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south african n Volume 23 – Number 38 n 1 November 2019 n 3 Cheshvan 5780

The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za SA Methodist Church formally adopts BDS TALI FEINBERG boycott all Israeli operators and from church leaders and members discrimination and injustice; and as Semitic in terms of international tours and deliberately seek out on this issue.” an act of solidarity with the people law. he Methodist Church of tours that offer an alternative Te Methodist statement of Palestine”. Te official leadership of the Southern Africa (MCSA) Palestinian perspective”. goes on to say that the decision When the Anglican Church also South African Muslim community formally adopted Boycott, Te South African Friends to support BDS was made after formally adopted BDS some weeks welcomed the move, saying it TDivestment, Sanctions (BDS) of Israel (SAFI), which engages “noting Israel’s ongoing ill- ago, the chief rabbi said it was “extends its heartfelt gratitude and principles against Israel at its with thousands of Christian treatment and oppression of the “morally offensive and based on a appreciation to the churches…” annual conference in September supporters of the Jewish State, also Palestinian people; the historic complete distortion of history”. He A member of the interfaith 2019, closely following the Anglican condemned the move, calling it an prophetic role played by the church said BDS had been declared anti- movement in South Africa, who Church of South Africa’s decision “unholy resolution of hate against and international community in Semitic by the United Nations, and spoke on condition of anonymity, to do so in the Jewish state fighting apartheid and any form of therefore support for BDS is anti- Continued on page 19>> September. of Israel”. Te Methodist Says SAFI Church has National more than Chairperson Ronaldinho takes flak for Israel visit 66 000 members Rowan Polovin: JORDAN MOSHE across southern “It appears that Africa and 40 the MCSA has hen Brazilian soccer million followers been wilfully star Ronaldinho shared globally, while the blinded by the a photo on Twitter this Anglican Church medieval doctrine weekW to let the world know that he has about three of ‘replacement was visiting Israel, pro-Palestinian million members theology’. Tis users expressed outrage at him across southern Presiding Bishop of the Methodist anti-Semitic visiting “occupied territory”. While Africa and 80 Church of Southern Africa Ziphozihle doctrine attempts this should come as no surprise, the million followers Daniel Siwa to deny the scene behind the football legend was around the world. Jewish covenant with G-d and neither Jerusalem nor Bethlehem, “It’s no coincidence that the the Jewish people’s unbreakable but the undisputed port city of Haifa. Methodist resolution comes so connection with the Bible. Te former footballer for Brazil’s soon after the Anglican Church’s “Te modern manifestation of national team, Ronaldo de Assis recent synod resolution. Taken replacement theology is to use Moreira, commonly known as together, they are clearly evidence the weapons of BDS against Israel Ronaldinho Gaúcho or simply of a BDS campaign to infiltrate in the knowledge that this could Ronaldinho, was in Israel this week churches and use them as pawns in undermine the Jewish state and for a friendly game, pitting himself its anti-Semitic political campaign speed up the manifestation of this and other former Brazilian stars to undermine Israel through a theology. Tose who engage in such against former Israeli soccer stars. deliberate campaign of distortion nefarious antics, however, ought Te event, known as the Shalom and misinformation,” says Chief to re-read the Bible, particularly Game, took place on Tuesday at the Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein. Genesis 12:3, which warns against Sami Ofer stadium in Haifa, and is “Te Methodist Church’s stance cursing the Jewish nation. We part of a sports initiative promoting on this is immoral. Te church call upon all Methodist Church peace and brotherhood between the has been brought into disrepute members who wish to see genuine two countries. by supporting BDS, which is peace in the Middle East to voice Ronaldinho posted the picture acknowledged globally as an anti- their opposition to this resolution of himself with the coastal port in Ronaldinho in Israel Semitic organisation. It’s disgraceful which has politicised the church,” the background on Monday with behaviour.” says Polovin. the caption “Shalom” and an emoji MCSA’s formal statement directs “It is important to note that there of the Israeli flag. Pro-Palestinian Criticism for his visit far that you act like this.” Another user its members to “boycott, disinvest, is consternation and disagreement social-media users instantly outweighed support on social tweeted, “I’m surprised he didn’t say and sanction all businesses that within the churches (both responded to the footballer’s tweet, media. “It’s sad that you support ‘homeland’ like the others. Shame benefit the Israeli economy; that Anglican and Methodist) on this many of them posting rows and the Israeli occupation of on U. #FreePalestine.” Yet another all future holy land tours organised BDS resolution,” he says. “We are rows of Palestinian-flag emojis and Palestine,” wrote one user. “Te responded, “Jerusalem is the capital by Methodist clergy or persons engaging both churches at all levels other images of anti-Israel and pro- Israeli occupation killed thousands of Palestine.” affiliated to the MCSA [are] to and there is likely to be pushback Palestinian support. of people in Palestine. It’s sad Continued on page 2>> Appliance Repairs on Site 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 ers, wash ish ves s, D es, Sto ge achin Israeli rape survivor still struggling rid ng M F shi TALI FEINBERG Te couple are a ryers & more W ble D still struggling to um Call Jason Donations can be made to the following account: T “When my girlfriend is out in public, she get back on their 082 401 8239 / 076 210 6532 carries a letter from her psychologist with her feet. FREE QUOTATIONS describing how she was raped. Ten, if people “We’re both Ian Levitt Attorneys Trust Account, Absa Bank, ask her how her trip to South Africa was, she not really Rosebank Central Branch. Account number can just show them the letter. Most people functioning. 4046253714. Reference: Israeli tourist. FLAT TO LET – Cyrildene can’t finish reading it,” says David*, whose Before the trip Safe secure well maintained building with girlfriend Sarah* was raped in a horrific assault to South Africa we lived together, but now we and people with post-traumatic-stress disorder 24 hour security, close to shops, schools and a shul. in Graskop, Mpumalanga, in September while live with our parents. However, her mother (PTSD). It’s a place no one wants to go!” says 1 bedroom fully refurbished flat with spacious dining room and lounge leading onto open balcony. the couple was on holiday. has her own problems, and there is often not David. “It was recommended that we try to get The bedroom has ample built in cupboards Te SA Jewish Report is raising funds to enough food and so on,” says David. He is in Sarah a government subsidy as someone who and also leads onto the balcony help pay for this young woman’s counselling, Jerusalem and she is in Haifa. He finds himself is ‘handicapped’, as she is now not capable of We provide secure parking in the building which David expects will continue for at least rushing between the two, trying to support his working.” and have full access control • Definitely worth a look see • another year or two. Orit Sulitzeanu, the girlfriend and create stability in his own life. Te rape and assault has had a further impact executive director of the Association of Rape “I have started working again, but Sarah is on their relationship. “We sometimes talk about Call Alan 011 622 3577 | 073 317 4670 Crisis Centers in Israel, says one year of intense in no position to get a job. She stays at home, what happened, which is horrible. It’s definitely therapy twice a week and lives from one moment to the next, doing affected our relationship. It also has an impact would cost about Sudoku puzzles. She is progressing, but she is on those around us. Te other day, my mother $11 000 (R160 259). often very down. Her energy is low, and her life started crying when we were talking about it.” SANDRINGHAM R1.65 Million Te money raised is on hold – we don’t think about the future. To the South African Jewish community, by the South African She is on her own, waiting for people to call and David says he and Sarah deeply appreciate all community will also check on her. It’s been a big blow.” the support they have received. “Please don’t go towards providing Sarah’s family drives her to her treatment forget about us,” he says, saying that financial psychological support at a psychiatric hospital near Netanya twice a donations will go a long way towards assisting for South African rape week. “It’s the best in the country, the kind of them. survivors. facility where they treat Holocaust survivors * Not their real names Ronaldinho takes flak for Israel visit Royal Linksfeld – beautful bright, sunny 2 bedroom 2 bathroom upstairs unit with a garden. Front pato with breathtaking views of the golf course >>Continued from page 1 overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. the Ronaldinho Soccer Academy in and a second pato leading to a great sized garden. Rowan Polovin, the national Te city was included in the Israel for children aged six to 16. Stunning kitchen with granite tops and plenty of cupboard space, chairperson of the South African Jewish-controlled region proposed “I’m very excited to help Israeli main bedroom en-suite.1 carport and 1 open parking. Extra storeroom. Zionist Federation, pointed out in the 1947 United Nations Partition children of all faiths raise their game 24/7 Access security-controlled entrance. Pool in complex. Low levies. the absurdity of these responses. plan, and towards the end of the to the highest level,” Ronaldinho “Statements that claim that Haifa is British Mandate, Jews and the Arabs reportedly said at the time. Private sale | [email protected] ‘Palestine’ or ‘occupied Palestinian both attempted to gain control of “I see the school as a first- territory’ reveal the simple truth it. Te Haganah took it over, and class educational tool that helps that the anti-Israel lobby doesn’t an estimated 3 000 of its 50 000 in acquiring skills, tools for life, Rabbi Matityahu Glazerson’s accept Israel’s right to exist, and has Arab residents chose to remain discipline, teamwork and more. books which explore the no interest in peace or any kind of there while the rest, in response to Israel has tremendous potential, negotiated solution to the Israeli- the Arab High Committee’s orders, countless talent, and a great love of wondrous world of hidden Palestinian conflict. Bigots who refused to accept Jewish rule and the game.” meanings in the letters and make such claims should be rejected abandoned their homes. Shabbat times this week out of hand.” Still, Haifa has for years been words of the holy tongue, are Haifa is Israel’s third largest Israel’s model of a “mixed” Jewish- Starts Ends available at Kollel Bookshop in city, and the commercial and Arab city. Official figures suggest 18:06 18:58 Johannesburg administrative centre of the north that Arabs make up 14% to 18% of 18:56 19:51 Cape Town Johannesburg, and online at of the country. Te principal port Haifa’s 280 000 strong population. 18:00 18:53 Durban www.glazersonbooks.com of Israel, the city is situated on the Tis isn’t the first time the 18:15 19:10 Bloemfontein northern slopes of Mount Carmel Brazilian striker has visited Israel. 18:15 19:22 Port Elizabeth and lies along the Bay of Haifa Last year, Ronaldinho established 18:15 19:11 East London Torah Thought Rabbi Asher Deren, Chabad of the West Te bokke brocha Coast, Cape Town s their Castle Lager on tap during Torah the rugby, it sounded more like a crisis of step out of the flood reading? Will the rabbi be announcing sanity than a crisis of faith. Being shlepped showers (and in) to Irugga scores instead of siddur page (brought) along to a rugby game didn’t Noah’s Ark – which numbers at shul this week? Well, we’re make it any better. Watching grown men the Baal Shemtov there for davening, not Damien de Allende, scream, cry, and shout as if their life was explained to mean so – also no. in danger every 90 seconds or so left me the words of Torah and prayer in the divine Is it halachically permissible to set a even more puzzled. embrace of Hashem’s presence – or let https://www.glazerson.com/apps/ TV to a timer or casually walk by a bar But then, just this week in fact, I the flood/cocoon overwhelm us. webstore/products/category/539773 and watch the game playing there? Still realised the extent that we all have for So, after a month of celebrating our no. The Halacha is clear. That would be a something that (seems) bigger than us. For deep roots in awe of the high holidays and “Recommended very much, by Rabbi Akiva desecration of Shabbat. some it’s Bok mania, for others it might in the joy of the chagim (Jewish holidays), Tatz who was infuenced by these books” So what’s the Shabbat blessing of the be work, WhatsApp, politics, food, or all of we finally have a chance to show that our Bokke? the above. love for rugby is not in spite of our faith in (And no, I’m not even referring to the The comfort in the cocoon of sports or Hashem, but because of it. Mi Shebeirach (Jewish prayer of healing) any of the above is an illusionary space Through withstanding the test by that Rabbi Goldman composed last time where everything seems fine. Even if it’s waiting until after Shabbat to watch the VEHICLES WANTED around – though it worked!) not. recording of the game, we are celebrating Well, I’ll be straight up. When I first Until the pressure inside the cocoon gets who we really are. emigrated to South Africa 25 years ago, I so tight, we either suffocate/surrender, or In the words of Captain Siya Kolisi this used to think that some diehard Springbok summon the courage to step out. week, “We’ve worked hard to get here, fans were a little off the wall. When Or in the words of this week’s parsha, and it’s awesome to see how everything someone told me that he couldn’t keep sometimes the waters of the flood get has come together. Hopefully we can now Shabbos because he needed to watch so overwhelming that we need to either go all the way.”

