schoeman, I applied abandoned [often after believe being in a community that valued education and are a central part of Jewish life in Kochi. these skills to Bokoni, a violent confict] was incredibly valuable. I don’t mean this is a way of While only 24 families remain in the area, they a part of Mpumalanga several times over the getting good grades at school, but more in the space are committed to supporting this colourful which has the centuries,” she says. where lifelong learning is valued. community. “It’s an aging community, so I southernmost terraced “The evidence “In South Africa, we’re privileged to be in a space with want to make sure that if anyone, G-d forbid, farming. This farming is we get of a long and incredible, exciting, but sometimes complex passes, we’re there to help them transition in a remarkable in scope, people living and painful human history,” she says. “Our community beautiful way,” said Goldschmidt. and a demonstration of in a region has a strong history in helping understand these records “When tourism resumes, we also hope to urban farming towns. often comes from and remains. We need to show pride in our country’s keep serving the couple of thousand Israelis The age of these sites these abandoned, heritage while thinking consciously about how we who pass through each month. We’re the only were unknown, however. destroyed layers will be remembered through our own archaeological shul in the south of India – the closest one Through my work, we Ruby-Anne Birin that capture a remains.” is a two-hour plane ride away.” And so, the rebbetzin’s journey continues. WITSIES AROUND THE WORLD
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For more information visit wits100.wits.ac.za WITS. FOR GOOD. 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 Home and hearty – lockdown creates new niche for caterers GILLIAN KLAWANSKY recipes to your table,” she says. Cape Town-based caterer Barbara Saacks has and training staff to run daytime operations. Cooked by Jodi offers weekly and seasonal menus similar goals. Having been in the cooking business Though her food is kosher, pursuing Beth Din ffering weekly menus, baked goods, with different Shabbat for almost 40 years, Saacks is known for her delicious certifcation isn’t a prospect. “One has to have a Shabbat meals, and yom tov offerings brochas and functions at various shuls. Though she completely separate kitchen, new equipment, and specialties, home-based cooks and a caters for the school and shul at Chabad of the West a full-time mashgiach,” says Saacks. “Because I work Oaren’t just sustaining the community Coast, lockdown offered her the chance to tackle an during the day, the primary hours of Barbara Saacks through their delicious meals, they’re unfulflled ambition. Catering must be during the evening. I can also building viable businesses in the “I always do this only at home, which was one of comfort and safety of their own homes. the main reasons why I decided not Retrenched just one week before her to go the Beth Din route.” wedding, Jodi Witz Bedil embraced the Yet, providing a unique chance to start a new chapter – personally and offering on a smaller scale professionally. “For years, I wanted to start my sets her apart from other own cooking business, but I didn’t have the guts caterers in the community. to take the plunge,” she says. “Losing my sales “There are a few Beth Din caterers management job after four years was a major wake- in Cape Town, but most specialise in up call to follow my passion.” meat products. Because I specialise in vegan and In May this year, Witz Bedil offcially launched her vegetarian foods, people call me.” Joburg-based business, Cooked by Jodi. “There has dreamed that I For Bev Cohen, lockdown also provided an been an increase in demand for home-cooked meals specialised Rosh Hashanah menu. could use my skills in the opportunity to enter the home-catering space. An as more people go out less during the COVID-19 “I do this to keep things fresh, to kitchen as a way to start my own active member of the Union of Jewish Women, pandemic,” she says. “It allows them create a diverse and exciting offering. business,” she says. “While Cohen’s passion project to have the feeling The support of this community is incredible. schools were closed during the initial Barbara Saacks was Silver Lining, of eating a good Word of mouth has defnitely helped, and lockdown, there was no better time a programme for meal that they People are something new is always attractive.” to make this a reality. It also kept me those suffering from don’t have to get While she’s not kosher, Witz Bedil cooks busy when we were stuck at home. Alzheimer’s, dementia, at a restaurant or with kosher meat on request. She’s considered Knowing the multitude of households and other conditions. prepare themselves.” bored with their kashrut as a way to bring in more business, but out there who were also struggling “When we went into While COVID-19 has it isn’t on the cards at the moment. “I believe during lockdown, I felt it was