friday 06 july 2012 / 16 Tammuz 5772 volume 16 - number 24 news opinion letters tapestrycommunity columns youth sports south african Reparable future by jewish report Coovadia page 9 www.sajewishreport.co.za

Yitzhak Shamir, former Israeli Former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, left, shown with former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, gestures during a Likud party conference in 1987. Shamir died on June 30, prime minister, dies at 96 2012. (Moshe Shai/FLASH90) SEE PAGE 13 Operation Building SA: Bolnick’s pas- SPORTS: Welcome to SAKS: Betrayal of Jewish Cosatu in scurrilous Hunger’s sion is helping the underdog the fold, ‘Meyer’ people by intelligentsia attack on Christian Ina Perlman: Bolnick’s infl uence in re- Balotelli “One of academia’s pro-Israel march the woman furbishing informal shacks greatest failings today who thought extends to national policy must surely be how the “Various overtly anti-Semitic tropes were in puddles, through the Informal Set- question of Israel and rehashed in different guises, including not ponds, tlements Network. “They its neighbours is now allegations that Judaism and Zionist have taken on this model being played out embody feelings of innate Jewish racial passes lock, stock and on campuses superiority.” away 4 barrel.” 4 16 worldwide.” 6 3 2 SA JEWISH REPORT News 06 - 13 July 2012 Shabbat Times July 6 /16 Tammuz Balaam the sorcerer, not a fool July 7 / 17 Tammuz Parshat Balak 17:12 18:04 Johannesburg 17:33 18:28 Cape Town If you were to ask most people, Jewish or non-Jewish, what they know of the story 16:52 17:45 Durban 17:13 18:06 Bloemfontein of Jonah, they will probably reply that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish (often 17:04 17:59 Port Elizabeth 16:58 17:52 East London erroneously described as a whale). Shivah Asar b’Tammuz Fast of 17 Tammuz Th e story of Balaam too, features a well- “It was Moses, after all, who had seen G-d known scene involving a non-human char- Parshat Balak at Mount Sinai and had spoken with G-d face July 8/17 Tammuz acter, in this case a donkey. Th e episode to face.” It was Moses who had brought forth Starts Ends Rabbi Dr Robert Ash 05:42 17:49 Johannesburg may be the only truly comic passage in the the “many waters” at Meribah that Balaam Torah. Balaam is a sorcerer, the greatest Beit Emanuel Progressive prophecies will sustain Israel. 06:32 18:10 Cape Town Synagogue 05:36 17:29 Durban magician of his day, a man of international Furthermore, after blessing Israel rath- 05:53 17:50 Bloemfontein reputation regarding his powers, yet the Johannesburg er than cursing them there is the irony that 06:03 17:41 Port Elizabeth Torah’s account of Balaam and his donkey “it is Balaam [who] will turn out to be the 05:52 17:35 East London depicts him as something of a fool. Word of Balaam son of Beor, cunning subverter of Israel’s relationship Balaam is a “seer”, yet three times fails Word of the man whose eye is true, with G-d”. Fast of Tammuz to see what his donkey plainly sees: the An- Word of him who hears G-d’s speech, Although there is no direct link made in This year, the fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz is com- gel standing before him with sword drawn. Who obtains knowledge from the Most the Torah narrative between Balaam’s ac- memorated on Sunday July 8 (see fasting times on this Th e comparison between the renowned High, tions and Israel’s falling into sin with Mo- page), because 17 Tammuz falls on a Shabbat. It is rab- seer who cannot see what a simple donkey And beholds visions from the Al-mighty, abite women immediately after Balaam’s binic fast day which commemorates many tragedies clearly perceives is both unfl attering to Ba- Prostrate, but with eyes unveiled: departure, Balaam’s oracles do link Israel’s that have befallen the Jews on this day. It also signifi es laam’s great reputation and a demonstra- What I see for them is not yet, blessing with its status as a people dwell- the beginning of the Three Weeks, the annual period of tion that Balaam can only see, or prophecy, What I behold will not be soon: ing alone. Balaam perceived that if Israel mourning over the destruction of the First and Second that which G-d allows him to see. A star rises from Jacob, ceased to keep apart from the nations, it Temples, which culminates in Tisha B’Av, which, this Th us three times Balaam utters a posi- A sceptre comes forth from Israel; could indeed be cursed. year, falls on July 29. tive oracle concerning Israel which angers It smashes the brow of Moab… Why does the narrative give pride of According to the Talmud, this fast commemorates his employer, Israel’s adversary, Balak king Israel is triumphant. place to Balaam, a passive vehicle of revela- the anniversary of Moses shattering the tablets on of Moab. Balaam can only plead that he A victor issues from Jacob… tion whose otherwise positive oracles also which the Ten Commandments were engraved; and the must prophecy in the words which G-d has James S Ackerman in Th e Literary Guide depict the circumstances in which Israel’s day a breach was made in the walls of the city of Jeru- given him to speak. to the Bible sees “An extraordinary twist in blessing may be undone? salem. In a post-biblical era, there are many other trag- Yet Balaam is not a fool. In response to the plot” of the story of Balaam which “as- Ackerman asks rhetorically: “Is it to edies: including the day of the looting and burning of the Balak’s anger, Balaam prophecies against signs the most far-reaching and positive vi- demonstrate that not even a Balaam, let Jewish Quarter of Prague in 1559; the death sentence Balak’s own kingdom, Moab. Th is time the sions of Israel’s future… to a Near Eastern alone a rebellious Israel, can defeat G-d’s of the entire Kovno ghetto community in 1944; and the words are from Balaam, not from G-d: diviner rather than to Moses. sovereign purposes?” Libyan confi scation of all Jewish property in 1970, to name a few. Shivah Asar B’Tammuz is a 12-hour fast, beginning Madiba’s 94th commemorated at Wits before day-break and ending after nightfall. Traditionally, observation of the Three Weeks is a period of semi- mourning in which entertainment, haircuts and buying ROBYN SASSEN Th is photograph was the source of a new clothes are avoided. - OWN CORRESPONDENT beaded artwork by the Makhubeles Last week saw a culmination of which is on show. News in Brief curatorial work, and the coming to- For the last several years, people SENATE AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO IS gether of glitterati of the art world, have been observing 67 minutes of RAELI MILITARY’S QUALITATIVE EDGE academia and the legal frater- good deeds for the country in the WASHINGTON - The US Senate overwhelmingly passed nity in the opening of “Mandela @ name of Mandela, commemorat- bipartisan legislation that reaffi rms US security commit- 94_z_a”, an exhibition about Man- ing the 67 years, between 1942 ments to Israel. dela’s life and iconic status, curated and 2009 in which Mandela fought More specifi cally, the measure says that the US by Natalie Knight, at the art gallery for human rights in South Africa. will provide Israel with the capabilities to preserve its of the Origins Centre, Wits Univer- “But,” quipped Knight. “Wits has military’s qualitative edge, expand military and civilian sity in Braamfontein. the edge! And I invite all of you to cooperation, and encourage Israel’s neighbours to rec- Explaining the e-mail address- take part in ’94 minutes of kind- ognise Israel’s right to exist as the state of the Jewish like title of the exhibition, Knight ness for Mandela’ on his birthday, people. The Senate passed the measure by unanimous opened the evening remarking that July 18.” consent last Friday. Senators Barbara Boxer (Democrat the artists range are from South Th e event was further comple- California) and Johnny Isakson (Republican Georgia) au- Africa – ‘za’ in e-mail parlance, but Curator Natalie Knight speaking at the opening of the exhibition. mented by Wits’ Vice Chancellor thored the legislation, which had 69 co-sponsors. that they also draw from the alpha- (PHOTOGRAPH BY DEBBIE YAZBEK) Professor Loyiso Nongxo and Advo- In a joint news release, the bill’s authors praised the bet: from ‘z’ to ‘a’; from Zapiro to cate George Bizos sharing Mandela bipartisanship of the Senate to expeditiously pass the the anonymous Xhosa beadworker. 2012, but 1994 was also a highly signifi - anecdotes. Said head of law school legislation. Boxer said in the statement that the bill “re- “Th is exhibition is democracy in action,” she cant year in Mandela’s life and that of the at Wits, Prof Jonathan Klaaren, in declaring affi rms the important bond between the United States said, commenting on how it features newcom- country.” the exhibition open: “Storytelling shows eve- and Israel, and helps ensure that Israel has the neces- ers with well-established names. It’s an exhibi- While some of the work is for sale, other rything, the good and the bad, but above all, sary tools to defend itself in this time of dynamic change tion that doesn’t promise to be comprehen- pieces are on loan from public and private col- the richness of a situation.” in the Middle East.” sive, but off ers mixed and lively insight into lections, but “one I consider priceless. • Th e exhibition, which ends in early August, In May, the US House of Representatives passed how Mandela is refl ected in art, from photo- “In 1993, Nelson Mandela walked into the features three walkabouts: on July 10, July 18 companion legislation that was sponsored by Majority graphs by Jurgen Schadeberg, to cartoons by Natalie Knight Gallery in Hyde Park Corner (Mandela’s birthday) followed by the 94 minutes Leader Representative Eric Cantor (Republican Virginia) Zapiro, jewellery by Beverley Price, beadwork Shopping Centre. It was my fi rst interaction of kindness, and July 28. Call (011)717-4700 for and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (Democrat Maryland) by by married couple Billie and Jane Makhubele with him. I showed him a pastel drawing that further details. a bipartisan vote of 411 - 2. and sculpture by father and son, Johannes and Tommy Motswai had made of that historic • Sandton Shul is doing 67 Minutes for Man- The bill will now be reconciled by both houses of Collen Maswanganyi. handshake between him and FW de Klerk, and dela on July 18 at the Phuthaditshaba Commu- Congress in a conference committee before moving to “Ninety four is signifi cant,” continued my photographer Berna Jerisch took a picture nity Centre, in Alexandra. Call (011)883-4210 President Obama for his signature. (JTA) Knight. “Not only is it Mandela’s age in of him shaking my hand in front of this work.” for details.

PUBLISHER Bryan Silke - [email protected] • EDITOR Geoff Sifrin - geoff @sajewishreport.co.za • Sub-Editor Paul Maree • Ed Co-ordinator Sharon Akum - sharon@sajewishreport. south african co.za • Sports Editor Jack Milner • Books Editor Gwen Podbrey • Arts Editor Robyn Sassen • Cape Town correspondent Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 • Pretoria correspondent Diane jewish report Wolfson: 082-707-9471 • Advertising: Adi Lew: 083-407-8034 - [email protected], Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 - [email protected], Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 - manuela@ sajewishreport.co.za, Marlene Bilewitz: 083-475-0288 - [email protected] • Classifi ed Sales Charissa Newman -jrclassifi [email protected] • Distribution Manager Britt Landsman • Design and layout: Frankie Matthysen, Nicole Cook • Website: Ilan Ossendryver • Subscription enquiries: Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860-13-2652. Board of Directors: Howard Feldman (Chairman), Issie Kirsh (Deputy Chairman), Marlene Bethlehem, Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter, Herby Rosenberg, Howard Sackstein, Jason Valkin, Elton Bondi, Michael Sieff , Steven Krawitz and Denese Bloch. Advertisements and editorial copy from outside sources do not neccessarily refl ect the views of the editors and staff . Tel: (011) 023-8160 06 - 13 July 2012 News SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Cosatu in scurrilous attack on Christian pro- Israel march

DAVID SAKS PHOTOGRAPHS: ILAN OSSENDRYVER

Last week’s Pretoria march in support of Israel by mainly black Christians, was condemned in remarkably infl ammatory terms by the Con- of Christians. gress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), Th us, Israel was characterised as “a legali- reviving memories of the Bongani Masuku sation of Jewish supremacy to further dehu- hate speech case of three years ago. manise everyone outside their scope of Zionist Cosatu’s opposition to the march was out- purity”. lined in a lengthy letter, subsequently released Zionism itself was said to refer “to those to the general media, to the Rev Inkosi Phakama who believe in a state exclusively for the ruling Shembe, spiritual leader of the Shembe Church supremacists at the expense of the indigenous and one of the organisers of the demonstration. Palestinian people because they view them- It was sent on June 27 under the name of Co- selves as ordained by G-d to do all it takes to satu’s national spokesman, Patrick Craven. defend their privileged position”. Th e letter appeared under the heading: Echoing contemporary attempts by the “Cosatu condemns South African Zionist Fed- Palestinian leadership to appropriate for itself eration’s abuse of blacks under religious guise the pre-exile Jewish history of Israel, the let- to legitimise apartheid in Israel”. ter described today’s Palestinians as “descend- It described the SAZF and its associates ants of Jesus” who were today being hounded as organisations “whose hands are dripping by Jewish colonisers. It concludes: “Can we, as with the blood of our sisters and brothers in South African Christians, who suff ered cruelly Palestine” and as “wolves in sheepskins” who under apartheid, stand back and accept all of wished to use well-meaning black Christians this? Surely not!” “to further their racist supremacist ideology of Th e letter elicited a strenuous response Zionism”. from the Rev John Atkinson. He described Th e Shembe Church, African Christian the notion that the SAZF were manipulating Democratic Party and other groupings, were blacks into doing their will as “a stunning in- urged not to act as its instruments, equat- sult to the intelligence of South African citi- ing this to how black people were used by the zens and their ability to think for themselves” apartheid white government to further its since Christians in South Africa did not need agenda. the SAZF to tell them that Israel was being un- Various overtly anti-Semitic tropes were fairly singled out. rehashed in diff erent guises, including allega- Th e “hands are dripping with blood” refer- tions that Judaism and Zionism embody feel- ence and the close associations this had with ings of innate Jewish racial superiority, a denial Nazi propaganda gave the lie to the claim by of the Jewish historical and religious link to the Craven to have written his letter in “a spirit of Land of Israel and even of Jews as persecutors humanity and human solidarity.” 4 SA JEWISH REPORT News 06 - 13 July 2012 Ina Perlman – the woman who thought in puddles, not ponds