Editor Peta Krost Maunder – [email protected] • Sub-editor Julie Leibowitz • Journalists Nicola Miltz • Tali Feinberg Jordan Moshe • Editorial co-ordinator Martine Bass – The source of quality content, news and insights [email protected] • Proofreader Kim Hatchuel • CEO Dani Kedar – Any make, any model, any condition [email protected] • Advertising Britt Landsman: 082 292 9520 – [email protected] • Design and layout Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – [email protected] • Distribution: Sandy Furman • Subscriptions Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860 525 200 Accident damaged vehicles and non-runners also wanted Board of Directors Howard Sackstein (Chairperson), Dina Diamond, Herschel Jawitz, Shaun Matisonn, Benjy Porter. Advertisements and editorial copy do not neccessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff and board of directors. Tel: 011 430 1980. % Arnold Orkin 082 823 7826 The SA Jewish Report subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Public Advocate at 011 484 3612, fax: AUTO AFRICA 011 484 3619. You can also contact our Case Officer on [email protected] or lodge a complaint on their website: www.presscouncil.org.za 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Daniel the Musical cast mourns actor’s sudden death

NICOLA MILTZ curse. Te Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement and anti- he cast and crew of Daniel Semitism curses the world, not only the Musical are heartbroken Jewish people,” said Niemand, who and battling to come to terms plays the role of the older Daniel. Twith the sudden, untimely passing From the start, Daniel the Musical of lead actor Andile Gumbi who died was a wildly ambitious project last week in Israel during the show’s which faced numerous seemingly premiere run. insurmountable obstacles. “We are in shock,” said a distraught Niemand refused to give up, Joe Niemand, the show’s director. claiming that G-d had told him to Niemand, a committed Christian, take the musical to Jerusalem as a met the SA Jewish Report a few hours blessing from South Africa to Israel. theatre was undergoing renovation. production of epic proportions. after receiving the devastating news Niemand said he was sitting on “I said to the lady, ‘Hypothetically, “I’m really struggling,” he said, “I last Friday that the talented actor had the beach in Southbroom when he if I would take all the risk that wanted to stage this in Israel, I took passed away. “felt that G-d spoke to me telling me your building project would finish Andile there, and now he isn’t with Visibly shaken and bleary eyed, he to make a musical about the story by the end of September, could us anymore.” said he was lost for words. of Daniel”. I have October?’ And she said, As the team of dedicated doctors “One moment Andile was there, He had just recorded an album ‘Hypothetically, yes.’ I just grabbed tried to save the critically ill skipping like a boxer during warm-ups of songs, one of which, titled G-d the ‘yes’ and ran with it.” Gumbi, rabbis and crew members Andile Gumbi at rehearsals, and the next moment of Heaven, his wife told him was With very little time to write took turns to pray for his speedy he was gone. We are heartbroken. It’s perfect for Daniel to sing in the a script, conduct auditions, recovery. going to take a long time to make sense cardiac arrest, and slipped into a coma. lion’s den. rehearsals, raise funds, and After a few days, the cast decided of this,” he said. It was a devastating blow for the Niemand contacted the Jerusalem advertise the show, he set to work. with heavy hearts that the show An internationally acclaimed 30-strong South African cast and crew Teatre, which told him that it was “It’s the Hebrew story of the should go on in Gumbi’s honour. performer, Gumbi, 36, best known for who had enjoyed a rousing standing booked up until 2021. So, he flew Book of Daniel, but we wanted “I took a leap of faith. I don’t his role in Isibaya and for playing Simba ovation on opening night on to Israel for two days with a friend to tell it in an African way,” said understand why this has happened. in the Broadway and West End hit Te 10 October at the Jerusalem Teatre. and went to the theatre, whose Niemand. “We went into our I believe G-d sent Andile to the Lion King, died last Friday morning at Te non-profit production, which was administrator told them that the culture – the Zulu and Xhosa most important city in the world to the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in relying on ticket sales at the box office cultures – and took the rich fabric be a part of this journey. Jerusalem. to break-even, immediately and colourful soul of Africa and “Every person has a certain Gumbi played the lead role of King suspended shows and breathed it into the story. number of pages in their book. Nebuchadnezzar (King Nebu) in the prayed for Gumbi’s He described it as a two-hour In the same way G-d sent me to Broadway-scale Daniel the Musical, speedy recovery. tour de force Jerusalem, G-d sent Andile even which tells the Hebrew Old Testament “Te heart behind and musical though it was his final chapter,” story of Daniel with an African spin. the show was always a he said. Niemand said that apart from having celebration of Africa and He described Gumbi the talent and the gravitas to handle Israel, and a way for these as a “consummate the challenging role, Gumbi had to artists to show their support,” professional”. answer one question. said Niemand. “I was really touched by “I wanted to know how Andile Daniel the Musical is a Biblical him, by his humility and felt about the state of Israel,” said period piece produced on a talent. To have someone Niemand, who met Gumbi one week massive Broadway-scale. For of his calibre on board for before rehearsals started. Niemand, it was more than this mission to Israel was a “I invited him to my house because just a musical, “it was a true blessing.” it was important for to me to gift from South Africa Te South African Jewish communicate how unusual this project to Israel”. Board of Deputies expressed was. Tere was no point taking a gift “When G-d says in its heartfelt condolences to Israel with people who didn’t love Genesis 12:3 that those to Gumbi’s family, friends, Israel. I told him it was a gripping story who bless Israel will be and the cast of the of faith, and asked whether he was the blessed and those who musical saying, “We have right man for the role given that our curse Israel will be cursed, I lost a remarkable young aim was to show support for Israel.” take this seriously. In South Africa, talent.” “He told me, ‘I’m your man’,” said we have taken a stance against the Gumbi is survived Niemand, who hired him straight away. people of Israel, and I believe through by his wife, Hlengiwe, Gumbi, who was born in Umlazi, that we have activated G-d’s word and three-year-old KwaZulu-Natal, fell ill suddenly on against us. If we look at our country son. Tuesday 15 October complaining of right now and everything that’s going Details of the flu-like symptoms, and was taken to on, I think everyone can agree we need memorial service hospital. Early the following morning, the blessing of G-d. Andile Gumbi as King Nebu with Marisa will be released his condition deteriorated, he suffered a “I believe South Africa is under a Drummond in the role of Queen Amytis soon.

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Web Ref: RL55964 3 2.5 4 3 Web Ref: RL55169 4 3 Web Ref: RL55717 4 2.5 Web Ref: RL56580 Joel Harris 082 926 0287 National Sales Consultant of the Year Joel Harris 082 926 0287 National Sales Consultant of the Year Norma 082 554 7260 | Romaine 082 685 5177 Laureen Shalpid 083 789 0229 Laureen Shalpid 083 789 0229 Chrissie Hammer 082 568 0440 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 DA shakeup ‘not a disaster for the party’ STEVEN GRUZD Darren Bergman, the shadow been vacated. It’s not a disaster. It’s infrastructure committee, says she significant of leaders. Maimane was minister of international relations not the death of the DA. If the DA is a “big fan” of Maimane, whom she inconsistent and prevaricating. He here’s nothing wrong with and co-operation, says 2018 was an fails, South Africa fails. We want to described as “charismatic”. “Leaders wasn’t sure who or what the DA was. resignations and reshuffling at “annus horribilis” for the DA. “Te govern well for all South Africans.” come and leaders go,” she says. We Mashaba was xenophobic, and didn’t the Democratic Alliance (DA), 2019 election results were a failure, Breytenbach says those who will get stronger if we stick to our dramatically change service delivery. Tsay its Jewish leaders. and things needed to change.” Te resigned “contributed enormously to principles, our guiding lights. Tis too I don’t think it’s a great loss.” “We are a political party, not a report recommended resignations, the project of the DA, and served the shall pass.” Zille is not an enlightened liberal, convent,” says shadow minister of and that’s what happened. justice and federal council member, He says the media are creating Madeleine Hicklin Glynnis Breytenbach. Vacated seats the perception of chaos in the party, are “not a disaster”, nor the death of when in fact, the federal council a party. “It’s something all political meeting was calmly and maturely parties go through,” she says. handled without any screaming and Breytenbach’s comments come shouting. in the wake of multiple high-profile Bergman also hailed Zille’s resignations that have hit South election, believing it will return the Africa’s largest opposition party. party to its liberal roots. He believes Glynnis Last week, Johannesburg mayor the party can recapture the votes Breytenbach Herman Mashaba and party leader lost to the Freedom Front Plus in Mmusi Maimane quit the party. the elections, but is worried that the Darren Bergman Michael Bagraim Tey followed DA Chief Executive current instability could jeopardise Paul Boughey and Federal Council the Economic Freedom Fighters’ country with distinction”. Tese four MPs are clearly all but a neo-liberal, Fakir says, “in Chairperson James Selfe. Chief (EFF) support for the DA’s control of Asked if she had a message for the “Zilleites”. Political analyst Ebrahim a policy and governance sense. Whip John Steenhuisen was obliged Johannesburg. Jewish community, she said, “I spoke Fakir says, however, the problems in She wants to cut back on state to resign from his post, but was Jewish voters are right to be at Temple Israel over Yom Kippur, the DA are structural, and go beyond welfare and state control. She may then made interim party leader in disappointed with the DA over the and my message was, ‘Please don’t the leaders who have stayed or reconsider partnerships with the parliament. past two years, he says, but the party leave. Please don’t give up on the departed. “Te DA’s problem is that EFF.” Tese departures were triggered “is in the process of self-correcting. DA.’ South Africa has never needed everything it’s for can only be defined Fakir also believes the media is far by the recommendations of a “warts Tey should be patient, and continue every single one of us as much as it by what it’s against. It wants to too sensationalist about a natural and all” report commissioned by to support the DA as they have does today. Jewish people lead, excel, remove the ANC from power, but it’s realignment that happens in all Maimane himself after the DA’s proudly for decades.” and stand out. We always have. We never going to vie for power itself,” parties. He says the DA might be disappointing 2019 election results. “Te review recommended that can contribute immensely to South he says. smaller but more effective after the Tey garnered 20.77% of the leadership takes responsibility Africa. We have since 1994, and He argues that the resignation of 2021 local-government elections. national vote, down 1.36% from for the poor election results,” says before 1994.” well-known black leaders “is not good Te Jewish community will, the 2014 election. DA seats in the Breytenbach. Te tallest trees attract Madeleine Hicklin, DA MP on optics, and it will leave a vacuum. But no doubt, be closely watching national assembly went down from the most wind, and positions have parliament’s public works and let’s be honest, they weren’t the most developments. 