an lockdown last year and played a part in her own food, tired that delicious Jewish food can be enjoyed opportune time to take the pressure I couldn’t do this work, I immediate success, even though it’s not kosher,” she says. off preparing meals.” realised that I had to do Witz Bedil says the of slaving away For now, she’s nourishing the space A committed vegetarian, Saacks something,” she recalls. timing was simply in the kitchen, that she’s carved out for herself. Female has capitalised on the growing Her kids suggested she right. empowerment is also a long-term focus. demand for kosher, fresh, and healthy turn her love of cooking Witz Bedil, in fact, or simply hate “I’d like to be able to grow this business meals, which aren’t always accessible into a business, and trained as a chef. Her enough so that I can employ and teach the or affordable in supermarkets. “My DC Gourmet was born. culinary fair was passed cooking. underprivileged, those who cannot enter the cooking provides a variety of options “Lockdown is absolutely down from her mother regular job market or who are struggling with in the vegan and vegetarian space,” conducive to running this and late grandmother, both outstanding cooks. “Now, employment. I believe that by teaching a skill set, one she says. “I’m always experimenting kind of business. It kept I’m cooking from the heart and bringing my family’s can help make a difference.” with new recipes and ingredients. It’s a niche market me at home, and gave me something to do. I do a that’s fortunately become more prevalent in the limited weekly menu, and I’ve really enjoyed it.” Western Cape as people become increasingly health Initially there was an infux of COVID-19-related conscious.” orders. “I just dropped them off at the front door,” In establishing this niche, Saacks has also been says Cohen. “A lot of people came back and asked me able to appeal to a broader clientele. “The marketing to pass that service onto someone else.” is done by my daughter, and we post on She feels that there’s continued various social-media platforms to demand for businesses Jewish and non-Jewish groups. like hers because I have clients across the people are bored board.” with their own However, being food, tired an integral part of of slaving Cape Town’s shul away in the catering space is kitchen, an undeniable or simply advantage. “People hate know me from the cooking. shuls and around “When Cape Town, so I owe a you’re in lot of my success to this,” your house says Saacks. “Many orders all the time, come via word of mouth. It’s it can get a little been very successful, in fact far monotonous,” she more than I thought it would be at this says. “It’s fantastic that so point.” many home-cooking businesses What began as a lockdown project now has have arisen during COVID-19. I’ve found my the potential to be niche through making basic home-cooked and hearty CLARITY. something more. meals, I think that’s what people want.” While the Saacks sees herself frequency of orders varies, Cohen is anticipating an ORDER. possibly moving upsurge as she releases her Rosh Hashanah menu. her business to a Like many who offer this service in the DIRECTION. more industrial community, Cohen does “kosher-style” cooking, kitchen, creating using only kosher ingredients. She cites the Our team of over 1 400 professionals, operating from 7 offices in South Africa, offers a unique employment, expense and complications that come with running combination of local market knowledge coupled a home-based business under the Beth Din. “Very with an international network, personal service and religious people certainly wouldn’t buy from me, a professional approach. We shine a unique lens on clients’ businesses to see the people beyond the Jodi Witz Bedil and I respect them for that, but a lot of people are numbers and establish where they are going. quite happy with kosher ingredients and a delicious meal.” www.bdo.co.za Cohen is deeply saddened by the closure of some established, larger-scale caterers, but doesn’t see a direct correlation between this and the upswing in home-based culinary businesses. “I don’t believe that we can take on the big functions that these caterers used to do,” she says. While functions may be smaller going forward, they’ll probably remain the domain of TLG8062 © 2019 BDO South Africa Services (Pty) Ltd. larger, Beth Din-licensed caterers. SWING INTO SPRING RECEIVE VOUCHERS UP TO THE VALUE OF R10,000 TO SPEND AT THE PRO SHOP, WHEN YOU BUY SELECTED COINS IN STORE, ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE
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T’S & C’S APPLY 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 Couple live streams wedding – including the rabbi SAUL KAMIONSKY was Jewish because there were papers go ahead and do what we had to do. He funerals for the Chevrah Kadisha. provided some light entertainment on his mother’s side that prove it,” said, ‘It can be done; I don’t have to be “Larry was very helpful,” says while photographs were taken before istory was probably made at says Solomon. “There was just no help there. As long as you’ve got witnesses, Solomon. “We had a meeting the night the reception. Though the reception the Red Ivory wedding venue from anybody, so we went to Bet David it’s fine because that’s what you need.’ before the wedding, so it was last wasn’t streamed, it followed COVID-19 in Hartbeespoort on 8 August [in Sandton] and Rabbi Adrian Schell “I decided to stream it because I have minute, but he pulled off the technical protocols just like the chuppah H2021, when a progressive Jewish ceremony. Tammy Solomon and Devan wedding took place without a rabbi in “With COVID-19 and so many Becker under the chuppah attendance. at their wedding restrictions, you would never get that Falling on Rosh Chodesh Elul, a same big Jewish wedding that you’ve day for celebration, the wedding was always dreamed of having,” says officiated by Rabbi David Benjamin Solomon. “People don’t want to be on over Zoom from Israel. the dance floor doing the horahs, they The bride, Tammy Solomon, and don’t want to be on top of one another. groom, Devan Becker, stood under We had it to an extent, as Jarred sussed the chuppah while the 40 attendees, out the vibes, he gave us a little bit of comprised of immediate family and a the horahs, got people on the dance few friends, watched the East London- floor, but also knew when people didn’t born Rabbi on television. It was set want to continue.” up in front of the chuppah by Larry Dinner, which included hot beef Nussbaum, a live streaming and Zoom on rye as the main meal, was served specialist who has worked in the by Stacey Baron Catering. “It was wedding industry for a quarter of a amazing,” says Solomon. “We wanted century. Nussbaum also placed cameras something different, so we went with around the chuppah so Benjamin and completed the conversion on 6 August a lot of family in Israel and America side of it. He made sure that everything what I think was a unique menu. It about 40 other online viewers could last year.” who couldn’t make it to the wedding,” was correct and perfect; he muted wasn’t the normal food you would watch the marriage of the animal- The couple got engaged 17 days says Solomon. “My grandfather is, like, everyone so that we didn’t have people get if you had Riva or Gary Friedman loving couple who met about seven later, but soon found themselves 80 or something now – he had tickets talking. He was a big part of making Caterers.” Instead of a wedding cake, years earlier. without a rabbi after Schell, who Tammy booked and everything, and Israel was sure that it worked perfectly. I don’t they had a mini doughnut cake. A glass of wine was held up in front describes as “a great guy”, informed like, ‘no, no leaving’, so they had to know how it would have happened if “Above everything else, the venue of the screen when Benjamin said them that he was leaving the country. cancel their tickets, and I was like, ‘let he hadn’t stepped in.” and the rabbi worked perfectly, and it sheva brachot, and the ketubah was They eventually came across me stream’.” Nussbaum facilitated the Zoom was just an amazing day,” says Becker. held in front of a camera so Benjamin Benjamin, a University of Cape Town Solomon approached Nussbaum meeting, co-ordinated all the parties “There was obviously a lot of stress could read it. alumnus who moved to Israel in 1989. with what he describes as “a challenge”. involved such as DJ Jarred Kruger, about the day with it being over Why the couple wanted Benjamin “He was actually supposed to be in Having grown up in the wedding made sure the PA system worked Zoom, worrying about the connection is a long story that starts when Becker the country, but with Israel not letting industry, Nussbaum developed live- clearly, and basically managed the and what people would think,” says converted to reform Judaism while he anybody out, we had to make a plan,” stream capability about 13 years ago, whole process from an electronic point Solomon. “But it went smoothly. We’re was Solomon’s fiancé. says Solomon. “We got to know him, and his company, YouView, facilitates of view. just happy it happened, and the way it “We tried desperately to do it and he was a very nice guy and we were Zooms for people and live streams The Marks Trio, a jazz band, played worked out. The most important thing Orthodox. We tried to prove that he happy with him, so we just decided to weddings and other events such as at the chuppah ceremony and is that we got married.” Learning Pirkei Avot through art Durban Holocaust centre highlights and culture plight of refugees ore than 1 500 children took followed by the student workbook and lesson materials from Tzivos part in the recent Pirkei Avot Hashem. he Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre (DHGC) Africa, were taken on a detailed tour of the DHGC’s Arts and Culture Competition, “So many children studying the same Torah themes together hosted a dialogue on 12 August, “Refecting on exhibition. Many of them had very limited knowledge of Mdesigned to bring