GEOFF SIFRIN kaans. who’d had to battle their guts out PHOTOGRAPH BY GISÈLE She was involved over many to get to where they were. And WULFSOHN years in a range of social pro- here was I, a silly 18-year-old fl ap- grammes aimed at combatting per, learning with them.” “I remember my father slapping black poverty through organisa- Some years later, she met Ellen the New Testament down in front tions like the SA Institute of Race Hellman of the Institute of Race of me and saying, ‘If you are going Relations and the African Self Relations. “I once told her I was to live among these people, you Help Association. working with only about 20 wo- must know what they believe’,” In 1981 she mooted Opera- men, and we’re aff ecting only said Ina Perlman, renowned phi- tion Hunger, whose feeding pro- about 200 kids, while there were lanthropist and the founder of grammes reached two million; she 4 000 people in the squatter camp. Operation Hunger, in an inter- ran the non-profi t until her retire- “Ellen looked at me very coldly view in 1994, published in Cutting ment in 1993. Her philosophy was and said: ‘Aren’t you being a bit Th rough the Mountain, edited by fi rmly based on a grassroots ap- presumptuous? Not many peo- Immanuel Suttner (1997). She proach in which assistance to im- ple are given the ability to move died last Th ursday, in the Knysna poverished communities was used mountains, but if at the end of Hospital, after a brief illness. to generate genuine community your life your shovelling mole- Born in Bloemfontein on development to enable people to hills has helped fi fty people, that’s March 24, 1926, the only child to stand on their own feet. as much as most people have the middle-class German-Jewish par- Perlman did three years of right to expect.’ I agreed entirely. ents, she grew up in Port Eliza- medicine at Wits University, after “A lot of people wanted to be in- beth, after the collapse of the wool matriculating at Collegiate Girls’ volved in political activism; far few- trade. Her father, who was 50 at School, as one of the top ma- er in the hard grind of working with the time of her birth, had been a triculants in the country, but she the community,” she explained how sheep farmer. He’d come to South dropped out of university, decid- Operation Hunger came about. programme was crisis interven- Responding to the reality that Africa in 1898, rebelling against ing she did not want to be a doctor. In the late 1970s, John Rees tion only - the long-term solution her name had become a household his family who had anticipated “Th ose were the early days of took over Race Relations; Perlman had to be self-help. Our biggest word, she said: “I could never have that he would run the family busi- the Afrikaanse Nasionale Studen- argued that he enabled the non- support in SA never came from the lived in SA without doing what I did. ness in Germany. tebond; Wits was an open univer- profi t to develop. She explains corporate sector, or government - I happened to be the right person at Perlman was raised with values sity. We had to specify in writing two basic philosophies: “You never it came the man in the street. the right time. I was privileged to be that were vehemently opposed to that we were willing to work at the went anywhere unless you were “I’ve always believed in think- part of a relevant process.” organised religion and apartheid same anatomy table as blacks. invited by the community. And, ing small. I’ve always believed that Perlman’s husband, Dr Mike and ones that advocated the learn- “Once in my class there were when you were invited, you lis- the biggest excuse for doing noth- Perlman, passed away last year. ing of many languages to under- four blacks in a class of ten at an tened to what the community said ing is the what-I-do-is-a-drop-in- She is survived by four children, stand cultures – she was raised anatomy table. Th ese were all men - you never took the lead. the-ocean problem. We have to Rosemary, David, Harriet and with English, German and Afri- with BScs - mature, educated men “We insisted that the feeding think in puddles, not ponds.” John, and six grandchildren.

News in Brief BUILDING SOUTH AFRICA  PEOPLE DOING REMARKABLE THINGS IRAN PLANS MISSILE TESTS, THREATENS ISRAEL Andy Bolnick’s passion TEHRAN - With tougher sanctions by the European Union taking effect, Iran has an- nounced new missile tests and threatened to obliterate Israel. is to help the underdog Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh told Reuters on Monday that the three days of missile tests STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH the poor, she maintains. It also in- this week aim to show Iran will be “resolute BY MOIRA SCHNEIDER volves reconfi guring the layout of in standing up to... bullying, and will respond CAPE TOWN the settlement – “blocking out” to any possible evil decisively and strongly.” – which allows for service provi- Hajizadeh also said that if Israel attacked Like mother, like daughter, the sion and upgrading of the shacks Iran’s nuclear sites, “they will hand us an ex- saying goes. And Andy Bolnick and sees community involvement cuse to wipe them off the face of the earth”. is quick to give her mother, Ruth through engagement, putting the Reuters reported that the tougher sanc- Feigenbaum, credit for develop- poor at the forefront of the nego- tions, which took effect on Sunday, ban Euro- ing her passion for helping the tiations. pean Union states from importing Iranian oil, underdog. Shacks come down in the among other measures. They were enacted Feigenbaum founded an or- morning and are up again later earlier this year in a bid to pressure Iran to ganisation in Zimbabwe that the same day. Th e simple intro- stop enriching uranium in its suspected nu- assists those aff ected by Aids. duction of courtyards ensures clear weapons programme. In this country, she was very ac- that children for the fi rst time The EU initiated its much anticipated tive in the Black Sash during the have a place to play while their embargo on Iranian crude oil imports and its apartheid years. mothers work nearby. prohibition on insurance for tankers carrying Former Davidian Bolnick held Th e upgrading (together Iranian oil. The sanctions come days before leadership positions in Habonim, with fi re-retardant materials) talks restart between Iran and the permanent where she found it “encouraging” and reconfi guring mitigates fi ve members of the UN Security Council and being in an environment that fi res and fl ooding, she adds. Above: A rebuilt shack in Sheffi eld Road reserve. Germany. The meetings are intended to fi nd promoted similar progressive “Crime has defi nitely dropped a compromise to enable monitoring of Iran’s values to the ones her parents because the shacks look on to Left: Andy Bolnick, who founded iKhayalami, an organisa- nuclear facilities, which the West believes nurtured in her. But she insists each other. tion that upgrades shacks. masks an effort to make nuclear weapons. that her sense of social jus- “If people rob at night, Following the EU’s action, the White tice was primarily honed in her they can be seen whereas Th e fi re and its “iKhayalami has been instru- House released a statement in support of the home, recalling her mother tak- before, (the layout) was dis- aftermath prompt- mental in all these due to the EU oil embargo. ing her into the townships from jointed. People never knew ed the City of Cape Joe Slovo and Sheffi eld Road ini- “This action is an essential part of our a very early age. their neighbours, whereas Town to take note tiatives,” states Bolnick, who has concerted diplomatic efforts to present Iran A social science graduate now they’re a community,” and led to a “very received a Shawco Fellowship for with a clear choice between isolation or from Wits, Bolnick set up iKhay- she says with satisfaction. productive partnership” with iKhay- her work. meetings its obligations,” the White House alami (Xhosa for “my home”) in “It changes the whole feel alami. “Th ey actually came on site Her infl uence extends to na- said. “Iran has an opportunity to pursue sub- 2006, pioneering the upgrading of the settlement, leaders gain to see who had succeeded in doing tional policy through the ISN. stantive negotiations, beginning with expert of shacks in situ as a means of a tremendous amount of confi - this realignment after a fi re, because “Th ey have taken on this model level talks this week in Istanbul, and must tackling the “massive” housing dence and there’s a sense of pride they hadn’t really succeeded in the lock, stock and barrel. take concrete steps toward a comprehensive backlog, which sees one in 20 re- and dignity that comes through past,” she remembers. “It is far more sustainable for resolution of the international community’s ceiving an RDP house each year. the process”, she says, adding Initially, the City was not in fa- governments and far better for concerns with Iran’s nuclear activities.” “We look at shacks and informal that people are now motivated to vour of “blocking out”, but later saw the poor,” she says. Also, the Obama administration has settlements as part of the solu- paint and improve their homes. its “immense value” at the Sheffi eld In Johannesburg, Ruimsig begun prohibiting business with companies tion not part of the problem,” she Th e fi rst time the plan was Road informal settlement in Phil- settlement in Roodepoort has that continue to conduct oil transactions explains, referring to the coun- able to be implemented was after lippi. Th ere are now 22 informal been identifi ed for similar inter- with the Central Bank of Iran. The sanctions, try’s (offi cially) 2,2 million shack- a fi re at the Joe Slovo informal settlements that the City wants to vention in partnership with the which were passed by the US Senate in De- dwellers. settlement in 2009. Th rough this upgrade in this manner, in partner- University of Johannesburg. It is cember by a vote of 100 - 0, went into force Th e intervention changes the success, Bolnick was able to raise ship with the Informal Settlement hoped that the net will be spread last week. (JTA) way the government engages with funds for further upgrading. Network (ISN). city-wide, Bolnick says. 06 - 13 July 2012 News SA JEWISH REPORT 5

Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem: www.jpost.com “Th ieves break into home of Shamir’s daughter during funeral” Burglars broke into the Tel Aviv home of former Th e Jewish World Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir’s daughter, Gilada Diamant, while she was at her father’s funeral on Monday night. They stole jewellery. Police have in seven seconds opened an investigation.

The Canadian Jewish News, Toronto: Jewish Telegraphic Agency, international: www.cjnews.com www.jta.org “Toronto rabbis urge PM not to cut “Romney to visit Israel” refugees’ health care” Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney The Toronto Board of Rabbis wrote to Prime Minis- will visit Israel, to meet with Israeli Prime Minister ter Stephen Harper imploring him to stop modifi ca- Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority Prime tions to the country’s refugee health-care benefi ts Minister Salam Fayyad and other top offi cials dur- programme, scheduled to take effect at the end of ing the presidential campaign. June.

The Jewish Chronicle, London: Jewish Telegraph, Manchester: www.thejc.com www.jewishtelegraph.com “Teenagers arrested after gun attack “BBC: We got it wrong on Israel” by Manchester Yeshiva” BBC admitted a mistake in their coverage of the Two 17-year-olds from Broughton, Manchester, massacre of the Fogel family in Itamar, Israel, have been arrested on suspicion of possessing and March 2011. The story wasn’t mentioned in BBC discharging a fi rearm from a speeding car at the broadcast at the time. Broughton Yeshiva. The incident is not being treat- ed as a hate crime.

Israel News, Tel Aviv: Ynet news, Tel Aviv: www.haaretz.com www.ynetnews.com “Israel to begin recording settler land “Plesner Committee member: historic claims, deny Palestinians’ right of ap- opportunity missed” peal” Prof Yedidia Stern, member of the Plesner Com- After 45 years of running the West Bank, Israel mittee, tasked to draft an alternative to the Tal plans to start compiling land registry records of Law exempting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students assets. Bypassing regular land-listing processes; it from army service, said Netanyahu’s decision to seems designed to prevent Palestinians from ap- dissolve the committee ‘politicised an important pealing the validity of ownership listings. social issue.’

News in Brief

PHILANTHROPIES REOPEN DONOR MATCHING PROGRAM FOR DAY SCHOOLS A partnership of Jewish philanthropies will match school can qualify for up to $50,000 of matching $6 million of new donations to Jewish day schools funds. with an additional $3 million. This is the fourth round of the Match program Under the programme, called Match, the Avi since 2004, and it is being launched in partnership Chai and Kohelet Foundations will match donations with the Jewish Funders Network and the Partner- given between August 1, 2012 and May 15, 2013 at ship for Excellence in Jewish Education. 50 cents to the dollar, according to a press release. “Since its inception, Match has sent a consist- In order to qualify for the matching funds, a school ent message: day schools must strengthen their must identify a donor and apply to the programme. fi nancial support by building and stewarding donor The donor then applies individually as well. Dona- relationships,” said PEJE Executive Director Amy tions must be $10,000 or more and an individual Katz in the press release. (JTA) RELIEF FUNDS ASSISTING COLORADO FIRE VICTIMS As residents of Colorado Springs return to their Relief Fund” to Allied Jewish Federation of Colo- homes following widespread wild fi res, US Jewish rado, 300 S. Dahlia, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80246. communities are raising money for relief funds. All the donations to the Colorado Fire Relief The Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, in Fund will go to directly combat the fi re and help vic- conjunction with local synagogues, community tims. There will be no administrative fees taken out organisations and national partners, has launched of these funds, according to a Jewish Federations the Colorado Fire Relief Fund to help victims, fi re- of North America statement. Chabad-Lubavitch fi ghters, fi rst responders and others affected by of Colorado Springs also has set up a relief fund. the fi res. Jewish federations have been directing The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is donors to the Colorado Fire Relief Fund online or directing funds from its relief fund to the Colorado to send cheques with the notation “Colorado Fire Fire Relief Fund. (JTA) 6 SA JEWISH REPORT Opinion 06 - 13 July 2012