89 to 84. Te DA was hurt by former leader Helen Zille’s tweets lauding SA chartered accountant jailed in Greece, but friends insist he’s innocent colonialism, the ugly protracted battle to get rid of Patricia de Lille, TALI FEINBERG Abraham was a former member of the Claremont law-enforcement partners in cases such as this and the political demise of former Wynberg Shul in Cape Town. “This is a real case of that have an international component, and would President Jacob Zuma. It would bout 65 people from around the world have redeeming a captive, the greatest form of charity,” like to recognise their assistance in this matter,” probably have performed better had raised more than $8 000 (R116 754) on a he wrote. Pedro said. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma beaten Acrowdfunding platform to help meet bail for In July this year, the SA Jewish Report reported In August, after Abraham’s arrest in Greece, Cyril Ramaphosa in the December Yuval Joshua Abraham, a former accountant from that Abraham was on the run after being charged Kaplan wrote on Facebook, “I am sad, disappointed, 2017 African National Congress Cape Town currently jailed in Greece. with falsifying invoices while he was chief financial and disillusioned with the world today. A friend who (ANC) leadership race. Just before Rosh Hashanah, Abraham’s friend, officer at Hiscox Services in Bermuda. The story is very close to my heart has spent the past 16 Te SA Jewish Report spoke to the Perli Kaplan, set up the crowd page, “Let’s Save was written after speaking directly to Bermuda months being unfairly, unjustly, cruelly, maliciously DA’s Jewish members of parliament Yuval” on gogetfunding.com. “Yuval Abraham is Police. Attempts to find contacts to share Abraham’s and evilly [sic] hunted by a huge international and an independent political analyst an ex-South African chartered accountant,” she side of the story were unsuccessful. insurance company that he worked for. He has to understand what’s going on inside wrote. “His parents are retired academics, and his “The loss to the company is about $1.8 million been accused of a fraud that he clearly, based on the party. maternal grandparents were Holocaust survivors. [R26.3 million]. A complaint was made to the so much evidence, did not commit. An alleged fraud Michael Bagraim, DA shadow Yuval was raised with the values of honesty and Bermuda Police Service, and a file of evidence of 1.8 million dollars, where more than four times labour minister and self-described integrity. Materialism is a word that is foreign regarding that amount has been spent proverbial backbencher, says he has to him. Yet, he stands accused by his previous the case hunting him … this isn’t received more than 300 WhatsApp company, where he served as chief financial officer, submitted to Yuval Abraham logical. messages from concerned members of misappropriating funds to buy luxury items. His the department “So many lies have been of the community. “I think the assets were frozen, and he was removed from his of public written about him, about DA strayed a little bit from its position. prosecutions. the case, and about the core values, its liberal mindset, its “All Yuval wants to do is clear his name. He is in Information conditions under which he constitution, and its policies,” he a desperate position, and doesn’t know where to about the has been living for the past says, but it was nevertheless sad to turn. He is one man against a massive multinational allegations was 16 months. This story came see Maimane and Mashaba leave the corporation. An expert forensic accountant has then laid before to a climax on Thursday party. given hundreds of hours of his time free of charge the criminal court morning [15 August] when “I see what’s happening now in to examine the evidence, and is convinced that in Bermuda, and he was arrested. He is the DA as similar to the cycles in Yuval is innocent and has been made a “fall guy” by a warrant issued sitting in a prison cell with Judaism. Every year on the high holy a corrupt institution and corrupt lawyers, including for Mr Abraham’s real criminals in a country days, we take stock of where we are. his own defence attorney,” she continued. arrest, which has where he is all alone. I On Simchat Torah, we read the Torah “Today, Yuval sits in a dirty Greek prison in been circulated am petrified for him. And afresh. We need to be reminded of terrible conditions awaiting an extradition hearing. to colleagues I am also petrified for all why we exist and see things with Doctors have certified that he is in a desperate internationally of us … what kind of a fresh eyes. Yes, this has given us a physical and mental condition. There was a bail via Interpol,” said world are we living in? A shock, but it’s a chance to examine hearing, and the Greek judge acknowledged his Bermuda Police world where people are our policies and debate what needs terrible physical condition and noted that the case spokesperson so hungry for power and changing.” against him was ‘exceedingly weak’. However, the Robin Simmons at money that they have Te DA will choose new leaders at judge has insisted that in order to attain bail, Yuval the time. no values, no morals, no an elective conference in April 2020. must deposit €50 000 (R809 854) with the court On 26 September, humanity. Shame on you all who are a part of this Bagraim sees the election of Zille as security, saying, ‘You are Jewish – you can Acting Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro despicable behaviour. We will find better lawyers as the new federal council chair as afford it.’ of the crime division at the Bermuda Police than you, we will put the truth out there, and we “a step forward” that will lead to “To save Yuval’s life and help clear his name, we confirmed that, “following an international appeal will get Yuval justice. Please say a very special renewal of the party, contrary to require funds that neither Yuval nor his family have. for assistance, Mr Yuval Abraham was arrested in prayer for Yuval Yehoshua ben Yaffa this Shabbat,” media speculation to the contrary. We are turning to you to assist a fellow Jew in dire Athens, Greece. He is being held in custody pending she concluded. “We need to go back to basics, to need on the eve of Rosh Hashanah. This is a case of a hearing on extradition to Bermuda. We would like Abraham remains in prison. Only 11% of the Bereshit. Te only party that can pidyon shuyim deOras, a mitzvah so important that to thank the media €50 000 for his bail has been raised. deliver a country we’d all like to live one can even sell a Sefer Torah to finance it,” she and our partners for their assistance in locating The SA Jewish Report approached Kaplan and in is the DA. A few people resigned, concluded. Mr Abraham. the Bermuda Police for comment, but both chose but the party has stayed intact.” Rabbi Matthew Liebenberg said on Facebook that “The Bermuda Police Service uses international not to respond. 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 In a world of anger, it’s time to calm down OPINION RABBI JONATHAN PERLMAN – JTA have been the rabbi of the New Light how I’m doing, and I just shake my head. I Federation, JFCS, and Congregation Beth a year of members stepping Congregation in Pittsburgh for nine years. know they mean well, but the wound is still Shalom, and externally from the office of up to continue the rich This year, at Kol Nidre services on Yom fresh, and I just don’t want to talk about it. the mayor and city council, sports teams, traditions of our synagogue. IKippur, I preached calm. I would say this is true for many of our businesses small and large, schools, and all We started a Hebrew reading programme. Our congregation is part of a global members at New Light. I have persuaded our neighbours in the five county area that New members have learned how to read the maelstrom of anger and extremism. Last many of our members and their children to stood with us at rallies and vigils. cantillation from the Books of the Prophets. year, we and our fellow Jews at the Tree of begin psychotherapy. A Adult education classes are

Life congregation were the targets of one large number of members - Memorial objects outside the fuller than ever. The board man’s anger. Now, it’s time for us to calm have sought out the Tree of Life Synagogue is engaging in important down. services of Jewish Family existential questions about Trauma is a wound you carry with you and Community Services our future. forever. Unlike grief, which can go through (JFCS) and the Center Tere are those who are predictable steps and leave the psyche, for Victims, even those engaged in memorialisation trauma has stickiness to it. It makes a home who have never needed and others who look for

in the mind; it can damage the spirit. It the services of a trained via Getty Images ington Post opportunities to bring joy and sends reactive impulses throughout the therapist before. I wonder calm though musical events nervous system. how many Pittsburghers Wash The Jeff Swensen for Photo: and suppers. I was delighted are still talking in the to see Leigh Stein, the rooms of sensitive daughter of our beloved Dan therapists to mitigate their Stein, throw the first pitch to “We discover mindfulness in our own trauma and cope with her brother, Joey, at a recent daily prayers, marking Shabbat and their own worries. Pirates game. Teir father The fear that something coached them for years at finding inspiration in our Torah. frightening could happen is baseball and softball games. That is what our martyrs did. We are a repeating curse that Jews see in their own But there is still more work to be done. There is something about living in the following their example.” “lachrymose history”, scholar Salo Baron The United States justice department- moment and tuning out the noise, the put it in the early 20th century. We never funded Center for Victims in Pittsburgh honking, the cursing, the finger pointing thought it could happen in America, yet it has blundered twice in the past month. and drama that descended on our brave Whenever a car backfires on the street, did. It rejected a guilty plea from the shooter little city. We are not a metropolis that I feel it in my bones. Some hear a piercing I’m heartened by the overwhelming who started this horror, insisting on a thrives on that kind of caustic energy. sound and run. Action movies are no longer amount of positive sentiment coming our trial planned a year from now. And it has Pittsburgh is different. entertaining. Talk of the “massacre” can way – donations, letters, art, tokens of love scheduled the trial four days before Rosh We discover mindfulness in our daily break a mood. People take circuitous routes and hope arrive daily from all over the world. Hashanah, one of the holiest days in the prayers, marking Shabbat and finding around town to avoid bad memories. Others In our city, whose citizens registered the Jewish year. inspiration in our Torah. That is what swear that they won’t enter the Tree of Life attack through tears and sorrow, there were This trial will certainly re-traumatise our martyrs did. We are following their building ever again. multiple positive responses that can’t be the sensitive among us, and bring back the example. If one asks the question, “Where are we counted. Pittsburgh is a city of champions. journalistic circus that will increase our today?”, I would say that we are in a state of I have never felt so grateful for the support pain. • Rabbi Jonathan Perlman is the rabbi of the repressed shock. People constantly ask me we received internally from our own Jewish On the plus side, New Light has enjoyed New Light congregation in Pittsburgh.