the teachings of the created a wonderful experience of Jewish unity. The feedback from the effects of the current unrest in South Africa on the Holocaust, and were visibly moved by the history. The Pirkei Avot alive and make children, parents, and teachers Trefugees, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal”. tour provided a foundation for discussion, and emphasised them meaningful and has been outstanding,” said The 30 delegates at the event, which was held in the importance of dialogue for promoting peace, practical. Devorah Leah Wineberg, the collaboration with Forge Zoë Life and Nehemiah Hope tolerance, and understanding. The initial phase of the director of Tzivos Hashem, “During these unprecedented times, we are pleased programme, run by Tzivos South Africa. to be fulflling our mission of creating a world where Hashem South Africa, was Following the study human rights and diversity are valued and respected by
a fve-week learning course Ilan Ossendryver Photo: programme, the children highlighting the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and for students across the were invited to prepare a racism,” said Claudia Blythe, DHGC education facilitator. country. Interactive lessons project based on any theme “The DHGC stands in solidarity with the refugees in our were offered in various Rabbi Ziv Weinberg and Devorah Leah that had inspired them in province who, together with so many others, have been forms – some schools Weinberg with Rebbetzin Gina and Chief Rabbi Pirkei Avot. They could use deeply affected by the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal. The included lessons in their Dr Warren Goldstein their creative talent in any impact of job losses, together with the fear of a resurgence curriculum, others promoted learning area of art, music, or writing to produce their exhibit. Their projects in xenophobic attacks, has exacerbated the insecurity in after-school Zoom classes or YouTube went on display at Huddle Park this past week. A 30-member delegation takes part in the Durban already felt by the refugee community. The event, which videos. “When you make a project of Torah, you really acquire what you Holocaust & Genocide Centre’s recent dialogue is anticipated to be the frst of many, was a resounding Each child received their own beautiful have learned,” said Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein after viewing on the effect of unrest on refugees, particularly in success with thought-provoking conversations and Pirkei Avot book from Chabad House, the projects at Huddle Park on Sunday. KwaZulu-Natal interactive discussion.”
Mazaltov to the newly-elected student leaders for 2022 from their schools King David High Youth leads the way and the SA Jewish Report! School Victory Park Herzlia High School King David High School Linksfield Yeshiva College High School boys Vice Head Boy: Josh Sachs Outreach – Hannah Gnesin Head of Israel: Benji Chazen SMACC – Dylan Heller Head of Unity and Inspiration: Asher Levenstein, Head Boy: Head Girl: Sports and Lifestyle – Gidon Ralph Jarrod Megan Gruzd Rachel Sacks Head of Chessed: Daniel Sacks Kapeluschnik Head Student: Deputy Head & Head of Media: Joseph Levin Deputy Head Boy – Liron Krawitz Benjamin Head Boy: Secretary: Sino Head Student Head Student Leaders: Leigh Appleton, Gabriel Head of Environment and Advocacy: Joshua Deputy Head Girl – Leah Meyerowitz Anstey Chief Whip – Ariella Scop Nomkonwana Leader: Gabi Leader: Daniel Gabriella Berkman, Jonathan Kahlberg Hirschowitz Judaica Committee: Nadav Sundy, Sassen Appleton Borowitz, Ricki-Lee Friedman, Head of Sports, Arts, and Culture: Jonathan Lewis Deputy Head and Outreach: Liora Scop Sabrina Brivik Michael Gingell, Anja Gluch, Arts and Culture Committee: Keren Katzew, Deputy Head and Zionism: Deputy Head Student Leaders: Ben Goss, Jessie Herring, Yeshiva College High School girls Joshua Milner Olivia Diamond Shiri Kaplan, Judah Marx Raphael Hirschowitz, Ryan Vice Head Girl, Head of Israel: Ariella Friedland Spirit and Sport Committee: Adam Dakes, Sport: Aaron Schwartz Heads of Committees: Jammy, Joseph Joffe, Lior Head of Unity and Inspiration: Ariella Feinblum, Elle Ochayon Jewish Life and Learning: Advocacy and Awareness – Kolman, Melissa Krawitz, Talya Shlesinger Outreach Committee: Shira Woolf Global Awareness Committee: Environment Adi Ayache Kelli Hollander Amy Lurie, Chiara Miller, Tali Head of Chessed: Tali Kozinsky Social Affairs: Mila Smith – Jessica Blem Culture: Jamie McNally Arts and Culture – Mia Peretz Pimstein, Zak Rachelson, Rory Head of Media: Carrie Goldstein Civic and Social Awareness – Jamie Treger Eco – Danielle Novick Rosenberg, Aiden Sack, Dalya Head of Environment and Advocacy: Batsheva Levy Student Wellness: Jared Daitsh, Head Girl: Service Committee: Public Relations and Lilla Fleischmann Judaica – Yoni Porter Uria, Isabella Woznica Liat Lew Head of Sports, Arts, and Culture: Hannah Farber, Communication – Daniel Rismani Liora Rosenberg Foundation and Mentoring – Natalie Cohen Kia Pegas The space to move.