jewishsouth african report Betrayal of Jewish people by intelligentsia

Leaving university, which in my case also no room for critical engagement. Increas- meant leaving the gentle-paced, quiet ingly, isolated voices seeking to challenge haven of historic Grahamstown for the the dominant consensus are not merely Tough leadership jostling, bustling chaos of Johannesburg being sidelined but silenced altogether. (surely one of the world’s most unloved BARBARIC YAWP Certainly, it is happening in South Af- major cities?), was a traumatic experi- David Saks rica to an increasing degree. Th e fact that decisions ence. It took years before the intense the University of KwaZulu-Natal denied yearning to return subsided. Until then, Deputy Israel Ambassador Yaakov Fin- my idea of earthly paradise was to have a progeny. At Rhodes itself, white academ- kelstein the opportunity of speaking on Th e SA Jewish community has to make a diffi cult – permanent academic position at Rhodes ics (at least in the humanities) know very campus is just the most recent example of and historic - decision on how to react to the growing University, while devoting my free time well that they must acquiesce in a defi - this. As Jewish students have found, such success of the anti-Israel movement in this country. to exploring 1820 Settler hamlets and nite anti-Western, anti-colonialist and de overt acts of partiality from the top level Future generations will analyse the wisdom of the homesteads and writing about them. In- facto largely anti-white line if they wish down on the part of the establishment route taken, and also how it fi tted into international deed, back then the life of the university to fi t in. are regularly sabotaging their eff orts to Jewry’s response to negative global developments vis- academic was in my view one of the very Th e dawning realisation that far from counter the waves of vitriol emanating à-vis Jews and Israel. highest callings. Employed at the time at being the arbiters of clear, objective criti- from the other side. Even so, the expe- Recent local events have given new confi dence to MuseumAfrica, I would trawl wretchedly cal thinking, university academics are in riences of other Diaspora communities the BDS movement and a new sense of urgency to through the extensive Grahamstown im- practice if anything even more culpable suggests that the worst is still to come. Jewish leadership: Trade and Industry Minister Rob age fi les, bewailing a lost paradise. than laymen when it comes to being in- Canadian, British and even many major Davies’ attempt to implement the “relabelling” of Is- In time, I realised that even if it was fl uenced by and in their turn propagating US universities are reporting rising lev- raeli goods produced in the West Bank; the Graham- physically possible to return to those ideological biases eventually cured me of els of intimidation, intolerance and vic- stown National Arts Festival, Africa’s most lauded old haunts, it would never be possible any lingering desire to join the academic timisation. On the European continent, cultural event, including this year an offi cial discus- to recapture the spirit of those times. community. Of course, academics are only particularly in Scandinavian countries, sion on the cultural boycott of Israel by well-known Th ose intense, exciting, sometimes over- human, and can hardly be expected to act the situation is as bad, if not worse. Pro- people in arts, journalism and politics arranged by wrought years of early adulthood were with pristine, dispassionate objectivity Israel speakers are increasingly being de- Artists Against Apartheid, and “inspired by the suc- really what made the whole experience every time they pronounce on controver- nied even a hearing. Meanwhile, radical cessful boycott of apartheid South Africa”; the 2012 so memorable. Once such early illusions sial issues. Th at being conceded, it is ul- anti-Israel intellectuals are having a fi eld ANC Policy Conference reaffi rming its intention to are dispelled, there is no going back. timately towards its academics that soci- day, disseminating ever more distorted “increase” support for the Palestinians and the boy- Sometimes it happened during my time ety should be able to look to receive some theories and interpretations that, being cott of Israel, with Lindiwe Zulu, presidential advisor there that former students would return measure of balanced analysis in those unchallenged, rapidly morph into ortho- on international relations, saying members believe for a spell, hang around wistfully on the areas. If full-time professional thinkers doxies. “there must be an increase in the boycott of prod- fringes for a while trying to fi nd a place cannot transcend their own biases to Not all academics are either pro- or ucts that are imported from Israel to South Africa”; for themselves and fi nally return to the provide such an understanding, and how anti-Israel, of course. Actually, it can Cosatu – a trade union federation mandated to look big city rat race. Th ey longed to recapture much more so if they misuse their intel- probably be safely assumed that those in after South African workers! – issuing such a vicious the old sense of community and stabil- lectual authority to further muddy the the middle constitute a de facto majority. press release against Israel after the Pretoria march ity within the new student body, but no waters, what possible use are they? However, the professional price of taking by the ACDP and SAZF against the relabelling issue longer spoke the same language. One of academia’s greatest failings on – even in a mild and avowedly neutral (see story on page 3) that a Jewish leader comment- Post-apartheid Grahamstown is also today must surely be how the question way - the dominant hard-leftist consen- ed: “Th e swords are almost unsheathed from Cosatu’s no doubt a far less welcome haven for of Israel and its neighbours is now be- sus, including being labelled as apologists side”; the sudden cancelling of a talk by Israel’s deputy reclusive white scholars than it once was. ing played out on campuses worldwide. for the two great heresies of racism and ambassador Yaacov Finkelstein, at the University of Th e Eastern Cape in general has essen- Here, surely, one would hope to see colonialism and isolated accordingly, has KwaZulu-Natal; and other actions. tially reverted to the control of the indige- trained scholars contributing to a deep- become too high. Consequently, they Th ese local activities come in the context of the nous black majority, who have taken over er, more balanced understanding of this avoid what has been turned into an ideo- Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi most of the institutions that the mainly ever-fraught and baffl ing issue, yet the logical minefi eld and thereby concede the saying Jews are “the main elements of the interna- British white settlers established over the opposite has been the case. Overwhelm- fi eld to the radicals. It all represents an tional drugs trade”. It was immediately condemned last couple of centuries in the erroneous ingly, the most vocal academics working ongoing betrayal of the Jewish people by by international offi cials, including European Union belief that what they were building would in the fi eld adopt an ideologically-driven, the intelligentsia, and not by any means foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and United Na- be inherited and built-upon by their own overtly anti-Israel approach that leaves the fi rst one. tions Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, but millions worldwide have had a seed implanted that this might be true – particularly the Muslim world aligned with Iran. Promoting Jewish innovation in South Africa How alarmed should Jews be? Particularly now that we have a strong, vibrant Israel - contrary to the DAN BROTMAN vulnerable Jewish situation in prior eras – which is South African home to the world’s largest Jewish community. In February, one of the world’s wealthiest delegation Some historians, diplomats and politicians say Jewish philanthropists, American oil mag- at 2012 ROI this era is beginning to feel like the 1930s, with grow- nate and Birthright Israel co-founder Lynn Summit: Gur ing demonisation of Jews and now Israel. Or mediae- Schusterman, launched the fi rst SA Young Geva, Ephraim val times, when the infamous blood libel accused Jews Jewish Innovators Gathering. Moss, and Dan of using the blood of murdered non-Jewish children She convened this group of 50 to cre- Brotman. in the making of matza? Or the early 1900s, when the ate a network of intelligent and forward- falsifi ed Protocols of the Meetings of the Learned El- thinking young Jewish adults who are ders of Zion suggested there was a worldwide Jewish changing Jewish and non-Jewish SA. conspiracy to run global aff airs for their own benefi t? Some are unaffi liated with the organised What is the best response? To remain dignifi ed Jewish community, while others (like and cogently argue the Israeli and Jewish case in dip- me) are “entrepreneurs”, launching new lomatic, academic and political forums, hoping things projects from within the Jewish establish- will calm down? Or noisily take to the streets with ment. marches and banners, alongside Christians and oth- I was one of three selected to represent ers who support us, creating a more vehement pub- SA at this year’s ROI Summit in Jerusalem. lic furore in which people with no previous opinion Founded in 2005, ROI is Schusterman’s on the Israeli-Palestinian issue might sway towards community of young Jewish innovators one side? Given the legacy of the SA liberation move- from over 50 countries, who meet once a ments’ closeness to the PLO during apartheid, most year to connect and create. Jewish philanthropists to create a net- and SAUJS, there exist very few structures South Africans will more likely buy into the anti-Israel Every year, Schusterman fl ies the vast work of next generation funders. to engage young Jewish adults after they side. majority of the participants to Israel for a Th ese well-heeled individuals pool graduate from university. SA Jewry is a small in numbers - only some four-day summit, with roughly one-third their money and decide as a group to We often assume here that young 70 000 at this point – though we are publicly quite vis- hailing from North America, one-third fund certain Jewish projects. Th e Sling- adults will “drop out” of the Jewish com- ible in business, the arts, the professions, etc. Th is in from Israel, and one-third from the rest shot Fund also publishes “A Resource munity after university and return to take a country where the place of minority groups – espe- of the Jewish world. By 2015, ROI aims to Guide to Jewish Innovation”, a guide up leadership positions once they have cially white ones – is anyway fraught with sensitivities have built a network of 1 000 young social to the latest innovative projects in the children. While the SA Jewish community and fear in the face of the ANC juggernaut in national entrepreneurs reaching a million Jews. Jewish world. is truly unique for providing services to its politics. What became clear to me during the Th is model engages next generation members from “cradle to grave”, the focus We must be cautious not to be too alarmist. But ROI Summit is that the SA Jewish com- donors with the Jewish community, and in our community has been on preserva- our Jewish “antennae”, fi ne-tuned over many centu- munity off ers few options for young Jew- allows them early on to make the type tion rather than innovation – a mentality ries to recognise danger, are starting to vibrate. Th ere ish adults, as well as social entrepreneurs. of funding decisions their parents and which may not sustain this community in is no doubt signifi cant parts of the Jewish community In many Diaspora communities, donors grandparents make on a much larger the long term. are beginning to feel embattled on the Israeli issue heavily invest in grooming young leaders scale. Instead of asking young people to do- and a nervousness among individuals to be too openly by funding new and innovative projects As a young person who works within nate money to the Jewish community, can Jewish or pro-Israel in some parts of the public do- initiated by the under-35s. the Jewish establishment, I believe we are you imagine if we asked them how they main has begun setting in. For example, the Washington DC- facing a crisis of Jewish leadership conti- would like the community’s money to be Th ere is no easy answer. Jewish leadership today based Slingshot Fund was established in nuity. Although we have a strong Jewish spent? faces a huge challenge in determining the right path. 2003 to bring together children of top day school network, youth movements Continued on page 7 SA JEWISH REPORT 7 Promoting Jewish innovation in South Africa Continued from page 6

Schusterman taught me to think big, and thus my vision for the SA Jewish community is that we one day spend as many resources on promoting innovation and young leadership as we do on maintaining our welfare organisa- tions. I want see our Jewish organisations pro- gramming more with the community rather than at the community, which will ultimately engage the growing number of affi liated mem- bers. I would like to see one comprehensive weekly e-newsletter sent to every member of the Jewish community, which is more likely to be read than the dozens of e-mails we receive from individual organisations. I envision a community where we have a number of local facilitators trained by or- ganisations like Encounter which transforms confl ict through face-to-face understanding. Th ese facilitators would create safe spaces for us to talk about schisms within our commu- nity, such as Israel/Palestine and Orthodox/ Reform. Most importantly, I would like to see our community empower young Jews to lobby government and become more involved in the political process. One such organisation that does this on a global scale is the Jewish Diplo- matic Corps. While we need offi cial bodies like the SAJBD and SAZF to lobby on behalf of the community, we must foster a new generation of young Jews who can become an additional link between the organised Jewish commu- nity and the government. Empowering young Jewish adults with the tools to engage with their elected leaders, will not only serve the interests of the Jew- ish community, but will also make our young adult members more invested in building a democratic SA. Th e greatest challenge facing the Jewish world today is continuity. While the existence of Jewish schools and welfare organisations are important, their existence alone will not generate innovation within the Cape Town Jewish community. In a globalised era, young people are pre- sented with a plethora of choices, such as whether or not to be communally involved, or whether to remain in Cape Town or leave for greener pastures. I want to see the Cape Town Jewish com- munity become a place where new ideas are funded, supported and realised, and where young people are encouraged to take up lead- ership positions within our existing organisa- tions, as well as to create new ones. Dan Brotman is the Media & Diplomatic Liai- son at the Cape Jewish Board of Deputies (www. capebod.org.za), and a new member of Lynn Schusterman’s ROI Community (www.roicom- munity.org). You can follow him on Twitter at @ DGBrotman. 8 SA JEWISH REPORT Letters 06 - 13 July 2012