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Brought to you by 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 south african Paralysed Israeli politics makes third Theewish source of quality content, news and insightseport J R election increasingly likely In the steps of Andalucian lbert Einstein defined insanity as doing DATELINE: the same thing over and over again MIDDLE EAST but expecting different results. Unless Jews somethingA dramatic happens, the political scene Paula Slier ometimes you need to step outside your in Israel is paralysed, and for the third time in environment to appreciate what you have. one year, Israelis could be headed for the polls. him. Tis is part of the reason Netanyahu is so Tis was the case for me over the past Previous elections in April and September saw keen to hang onto his position. Scouple of weeks. neither incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin In Netanyahu’s defence there are many I spent time in Andalucia, the south of Spain, Netanyahu nor his main rival, the former who point out that Gantz has no experience which is one of the most beautiful parts of the military chief and leader of the centrist-left Blue in government, having entered politics less world. I was extremely fortunate to be there, and and White party, Benny Gantz, able to form than a year ago. Being the second to lead a loved every minute. a majority coalition. Nothing significant has rotation would give him the chance to sit at the But there are very few Jews living in the areas changed since then. Should a third election be government table and better understand how I went to, particularly Granada and Seville, held at the beginning of next year, the results are things work. which were once centres of Jewish life in the expected to be much the same, give or take one Another problem for any kind of partnership world. In fact, the Jewish community was once or two extra seats for the main parties, which is between the two is that Likud would need to so central to the city, it was called Garnatha al not enough to end the impasse. relinquish its alliance with right-wing religious Yehud (Arabic for Granada of the Jews). Israelis are increasingly fed up with the parties and/or Gantz would need to relinquish When we arrived in Granada and asked how situation. Each time an election is held, it costs his partnership with the left-wing Zionist party to get to the Realejo area, the person at the the country between 3 billion to 4 billion shekels Meretz and/or the Arab parties. Tis will never information desk at the station said, “Aah, you (R12.3 billion). happen – and these parties could never sit want to go to the Jewish quarter!” It turned out that any Jewish reference was pure Last week, Gantz was tasked with trying together. history, and the only evidence of Jewish life in Granada was the single Jewish man to form a government after Netanyahu failed Te only other possibility for Gantz therefore living there who had created a tiny museum in his house. and returned the mandate to Israeli President would be to form a minority government with In Seville, we also found little evidence of Jewish life. Reuven Rivlin. Should Gantz prove incapable Labour and the Democratic Camp (44 seats in Tere are no shuls – as we know them – in either city today. of doing so by 20 November – and as the days total). Such a government would not need 61 In Seville we sought out the only Jewish guide there, a wonderful man called Jorge pass, it seems increasingly unlikely he’ll be votes to begin its tenure, and would secure a Gershon, to enquire about the Jews of Seville. As it happens, before the Spanish able to form a majority coalition – Israeli law Knesset majority with backing from outside Inquisition, there were 23 magnificent shuls in a community that numbered an dictates a three-week period during which Israeli the coalition of the Arab parties (10 seats) and estimated 50 000. parliamentarians can ask the president to task Avigdor Lieberman’s right-wing Israel Our Home It turns out we were sitting at a coffee shop in the Barrio de Santa Cruz – what was someone else. Once this period has passed – and party (8 seats). once the Jewish centre – just metres away from Crosses Square. It was here that an presumably it will end unsuccessfully too – the While there have been minority governments estimated 4 000 Jews were murdered in 1391 just because they were born to our faith Knesset (parliament) will automatically dissolve, in Israel before, there has never been one formed and not keen to give it up. I felt quite sick as I looked around and saw no trace of our and new elections will be called for. following an election. Te few cases of minority history other than a small museum called the Centre of Interpretation of the Jews Netanyahu currently has a coalition of 55 governments occurred after one or more factions of Seville. In its pamphlet, its owners wrote, “We feel duty-bound to dedicate a place Knesset seats compared to Gantz’s 54. Each withdrew from a coalition mid-term. in the heart of Seville to the Jewish-Spanish tradition, to the Sephardic memory.” I needs a minimum of 61 (out of 120) to form a It’s a difficult predicament for the Blue and understood the need to make a Jewish mark, however small, where none remained. majority. Te right-wing parties have signed a White leadership. In the past two elections, As we sat with Gershon, I asked about the Jews who live in Seville today. He told us commitment paper declaring they will join only a Gantz and his colleagues avoided the Arab there are about 32 families, and anyone over the age of 40 is an immigrant or there government headed by Netanyahu and will never elephant like the plague. While the majority of only temporarily. Some are from Argentina, Venezuela, the United States, France, even sign up to one established by Gantz. To date, Arab parties gave Gantz their nod to form the Israel. More than 50% of them are involved in education. Tey number so few that if they’ve refused even to meet with the Blue and next government – and he needs their votes you ask Sevillanos if there are Jews living in Seville, they will probably say no. Also, White party leader as he tries to cobble together – he’s acutely aware that Netanyahu is using quite simply, those who live there don’t proclaim their Judaism very loudly… support. this against him. And will continue to do so in As Jews do, I asked about Shabbos services, and Gershon told me we were welcome to another election campaign. join them for Friday night service, but for safety, we needed to email a request. Netanyahu has pointed out that prominent So, come 18:30 on Friday evening, we found ourselves at the address, which looked members of the Joint List – an alliance of the like a beautiful Medieval Muslim palace or mansion. We certainly didn’t see anything main Arab-majority political parties in Israel – that resembled a shul or a collection of Jewish people dressed for Shabbos. Eventually, I have repeatedly expressed support for terrorism went to a Spanish woman at the front desk to ask if she knew where the Shabbat service Israelis are increasingly fed up and refused to condemn harm brought to Israeli was. At first she looked at me quizzically, and the said something that sounded like soldiers and civilians. One of the leaders, Ahmed “Jewish” and “Jorge”, and motioned for us to follow her. with the situation. Each time an Tibi, was Palestinian Liberation Organisation We walked up a few of flights of stairs, along a number of corridors, down a few stairs election is held, it costs the country leader Yasser Arafat’s former advisor, and and another passageway before eventually finding a room not much bigger than a between 3 billion to 4 billion shekels refuses to see Hamas as a terrorist organisation. child’s bedroom. Tere were seats all along the walls and on one wall, I saw machzorim, Another, Ayman Odeh, sees himself as part of siddurim, and tanachim in a bookcase and knew I was in the right place. Our guide (R12.3 billion). the Palestinian national resistance against Israel. handed us over to Gershon, who seemed happy that we came. Netanyahu has asked, “How will the state Every one of the 12 casually-dressed people – mostly women – were very welcoming. of Israel be able to act against the terrorist As we walked in and siddurim were passed our way in Spanish, Hebrew and phonetics, organisations, with its government dependent I began to feel comfortable. And once Gershon began what sounded like a very Tis leaves Gantz with two options. Both on the voices of Tibi, Odeh? How can the state traditional Shabbos service, I felt quite emotional. go against his election pledges of “just not of Israel act against Iran and Hezbollah when Here we were, a long way from home, having heard about what had happened to the Netanyahu”, and the promise that there will not Knesset members and supporters of Hezbollah incredible Jewish population of southern Spain, and we were surrounded by our people. be a partnership with the Arab parties. can overthrow the government? Establishing a All strangers, but not strangers at all. We shared a long, long history, and so much more. First would be to form a national unity minority government that relies on the Joint After the service, we went for a drink, which is clearly their tradition before going government with Likud that would result in a List is an anti-Zionist step that would jeopardise home for dinner. None of them were specifically observant, but all were traditional and rotation between him and Netanyahu in the our security.” wanted to be with fellow Jews over Shabbos and festivals. Tey make a real effort to position of prime minister. Te latest polls Such comments have made an impact on right- keep the community together and keep their tradition and culture alive. show that most Israelis – 56% – like this option wing voters. I left feeling happy to have had the experience, but so grateful for what we have in best. But for it to happen, either Gantz or But, at no point has Gantz expressed any South Africa. Netanyahu would have to agree to serve second intention to form a minority coalition. Such a Coming home meant coming to our community, where if I wanted to, I could go to in the rotation, and both refuse. It would also government would be very shaky as it would any number of incredible shuls near or far from my home. We have so many thriving mean that Gantz would need to backtrack on not have a Knesset majority and would thus congregations, each with their own character and dynamic rabbis. his insistence that he’d never serve under a constantly have to bargain for the support We also have a thriving greater community, where none of us are afraid to say we prime minister facing grave charges of criminal of other factions in order to pass laws and are Jews. We are loud and proud, and should anyone say or do anything against us, we wrongdoing. decisions. Te Israeli public is unlikely to regard come down on them like a ton of bricks. Tere is talk that Gantz could be swayed on such a government as legitimate. Coming home to this community is precious, but I can’t help feeling seriously both these points, but the other leaders in However, the very real threat of a third disconcerted to learn that the Anglican and Methodist Churches in South Africa have his party, especially his number two, former election could make politicians and parties joined hands with BDS (the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions movement) against Israel. journalist Yair Lapid, refuse to budge. Tey don’t desperate. With his back against the wall, Gantz After learning what was done to the Jews in the name of the church in Spain, I don’t trust Netanyahu to relinquish power when his might be forced to go the route of a minority believe we should ignore this. round is up, and believe he wants to retain the government or some of Netanyahu’s right-wing Having said that, I have no doubt our small but powerful, close-knit community will premiership “not for unity but immunity”. Tere coalition partners might break rank and join the do whatever it can to preserve what we have. is nothing in Israeli law that prevents a sitting former army general. Shabbat Shalom! premier from being on trial, and Netanyahu Israelis might not want another election, and Peta Krost Maunder won’t have to vacate his seat should the as insane as it might seem to hold one, there Editor attorney-general decide to go ahead and indict might be no other option.

8 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 Proposed changes to SAJBD constitution questioned TALI FEINBERG the aim is noble, it’s ambiguous. A it’s possible that an invitation not be approved of by the current at the national conference is for the constituent body [for example, a shul] to a meeting isn’t delivered. leadership. Any changes to the ceremonial role of president. Te roposed changes to the South could be accused of creating some form Teoretically, were that to happen, constitution ought to be thoroughly practice for decades, almost without African Jewish Board of Deputies’ of disharmony. For example, if a position the NEC meeting could not proceed. considered and debated to avoid an exception, is that the retiring (SAJBD’s) constitution ahead of was taken of accusing the Anglican Tis clause has been inserted to undemocratic and unfair outcome.” national chairperson (typically after Pits national conference on 10 November Church of adopting an unfairly anti- ensure the validity of a meeting Said Zagnoev, “Te power to his/her second term) is elected are being queried by some members Israel stance, the constituent body might that proceeds in such a scenario. make these types of decisions rests national president. Mary Kluk is the of the community who say these then be viewed as acting in a manner As stated, the omission needs to be in the hands of the NEC, a large current president, and is likely to alterations could potentially “threaten that is ‘disharmonious’ and be removed inadvertent, and needs to be proven body representing a diversity of make herself available for a further the democratic nature of the SAJBD”. as a constituent member.” Ironically, to be inadvertent if challenged. An interest groups and views, and fully term.” Te proposed changes appear to the above concern about the Anglican intentional omission would not represents the regions. It’s voted Entry to leadership of the board grant the SAJBD’s national executive Church was recently expressed by South be acceptable. Tis, in my view, in democratically, and is mandated therefore sits in the regions, where committee (NEC) the ability to remove African Chief Rabbi supports good governance.” with safeguarding the interests of elections take place regularly. the membership of constituent bodies Dr Warren Goldstein. Tough Oppenheimer doesn’t the Jewish community.” “In addition, the constitutions if they “cease to further the objects of Zagnoev said the requirement that believe this is problematic, he Turning to the democratic nature of both the regional branches and the board”, and could allow the NEC an organisation further the objects warned about the dangers of of the board as a whole, Zagnoev national board allow for co-opting a to allocate any number of delegates to of the board had been included changing a constitution. said that the SAJBD had various certain number of people onto their a constituent body unrelated to the as an amendment, “as it would be “While it may be the case that regions, and each of the councils committees based on the specific number of its members. A third change incomprehensible