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Terms and conditions apply. 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 – 26 August 2021 Raging against Rage 2021
he “good book” is quite specifc. It tells us that we need to circumcise our sons, teach our children Torah, make sure that they understand Twhat marriage entails, to earn a living, and we need to INNER VOICE teach our children to swim. What it doesn’t tell us, but Howard Feldman probably should, is that we should also do what we can to prevent our children from going to the December 846 (99.8%) were revellers and two were crew (0.2%).” Rage festival. No matter what it takes. According to the report, “The investigation revealed Although I was somewhat gobsmacked to read that that two of the Rage attendees had positive SARS-CoV-2 the Plett Rage festival is back on, as a supporter of the results before Rage but still proceeded to attend the free market, I understand that it’s their choice to offer event. This indicates lack of discipline and irresponsible willing participants to, well, participate. risk behaviour amongst revellers as there is little or no That said, just because they “build it” doesn’t mean adherence to the recommended prevention measures.” that we need to send our children. And I would go so What followed the Rage Festival was a rapid spread of far as to say that parents who do might consider if the the Beta variant (thought to have evolved at that time) whole parenting thing is for them. After all, as easy as it and a spike in infections that brought the country to a A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies is to acquiesce, it most defnitely isn’t the responsible standstill. It had an impact on coastal towns that rely on thing to do. the December period, and cost the country billions in PowerFM reprimanded by BCCSA According to the organisers, “We will be adhering to revenue. all governmental restrictions. Your safety is our number- Worse than that, it cost lives. Not of the revellers, but over right of response one concern.” Which is nice. But most likely untrue. I’m of those they brought it home to. The Jewish community ABOVE BOARD certain that there are many concerns that they have had was particularly hard hit. Families were impacted not owerFM broadcast a programme on 12 May Shaun Zagnoev before safety even comes into it. And if I was cynical, I only by illness, but were forced to quarantine, cancel in which several callers propagated various might even suggest a rewording so that it now reads holiday plans, and deal with the fall out. antisemitic conspiracy theories without Last week, two important meetings were held. that “the perception of your safety is our number-one I spoke to a number of parents who felt guilty, Pbeing challenged by the host. The comments The frst took place between our senior lay and concern”. regretful, and embarrassed that they had allowed their made were variations on the theme of Jews using professional leadership and the world security and Most of us would prefer to forget what happened last children to attend in 2020. Most, given the chance, their mythical fnancial power to start wars and online hate team to address a right-wing group year when the KwaZulu-Natal Rage Festival went ahead. wouldn’t allow it to happen again. The difference revolutions and exploit their host societies. One posting racism and antisemitism on Telegram. The impact on the country was staggering. So much so, between 2020 and 2021 is experience. Where last year caller opined that South African Jews had taken I’m happy to report that through our work with that in the Communicable Diseases Communiqué, it there might have been doubt about the consequences, over “all the fnancial systems, banks, medical aids, the World Jewish Congress, action has now been even became a study. According to its research, “Of the this year plausible deniability is no longer an option. but gave the black people nothing”. Predictably, taken. The second meeting took place with Ahmed 2 253 Rage attendees, 848 (37.6%) laboratory It isn’t always easy to be a parent. But your kids will reference was made to the infamous Protocols of Shaheed, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights confrmed COVID-19 cases were identifed, of which thank you for it. the Elders of Zion. Council special rapporteur on freedom of religion or After the station failed to provide us with an belief, to brief him on antisemitism in South Africa, Letters opportunity to respond to these defamatory particularly the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian allegations, we lodged a complaint to the confict. National Director Wendy Kahn has worked HATZOLAH HEROES SHOW WHAT CARING REALLY