Th e Editor, PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 email: [email protected] REMOVE PALESTINIANS BY FORCE FROM JEWISH HOLY SITES WITHOUT ISRAEL, NO DIASPORA JEW WOULD BE SAFE Michael Freund’s opinion in his column of important national and holy symbols. I’m referring to the continued assault on who live in Africa, not blacks elsewhere. the SA Jewish Report of June 15, touched What should occur, is that Israel Israel and its population by leftwing Jews The enemies of Israel want the physical a nerve in me. should forcibly remove the Palestinians in South Africa and elsewhere in the Di- elimination of the Jewish people from I agree with his views in the sense that from those holy sites that they occupy and aspora. the Land of Israel. This constitutes anti- the “original sin” lies in Israel’s policy- safeguard these sites from re occupation. How can comfortable wealthy liberal Semitism. The point is that they want a makers who have consistently retreated If Israel has to use its iron fi st, then so Diaspora Jews dare to point fingers at Judenrein “Palestine” the same way that and withdrawn whenever the Palestinians be it. Israel when they are not living with the Hitler wanted a Judenrein Europe. Jews Nathan Cheiman, Northcliff , Jhb have trampled on some of Israel’s most dangers Israelis and their children face? in Israel are targeted for one thing: being If, G-d forbid, Israel were to go under Jews. The anti-Zionist believes that the ‘FAIR EXPECTATIONS’ TO THINK ABOUT no Jew anywhere in the world would be only children, who it is justified to mur- safe. der are Jewish children (in the Land of Is- I would like to respond to the letter, (because here we are talking about The fact that Jews live in relative tran- rael). Someone who is prejudiced against written by Olga Zabludoff from Wash- the same people wanting whatever quility anywhere in the world is due, at Israel or Israelis is just as much a bigot as ington, DC, which was published in the was forcefully taken away from them least indirectly, to the fact that the world someone who is prejudiced against Jews Jewish Report of June 29, regarding the to be given back to them). But I also sees Jews in the Jewish state as being per se. attitude of the Lithuanian government think that the US, instead of spend- tough, and defending themselves success- The point is that anti-Zionism should to what some Lithuanians did during ing huge amounts of money on un- fully, which, tragically was not the case up be treated the same as anti-Semitism be- the Nazi occupation in the Second World necessary wars of aggression, try to until 60 some years ago. And yes, Israel is cause the aim is to destroy the Jews of Is- War; I know that, unfortunately, many boost Lithuania’s economy and help perceived by much of the world as being rael the same way the Nazis destroyed the Lithuanians collaborated with Nazi Lithuania give back whatever was the national embodiment of world Jewry. Jews of Israel. Germany and did horrible things to the confiscated at the time, from Jewish Anti-Zionism is opposing the right of I just find it interesting that if Jews. I also agree that survivors from survivors who are still alive today. That the Jews to live peacefully in their home- somebody is against British Jews they are Lithuania, whose belongings had been is only a fair expectation worth think- land. anti-Semitic, if they are against Ameri- confiscated, should have the right to ing about. Anti-Zionism is the conviction that can Jews they are anti-Semitic, if they have their belongings returned to them Avner Eliyahu Romm, Cape Town Israel, of all the world’s countries, does are against European Jews they are anti- not have the right to exist. It is the con- Semitic, but if they hate Israeli Jews they viction that the determination of what are merely “anti-Zionist” but not anti- THIS IS TERRORIST RHETORIC constitutes Israel’s ‘secure and defensi- Semitic. In response to article by Rabbi Shmuel to refrain from such statements that can ble borders’ should not be made by the As Judea Pearl puts it: “As a form of Bloch of PE Hebrew Congregation on be used against us. Israeli people, either directly or via rep- racism, anti-Zionism is worse than anti- Parshat Chukat titled “ Th e Secret of Secondly for Rabbi Bloch, to say “every- resentation. Israel constitutes today the Semitism. It targets the most vulnerable Success,“if we really wish to be successful... body wants to be successful and everybody world’s largest Jewish community, with part of the Jewish people, namely, the we must die over it “ will invest enormous resources...” the numbers of Jews living in Israel ap- people of Israel, who rely on the sover- Firstly... with respect to Rabbi Bloch, Rather he should say, some of us or the proaching nearly half of the world’s Jew- eignty of their state for physical safety, that is exactly what terrorists (Muslims majority of us, surely not everybody! ish population. Any destruction of Israel national identity and personal dignity. mainly) are doing by blowing themselves Th e Hafetz Chaim writes; “Who is a would mean a second Holocaust of Jews. To put it more bluntly, anti-Zionism con- up, killing young and old citizens. Th e Rab- rich person? One who is happy with what The anti-Zionists claim that they are not demns five million human beings, mostly bi’s statement is coming across as endors- he/she has.” anti-Semitic as they only hate and want refugees or children of refugees, to eter- ing such terrorists who are sacrifi cing their After all “peace of mind is better than to harm Jews who live in Israel, is as nal statelessness, traumatised by histori- lives by becoming human bombs and dying money in the bank!” absurd as claiming one is not a racist as cal images of persecution and genocide.” Gary Selikow, Johanesburg in the action. It would probably be better Roni Lea, Johannesburg one only hates and wants to harm blacks Candidly speaking: Concerning ‘self-hating Jews’

ISI LEIBLER indiscriminately label every their hatred with embarrassment sustained by Jewish communists. Burg who delegitimises his country. JERUSALEM Jewish critic of Israeli policy with Jewishness, and hating Israel is In the Soviet Union, the members Th ey include journalists who a self-hating Jew. just the latest version of it. of the Yevsektsia, the Jewish sec- paved the way for the Goldstone In a column appearing By cynically employing “Jews were doing that long be- tion of the Bolsheviks, were notori- Report and charges of war crimes in Th e Independent, the inverse McCarthyist tactics fore there was a modern State of ous for behaving more harshly and against Israel by demonising the fi ercely anti-Israel UK daily, to silence their critics, the far Israel... I suppose that if you belong displaying a greater determination IDF, while defending the intransi- Avram Burg, former Knes- Left succeeded in intimidat- to a minority that has been hated for to destroy synagogues and Jewish gent and duplicitous Palestinians. set speaker, chairman of ing politicians and writers so long, then you begin to sort of ab- cultural institutions than their non- In addition, there are some Di- the Jewish Agency and into adopting a form of po- sorb some of that. It would be very Jewish counterparts. aspora Jews, ugly blemishes on scion of one of Israel’s renowned re- litical correctness which suppresses surprising if you didn’t. Western Jewish communists ap- the fringes of Jewish communities ligious Zionist families, commended mention of one of the primary fac- “In psychology they would tell plauded Stalin’s murder of Jews and throughout the world, who stand at the UK government for measures tors motivating the bizarre Jewish you that an abused child will in the crimes against the Jewish people the vanguard of the anti-Israeli pack. designed to boycott Israeli goods involvement in the campaign to de- end come to take the view of himself and were among the staunchest de- Most of those engaged in these ac- produced beyond the Green Line monise and delegitimise Israel. that the abuser has. I don’t doubt fenders of the Evil Empire. tivities, unlike Avram Burg, stem and urged the EU to do likewise “in Today, anyone employing the that some Jews do that.” In Israel, the fellow-travelling from assimilated or delusional left- Israel’s interest”. term “self-hating” in relation to Over the ages, anti-Semitism members of Mapam, the forerunner ist backgrounds and have no genu- Burg, who had the chutzpah to Jews is summarily condemned and has infl icted such devastating suf- of Meretz, behaved as schizophren- ine involvement in Jewish life. state that he was writing as a Zion- accused of being chauvinistic. fering on the Jewish people that it ics, seeking to combine their Zionism But occasional despicable be- ist, described Israel “as the last colo- Yet any objective review of Jew- inevitably spawned a small but high- with love and allegiance to the Soviet haviour by groups on the extreme nial occupier in the Western world” ish history demonstrates that self- ly vocal number of Jews obsessed Union, even when one of their lead- Right may also qualify as a mani- and proclaimed that “the Israeli peo- hatred was always an important el- with dissociating themselves. ers, Mordechai Oren, was arrested festation of self-hatred. Ironically, ple’s eyes are blind and their ears are ement motivating Jews who turned If one analyses the behaviour of and tried on trumped-up espionage I clearly recollect the late National deaf” and the “real enemy of Israel’s against their own people and far pre- Jewish apostates during the Mid- charges in Czechoslovakia. Religious Party leader Dr Josef future is Bibi Netanyahu, the prime dates the existence of Israel. dle Ages, notorious for accusing Yet, it was only after the Oslo Burg, father of Avram, confessing minister of Israel”. Th e current situation was ac- their kinsmen of satanic rites and Accords, when Labour (Mapai) was to me that he was having sleepless In the past, Burg has called for curately summarised in a recent churning out the vilest anti- Semitic desperately trying to convince Israe- nights out of concern that some the abrogation of the Law of Return, interview with Howard Jacobson, tracts, there is little doubt that they lis that peace with the fork-tongued Jews residing in isolated settle- which he defi ned as “a mirror image recipient of the highly coveted Man were motivated by self-hatred and (Yasser) Arafat was feasible, that the ments would absorb and trans- of Hitler”. He has described the Jew- Booker Prize for his novel Th e Fin- opportunism. self-haters emerged en masse from form the fi erce animosity radiated ish State as “a ghetto of belligerent kler Question, which satirised British Th e era of emancipation also wit- the closet. by Palestinians surrounding them colonialism” and urged Israelis to anti-Semitism and self-hating Jews. nessed Jewish universalists engaged Th ey assumed prominent roles into a form of self-hatred which obtain foreign passports. Ironically, his interview with in campaigns defaming their fellow at universities and attained politi- could manifest itself by anti-social He also recommended the dis- Maya Sela appeared in the English Jews. In the 19th century socialist cal respectability by infi ltrating the behaviour. mantlement of Yad Vashem and Internet edition of the Israeli daily revolutionary arena, self-hatred led Labour Party and obtaining exces- In summary, “self-hating Jews” is its substitution by new headquar- Haaretz, which is probably the most to justifying pogroms as a lubricant sive media coverage in Haaretz and unquestionably a term which should ters for the International Criminal important global media platform to generate revolutions. its English-language website, which be employed to identify those small Court. Yet few would dare to de- promoting the rantings of Jews de- Karl Marx was a prime exam- prior to becoming dominated by pockets of Jews who demonise their scribe this man, whose mother’s monising Israel. ple of this. Although converted to post-Zionists, was considered the own people. family was butchered in 1929 during Jacobson nonchalantly aban- Christianity, he was a descendant leading intellectual newspaper of But it should be employed in a the pogroms in Hebron, as a “self- dons political correctness by ignor- of a long line of rabbis. His noxious the land. Today it vigorously pro- highly selective manner and not uti- hating Jew”. ing the taboo on the term “self-hat- self-hatred was the basis for his vile motes journalists who demonise the lised indiscriminately against naïve, Th at is because one of the most ing Jews” when referring to Jews anti-Semitic tract Zur Judenfrage, state with the same vigour as their well-meaning “bleeding hearts” or eff ective accomplishments chalked who demonise and delegitimise Is- in which he stated that “money is communist antecedents. legitimate critics of Israeli policies up by political far-left activists was rael. a jealous G-d of Israel... Th e social Th e Israeli self-haters range from with whom we may disagree. their success in eliminating the term He relates to “the need for Jews emancipation of the Jews is the outright political psychopaths like “self-hating Jew” from the Jewish to be, one way or another, anti-Jew- emancipation of society from Juda- former Israeli musician Gilad Atz- Th e writer’s website can be viewed at political lexicon. Th ey are abetted by ish. Th e need for so many Jews, par- ism.” mon who justifi es the Nazi murder of www.wordfromjerusalem.com.He may those from the extreme Right who ticularly intellectual Jews, to express Th e tradition of self-hatred was the Jews, to failed politician Avram be contacted at [email protected] 06 - 13 July 2012 Tapestry SA JEWISH REPORT 9 Future as seen by Coovadia, is reparable

Th e Institute for Taxi Poetry putrescent ruling party still as by Imraan Coovadia (Umuzi, indiff erent to its citizens as its R190) present-day forerunner. Amidst this, new art forms have sprout- REVIEWED BY ed up on the convergence lines GWEN PODBREY between chaotic, everyday life and the patriotic ideals of the When it comes to working-class nation. One such form is taxi po- heroes, the character of Adam etry, in which minibuses bearing Ravens is a strange – even bi- loads of harried, hardworking zarre – mutation of the species. people are daubed with the lines But, then, the city in which this of dreamers. It is an idea Coova- experimental novel is set is no dia has adapted from the tube less bizarre. station poets of London and An employee of the Jose da other European capitals, but the Silva Perreira Institute for Taxi elevation of South African taxis Poetry, run by the University of Cape Town, to the status of vehicles for visionaries has a Ravens is a man whose aspirations to lyricism bizarre – indeed, grotesque – dimension unri- never originally included dabbling in gangster- valled anywhere else in the world. ism and sleuthing. However, when his men- Th ese poets, inscribing their lines on the tor, Solly Greenfi elds, is found murdered in his sides of dented, frenzied Toyota, are the new home in Woodstock, he is devastated. prophets of a country which, despite its au- To be sure, Greenfi elds had his share of crit- thoritarian government, is unable to repress ics – fellow poets who resented him for start- its unresolved histories and uncertain future. ing the Road Safety Council, for instance – but Th ere is something ominously Biblical about these were old grievances which had long lost its raw, relentless power struggles, its barely re- their impetus. Greenfi elds himself had become strained energy and its grotesquely discordant a marginalised fi gure who no longer posed a ethnicities. serious threat to the new, young bloods on the Coovadia’s replication of South Africa’s taxi poetry scene. So who on earth would want apartheid Struggle, and its icons, into a surreal to kill this inoff ensive, if eccentric old man? satire of supremacy and survival is audacious, Ravens’ determination to track down the brilliantly imaginative and written in lucid assassin, however, is complicated by various and easily accessible language. His many ref- factors. For one thing, he has an enduring af- erences to Africa’s confused, colonial history fection for Greenfi elds’ son Zebulon, a sleazy, (particularly the infl uence of the Portuguese) “sliding-door man” in the taxi business with adds a perspective which reminds us that the distasteful habits and a dubious social circle, travesty unfolding on the pages is a refl ux of any one of whom might well have been in- the bitter brew swallowed by the continent in volved in the crime. past centuries. For another, he has unexpected develop- Yet the author’s scope is too vast and ments to contend with. Greenfi elds’ erstwhile multi-layered to be managed well. His rival, Gerome Geromian, living in self-imposed transitions from the fantastical to the fac- exile in Brazil, returns to Cape Town to receive tual, from allegory to parody, from internal an award from the Institute for Taxi Poetry and dialogue to external interaction and from must be hosted in the very week that Ravens crime fi ction to magical realism are not al- identifi es who committed the murder. Th ese ways seamless. While the work is ambitious, are diversions which force Ravens to shift roles witty and well intentioned, it has rather continuously. more material than it can manage. More- It is all very messy and exhausting – but very over, there are humorous, but self-indulgent South African. Th en, as now, Mzansi seems to asides which tend to disrupt, rather than be bigger than the sum of its parts. And Cape enhance the text. Coovadia seems to have Town, with its glorious landscapes, rat-infested succumbed to the temptation to throw eve- slums and uneasy mixture of peoples jostling ry literary ingredient he could lay his hands for ascendancy, is an ideal incubator for the on into this indeterminate stew. politicians, posturers, fugitives, mobsters and Th e result is overkill. One enters the novel madmen vying for power. intrigued, but leaves it dazed, wondering where “I happen to be a taxi poet – a former taxi one lost the plot. Or was it the author who lost poet, according to some – in a city run by Croa- it? tian disco men from Zagreb and Malay gang- One leaves it with respect too, though. Its sters from Pinelands, by publicity girls wearing components might be jumbled and its genre dif- long earrings, by dollar millionaires with busi- fi cult to pin down, but the frightening glimpses ness connections to the ruling Congress Party, it aff ords of where we have come from, and by old Trotskyites and Bukharinites, and by where we are headed, are sobering. Its char- cabinet ministers and dictators from elsewhere acters, too, are uncomfortably familiar, if still who reside along the Atlantic seaboard or on embryonic. Th ese are the selves towards whom the wine estates inland,” Ravens tells us. today’s young South Africans are hurtling. Th is is South Africa fast-forwarded to a And, somewhere in all this, there is hope. time when its present malignancies have me- Coovadia’s love for his country, with all its con- tastasised into fully-fl edged cancers: a haven tradictions, excesses, greed and grief, is unmis- for corrupt offi cials, international fugitives takable. He has seen the future – and, while it from justice, wanna-be politicos and a single, doesn’t actually work, it is reparable.