for an organisation those who are currently in power in these regions was subject to expertise that such individuals are proposes that if the NEC’s members with antithetical views to the board bear no ill will and intend to act contested elections on an annual or able to bring to the board.” are “inadvertently not notified about a to be a member of it. Te converse is in a just manner, it’s possible that biannual basis. Each of the regions Zagnoev maintains that the meeting”, it can go ahead. that if an organisation ceases to satisfy future generations of leaders may then appointed a defined number of SAJBD’s democratic processes All major Jewish communal bodies in these requirements, the NEC should be abuse the power that they have been members to the NEC in terms of the “are exceptionally well developed, South Africa are affiliated to the SAJBD, entitled to terminate its membership. granted and may run a pernicious national constitution. time honoured, and rigorously including schools, shuls (orthodox and Te right to revoke membership is, in agenda in a manner that would “Te only election that happens protected.” progressive), women and youth groups, any event, in the current constitution and the main welfare organisations and and not a new concept.” Zionist bodies, amongst others. Te second proposed change is that Belgium’s first female prime minister is Jewish SAJBD National Chairperson Shaun “the national executive in its sole and Zagnoev said the proposed changes were absolute discretion has the right to in the interest of improved governance, allocate a number of delegates to a Belgian Prime Minister efficiency, and transparency, and would constituent body which is unrelated to Sophie Wilmes at her address certain deficiencies in the the number of its members”. office in Brussels constitution. Said Oppenheimer, “Tis means that “Te NEC of the board mandated a very small constituent organisation a sub-committee including three could be granted an indefinite number lawyers, each of which sits on the NEC of members in order to rig a vote. So, and comes from different regions, to because each delegate enjoys one vote, review the constitution and recommend and the constitution could be changed Photo: Vincent Duterne/Getty Image Photo: amendments. Te [amendments] with the assent of two thirds of the haven’t been subject to the scrutiny of delegates present, this would entitle the the NEC or the conference. Tey may national executive to ‘stack’ the congress be completed rejected or amended by in a manner that suits its preferences.” the NEC and/or the conference. At the “Te reason for the insertion of this moment, they are merely the views clause is to cater for situations where of a few people, and don’t carry any extremely important organisations CNAAN LIPHSHIZ – JTA “She hid her Jewish identity, though it seems authority or represent any official policy. – such as the Chevrah Kadisha in to be a private detail from her biography and not “It’s intended that these amendments Johannesburg – do not, for technical ophie Wilmes is the first woman and the first something connected to any policy-making aspect,” be debated and adopted or rejected reasons, satisfy membership Jewish person to become the prime minister he said. at the NEC meeting which precedes criteria,” Zagnoev said. “In such an of Belgium. Wilmes’ father, Philippe, was a lecturer at the the conference,” Zagnoev said. “If event, the NEC will be capable of SWilmes, a mother of four from the Brussels Catholic University of Louvain, and isn’t Jewish. adopted, they would then be taken exercising its judgement as to whether region, replaced Charles Michel on Sunday in Markiewicz described Wilmes, who has attended to the conference for ratification. We such organisations be accorded the top post. The centrist politician will head a Holocaust commemoration events and highlighted are comfortable that this is a fully representation and the extent thereof.” caretaker government during negotiations on the them on her personal website, as “an industrious democratic, fair, and transparent Another change proposes, “An formation of a coalition, which in Belgium has been and committed politician”. process. Should the NEC and/ inadvertent omission to give the notice known to take months. A source from the Jewish community, a member or conference not agree with the referred to any person entitled to such Michel’s cabinet collapsed last year, and Wilmes of Wilmes’ party who spoke to JTA on condition suggestions, we will continue with the notice or the non-reception of such replaced him when he left for a European Union of anonymity, said that Judaism had only recently current constitution.” notice by any such person shall not position. Both are members of the centre-left MR become “a more important factor than before” in Advocate Mark Oppenheimer points invalidate any proceedings at any such (Reformist Movement) party. Wilmes’ life. out that the changes could cause meeting.” Wilmes’ mother is Ashkenazi Jewish and Michael Freilich, a Belgian legislator for the NVA unforeseen issues in future. “One such Zagnoev points out that this would lost several relatives in the Holocaust, Philippe (New Flemish Alliance) party and the former editor objective of the board is to promote enhance governance at the NEC. “Te Markiewicz, the president of the Consistoire in chief of the Antwerp-based Joods Actueel Jewish harmonious relations between the operative clause is that the omission organisation of Belgian Jewry, confirmed on newspaper, said Wilmes’ appointment was an Jewish community and all sections of needs to be inadvertent. In today’s Monday to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “historic event that makes me feel proud”. the population in the republic. While electronic-communication environment,

The key to kindness is a simple gesture Graham Sonnenberg TALI FEINBERG at Hussar Grill (a steak house in nearby finding the keys nearby, he saw a note has sentimental value. My dad worked Green Point),” recalls Sonnenberg. inside it saying, “Found your keys, call until he was 87, doing many house outh Africans often believe that When he returned to his car – an this number.” The person who found calls in this car. It has a low mileage, so others are “out to get them” or old blue Hyundai – in the hope of the keys was Migael Dannhauser, a I hope to drive it for a few more years.” Sthat people will not act in good young man who had noticed the keys Dannhauser, who is 22 years old, faith, but reality tells otherwise. Every on cycling past, picked them up, and says that he was out “car spotting” day, people in this country help each continued on his cycle to Camps Bay. with friends – a trend where people other with the simplest of gestures Sonnenberg contacted Dannhauser, walk or cycle around spotting exotic – like returning a set of keys to their and caught an Uber to meet him and expensive cars, which they post owner. and retrieve his keys. “The keys had photos of online. Two weeks ago, Graham Sonnenberg dropped out really near the car, so it “We rented bikes, and were cruising was enjoying watching the ducks and could well have been stolen. It’s just along when I spotted the keys. I geese on the Sea Point promenade amazing how someone bothered to pressed the unlock button, and saw the when he realised he had lost his car do this. People still have time and car was about 50m to 100m away. I was quite panicky and on edge about keys. “There was a hole in my jacket, manners,” he says. went to the nearby Shell garage to ask it, so I was glad to help out,” says and the keys had slipped through. I “The car belonged to my father, John them for a piece of paper and a pen Dannhauser. “It’s great because its searched everywhere but couldn’t find Sonnenberg, who was a doctor. He died to leave my details in the car. Graham good news, which is not spoken about, them. In the meantime, I went for lunch Migael Dannhauser in January at the age of 90, so the car called me about an hour later. He but happens all the time.” 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 9

Tale of two Moses in miracle birth Michael David NIA MAGOULIANITI-MCGREGOR uncle Moshe Rosenstein, a famous rabbi in Poland,” says QUALITY WORKMANSHIP Hugh. o say Yoni Moshe, aka Johnathan Moses Raichlin, Weeks later, they managed to trace the traffic officer. made a dramatic entrance into the world 23 years “When he said his name was Moses Molope, I said, ‘Moses, ago would be an understatement. What with flashing you won’t believe it, but our son’s second name is Moses!’” It Tlights, sirens, broken speed limits, and his mom Michelle on was an amazing coincidence. Tired of your old the floor of their Toyota Cressida lifting her head in between “I was the child that was born in the car,” says Yoni. “G-d’s deep breathing to shout out directions for the Marymount hand was there.” worn-out furniture? Maternity Home, this was a far cry from the planned soft- “I was born under hashgacha pratit, which means divine Rejuvenate your home... music-with-candles water birth. providence. It was erev Shabbos. Te roads were full. I wouldn’t have been born near a • Custom upholstery hospital if there hadn’t been a • Furniture repairs Michael traffic officer who happened to • Dining room suites Moses Molope and be at the right place at the right • and more 082 820 7091 Yoni Raichlin time, who took the time to help us, and even then, I still came 430 Louis Botha Avenue, cnr Main Street, Rouxville into this world in the parking lot. But we were close enough to get medical attention immediately.” Te Raichlins invited Molope to Yoni’s third birthday party with his wife, Puleng, and daughter, Tshegofatso. Says Yoni, “We tried to find him to come to my Barmitzvah, but it didn’t work out.” “My whole life, he’s always been there. In my childhood room, there’s a photo of Moses holding me as a baby. He was Yoni was born in that Cressida in the hospital parking lot, there whenever we spoke about my birth, whenever I saw his father Hugh transforming from attorney to doctor for a all the newspaper pictures on my dad’s office wall. I never few precious minutes to help deliver his son before calling forgot about him.” for a nurse with a clamp to cut the umbilical cord. When Yoni and his fiancée, Bruria, decided to get married Later, flash bulbs popping, Hugh, Michelle, and infant recently, Michelle and Hugh had a brainwave. “We had to made the front pages of several newspapers including Te find Moses and invite him.” Star, Pretoria News, Durban Daily News and Te Argus Molope says he almost didn’t recognise the voice on the because of that birth. With the family in the photo was other end of the phone after they tracked him down. “And Moses Molope, then 27, traffic officer and guardian angel. when I did, I was so honoured to have been remembered like Tat picture spoke a thousand words. this. Sometimes we take what we Michelle’s due date for her fourth child was still two weeks call the little things so lightly, and away. “It was the July school holidays, and the three children yet others appreciate what we do. and I went to Rosebank for an outing.” Hearing that the life I helped get She says she ignored some “twinging”, but by the time to the hospital had grown into a she and the kids arrived at the mall from their house in man about to be married made Sydenham, she was in “a lot of pain”. me feel very emotional.” It was also a Friday, and Michelle thought she’d better get Te plan that was he would some cakes, because “my friend had said, ‘What happens wear plain clothes until the if you give birth before Shabbos and it’s a boy, do you have speeches. Ten, he would change anything at home for the shalom zachor [welcoming the into his old uniform, (Molope male]?’ So, by the time I got home two hours later, it was now works as a superintendent really bad.” in security for the City of Joburg) Husband Hugh rushed home from work, dropped the kids and surprise Yoni after Hugh’s at a neighbour, and the young couple drove off. speech. “Te problem was that although I had some idea, we As Hugh was finishing off his weren’t 100% sure where the Marymount hospital was,” speech, he said to Yoni, “Tere’s The Weizmann Institute says Michelle. someone who wants to wish “I drove up Sylvia’s Pass, not entirely sure where I was you Mazeltov”. Ten the doors of Science, Israel going,” says Hugh. “We drove through Cyrildene, and I opened, and Molope entered in saw a JMPD [Johannesburg Metropolitan Police] car.” his uniform. Instinctively, Hugh cut him off, rolled down window and Yoni was overcome. “He nearly advises that the laying of the Cornerstone said, “Officer, my wife is going to have a baby. Can you give jumped over the table,” says us an escort to the Marymount?” Molope. ‘He looked so happy to of The David Lopatie Institute Michelle was beside herself. “What you doing? Don’t see me. And I was happy that for stop!” she kept shouting. the first time, we could talk to Te officer didn’t hesitate. Although also not sure about each other. It brought it all back Of Comparative Medicine the Marymount’s location, he said to Hugh, “Your wife can to me. It was post ’94, and when tell you where to go, I’ll drive behind you, and as soon as you a white man cut me off, I didn’t will be held on get to an intersection or a robot, I’ll come in front of you, know what to expect. But when put on my siren, stop all the cars, and then I’ll tail behind I heard his wife screaming – I th you again.” wasn’t sure if it was at him or me Monday, November 11 2019 “Tere were 10 red robots!” says Michelle. “When we – I knew it was alright. got to a robot, he’d go to the middle of the road, put on the “It was my first Jewish wedding. siren, and stop the other cars so we could drive through. It Te dancing, energy, excitement, I in the presence of David Lopatie. was like a movie. He did this 10 times. I could already feel enjoyed it all.” Yoni’s head protruding.” “Molope will always be a “Hugh said, ‘hold it’, but you can’t hold it!” significant human being in my “Finally,” says Hugh, “we saw the hospital sign, I gave existence,” says Yoni. “Te fact Please contact the thumbs up, and the officer disappeared. As I found a that his name is also Moses was parking, Michelle said, ‘Te baby’s coming!’ I didn’t even further proof to me of divine switch off the car, I ran around to Michelle’s side and guided intervention. It was a highlight [email protected] Yoni out into the world.” to be able to show my gratitude, “I was crying while I was wheeled inside to have my to shake the man’s hand. It should you wish to attend placenta delivered. I couldn’t believe what was happening,” was shleimut – a huge sense of says Michelle. completion. this Festive Occasion. At the baby’s bris, Hugh and Michelle named him Yonatan “I’m probably going to have my Moshe – Johnathan Moses – “Yonatan for ‘G-d has given’ own kids so stick around, Moses, because it was a miracle birth, and Moshe after my great we may need you again!” 