MEANS Broadcasting Complaints Commission of SA previously with Shaheed, giving input to his report As we flounder in the unrelenting chaos of keeping track of my progress. Having only (BCCSA). In its ruling, the BCCSA reprimanded on global antisemitism presented to the UN in COVID-19, Hatzolah comforts and cares for had one Pfizer vaccine, I’m one of the lucky PowerFM for having contravened Clause 13(1) of October 2019. We are now preparing a detailed those stricken by the virus when others turn ones who survived hospitalisation with just its code of conduct by failing to “make reasonable report for him on the local situation. away for fear of contagion. oxygen rather than ventilation. efforts to fairly present opposing points of view In conclusion, the Board also congratulates the It’s taken me a while to write this. I’m Given the alarming escalation of COVID-19 either in the same programme or in a subsequent Council for the Advancement of the SA Constitution usually never at a loss for words, yet as a cases while I took ill, it would be normal to programme”. (Casac) on its successful high court challenge to the COVID-19 survivor and deeply fortunate expect the guardian angels of Hatzolah to While ideally, the BCCSA should also have way the interviews for Constitutional Court positions beneficiary of Hatzolah’s selfless expertise, move on to other patients in critical condition recognised how unacceptable the comments were conducted by the Judicial Services Commission the words to express my gratitude escaped after I was admitted to hospital. But although themselves were, its ruling has highlighted the (JSC) earlier this year. As will be remembered, me. they did focus attention on newer COVID-19 responsibility of broadcasters to allow for a right two Jewish candidates were subjected to a Within a short while of testing positive and victims, they never abandoned me or made of response in cases where people are maligned barrage of irrelevant and inappropriate questions registering with Hatzolah, a volunteer in full me feel like I was navigating this journey on the basis of their religion and/or ethnicity. In pertaining to their Jewish identity, association with personal protective equipment (PPE) arrived solo. When I was discharged after a week in view of the above programme having been about the SAJBD, and views on the Palestinian-Israeli at my door with an oximeter, thermometer, hospital, they sent a specially partitioned the confict then taking place between Israel and confict. Other candidates were also subjected to and other equipment needed for me to Uber to take me home. Tereafter, a PPE-clad Hamas in Gaza, it will also hopefully convey the inappropriate treatment during their interviews. monitor my symptoms, oxygen saturation, nurse came to my house to take bloods and message to local broadcasters that antipathy Thanks to Casac, the JSC was directed to re-hold its temperature, and pulse. As the virus swept monitor my blood pressure and sugar levels. towards Israel doesn’t amount to a license to interviews in October. This represents an important through my family leaving each person to deal To Carin, Tali, Shayna, and Shevi, the defame and denigrate Jewish people as a whole, reaffrmation by our courts of the principle of judicial with their own specific COVID-19-related beacons of light at the end of an unknown and particularly our own community. independence and a defeat for those, including issues, none of us ever felt alone because of and very scary tunnel, you’ll never know the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions agitators, who sought the regular, twice daily calls that came from profound impact that your care has had upon The global stage to manipulate the judicial selection process for their the various dedicated volunteers assigned to my life. May you and the rest of the Hatzolah As often discussed in this column, the South African own ideological ends. keep track of how the virus was affecting us. superheroes continue to support, comfort, Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) maintains As my SATS plummeted to the low 70s nurture, and save our community in the most solid working relationships with its international • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, and my GP facilitated an admission to nightmarish of circumstances. counterparts, particularly in the area of combating 101.9 ChaiFM, every Friday from hospital, the Hatzolah heroes hovered in the – Michael Block, Ghita Block, Heide, and Adam antisemitism. 12:00 to 13:00. background to reassure me that they were Stern Tis column is paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies Centre
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