Arts in Brief

GAVIN YOUNG TO OPEN POINTURE RUSIAN BALLET RETURNS TO MANDELA On August 8, an exhibition curated by Ann-Marie The Imperial Russian Ballet returns to the Mandela at Tully and Jennifer Kopping, entitled Pointure, will the Joburg Theatre, July 11-15. The Company was be opened by Prof Gavin Younge from the University founded in 1994 on the initiative of Russian ballerina of Cape Town, at the University of Johannesburg Maija Plisetzkaya. It was named in honour of the for- Art Gallery, which is situated on UJ’s Auckland Park mer “emperors” of the Russian ballet stage as well as Campus. This exhibition draws together the work the Imperial family for their contribution to the Russian of established and emerging contemporary South ballet culture. African artists, including Stephan Erasmus, Leora The Joburg programme features Carl Orff’s Car- Farber, Sue Pam-Grant, Kim Lieberman, Richard mina Burana in the fi rst act with extracts from clas- Penn, Musha Nehuleni and others. The curators sical masterpieces in the second, including Walpurgis undertake to create visibility for an under-explored Night, the Adagio from Scheherezade, the Grand Pas area of art practice in South Africa which includes de Deux from Don Quixote and Jacques Offenbach’s stitching, suturing, puncturing, printing and weav- Can-Can Surprise. ing. Until August 29 (011) 559-2556. Visit www.joburgtheatre.com. 10 SA JEWISH REPORT Community Columns 06 - 13 July 2012

A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies As London’s Jews prepare for Olympics, the 1972 Munich massacre is on their minds. The Tower Bridge in London, is March for Israel decorated with the fi ve Olympic rings in preparation for the 2012 Summer Games. and the labelling (PHOTOGRAPH: IAIN FARRELL VIA CC) issue

Last Thursday, members of the African Christian Christian Democratic Par- ty, Shembe Church and Inkatha Freedom Party were amongst nearly 2000 participants in a march in support of Israel that took place in Pretoria. I congratulate the SA Zion- ist Federation for all their excellent work in help- ing to make this event so rousing a success. With all the negative publicity that confronts us, we of- ten forget how many good friends we have out there Above Board London Olympics bring back who will stand alongside Mary Kluk us in calling for fairness National Chairman and balance in the way Is- rael is depicted and treat- sad memories of Munich ’72 ed. Those of our community who participated in the march will have been given a heartening demonstration of that. The primary reason for the march was For the British Jewish community, the most memorable moment of the London to protest against the proposed new policy Olympics may be a sombre one. by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to relabel products from Jewish West Bank enclaves as coming from the “Occupied Miriam Shaviv backwards, it refl ects very well on our commu- As the Olympic Village is situated in East Palestinian Territories”. For a variety of rea- nity, on our mentality about working from the London, the relatively small community sons, the Board has joined with various other On August. 6, several hundred people are grass roots, that we encourage people to get ac- there has taken on the role of catering to the Jewish organisations, including the SAZF, in expected to attend a commemoration for the tive and engaged. We make it easy for people.” Jewish needs of the Olympic teams. opposing this initiative. Our objection in the 11 Israeli athletes and coaches murdered by She is particularly proud of the work that Four local rabbis from across the denom- manner in which it is being proceeded with, Palestinian terrorists during the 1972 Mu- Maccabi did this year in encouraging people inational spectrum will join 186 other chap- the numerous technical and legal flaws that nich Olympics. with disabilities to become involved in sports. lains serving the athletes, delegation mem- have become apparent in its conception and “From conversations across the com- In June, the group held an event that saw the bers, staff and volunteers. Rabbi Richard the evidently politicised agenda that would munity, the key thing people are engaged in able-bodied and non-able-bodied play sports Jacobi of the Woodford Liberal Synagogue seem to lie behind it. around the Olympics is that they want to see together. says he will be available for those looking In terms of the relevant Government Ga- a commemoration of Munich,” said Peter Ma- “We linked it to the Paralympics,” she said “for a sympathetic ear from their own faith, zette notice, the public was invited to make son, director of the London Jewish Forum. of the international games held for disabled or from faith in general,” in case of stress, a formal submissions to the DTI on the proposed While a ceremony organised by the Israe- athletes after each summer Olympics. “Th e personal emergency or any other need. Th e new policy. The Board, drawing on a wide range lis and the local community takes place dur- Israeli delegation will have a strong Paralym- pastoral team also is part of the contingency of local and international expertise in the legal, ing every Olympic Games, this one marks pic team, and this makes sports accessible” to plans in case of a large-scale incident. political and trade relations fields, has since fi- the 40th anniversary of the massacre. Th e disabled people. “Personally this is a once-in-a-life op- nalised and lodged its submission. A number International Olympics Committee contin- Other groups have focused on education- portunity to be involved in something that of other organisations have done likewise. We ues to reject international calls for a minute al events. For example, the London Jewish presents London and British Jewry in the trust that all of these will be given due and of silence during the opening ceremony on School of Jewish Studies, which runs adult best possible light,” Jacobi said. “Many peo- thorough attention, and hope for a positive July 27. education classes, is off ering sessions on ple think that London is dominated by anti- outcome. But the community also has made a whether the Olympian ideal is Jewish and Semitism and anti-Zionism, and that is not Even in the most difficult times, one is al- point of joining the general air of celebra- “Who really won on Chanukah?,” while the the case. Th ere is a degree of background ways able to find a silver lining. In this case, tion sweeping London in the run-up to the United Jewish Israel Appeal has developed radiation, but it certainly does not infl uence it has been the incredible degree to which the Games. In the past year, nearly every Jew- six workshops, including ones on the Mu- people’s lives on a daily basis. People enjoy various Jewish organisations have collaborated ish school, youth group and charity has run nich massacre and Jewish ideas on strength being Jewish in London.” in mounting an effective response to the chal- Olympics-related activities. And during the that have been taken up by youth groups and Nevertheless, he adds, “Th e 40th anni- lenge. It has shown how what unites us is so Olympics, London’s Jews will welcome thou- schools. versary of the Munich tragedy is also at the much stronger than the usually trivial issues sands of Jewish visitors with social events, Th e closest many community members back of my mind. If anything were to hap- that are sometimes allowed to keep us apart. synagogue services, guides to Jewish London will get to the Games will be on July 25, when pen, being part of the response feels very im- Whatever course events take, we will have and, in the Olympic Village, pastoral care. the Olympic torch, which has been touring portant to me rabbinically and personally.” emerged from it all stronger and more united. Th e welcoming eff orts are being co- across the United Kingdom, will be carried Many of his congregants are volunteer- ordinated by the Jewish Committee for the through the heavily Jewish North-West Lon- ing in the Olympic Village or as “hosts” Anti-Semitism London Games, which was established by don. posted at strategic points in London to help Last week saw a flurry of anti-Semitic incidents the London Jewish Forum and several other “Hopefully the community will have a tourists. Like many other local synagogues, being reported to the Board, amongst them community organisations.For one of the or- good showing,” Mason said. “Th ere is a genu- his shul will host two Shabbat services par- an offensive radio advertisement and a com- ganisations, Maccabi GB, which runs sports ine building of excitement.” ticularly aimed at visitors, and in the Olym- ment on an Internet radio station that clearly programming for the Jewish community, During the Games themselves, the com- pic Village Orthodox and non-Orthodox ser- crossed the line between good-humoured ban- the Olympics has been “a springboard to get munity will open its doors to tourists, from vices aim to alternate. ter and the unacceptable propagation of a neg- people involved. At every opportunity we’ve abroad and from elsewhere in the UK, who Finally, the East London communities ative anti-Jewish stereotype. Several of these linked to the Olympics,” said project man- wish to experience Jewish London. A web- plan to hold their own events commemorat- have since been satisfactorily resolved while ager Jessica Overlander-Kaye. site was set up by the Jewish Volunteering ing the Munich massacre. One ceremony will the remainder are still in the process of being Maccabi GB worked with more than Network under the auspices of the Jewish be on the afternoon of Tisha B’Av, on July dealt with. I would like to thank those members 15 Jewish organisations on more than 30 Committee for the London Games that lists 28, and a religious service at Waltham Forest of our community for bringing the incidents events, ranging from talks about the roles all major attractions, including kosher restau- Hebrew Congregation will be in September. to our attention. This enabled us to respond of Jews in sport to Olympics-themed sports rants, synagogues and Jewish landmarks. It Jacobi says these events would have taken timeously and take up the matters at hand with days in Jewish schools, and liaising with stu- also has a section on the history of London’s place even had the IOC agreed to hold a min- those responsible. Once again, I remind you all dents who want to write good luck cards to Jews and a calendar of Jewish events con- ute of silence. that the SAJBD is the address when it comes the Israeli delegation. An annual community nected to the Games. “In the midst of everything else, a min- to dealing with all forms of anti-Jewish behav- Fun Run was expanded this year to reach Some 10 000 people already have visited ute isn’t particularly long to appreciate what iour, no matter how minor it may seem. Should 2 000 people, including British Chief Rabbi the website since its launch in January, ac- these events meant,” he said. “It is important you become aware of any such incident, please Jonathan Sacks. cording to Es Rosen, the website manager that everyone had the opportunity to come do not hesitate to contact the Board’s offices, For Overlander-Kaye, becoming involved and JVN regional development manager. together as a group, learn more about it and while providing as much detail as you can. It is in Olympics-themed activities through Jew- “We have no idea how many people we associate more with it. by maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to all ish groups is “about being part of something can expect, but when people go to an interna- “We think people -- mainly Jewish but forms of anti-Semitism that we will be most ef- smaller and bigger at the same time. It’s an tional city they often seek out Jewish tourist also others -- feel it should be remembered. fective in preventing this scourge from spread- opportunity to be part of the Olympics while sites,” Rosen said. “Th e Olympics have tre- It’s part of Jewish and Olympic history.” ing in our society. connecting to the Jewish community. Viewed mendous potential for Jewish London.” (JTA) 06 - 13 July 2012 Youth - [email protected] SA JEWISH REPORT 11 KDL Primary Being on Mini Council a wins life-changing experience JORDAN HEYES AND prestigious ALEXA NOVICK, GRADE 7, KDVPS artists PHOTOGRAPH: competition STACY FLEISHMAN Th e Johannesburg Mini Council is made up of 80 STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY We entered in all categories a year’s subscription to National grade 7 representatives YONIT WEIL which was a drawing, a painting or Geographic. from 40 diff erent schools a sculpture. We won R5 000 worth Pictured are grade 5 children and it has been an honour King David Linksfi eld Primary won of Bostik art supplies, three art bags with art teacher Tracy Enslin and and a privilege to be a part the National Geographic Kids young fi lled with art supplies, a WI con- Deputy Headmaster Darryl Frankel, of this organisation. artists competition 2011 - 2012. sole, a tablet, a Pictionary game and being presented with the prizes. Being on Mini Council has been a life-changing experience for us from the King blankets to help keep our poorer David Primary School Victory people warm during the winter TAPS girls show Park. We have spent the year de- months. It makes us so proud to veloping leadership potential, be part of such a giving commu- our self-confi dence and a positive nity. their worth self-image other youths can look Jordan and I have been at up to. We have also spent time King David Victory Park since OWN CORRESPONDENT helping less-privileged people grade 1 and it has been an en- PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED within our community. joyable, challenging and excit- We’ve learnt how to work as a ing experience. We are blessed Torah Academy Primary School took part in a team, with people from diff erent with a staff of kind, nurturing two-part exhibition depicting their Kodesh and cultures. An important life lesson and knowledgeable teachers, led secular studies in honour of the Lubavitcher Reb- was that nothing is handed to you by two very experienced and re- be Menachem Mendel Schneerson, obm, depicting on a silver platter - it all takes ef- spected men. the campaigns of good deeds he encouraged and fort and hard work to achieve. Our principal, Johannes Mou- integrating these with their teachings in science, King David parents and pupils ton and our deputy principal, maths, history and geography. pride themselves on their charita- Jannie le Roux. Th ey have intro- ble nature and this was evident duced a leadership programme The grade 5 girls created a “Proudly South African” in our collection of over 14 000 which has given us the skills and display, which included a project on Nelson Mandela Easter eggs distributed to various confi dence to excel even further to mark his upcoming birthday. With their exhibit are charities at Easter time. than our own expectations. Yakira Shalpid (front) and (from left) Danit Krawitz, Some other valuable experi- KDVPS prides itself on our Shevi and Elki Sarchi and Ché Sackstein. ences we’ve had, have been host- small, intimate learning environ- ing a Christmas party for CHOC ment and it is so comforting to (children living with cancer) and know every pupil in the school fi lling the tummies of over 300 by name. Th is allows the juniors Disney’s Aladdin wows the young children with the SA Feeding to look up to the senior pupils Scheme. and we in turn can help guide and We are currently collecting support them. Show: Disney’s Aladdin, National Children’s Th eatre, Parktown (011) 484-1584 Until: August 21 REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN