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 Brexit or not to Brexit, that’s the problem PAULA SLIER Last year, she moved to the UK Johannesburg-born journalist Bentley voted for Brexit “because I believe that a lot of the people after her husband, who has a Hayley Bentley (not her real name) I believe that the European who were let in as refugees weren’t f you think you’re confused by German passport, was offered a job moved to the UK 16 years ago after parliament – which consists of actually refugees in the proper Brexit, you’re not alone. At this there. people who are not voted into sense of the word. Instead, they stage, both the United Kingdom “I can’t believe people voted to their positions and certainly not were running away from economic I(UK) and the European Union (EU) leave. It goes against everything voted in by me – has so much or political hardship. Enough of are preparing for all outcomes. I believe in like inclusivity, sway over decisions and laws them were also criminals. You can After British Prime Minister Boris collaboration, and creating in the UK. For example, see that from what’s happening Johnson requested an extension more co-operation in the if someone commits a in Germany today, with a lot of to the UK’s exit from the EU, the world,” she said. crime in the UK and the criminal behaviour being carried out block agreed to a “flextension” “What I also can’t courts here find him by refugees. (flexible extension) until believe is that guilty, that person can “Even if they weren’t criminals, I 31 January. On Tuesday night, the there wasn’t the Dallia Beifus go to the European was concerned that a lot of refugees UK parliament voted overwhelmingly requirement for at courts of appeal and would come into the UK and that for a Christmas election which is least a 60% majority more often than not we had no plan for them, so they due to take place on 12 December. to make such have their verdict would end up living on the fringes Campaigning has already begun, with incredible changes overturned.” of society and turn to crime. it being billed as the Brexit election. to the country. All Bentley was also “In retrospect, I think Brexit was Jenny Manson, the co- this mess over 4%, and worried about the probably a bad idea, not because chairperson for the Jewish Voice even then the people prospect of Turkey the idea was bad, but because of for Labour, the party headed by voted only for a concept, joining the EU. “Tere the way it’s been handled by the Jeremy Corbyn, isn’t surprised by and did not know what a was always the possibility government.” how events have unfolded. Like messy process it would be. What that Turkey would join the EU Bentley is mostly worried that so many British Jews who arrived about all the people that leave after [German Chancellor Angela] another election will bring Labour in the UK after World War I or everything to try and make a future Merkel decided to let everyone into to power “which would be the during the 1930s after fleeing Nazi for themselves and their families Germany. I know that sounds racist worst thing ever, with Jeremy persecution, Manson’s mother’s in a new country? Immigrants being hijacked and feeling “very and it’s not meant to be, but I was Corbyn as prime minister. I disagree family were immigrants. It was this work harder than anyone else to uneasy about the high levels of concerned by what this would mean with having another referendum background that motivated her – earn their new life. Having lived crime and lack of job opportunities” for the UK. because I don’t think you should and she believes the majority of in so many countries myself, I’m in South Africa. Married with a “While I have a lot of sympathy for keep having referendums until you British Jews – to vote in favour of extremely conscious of being an toddler, she was fortunate to have refugees, and I do think we should get the answer you want. People remaining in the EU. expat or the ‘right kind of foreigner’ a British passport and a job waiting be letting them in, I was unhappy have voted, and that should be “It’s a certain universalistic view in these countries.” for her in the UK. with the way it was being handled. respected.” of the world and connection with Europe,” she says. “For me, the language of Brexit is extremely Stepping into a Holocaust painting via virtual reality uncomfortable, especially the language of anti-immigration. TALI FEINBERG wife, Rivka Spektor, was also sent there. “Te spoons (Raikin was eventually given one of People naturally move to where fact that many Jews survived the Holocaust these silver spoons as a wedding gift). Tey there is work and they’re able to ave you ever wondered what daily because they were sent to Siberia is one of the settled in Tsfat in Israel where they exhibited practice their religion.” Jewish life was like in Europe before greatest untold stories of this era,” says Raikin. the paintings, but they were not well-received Lance Forman, a Jewish Brexit the Holocaust? Soon, you will be able to But Labkovski told the story through his art. by the Israeli public, which was not ready to party politician, couldn’t disagree Hexperience the closest thing to time travel using His paintings depict the horrors of life in the look back on what had been lost. more. He was elected in May to the virtual reality. gulag – sub-zero temperatures, starvation, slave Te couple were not able to have children, European Parliament on behalf of “To improve the impact of Holocaust labour, and a brutal existence. Tey form part so they kept the paintings as a complete this anti-EU party, having jumped education, we need to understand the vast of the small archive of documentation by those collection, almost like their own “children”. ship after being a Conservative Jewish life that existed beforehand, and how who were there. Labkovski survived because When they passed away in the 1990s, much of party supporter for almost 40 years. Jews have lived for centuries,” said Leora he became a tattoo artist for rival gangs and the art was looted and stolen. It turned into a “Why would one want to be part Raikin, the director of the David Labkovski painted portraits. 22-year-long court case that eventually reached of Europe today?” he asks. “Tere’s Project, in a presentation to the Cape Town But that wasn’t the end of the story. When he Israel’s Supreme Court. Eventually, some of the massive youth unemployment, Holocaust & Genocide Centre. A native of Cape returned to Vilna after the war, the world as he art was recovered and divided up amongst the Germany’s going into a recession, Town, Raikin lives in Los Angeles and uses her knew it had vanished. Ninety five percent of the family. Although they appreciated the art, it Italy hasn’t grown for the past 10 great uncle’s vast body of artworks to educate Jews in the city had been murdered, including was mostly stored away from the public eye. years. Te single currency is killing people around the world about the One day, upon telling friends about Europe, and is causing a great Shoah. her great uncle, Raikin realised she had dependency culture that breeds “You will wear special glasses to to use this art to educate others about resentment and extremism.” step into the art and become part of Leora Raikin the Holocaust. She founded the David While agreeing with Manson that the painting. We utilised the skills explaining Labkovski Project, which now travels the Holocaust most British Jews favour remaining of a gaming designer to bring these the world educating schoolchildren, education work in the EU, he believes they’ve read pictures to life. Te script comes adults, and professionals. Te project the situation superficially. from testimonies of Jews who lived is unusual in that it allows participants “Instead of approaching Brexit in Vilna and survived the Shoah. You to make their own exhibitions of the from an economic perspective, will be able to walk around the house, work, therefore becoming curators and they’re considering it from the light candles, pour water, pick up the docents of these exhibits. “In turn, standpoint of wanting peace in challah … even pet the goat! You’ll be they teach their own communities,” Europe and avoiding anti-Semitism. able to go into the Vilna marketplace she said. My analysis is the opposite. Jews and experience everyday life. Studies Raikin said that as soon as this say they’re afraid of nationalism show that 20 minutes of virtual reality responsibility is given to pupils, they and that it leads to anti-Semitism, is equal to a three-hour lecture in absorb knowledge and lessons that but I say if you don’t believe in terms of learning,” said Raikin. Raikin’s great grandparents, great aunt, and might otherwise pass them by in traditional nationalism, then why do you believe She said her great uncle’s vivid paintings were her five-year-old twins. Most had been shot in classrooms. “It’s multi-disciplinary and non- in Israel? If Israel had existed in the up on the walls of her grandparents’ home in the nearby Ponar forest. Jewish life that had judgemental. Art is universal – anyone can 1930s, there wouldn’t have been Sea Point, so his art has always been part of existed for 500 years had ended. access it,” said Raikin. She hopes to eventually a Holocaust as Jews would’ve had her life. Labkovski was born in 1906 and raised Yet it lived on in Labkovski’s paintings. He train teachers in the programme. Te original somewhere to go. Tere is nothing in Vilna, which at that time was the centre began to paint everything he remembered art has also been exhibited in Lithuania – wrong with a nation state so long as of the Jewish world. All he wanted to do was about Vilna – from the family home to the taking it “home” to the place it originated from. it’s a liberal democracy. Nazi Europe paint and draw, and he went on to work at the marketplace. Tese are the paintings that will Te virtual reality aspect of the project is wasn’t liberal.” prestigious State Jewish Teatre in Moscow now be explored in virtual reality, which Raikin time consuming – it’s a 15-minute experience Te SA Jewish Report caught up before being accepted as one of 500 applicants hopes will be ready within the next year. He and can be experienced by only one person at with two former South Africans at the Art Academy of Leningrad. also depicted Jews being persecuted, forced a time. But whenever Raikin has presented living in the UK to gauge their It was there that he learnt everything about to wear yellow stars, and eventually being led it, there have been lines of people waiting opinion. being an artist, from mixing paints to anatomy to their deaths, imagining in horrifying detail patiently to try it. People are so interested in Beauty therapist Dallia Beifus, and architecture. But it all came crashing down what happened to his family and community. it, she believes, because “art is universal, it is 43, left South Africa in 1996 as a when Stalin rose to power, arresting anyone Labkovski’s life continued on a tragic path multi-disciplinary, it appeals to kids and adults, 20-year-old backpacker looking for suspected of anti-Soviet activity. Labkovski that echoed the events of the 20th century. and it explores life before, during and after travel and adventure. She returned was imprisoned in solitary confinement for 10 He and Rivka fled Vilna, which was now the Holocaust. Ultimately, this is the future of to Cape Town twenty years later months and then sent to Siberia. His future communist, with a few paintings and silver learning.” with a husband and three children. 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 King David principal, an accomplished ‘sports junkie’ SAUL KAMIONSKY sandal sale.’” But Srage has since Mark Spitz; World Golf Hall to see a stadium full of Jewish hung up her Comrades trainers. of Fame inductee Gary Player; athletes from all over the world. hen King David High School “I think, with commitments, to former top-ranked doubles Even when I think about it now, Linksfield Principal Lorraine run the Comrades would be a tennis-player Ilana Kloss, I get goose bumps.” Srage blew out 60 candles on her bridge too far.” and any women who ran the But Srage’s real love is school birthdayW cake on 21 October, most celebrated You will often find Srage at Comrades. sport, “which when played well, her achievements as a principal, but few know rugby and cricket stadiums Srage’s leadership skills is fantastic”. of her achievements in sport. as a spectator. “I love sport captured the attention of “If I look at the students who Tis four-time Comrades Marathon and follow it, and I still love then Maccabi SA chairperson, are involved in sport in this medallist is what she calls a “sports junkie”. exercise. Given the constraints Raymond Hack, who in 2005 school, they are balanced kids She is also an accomplished swimmer who of this job, I keep as fit as I can appointed her as head of junior who have time for everything. represented her province (then Transvaal) in but, to be honest, I’m not doing delegation for the South African Tey understand what it means the pool, and still gyms and runs when she is enough exercise any longer.” team at the Maccabi Games. to work in a team and play fair.” not running the school. In her younger days, Srage “I felt like I was on a giant At 60, she looks forward to In 1991, Srage and three times Comrades admired the likes of nine-time ulpan. But it was perhaps the more balance between sport King David Linksfield Principal Lorraine Srage champion Frith van der Merwe were part of Olympic swimming champion most magnificent experience and academia. crossing the Comrades finish line with her dad, Fred the women’s team for Rockies who won the Gunga Din trophy (awarded to the winning team at Comrades). And as a member of staff at King David, she coached the hockey, swimming, and tennis teams. Srage, who became principal in 2015 after being a history and physical education teacher for thirty years, has always loved sport. “Te real influence for my love of sport was my dad. I became the son he never had because I was one of three daughters, so he schlepped me to rugby. I was always just part of his love of sport.” Her father, Fred, was part of the group that formed Rocky Road Runners (one of the oldest and most established running clubs in South Africa). Srage started playing sport in primary school. “I got involved in swimming and that Your community’s trusted voice and fibre provider was my real love,” she says. “Ten, at Waverley Girls High School, I played hockey and tennis, but swimming remained my main sport. I was fortunate to swim at provincial and national level.” Call us for a free consultation on all your It required considerable commitment. “I don’t think I ever went away in the December holidays because that was the height of telecommunication requirements training since the championships were always in February.” Srage, however, was never able to swim at the Maccabi Games as South Africa was excluded due to apartheid. But in 1975, when she was 16, she went on a goodwill tour to Our Solutions Israel with a group of Jewish and some non- Jewish scholars. “We stayed at the Maccabi Village, swum a little bit. It was probably one Cloud PBX Connectvity (Fibre & Wireless) Hostng of my fondest memories.” She swam through her time at the University of Witwatersrand. “I was lucky enough to be given half-blues for swimming VoIP Sofware-Defned WAN Call Centre at university, and my love for sport got me to major not only in history, but in physical education.” Security Data Management APN Srage made good use of the latter qualification. “I coached a whole lot of sport such as swimming and hockey at King David, but I always had one foot in the academic classroom.” Some of the community brands that trust us: Srage was already teaching when she started running. During her first Comrades Marathon in 1987, she ran with her father on a scorching hot day. “He couldn’t believe that he had to put up with all my moaning and groaning,” she says. “I had run a lot of road races, I had run Two Oceans Marathons and I was placed a few times, but I don’t think I ever really understood the enormity of the Comrades. From then on, the Comrades and road running just became part of who we were as a family.” In her fourth Comrades in 1991, Srage demonstrated her true running ability with a time of seven hours, 48 minutes, 32 seconds, which was just less than 49 minutes slower than the time recorded by that year’s fourth- Simplified communications solutions to meet your business needs. place finisher, Diana Terreblanche. Because Srage ran into her shoes, she often Scalable, mobile, reliable. took them off to find her nails “absolutely exploding” and needed to have the nails cut in order to release the blood. 010 140 5887 / 076 274 2319 / [email protected] “After one Comrades, I remember somebody said to me, ‘I have never seen a visit www.saicom.io worse pair of feet. You shouldn’t run to a 12 SA JEWISH REPORT Singularity University 1 – 8 November 2019