She howled as narrator Reynard Slabbert appeared. Maybe it was his funny turban, or the fact that he was bringing live theatre before her three- or four-year-old eyes, for the fi rst time. Either way, she ran to mummy’s lap, loudly pleading to go home, now. Th e mum in question wisely ca- joled her to sit her fears out. Within minutes this child was swept away by the crisp choreography and tightly woven tale of the boy from The lad (Marco Spaumer) and his lamp. (PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED) Agrabah, who wins the heart of the sultan’s daughter and proves that Jafar (Clint Lesch), and his right- child I was watching watch the play, honesty is the best policy, setting hand parrot Iago (Dionne Song), was smitten; she chuckled when a great big genie free, as part of to ensemble members Lebo Toko, Jafar gets magicked into a lamp to the deal. Lightly resonant with the Natasha van der Merwe and Marike share with Iago, with red feathers original Arabian Nights story, this Smith. drifting nonchalantly in their wake. Aladdin has more polish than last While the role meted to Jas- Stage smoke is one trick that year’s; witty lyrics illustrate why mine (Dolly Louw) alternates be- could have been curbed, however. Disney recipes work. tween simpering and petulant, Magic is achieved in so many other Th e cast works beautifully in you’ll love eponymous hero, Marco ways in this play, leaving you un- collaboration: from Keaton Ditch- Spaumer, as an urchin with heart derstanding the importance of be- fi eld as Razoul the dense servant he’s not afraid to use. By the time ing yourself in a world ruled by in- to the Sultan’s sly right-hand man, Slabbert reappears as the genie, the justice and very large egos. 12 SA JEWISH REPORT News 06 - 13 July 2012

Community Briefs Scat must nod towards AIMING TO ENHANCE TEACHING WITH TECHNOLOGY Recently, ORT SA/SABJE hosted a seminar for teachers on digital technology in the classroom. Speakers included Daniel Tysman and Peretz Tabor from ORT UK and Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky from New York. its Yiddish midwife Said SABJE’s director, Rabbi Craig Kacev: “We are amidst a revolution - revolutionising how we teach. We must take risks.” ORT SA’s CEO Yehuda Kay, Th e silent generation was dancing to swing before baby boomers were spoke of the international debate as to how far to allow technology into schools. “World ORT expertise is acknowledged globally as a leader in cutting-edge born; but not a lot of popular awareness exists of scat, a sibling to swing, classroom technology,” Kay said. Tysman added that the idea was not to replace and one that boasts powerful Jewish links. teachers but to enhance teaching with technology.

ROBYN SASSEN Slam Stewart. (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY Scat, described by ragtime and jazz WWW.PUPPIESANDFLOWERS.COM) pianist Jelly Roll Morton as “some- thing which doesn’t mean anything but gives a song fl avour”, is the non- sense syllables in vocal swing and jazz improvisations, understood to have started in 1926, in Louis Armstrong’s song “Heebie Jeebies”. Th e legend around this song is that in the recording studio, Arm- strong dropped the sheet music of the song he was recording, and spon- taneously invented gibberish to fi ll time, expecting the take to be thrown out. It wasn’t; scat was born. Jonathan Pollack, in the US popular culture magazine Guilt and Pleasure, writes that “scat derived from the sound Armstrong called ‘the Jews’ rockin’’ he’d heard growing up in the black-Jewish neighbourhood of New Orleans.” Pollack has two explanations for this - he may have heard davening ORT SA CEO Yehuda Kay; head of World ORT’s education department, at a shul, or Hasidic lullabies. Daniel Tysman; and director of the SABJE, Rabbi Craig Kacev. (PHOTO- A Mrs Karnofsky - whose fam- GRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER) ily befriended Armstrong, and to whom he attributed his ad- miration of Jews and Jewish life Slim Gaillard, he describes his relation- NIK RABINOWITZ AND DANNY K AMONG ‘THE - used to sing him thus to sleep, ship with “Jewish employers as ranging YOUNGSTERS’ WRITERS as a child. from close and respectful to disdainful Pan Macmillan and Exclusive Books recently launched The Youngsters, a collec- Another black performer of and exploitative”. tion of fi ve pocket-sized books written by six young South Africans and edited the 1930s, Cab Calloway, a friend Pollack details Yiddish roots of by award-winning journalist, Mandy Wiener. The series aims to provide insight of Armstrong’s and a band leader black American slang, mentioning a into what it means to be young in SA. The six authors are Anele Mdoda, Shaka associated with Harlem’s Cotton song by Calloway called “Utt-Da-Zay”, Sisulu, Nik Rabinowitz, Gillian Breslin, Danny K and Khaya Dlanga. Club, slipped into scat history and several by Gaillard, including “Me- with “Minnie the Moocher” in shugana Mambo”, blending Yiddish 1931, which Danny Kaye made and Cuban references and “Vol Vist du his own later that decade. It mix- Gaily Star”, which “sounds like it ought es gospel aesthetics with canto- to be Yiddish, but isn’t”. rial recitation. Th e soloist sings Gaillard and Slam Stewart (known out scat phrases and his band (or as Slim and Slam) recorded their own the audience) echoes the made- Cab Calloway. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY version of Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen; it up words. WWW.PASUNAUTRE.COM contained lavish references to Jewish Calloway’s manager was Ir- food. ving Mills. “Th e language of me- Playful, humorous, sexy, even bi- shugas and mamzers resonated zarre, scat has never enjoyed a seri- with Calloway,” says National Yid- ous reputation; it was banned from dish Book Centre’s Hankus Net- broadcast on BBC radio in the 1930s; sky, who explains how Calloway a decade later pointed to anti-Semitic “retooled Yiddish folksongs… doublespeak in songs like “Who’s creating hilarious, ironic parodies Yehoodi”, written by Bill Seckler and of Jewish black-face performance Matt Dennis. and mock cantorial melismas A thread of scat takes it through incorporating his own brand of the 1950s bop era and its revival in the pidgin Hebrew.” 1970s, when it gave way to the free-jazz But speculation abounds movement which allowed scat singers around scat’s birth date: records to include sounds formerly considered exist of people, including Al Jol- non-musical, like screams, cries and son - whose name slipped into laughter. And of course, there’s a reso- common music parlance with his nance between scat and rap, hip-hop, black-face fi lm Th e Jazz Singer of Louis Armstrong. PHOTOGRAPH COUR- and informal vocal percussion tech- 1927 - in 1911, scatting in “Th at TESY WWW.JAZZINDEX.CH niques associated with beatbox. Haunting Melody”, a song fo- You might think it easy to approxi- cused on the life of a tailor. mate the sound of a musical instru- Th e Andrews Sisters hit, “Bei ment, or sing in made-up words but to Mir Bist Du Schoen” - the top hit do it well and in a sustained manner is Danny K, Mandy Wiener and Nik Rabinowitz at the launch of The Young- of 1938 - drew from an obscure another story. sters. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER) Yiddish musical and eff ectively “For every fi rst-rate scat singer in put non-Jewish sisters Maxene, the world, there must be 500 talented LaVerne and Patty on the map, jazz saxophonists,” says Jeff Pressing, but it also drew response, accord- a jazz researcher. SANDRINGHAM GARDENS KEEPS UP WITH TRENDS ing to Pollack, from a primarily Scatting does not taint music with Sandringham Gardens is dedicated to keeping up with new clinical trends black audience. denotation. It’s said the emotions it in the care of the elderly. Medical and nursing staff from aged homes “Perhaps, their use of Yid- releases are so deep, so real they are throughout the city were recently invited to join with staff from all Chev- dish functioned as a kind of ‘love unspeakable; they bypass our ears and rah Kadisha-allied medical facilities, including Sandringham Gardens, Our and theft’, contradiction mirror- brains and go directly to our hearts and Parents Home and Selwyn Segal, to benefit from an educational seminar ing inner-city black-Jewish ten- souls. Scatting has been used to inject entitled “Nutrition and Swallowing Disorders in the Elderly”. The well-at- sions,” suggests Pollack. Calloway audience participation into tunes, to tended morning, featuring speakers from the allied medical professionals, comments on these tensions in bring humour to otherwise pallid lyr- including speech and occupational therapists, a dentist, a dietician and a his biography. Like other black Slim Gaillard. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ics, to imitate instruments, but above member of Hatzolah, spoke on feeding the Dementia patient, nutrition and American performers, including WWW.VOCALGROUPHARMONY.COM all to give songs spice. oral problems with the elderly. CELESTE EVERITT 06 - 13 July 2012 News SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Yitzhak Shamir, former Israeli PM, dies at 96

STAFF REPORTER a position he held for 23 years. State of Israel during his time in the Mossad In 1977 he became speaker of the Knes- will remain forever enshrined in the tales JERUSALEM - Yitzhak Shamir, Israel’s set. In this capacity he presided over the of bravery of our nation. He was loyal to his prime minister from 1986 to 1992, died historic appearance of Egyptian President views, a great patriot and a true lover of Israel last Saturday at the age of 96. Anwar Sadat in the Knesset and the debate who served his country with integrity and un- Shamir had been living in a nursing over ratifying the Camp David Accords with ending commitment.” home in Tel Aviv and had Alzheimer’s dis- Egypt two years later. Th e White House in a statement said ease for several years. Shamir served as foreign minister be- that “Yitzhak Shamir dedicated his life to “Yitzhak Shamir belonged to the genera- tween 1980 and 1983. Among his achieve- the State of Israel. From his days working tion of giants that established the State of Is- ments were closer ties with Washington. for Israel’s independence to his service as rael and fought for the freedom of the Jewish Following Begin’s resignation in Octo- Prime Minister, he strengthened Israel’s people in its land,” Prime Minister Benjamin ber 1983, Shamir became prime minister security and advanced the partnership be- Netanyahu said in a statement. “Shamir per- until the general elections in the autumn tween the United States and Israel. Our sonifi ed loyalty to the Land of Israel and the of 1984. Th e elections led to the formation thoughts and prayers are with his family eternal values of the Jewish people.” of a national unity government based on and the people of Israel.” (JTA) Shamir was born Yizhak Yzernitzky in a rotation agreement between Shamir and Ruzinoy, Poland, in 1915. In 1935 he left Labour leader Shimon Peres. Shamir served Warsaw, where he was studying law, moved for six years as prime minister - from 1986 to Palestine and enrolled at the Hebrew to 1992 - fi rst heading a national unity gov- University. ernment, and then as head of a narrow coa- He joined Etzel, the Revisionist under- lition government. ground organisation, in 1937, and in 1940 Shamir’s second term as prime minister became a member of Avraham Stern’s Lehi, was marked by the 1991 Gulf War, in which a more militant organisation, where he be- Shamir - despite Iraqi missile attacks on came part of the leadership troika. Israel’s civilian population - chose a policy Shamir was arrested twice by the Brit- of restraint. Th e October 1991 Middle East ish during and immediately after the Sec- Peace Conference in Madrid inaugurated ond World War. Granted political asylum in direct talks between Israel and the neigh- France in 1947 after escaping from a Brit- bouring Arab states as well as multilateral ish prison camp, he returned to Palestine regional talks. in 1948 and resumed command of the Lehi After his party lost the 1992 elections, until it was disbanded following the estab- Shamir stepped down from the party lead- lishment of the State of Israel. ership and in 1996 retired from the Knes- Shamir joined Israel’s security services set. in the mid-1950s and held senior positions “Yitzhak Shamir was a brave warrior be- in the Mossad, Israeli’s intelligence agency. fore and after the founding of the State of He joined Menachem Begin’s opposition Israel,” Israeli President Shimon Peres said in Herut party in 1970 and became a member a statement. “He fought with courage against of its executive. In 1973 he was elected a the British Mandate in the days of the under- member of Knesset from the Likud party - ground, and his incredible contribution to the

News in Brief NETANYAHU DISBANDS HAREDI DRAFT COMMITTEE TEL AVIV - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disbanded the committee charged with formulating a new law on haredi Orthodox military service. The dissolution of the Plesner Committee comes after the resignation of several of its members, including from the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu Party. “Unfortunately, the Plesner Committee did not succeed in reaching an agreed-upon outline and it cannot formulate recommendations that would achieve a majority in the Knesset,” he said, according to Israeli reports. In February, the Israeli Supreme Court declared that the Tal Law, which allowed haredim to defer service indefinitely, to be unconstitutional, and set August 1 as the deadline for a new law to be passed. Netanyahu said that if the Knesset did not pass a new law by the deadline, the military would formulate its own solution. The largest party in the Knesset, Kadima, joined Netanyahu’s governing coalition in May with the stated objective of formulating a new military service law. (JTA) IRANIANS IN KENYA PLANNED ATTACK ON ISRAELIS, US TEL AVIV - Kenyan security forces have arrested two Iranian nationals who, they say, may have planned to attack US or Israeli targets in the country. Security forces found 33 pounds of a powerful explosive after they arrested the Iranians in June, according to the Associated Press. The explosives were in Mombasa, a coastal city. The AP reported that several hotels on the coast are owned by Israelis. “There are no limits to Iranian terrorism,” said a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The international community needs to fight the greatest exporter of terrorism in the world.” (JTA) 14 SA JEWISH REPORT What’s On 06 - 13 July 2012 NOTE: Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday prior to publication.

Sunday (July 8) doing 94 minutes of mitzvahs for Mandela in hon- • RCHCC, Oaklands, hosts the critically acclaimed our of his 94th birthday, hosted by Natalie Knight, • Israeli folkdance - health and WIZO’s bar-/batmitzvah pro- Holocaust documentary “Steal a Pencil for Me”, by (011) 485-3606. fun, every Wednesday at 20:00 ject in Israel? You get a beau- Michele Ohayon, at 19:30. Cost R60. Call Hazel or at King David Sandton. Begin- tiful certifi cate to give to the René on (011) 728-8088 or (011)728-8378 or e-mail Sunday (July 22) ners at 18:30. Contact Anat bar-/batmitzvah child here. [email protected] or [email protected] • Second Innings is hosting Professor-Emerita Rosalie 083-326-7095, Miri 082-773- Certifi cates are available from Finlayson on “Intercultural Understanding”. Time: 8248 or Ora 083-288-7202. WIZO tel (011) 645-2548. Tuesday (July 10) 10:00 for 10:30. Venue: Th e Gerald Horwitz Lounge, • Second Innings Mens Group hosts Martin Behr Golden Acres. Contact Grecia Gabriel (011) 532- • Join WIZO every Th ursday for • Second Innings runs a series speaking on “Th e World of ORT”, at Our Parents 9718. Cost: R20 members, R40 non-members. a “Lunch & Learn” shiur with courses and activities includ- Home, Orchards. Time: 14:00 for 14:30. Contact Rabbi Michael Katz, 13:00 - ing Scrabble, bridge, discussion Grecia Gabriel (011) 532-9718. Cost: R20 members, Monday (July 23) 14:00 at Beyachad. Informa- groups, play reading groups, R40 non-members. • Chevrah Kadisha Community Services is off ering tion: Joyce, (011) 640-2416. women’s and men’s reading an 8-week “Divorce Support Group” for people who groups, symphony concert re- Wednesday (July 11) have been through, or are going through a divorce. It • Stellenbosch Hebrew Congre- hearsals, bowls, pilates, Yogic • UJW CT adult education division hosts Gina Flash starts today. Reconnect. Rebuild. Renew. Gain sup- gation has a Friday evening Pranayama, walking and aero- who will relate her adventures in “Burma Revealed”. port and need to know practical and legal informa- service every week in shul, bics, Golden Oldies Cine Club, Venue: Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance: tion. Bookings or more information, call Sheila on starting at 18:45. Contact weekly workshops (by arrange- R20 (incl refreshments). Enquiries: (021) 434-9555 (011) 532-9653. (021) 886-5257. ment) on “falls education for (mornings only). the elder adult”, and organises Tuesday (July 24) • Th e Yiddish Academy off ers regular activities. Contact Gre- Th ursday (July 12) • Th e Helen Suzman Branch of the UJW, at 1 Oak weekly basic, intermediate and cia Gabriel (011) 532-9718. • UJW, 1 Oak Street Houghton: Histadrut Ivrit, for Street, Upper Houghton, presents three well-known advanced classes on Monday Hebrew speakers, is hosting a lecture by Professor J authors: Anton Harber (author of ‘Diepsloot’); Joy evenings at 19:30, Tuesday • Don’t miss the opportunity to Lubbe: “Dead Sea Scrolls cont’d”. Call Shulamit Ka- Davidson (author of ‘Another Mountain Another mornings at 10:30 and Th ursday do a mitzvah. Visit the Selwyn gan: (011) 882-9221. View’) and Lauren Segal (author of ‘One Law, One evenings at 19:30 at the RCH- Segal Shop. Gifts priced from Nation’) for an account of their backgrounds and CC, Glenhove Road, Houghton. R45. Glassware, pewter, silver, • In support of Yad Aharon & Michael, Chana Rivka their books. Time: 09:45 for 10:00. Cost R75. Books Conversational groups. Details: white ceramics and Selwyn from Torah Academy is running a holiday camp, to- will be on sale. Booking essential: (011)648-1053. e-mail yiddishacademy@gmail. Segal products. Phone: (011) day, at Chabad Gallo Manor Nursery School, in or- com or call Hazel Cohen on 485-1344 or (011) 640-5171. der to collect money for fresh vegetables. Th e days Wednesday (July 25) (011) 728-8088. will be fi lled with fun activities for the kids including • Chevrah Kadisha Community Services is off ering an • Benarc Gift Shop - Gift presen- jumping castles, hot dogs and lots more. Call (011) 8-week “Parenting Skills Group” for parents of teen- • Supervised bridge with Jeff Sa- tations for all occasions, made 485-2076. agers. Gain practical parenting skills, understand pire Tuesday morning 10:00 to order. Call (011) 485-5232, your teen’s world, learn to connect to and assist your - 12:00 (intermediary) and JWBS. All kosher under the Beth Sunday (July 15) teen on their journey into adulthood. Starts today. Wednesday morning 10:00 - Din. Proceeds to support the less • Second Innings is hosting Gerard and Bets Grobler, Bookings or more information call Lara on (011) 12:00 (advanced), at the Clive M fortunate in our community. Gauteng representatives for the SA Association 532-9793. Beck Auditorium. Booking: Hazel for Retired Persons (SAARP), talking on the As- or René‚ (011) 728-8088/8378. • Elise WIZO Gift Shop has an ex- sociation. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Venue: Th e Ger- Tuesday (July 31) E-mail: [email protected] or citing range of gifts now available ald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres. Contact Grecia • Morris Rutstein - SAZF Hebrew Ulpan Course starts [email protected] for the Jewish New Year. Contact Gabriel (011) 532-9718. Cost: R20 members, R40 today and terminates on Tuesday, November 27. (011) 620-2760 or call in at Gen- non-members. Times: Every Tuesday night from 19:00 - 21:15. Venue: • Beis Midrash Chofetz Chaim is esis, Bradfi eld Drive, Fairmount. Yeshiva College (in the classrooms). Registration will off ering a second ma’ariv minyan Open Sundays. • Th e Pretoria Hebrew Congregation in Groenkloof take place on Monday July 30, at 18:30. Secure park- every weekday evening (Monday hosts WIZO Pretoria’s 111th Annual General Meet- ing. Enquiries: SAZF, tel (011) 645-2531 (offi ce hours). - Friday) at 21:00, cnr Elray and • Chabad House hosts a series ing at 10:00, featuring guest speaker Wendy Kahn. Michel Streets, Raedene. Open of events throughout the year. Tea and refreshments will be served. Contact: Diane • WIZO Women Inspired hosts a talk by Kate Emmerson: to broader community. Don’t Chai Seniors - Holistic & Kab- (012) 346-8712. “Spring Clean Your Life”. Time: 09:30 for 10.00 at Bey- fret if you need a later minyan. balistic Nourishment”. Daily achad, Raedene. Cost R100 Contact: Lorraine 083-268- Secure parking provided. programmes: Men’s Kolel Tuesday (July 17) 8016, Leslie 083-456-3911, Maureen 082-445-1515 or Mon-Fri at Chabad House Li- • Th e Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre Ilana 082-601-2519. Or e-mail: isarae@seeff .org • Sunday Scrabble Club meets brary, 09:00 -11:00, followed in association with Th e French Institute of South Af- every Sunday at 10:00 at Za- by lunch. Ladies Kolel Tues- rica and Liliesleaf Trust commemorate the 70th an- Wednesday (August 1) hava’s, Grant Avenue, Nor- days & Th ursdays. Special niversary of the Vel d’Hiv round-up of the Jews of • Chevrah Kadisha Community Social Services is of- wood, off 9th Street. Cost R5. programmes: Mondays: Brain Paris in 1942. Screening of documentary “La Ralfe/ fering a fi ve-week life skills course for young adults Players of all strengths wel- Worx with occupational thera- Th e Round Up” (2010) directed by Rose Bosch, at on self awareness, relationships, career counselling, come. Larry 082-888-5355. pist, Cynthia Liptz for brain Liliesleaf Auditorium, 7 George Avenue, Rivonia. creating a CV, job interview skills and much more! exercises, 09:00 – 13:00. Both Time 18:00 for 19:00. RSVP Th uli 011 640 3100 or For ages: 18-28. Starts today 2012. For more infor- • Orchid Florist, a project of men and women welcome. [email protected]. mation, call Caryn: (011) 532-9716. WIZO Johannesburg, off ers Tuesdays: Guest lectures. For beautiful arrangements of more info contact Rabbi Ari Wednesday (July 18) Friday (August 3) fl owers and fruit for every oc- Kievman (011) 440-6600 or e- • UJW CT adult education division hosts Sheryl Oz- • Limmud Johannesburg Conference 2012, starts to- casion. No occasion too large mail [email protected] insky who will talk on “a topic of interest”. Venue: day. Tsogo Sun Lifestyle Resort on the Vaal. Visit or too small. Contact Annette Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance:R20 www.limmud.org.za or call 076-324-0888 to register. (011) 728-4513. • WIZO Elise Gift Shop in the (incl refreshments). Enquiries: (021) 434-9555 Genesis Shopping Centre, Fair- (mornings only). Sunday (August 5) • JWBS Johannesburg, urgently mount, entrance from Bradfi eld • WoW Annual National Women’s Day Brunch will requires secondhand clothing, Drive opposite Shula’s Bakery. • Sandton Shul is doing their 67 minutes in honour explore “Brain and Nutrition” by educationist Gavin kitchenware, household goods, Exciting range of baby gifts and of Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday on July 18 at the Keller, psychologist Dr Sandy Gluckman and applied books and bric-a-brac for its gifts for all occasions available at Phuthaditshaba Community Centre in Alexandra nutritional scientist Mary-Anne Lindenberg. Venue: secondhand shop. Contact reasonable prices. Hours: Mon township. Call Harelle (011) 883-4210. Sandton Sun Hotel. Time: 09:30 for 10:00. Cost: (011) 485-5232. - Th urs 09:00 - 17:00, Friday R500. Bookings close end of June. Call Mandy 083- • Celebrating a bar-/batmitzvah? 09:00 - 13:30, Sunday 10:00 - • Th e Origins Centre Art Gallery at Wits University, is 380-5268 or www.womenoftheworld.org.za Why not give a donation to 13:00. (011) 640-2760. News in Brief

ROMNEY TO VISIT ISRAEL AT FUNERAL, ISRAEL’S LEADERS PRAISE SHAMIR’S DEDICATION AND SERVICE

WASHINGTON - Mitt Romney will visit Israel during the presidential campaign. TEL AVIV - Israel’s leaders paid tribute to former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir at his funeral at Jerusalem’s A campaign offi cial on Monday confi rmed a New York Times report that the all-but-certain Re- Mount Herzl cemetery on Monday. An intimate but distinguished crowd sat opposite a military honour guard publican presidential candidate will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian at the outdoor ceremony on Monday evening. Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and other top offi cials later this summer. Joining Shamir’s children and grandchildren in attendance were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; The Times quoted Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Netanyahu, as saying that Romney was a “strong President Shimon Peres; the head of the Israeli Defence Forces, Benny Gantz; the Sephardic chief rabbi, friend of Israel and we’ll be happy to meet with him.” Romney has said that his fi rst foreign visit as Shlomo Amar; and other political, religious and military leaders. president would be to Israel. Barack Obama visited Israel as a candidate in 2008, but has not visited Shamir died last Saturday at the age of 96. He served as Israel’s prime minister from 1983 to 1984, and as president. from 1986 to 1992. Peres, who was both Shamir’s coalition partner and main political opponent in the 1980s, The former Massachusetts governor has faulted Obama for not making more clear to Iran that it praised Shamir’s strong beliefs and called him “a leader who followed his path until he departed this world” could face military consequences if it does not stand down from its suspected nuclear program and and “one of the best leaders of Israeli democracy”. for calling on Israel to negotiate based on the 1967 lines. Peres alluded to his and Shamir’s ideological differences several times throughout his eulogy, but em- Obama’s support among Jewish voters remains in the low 60s, about 15 percentage points ahead phasised that “we were sons of the same nation”. of the general population, but below the sky-high approval ratings at the outset of his presidency. In his eulogy, Netanyahu stressed Shamir’s lifetime of service to the state, noting that Shamir fought Pollsters attribute the drop mostly to the economy, which dogs Obama among the general population in an underground militia before Israel’s founding, and then as a secret Mossad agent afterwards, until he as well. reached positions of leadership. Obama’s campaign has been emphasising the closeness of the US-Israel military relationship, noting “He was a known man, but even then it seemed that in his heart and his actions he kept looking at that in October, Israel and the United States will stage the largest-ever joint anti-missile exercise. (JTA) himself as that anonymous soldier for his people and land,” Netanyahu said. (JTA) 06 - 13 July 2012 Classifi eds SA JEWISH REPORT 15