Empire of the sun lights and a fridge.” brought fresh water to 50 South HOWARD SACKSTEIN continent, Ya’ari left for Africa. Te school could African villages particularly “I was poor in Israel, but when I arrived sell its excess in the Bushbuckridge and hen Sivan Ya’ari left the stage, there in Africa, I realised what it meant to have electricity Mpumalanga area. Much of were audible sobs from the audience nothing,” Ya’ari said. She was shocked by what to charge her work in South Africa of 1 500 who had crowded into the she saw. “Because there is no energy, there is no mobile is funded by the Kirsh SingularityW University (SingularityU) South refrigeration, which means there is no access to phones family and Investec African Summit in Kyalami in October. vaccines and medicines.” and even, Bank. Ya’ari reduced the audience to tears with her No energy means no access to good education. in one Sivan Ya’ari “Growing up, not heart wrenching account of bringing Israeli Te students in the first row of school brought instance, having much, pushed technology to Africa, providing nearly 1 600 000 money to pay for the kerosene in the lamp, power a me to do what I do,” people with fresh water in rural villages. the rest of the kids sat in the back in the dark. barber said Ya’ari, “but I didn’t No one expected the elegant, diminutive Students were too weak to walk to school. Still shop. Te do anything special. Israeli kitted out in pink high fashion to tell a today, more than 620 million people in Sub- money Sometimes the source story of poverty, determination, and salvation. Saharan Africa live without electricity. could of the problem is the Te contrast of her elegance with the story she “No energy means no access to clean water. be used solution. I took things that told elicited a deep-seated visceral reaction. People are forced to walk for hours in search of to replace already existed. I took solar When Ya’ari finished her Israeli military water. Yet, there is plenty of water right beneath burnt-out panels to a place where there service, she met the owner of American based their feet, a few meters deep in the aquifers. globes. was sun, and I took them where fashion brand Jordache Jeans. He declined her Te only thing that we need is energy, energy to “I decided then, they were needed. Tey merely a job because her English wasn’t good enough, pump the water.” with Golda Meir pumped out the water that already but on discovering that Sivan spoke French, he Ya’ari realised that solar panels in schools as my inspiration and Israeli exists, it was simple. offered her a job at his factory in Madagascar. could dramatically improve education. “We technologies as the solution, to go back and “It doesn’t take much to help others. And so, 21 years ago, with no connection to the brought in two solar panels which powered 12 to find a way to help. I founded Innovation Sometimes the technology already exists. Africa with a very simple goal: to bring Israeli You don’t need to invent when you can technology to remote African villages. work with what is already around and Small step turned into giant leaps for “Energy is one thing, but access to clean useable. Te result is that the impact is so water is truly everything. With the help much greater. A-man of the community, we brought a drilling “We are committed to bring water HOWARD SACKSTEIN could “slip the surly bonds of earth, touch the face machine, a few solar panels, a solar pump, where there is drought, to bring light of G-d”. He started hacking away at the internet, and a water tank, and in only a few days, where there is darkness, to bring hope oday Adam Pantanowitz is an iconic writing software, and taking his computer apart. It clean water was flowing to different taps and dignity where there is despair.” And biomedical engineer, entrepreneur, and was much easier to take things apart than it was to that we installed throughout the village. with that, the diminutive Israeli, turned university lecturer. But that was not always put them back together. Within months, drip irrigation allowed for on a gasping audience and left the stage. Tthe case for this tomahawked techie. Speaking to Pantanowitz made a fundamental decision about better nutrition, better health, and most More than a thousand business executives an enraptured crowd at Singularity University in his life. His pain medication was leaving him in a importantly, economic growth.” at SingularityU finally understood the Kyalami, Pantanowitz took the audience on a journey constant haze, he needed to break free, and clear Today, Innovation Africa operates in 10 teachings of the Mishna: “Whoever saves from disability to triumph. his mind. He went cold-turkey on his drugs, and African countries including South Africa. a single life is considered to have saved the Afflicted with a neuro-degenerative disease at a with sheer grit, moved from crawling to crutches, In the past year and a half, Ya’ari has whole world.” young age, Pantanowitz lost his ability to walk. At the from crutches to walking with a limp, to a barely age of 13, surgery appeared to be the only option, noticeable gait today. but the operations didn’t go well, and doctors quietly It took him some time, but Pantanowitz wrote whispered to his family that he would probably not matric and arrived at the University of Witwatersrand The future is going to be weird be able to walk again. A photo of him lying face- unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. down on a bed, his legs mummified in bandages, During orientation week, he heard that biomedical HOWARD SACKSTEIN families. overwhelmed the audience. engineering was one of the most difficult courses on How we earn our money is also changing. Tyler Dependent on his family and feeling increasingly campus – and he loved a challenge. hen Shayne and Mic Mann brought Blevins is a professional gamer with more than isolated, Pantanowitz withdrew from the world. The course was oversubscribed, and Singularity University to South Africa, 14 million followers, people who pay to watch His excruciating pain confined him to bed, and he Pantanowitz’s grades were not good enough, having the journey took the two brothers to him play computer games. Last year, his earnings started missing school. missed a big chunk of high school. Emboldened by SingularityW summits around the globe. Listening to topped $10 million (R145.7 million) . But all of His grades began to suffer, and he overheard his determination and sheer chutzpah, he set up camp some of the world’s leading experts in disruptive that fades into insignificance next to Ryan Kaji, parents question how he would ever be able to hold outside the office of the dean of engineering until the technology has turned the Manns into experts in the eight-year-old toy reviewer who brought in a down a job. For him, work was a distant problem, dean agreed to admit him in class. the field. whopping $22 million (R320.5 million) from his all he had to do was get through the next day. “Pain Pantanowitz described the fear that he was an Mic relates the story of Julius Yego, the YouTube channel. Nice work if you can get it as an can consume you,” he says. “I was isolated from my “imposter”, ill-equipped to compete with the genii Kenyan field and track athlete who won the eight-year-old. Eat your heart out Shirley Temple! peers and despondent.” who sat next to him at university. Commonwealth Games gold medal in javelin after The Chinese love their “Live Streamers”, people “We went on holiday as a family, and my father Four years later, Pantanowitz graduated top of teaching himself to throw the shaft by watching who show live video content about crucial life- had to carry me in and out of the holiday home.” his class, having been the top student in each of his YouTube videos. Kyle Giersdorf, the 16-year-old saving topics like make-up and clothes. Some of In Grade 11, surgeons decided to give it another years of engineering, and winning the Dean’s Gold world Fortnite champion, them make more than shot, but this too did not go well. In Grade 11, Medal. won a title prize of $3 million $5 million (R72.8 million) Pantanowitz skipped the entire year of school. Pantanowitz gives back. He lectures in (R43.7 million), earning Mic Mann a year. The world has He searched for answers in traditional medicine electrical engineering, bio-medical engineering, more than the winners of become voyeuristic – and alternative care, but all of this lead nowhere. and medicine. He gyms, and has competed in the Wimbledon. Clearly your kids and not in a good way. The drugs administered to him resulted in mental 94.7 cycle race. He has also been involved in a should get off the tennis court The new 14-second decline, and he lived in his family’s TV room, unable number of start-up businesses including Tariffic and start playing computer music video sharing app, to climb the stairs back to his bedroom. and Aura. games! More than 40 million TikTok, is now valued In the corner of the TV room was the family One of his most notable achievements was people competed for the at more than $75 billion computer, and it was there that he found solace. The “hacking the human brain”, a project which championship, and the (R1 trillion), not bad for computer was attached to the world through the attached a human brain to a computer network title was crowned before a an app that’s only two internet and through its copper wires, Pantanowitz and using sensitive electrodes, accurately read capacity crowd in the Arthur years old, and more than and understood the Ashe stadium in Flushing twice the value of South Adam Pantanowitz brainwaves of its Meadows, New York. African mining giant human subjects. The world is clearly Anglo American. Today, Pantanowitz changing. Traditional tertiary institutions like Taddy Bletcher’s Maharishi Institute in South is a faculty member universities are fast being replaced by online Africa is training a new breed of job seekers to of Singularity courses from the Kahn Academy and websites be “data labellers”, people who teach artificial University, telling such as Udacity. Education is becoming intelligence to recognise objects. A small child the story of his democratised and accessible. Education is no might automatically understand what a cat looks triumph over longer the exclusive province of the elite. Today, like, but an artificial intelligence computer might adversity, and talking all you need is a cell phone and an internet have to see millions of images of a cat before it philosophically about connection. And that is why cheap data is a understands what those furry, sulky things are. We how technology can fundamental prerequisite for growth in the just hope that the AI computers pay their slaves enhance the human developing world. Once you allow mass access well for these menial tasks. race. When he walks to education and take it beyond the stuffy ivory Mic concludes with a lesson on the three onto stage, his towers of dated institutions, you can move from skills that we will all need for the future: agility minor limp is barely scarcity to abundance. Udacity now enrols more to change, the creativity to perform tasks that noticeable, but his than 50 000 students a year, registered in its online computers will be incapable of, and trusted reliable inspiring story of nanodegree paid programmes, a far cry from the networks of people to rely on. triumph is a giant days when people approached the few monks of The future is upon us, and it may be a lot leap for all mankind. the Catholic Church to write letters home to their weirder than we ever imagined. 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Proud to be LGBT and Jewish OPINION ADAM SCHLOSBERG

he biggest city in the rainbow LGBTQI+ community were made me not only at Jewish schools, but in overcome some of the stigmas and did into his tent; nation was a sea of rainbow constitutional in 1996, making it the schools in general. preconceptions they had grown up giving back to and flags last weekend for the first country in the world to grant Tankfully, as the world has moved with. I was incredibly lucky, but I’m helping others especially those less TJoburg Pride parade in Sandton, legal protection to the community, forward in its attitude to the LGBT aware that not everybody has such a fortunate; and using one’s unique Gauteng, on 26 October. and later the fifth country globally community, so too have schools positive coming out experience, and gifts and talents to be a good person, Tousands of members of the to recognise same-sex marriage, a improved their approach to bullying that is something we can all work to lead the best life possible, and make LGBTI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, fact of which South Africans can be and LGBT education. change. the world a better place. As a young, transgender, queer, intersex, and incredibly proud. After “coming out” the closet at 19 Being a part of both the gay Jewish man I confidently wave more) community as well as Te Pride festival was held years old, I felt like my life had gone Joburg Jewish and Joburg LGBT the Israeli and the rainbow Pride straight allies gathered on a specially closed-off from black and white to technicolour, communities is a wonderful flags with pride. to celebrate what section of Rivonia as I was finally able to live happily experience. Te two actually have it means to live Road outside as my true self. I am grateful that many things in common such as • Schlosberg studied finance and moved openly as your Sandton my parents and family are 100% treating others as you wish to be to New York where he worked at an true self with City, and it supportive of me, even though it treated yourself; welcoming and investment bank. He left finance to pride and was made may have been difficult for them to including everybody like Avraham pursue a career as an artist. without possible in fear or part through At Joburg Pride SAUJS wins best society award shame. generous JORDAN MOSHE Before the awards were conferred, a litany of SAUJS’ Tere donations achievements were shared. These included an event was also by major The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) branch of the at Constitution Hill on reconciliation which involved the pride in corporations South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) was recently Wits Law society and Amnesty International; a Women’s which occupy celebrating recognised as the university’s most outstanding religious Empowerment workshop with the chief financial officer of how far society the office society and most outstanding society based on initiative. Peregrine Holdings; a partnership with the Johannesburg has come in buildings in the area. The prestigious honours were conferred at an award Holocaust & Genocide Centre focusing on the dangers of terms of tolerance, Te fact that some