TO BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED NOTICE OR ADVERT CONTACT: HOME SERVICES PROPERTY TO LET Community Briefs Tel (011) 023-8160, Fax 086-634-7935, email: jrclassifi [email protected] GENERAL KEW /LYNDHURST 1 bed cottage +lock-up garage AFFORDABLE HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: from July 1, for single person. APPLIANCE REPAIRS 1. Only adverts sent via email to jrclassifi [email protected] will be accepted. 2. You will be advised on Bring this ad along and get No children or pets. Secure. cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. Our banking details: SA 10% discount. R3 950pm 076-893-1319. CONTACT BASIL Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405. 082-936-9698 OR DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT is Tuesday 12 pm. (If deadline is missed the advert will HANDY MITCH (011) 440-6888 appear (when payment is received) in the next edition) General household EVENINGS. repairs & maintenance, etc. BUSINESS PREMISES IMPORTANT NOTICE - Th e Jewish Report runs adverts in the Classifi ed section in good faith, CONTACT 072-196-1939 however we cannot be responsible for the quality of services off ered and claims made APPLIANCE REPAIRS ON-SITE NOTICES LIFTS Stoves, washing-machines, DEATHS tumbledriers, dishwashers & Experienced, reliable driver fridges. Free quotations! able to lift you anywhere/ CALL JASON WINNERS OF anytime 24 hours. 082-401-8239 SELWYN SEGAL Courier work undertaken. DRAW, JUNE 25, 2012 Please call Paul IDEAL BUSINESS CLUB 200 083-542-6480 PREMISES Our Parents Home in Oaklands, Johannes- SILVER Converted house burg always likes to keep residents feeling 1st prize R20 000 EX-ISRAELI SERVICEMAN to let/for sale special. Each month they host a birthday Larry Nestadt offers lifts to airport and appointments etc. REPAIR & 180 sqm celebration in honour of all those who have R9 500 pm 2nd prize R10 000 Don’t drink & drive birthdays in that month. This month it was Undercover parking Hazel Goldberg ALL HOURS! REPLATING held on June 20. Pictured is Mary Abel Neil 072-050-9927 100 Athol Str Highlands who turned 93, with her daughter Harriet 5 prizes of R3 000 ea North Kirstein. A-TAXI SERVICE (011) 334-1102 Let Warren Pogorelsky [email protected] 3RD prize: chauffeur you to your OR 082-473-6040 ANTHOLOGY EDITED BY JOSEPH Bruce Wolov destination in Jo’burg and SHERMAN 4th prize: back. Only R100 round trip. FOR SALE Norman Stein PLUMBERS August 12, 1952 saw the execution of the cream Tel: 082-399-6187 MISCELLANEOUS 5th prize: of Yiddish intelligentsia, on Stalin’s orders. Thirteen writers and poets, all members of the Meyer Chafkin BRIAN K LIFT 6th prize: SERVICE & COURIER Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee, were shot in Bernie Gewer “AIRPORT SPECIAL R140” Moscow’s Lubyanka Prison, including Peretz 7th prize: Secure, comfortable & safe. Markish, Chaim Grade, David Bergelson. A com- Dr Z Katz Anywhere 24/7. (Jhb - Pta) memorative event is being hosted in London CALL BRIAN ON by Five Leaves Publications in association with 8th prize - R1 000 076-533-1440 London’s Jewish Music Institute, on this auspi- Martin Moritz cious yartzeit. The event features the launch of AIRPORT SERVICE an anthology edited by renowned SA Yiddish OUR SINCERE JHB THANKS TO GRANT champion, the late Joseph Sherman: “From THORNTON Revolution to Repression: Soviet Yiddish Writ- FOR THEIR ing 1917-1952”, published by Five Leaves. For SUPERVISION information: myra@fi veleaves.co.uk or www. OF THIS DRAW. Reliable, fi veleaves.co.uk. Reasonable Rates! A PRISTINE CEMETERY ALL THAT SERVICES CONTACT ARNOLD, 082-447-0185 SECURITY REMAINS OF MAKHADO JEWISH HEALTH & BEAUTY 011-454-1193 COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGIES Former residents of Louis Trichardt (Makhado), For your SMILE-LEE’S LIFTS Maish, Arnold and Stanley Brenner and Julian A reliable lift service. FOR ALL YOUR Serman, go at least twice a year to visit the ONE-STOP Specialising in lifts to and SECURITY NEEDS: graves of their late parents and attend to the from airports, shops, appoint- tombstones. They have put palisade fencing beauty ments, casinos and courier. VACANCIES around the Jewish cemetery and have engaged CALL CHARNE WANTED treatments. 083-391-6612 a gardener who twice a month takes care of the Call Ruth now. EMPLOYMENT graves. In its heyday, the Louis Trichardt Jew- (011) 616-4305 AIRPORT EXCHANGE ish community comprised 34 families; people House calls done would come from as far afi eld as Welkom in the SHUTTLE A lady with many years of Free State, Warmbaths (Bela Bela) and Bula- experience with switch- wayo for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur ser- AUDIOLOGIST G’hazel to boards/reception is seeking vices. The community stopped hosting Shabbat Tambo employment. Salary neg. minyanim in 1974. KELLY NATHAN CELL 082-853-5242. • CCTV Manor Medical Centre R140 WIZO’S MENUHIN SA VISIT A RIP Reasonable rates from • ELECTRIC FENCING ROARING SUCCESS 189 Kelvin Drive Employment required for all other areas • GATE AUTOMATIONS gentleman with extensive Morningside Manor WIZO SA recently hosted Linda Menuhin, an SAM • INTERCOMS retail experience, super- Iraqi Israeli commentator on Middle East affairs, Tel: 0861-266-563 (011) 728-5219 • ALARMS markets - receiving and as guest speaker for their biennial fundraising despatch, warehouse etc. (0861-Book Me) 083-627-8516 campaign. • CALL COST REDUCTION Willing to learn new fi elds. www.knaudiology.co.za Menuhin’s account of her journey from OF 35% ON PHONE BILLS. Please contact Max INDIVIDUALISED IVAN WANTS Meltz 081-321-5340. Baghdad to Jerusalem drew large crowds SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR TO LIFT YOU! CONTACT MICHAEL countrywide. In a statement, WIZO expressed HEARING NEEDS Punctual, reliable, 073-106-3627 NEED PAMPHLETS extreme gratitude to those who understand the trustworthy. DISTRIBUTED? importance and relevance of their work and Young Jewish gent to LIFTS Jhb/Sandton/ donate generously. These acts of chesed go to- ACCOMMODATION deliver them in all areas ward supporting signifi cant projects undertaken OR Tambo/ at a nominal fee BEST SERVICE PROPERTY TO LET by WIZO. If you were unable to attend the Cam- Modern spacious Lanseria/Pretoria For businesses & shops in paign Launch, and would like to make a pledge, the South & all over. vehicle, pax 7 + luggage outings for retirees TOWNHOUSE TO LET please contact Sandy: (011)645-2515 or email David 073-345-4077 PIP FRIEDMAN Cell: Fairmount, Jhb her: [email protected] 083-267-3281 3 bed, 2½ bath [email protected] 082-962-5007 Parking 4 cars VEHICLES COME TO AID OF ARISE AND SHINE CONTACT JUDITH/ Port Elizabeth’s Union of Jewish Women was re- KALMAN WANTED THE FURNTURE DOCTOR (011) 728-3702 cently approached by a group of young people, 072-364-2506 from Jeffreys Bay, collectively known as Arise and Shine Youth Development. They requested REPAIRS AND RENOVATION IF YOU WANT TO ATHOL TOWNHOUSE blankets and food; many of them live in unbear- TO ALL TYPES OF FURNITURE 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom BUY OR SELL able conditions. The UJW arranged 40 parcels of RE-UPHOLSTERY modern townhouse food and blankets, and met with the group. in upmarket A VEHICLE ANTIQUE REPAIR/ RESTORATION secure complex. Elaine Racussen, the branch’s Chairman, ap- SANDING RE-SURFACING Excellent position, close to CONTACT: peals to the public for donations of any kind to POLISHING Sandton & Rosebank. continue assisting Arise and Shine, or to help other Laundry and pool in complex. SOLLY KRAMER groups or individuals in the area in similar predica- Rental R7 500 pm ments. “We at the UJW try to assist whenever and CALL DAVID 082-922-3597 however we can.” Call them: (041) 374-3460. MARK 082-556-7314 082-855-0516 16 SA JEWISH REPORT Sport 06 - 13 July 2012 Welcome to the fold, ‘Meyer’ Balotelli

In an intentionally racist and anti-Semitic remark, somebody on a right-wing blog commented that Italian soccer player Mario Balotelli is “black and he’s Jewish. He should play for Israel, not Italy.”

JACK MILNER be close to his mother. She held his hand every night to help him fall asleep. “Th at kiss was Of course, Balotelli is not Jewish, but the not easy for him,” she told the Italian media at son of Ghanaian parents was fostered by a the time, “because like any 21-year old, he is Jewish couple who the soccer player regards embarrassed to kiss his mamma.” as his real parents. He is very sympathetic Balotelli’s original family is known to him, Evan Speechly to speak to the Jewish cause and was the player most but they are not close. Th ey reached out, via emotionally aff ected by the trip to Auschwitz the media, only when he became an interna- concentration camp during the Euro 2012 in tional superstar. “If I hadn’t become the foot- Poland and Ukraine. ball star Mario Balotelli, they wouldn’t have at Maccabi Stag Well, news for the idiot blogger is that cared what happened to me,” Balotelli posted Israel would only be too happy to have Ba- on his Facebook wall after the Barwahs, his JACK MILNER lotelli play for them. Because to everybody’s birth parents, gave an interview that implied surprise, he is Israel’s newest, freshest sweet- bad intentions on the part of his adoptive par- Evan Speechly, who is the current physiothera- heart. ents. pist of the Indian cricket team, will be the guest “He is one of us,” intoned veteran TV com- Following a team visit to Auschwitz, Balo- speaker at Maccabi stag on Tuesday evening, July mentator Motti Kirschenbaum. “He won’t be telli told his teammates that his mother - the 10. Speechly had earlier been associated with the Mario any more. From now all, we’ll all call daughter of Holocaust survivors, with rela- Royal Challengers Bangalore as physiotherapist him Meyer.” tives in Israel - keeps a box of letters under her but late last year was given a two-year contract to Like any other Jewish boy, Mario is Jew- bed, and doesn’t talk about it with anyone. the national team. ish via the maternal line. After a spectacular Opposing team’s fans have been known He came to that job with lots of experience semifi nal match against Germany last week, to scream “yid” or “monkey” at him while he in handling the South African national football Balotelli, who was responsible for both win- plays, and the team manager, Cesare Pran- and rugby teams, along with the Gauteng cricket ning goals, ran across the pitch and kissed his delli, responded by saying that racism was “a team. Th e talk will take place at Beyachad at 17:50. weeping mother, Silvia Balotelli, who was in social problem”. For catering purposes please confi rm your at- the stands in Warsaw. Israeli media seems to have discovered the tendance. Th e offi ce can be contacted on tel: (011) Physiotherapist Evan Speechly (right) with “Th ese goals are dedicated to you, mam- Disney-worthy story of Balotelli’s life only this 645-2557; fax: 011-458-1011; e-mail:maccabisa@ Indian cricketers Mohammed Kaif (right) and ma,” he told her that day, and exuberantly re- week, but for those in the know, and Italian beyachad.co.za Anil Kumble. peated in media interviews. “I waited a long Jewish soccer fans are defi nitely in the know, time for this moment, especially as my moth- it is a tale long in the making. er is not young anymore and can’t travel far, Noa Segre, a hi-tech worker in Jerusalem, so I had to make her happy when she came all has been following Balotelli since he was a the way here.” teen. Th e image of the sweaty, exultant, mo- “Of course, I knew,” she says, with light hawk-topped player, who is black and 1,88m impatience. “I’m Italian. It has been known tall, kissing his mom, who is a petite, demure, for a long time. He has always been attacked traditional Italian grandma, and was weeping by racists for being black and for being a Jew, with emotion, was seen all over You-Tube. even when he played in Milan as a kid. We all

Italian soccer player Mario Balotelli hugs his foster mother, Silvia Balotelli, after scoring two goals against Germany in the semifi nals of Euro 2012. (PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED)

According to Global Post, in Israel, as it know about his Jewish mother, who wouldn’t became clear that Balotelli was the son of a let him play if he didn’t study.” Jewish mother, the story took on pandemic Lior Shabo, 35, another Jerusalem fan proportions. On the day of the fi nal match (though not an Italian, except through his against Spain he graced the front pages of all “love of Rome and Italy”) found the media national newspapers. Yedioth Acharonoth, a circus distasteful. “What’s the deal here? Sud- tabloid, had “ONE OF OURS!” and Ma’ariv, its denly, we’re acting like he’s ours and before competitor, went with “Super-Mario’s Yiddis- that no one followed him. Now that we know che Mameh” he’s Jewish we act like he’s ours? Last week he Th e more conservative Haaretz chose was nothing for us. I don’t like it.” “Italian son of Jewish foster mom leads team Th e reality is that we so often tend to be- into Euro 2012 fi nal”. rate sports people based on their looks and Israel is no soccer powerhouse, but when behaviour. However, once we know more it comes to mom-obsessed headlines, they about what makes them tick, and we like what may hold the world cup. Balotelli is known to we hear, our views towards them change.