of ceremony on 10 October at the university’s Origins “othering”; and various cash or cans campaigns to raise understanding, inclusivity, the largest and most powerful Centre. Key speakers included Vice Chancellor Adam money for the Wits Food Bank. respect, and support of the LGBT companies in the country are happy to Habib and acclaimed actor, director, and playwright, Dr “As a religious society, highlights included our daily community. donate to and actively support Pride John Kani. minyan and the celebration of all chagim [Jewish Tis year marked the 30th is in itself an incredible testament not “Out of all the societies at Wits, student governance holidays] like handing out matzah on Pesach, celebrating anniversary of Joburg Pride, and the only to their social responsibility, but picks out the ones that displayed excellent student Purim with a photobooth, or handing out menorahs on 50th anniversary of the Stonewall to the progress South African society leadership, ran engaging and relevant events, Chanukah. In all these celebrations, we made an effort to riots in New York, protests by has made in changing its views of emphasised acts of volunteering, and created spaces welcome the broader Wits community.” members of the LGBT community LGBT people. of solidarity,” said outgoing SAUJS chairperson Liora Her personal highlight was participating in the who had had enough of being Growing up as a gay boy in the Katzew. #AmINext campaign in which SAUJS was given the arrested, harassed, and fired for Jewish community was difficult. Wits is one of the most diverse campuses in the world, opportunity to say a prayer and speech at an interfaith simply being who they are. Tose Being bullied in school and feeling she said, making navigating student politics a significant gathering on campus against gender-based violence. riots marked the beginning of the gay terrible shame, sadness, confusion, challenge. “Our thinking this year was about bringing “This really shows that we fulfilled our goal to extend people together. We wanted to create events that pull and SAUJS beyond the so called bubble, and create a space rights movement. and isolation was a reality not only for engage a wide range of students.” for SAUJS members to be active agents of change.” In South Africa, the rights of the me, but many little boys and girls like 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 BRCA mutation increases breast cancer risk in men GILLIAN KLAWANSKY months. Tere are also constant advancements prostate cancer and the lower your risk of breast professor of genetics who I know well. It was in the use of PARP inhibitors. Tis is a new cancer,” says the doctor. “Initially, I screened quite a shock that all three of us were carriers.” t’s estimated that one in 40 people of Jewish class of cancer drugs, a targeted therapy that vigilantly for prostate cancer but as I’ve got There’s a lack of awareness when it Ashkenazi descent test positive for the is particularly effective for patients with BRCA older, I’ve been a bit remiss. If I had to give comes to testing men, he says. “When I tell mutated BRCA 1 and 2 cancer gene. Men mutations, says Rapoport. advice, I’d say go to a urologist frequently to people with a family history to check their Iwith these genes risk mostly breast, prostate, “Te older you get, the greater your risk of have your PSA (prostate specific antibodies) children, they say ‘but not my boys’. You colon and pancreatic cancer. levels tested.” have to check boys and girls – but only once Both genders also face increased risk of gall Your PSA levels are raised when there is they’re old enough to get tested – in their bladder and bile duct cancer, stomach cancer, an infection or you’ve recently had sexual late teens or 20s.” and malignant melanomas. “BRCA1 and intercourse. Yet, if those factors are ruled “Male breast cancer in the family is highly 2 gene mutations are not restricted to out, it can indicate cancer. Cancer cannot indicative of there being a BRCA-gene women, and they’re not restricted be diagnosed through the test alone, mutation,” says the doctor. “With prostate to breast cancer,” says Professor however. “You’ve got to be examined, cancer, even if it affected only previous Bernardo Leon Rapoport, a the doctor has to feel and ultrasound generations, you need to be checked.” specialist physician and medical your prostate to see if it’s enlarged. If According to the World Journal of Oncology, oncologist in-charge of Te there’s any worry, then a biopsy is prostate cancer is the second most frequent Medical Oncology Centre of needed. cancer diagnosis in men globally after lung Rosebank and extraordinary “It’s a dominant inheritance, so cancer. In 2018, it caused 3.8% of all cancer professor at the department you need only one parent to be a deaths in men. Prostate cancer is also the of immunology, faculty of carrier to potentially pass it on to fifth leading cause of death worldwide. health sciences, University of your children, male or female,” says The emotional toll that a positive BRCA Pretoria. the doctor. I’m positive, and both my gene mutation test takes is undeniable. “It’s In a study conducted at the daughters are carriers. I was tested difficult to explain that you feel guilty, even Rabin Medical Center in Israel, because I needed to know for them, though as a carrier you’ve done nothing a centre dedicated to men with I didn’t want to know for myself. If wrong,” says the doctor. “But I feel a great BRCA mutations, it was found not for you, you’ve got to do it for your sense of guilt. It’s caused a lot of heartache, that men with these mutations children and your children’s children.” and I’m sure it’s going to cause heartache in developed eight times as many cancers Te doctor stresses the importance of the future. But you can do something about as would have been expected in the general proper counselling before being tested, and it. Treatment is much better than it was population. before and after receiving your results. “We ten or even five years ago. You just need to “Tere is a misconception that men can’t were counselled properly throughout by a consult the right medical professionals.” get breast cancer,” says Johannesburg-based genetic counsellor, Kara Stoler, who also works at the Malka Ella Fertility Fund. “But they’re also at risk. Men should do breast Joburg Jewish artists jam on Sukkot examinations, and any concerns need to be investigated. STEVEN GRUZD Roth, whose day job is in physiotherapy, said, “Joburg lacks cultural “BRCA2 cancers are more commonly centres for lots of mediums. We want to create a cultural hub for Jewish associated with men,” says Professor Carol Ann midst soulful music, the spirits of biblical ancestors were artists to collaborate. We all feel isolated as artists in the city. I think Benn, a South African expert on breast cancer. summoned to a sukkah on the pool deck of the Genesis Centre on we’ve found a home in 9th Street. It’s important that artists use Joburg as “It’s also important for men to test, because Aa warm Johannesburg night. a creative local space. if they are carriers of a cancer gene, their The Sukkot tradition of ushpizin, an Aramaic word roughly translated as “We want to walk in the city, reclaim its spaces. We want to children are then at risk,” says Stoler. Te same “guests” or “hospitality” follows a Kabbalistic tradition in which various explore and rejuvenate old Jewish buildings, interesting shuls. Some BRCA gene test – done via blood or saliva – is biblical figures are invited symbolically into the sukkah each night to dine are deserted, unused. We want to use them again, reignite them used for men and women. Te test is now more with the family. The fourth night’s guest is Moshe, and on this occasion, through music and art.” In future, they hope to do “curated” walks in accessible as costs have decreased over the past the matriarch, Leah, joined him. The evening of musical performance was Johannesburg, where participants will encounter performance and a collaboration between two relatively new organisations few years, says Rapoport. “You test once in your Leigh Nudelman and Farryl Roth lifetime. Only Ashkenazi Jews with a history of in the city’s art scene – 9th Street and Creative cancer in their families are advised to be tested Gatherings. for the gene.” Singer and artist Leigh Nudelman said that the seeds A male medical doctor in the community, for 9th Street were planted when she attended the who wishes to remain anonymous, tested Nahum Goldmann Fellowship in Saldanha Bay in May positive for the BRCA gene a few years ago. 2018. There, she had some profound discussions about “Virtually from childhood, I’d known about what it means to be a young Jew in South Africa today. aunts who had had breast and ovarian cancer,” “How do Jews fit in?” she asked, “Where do we locate he recalls. “One of my cousins who was much ourselves? We live in bubbles, inside and outside the older than me had practiced as a doctor in Jewish community.” America. He wrote to us to say that you can She also felt a distinct generation gap, with older now do a gene test, and that we should do it. people not understanding the dislocation and dilemmas Te question was when. facing Jewish youth. “I have daughters, and told them we needed To carry on these Yael Shapiro, Moshe Singer and Alon Cohen on drums to be tested because my mother had died young conversations, of breast cancer which meant she probably had she invited Jewish the gene. But I told them to wait until after artists and friends they’d finished having their families.” to her house, and exhibitions on their journey. Tis is because once you determine that you 9th Street was born For the ushpizin performance, are a carrier, depending on which guidelines you to promote Jewish 9th Street partnered with Creative follow, you may decide to have a hysterectomy artists in the city. Gatherings, a network that gives and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (the The name refers to ideas and support to artists, inside removal of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian the 9th Street Shul and outside the Jewish community. tubes) and a mastectomy to mitigate your in Orange Grove, One of its founders, the aptly named ovarian and breast-cancer risks. nestled between Moshe Singer, describes Creative For men who test positive, there are also Paterson Park and Gatherings as “a community-building significant risks to consider. Te lifetime risk of the bustling Louis art and music project”. It was started breast cancer for an average man is extremely Botha Avenue. two years ago by Singer (a drama remote – a hundred times less than the average “Art and culture teacher), music therapist Yael Shapiro, woman. Yet these risks increase if they test play a huge role in and Alon Cohen, who handles the positive for the BRCA gene mutation – at up to finding ways of belonging, and narrating Jewish identity in Johannesburg technical aspects. 8.9% for those with a BRCA2 mutation, and up today,” Nudelman said. “We want to nurture high-quality Jewish artists “Creative Gatherings has a simple philosophy of bringing people from to 1% for those with a BRCA1 mutation. and their art. 9th Street provides a vehicle to present their work, get all backgrounds together through collaboration to build community. Its Men who test positive for either gene also feedback, and provide support.” goals include professional development and forming a social and support face a 20% lifetime risk of developing prostate Nudelman says it has about 70 members, with roughly 20 attending group.” cancer. While there are no preventative monthly meetings. Ushpizin was its first major public performance. This was its first joint gig with 9th Street, and all agreed it was a operations for men with BRCA gene mutations, She and guitarist and singer, Farryl Roth, presented a reinterpretation tremendous success, showcasing amazing artists deep into the night. they do need to be screened regularly for of the story of Leah, the sad sister that Jacob was duped into marrying. “Everything we do is an experiment,” said Nudelman, “and from each breast and prostate cancer via mammograms The Azuri Street Orchestra summoned its African ancestors into the thing we do together, we learn and develop as individuals and as a from the age of 35 and prostate checks from rooftop sukkah with its mesmerising melodies. group.” between 40 to 45 years old annually or every six 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 How to help not hinder your children during exams TALI FEINBERG “Help children plan how they you are able to recognise that their consequences such as anger or and promotes growth and healing, are going to study – when, where, behaviour might be a way to try and disappointment aimed at your child reduces blood pressure and cortisol any of our children are and how long. Let them be part of communicate their feelings. for grade-based underperformance. levels, and aids in the process of writing exams. It’s a tough working this out, so that parents are Finally, “E” is to have an easy Tis may create despondence, feelings recovery that the long-term effects of time for them and a tricky not dictating the plan. Make sure manner. Know when to agree to of inadequacy, helplessness, and in stress may cause. Mtime for parents who aren’t always that it’s not all about studying during disagree, and try to “be the calm you turn depression.” Another practical tool is to create sure how best to support them. exam time. want to see”. Esterhuyse recommends that enjoyable sensory experiences for Should we hover and help, or stay “Most importantly, ensure that In addition, she recommends you create opportunities for your your child during this stressful time. away? Should we cancel all outings they get enough sleep, that they that you have realistic academic child to engage in age-appropriate “Cook healthy, enjoyable meals, and extra-murals, or encourage are exercising and eating well. Stay expectations. “Keep in mind their social interactions during exam encourage them to engage in self-care breaks and exercise? How do we connected to them; remember to abilities. If you find that your child time. Tis can be anything from be such as taking a hot bath or shower, know that our children are studying empathise when they are having a is consistently not meeting your spending time at a friend’s house to use lavender oil for its relaxing enough, and how can we tell if the tough time,” she says. academic expectations, it may properties, and create a calming pressure is getting to them? “If exams go well or badly, make be a good idea to have the sleep space [dark, cool room, Cape Town based parenting coach time to reflect on what worked and child formally assessed by an limit screen time to an hour Laura Markovitz says that at the what didn’t so that they can learn for educational psychologist.” before bed-time, use bed only for outset, it’s important for parents to next time. Tis can give them space Esterhuyse says that creating sleeping] to promote good sleep manage their own association with to self-evaluate, and learn how they a positive environment for your hygiene.” exams so that they don’t project it are learning. If we come down hard child is key. “Keep the emotional Esterhuyse says that a quick onto their children. and criticise them, they are more like temperature of the home as cool way of dealing with anxiety is “Exams may have been incredibly to shut us off or get defensive,” says as possible. Conflicts can easily to use this grounding exercise: stressful or really easy for them, but Markovitz. erupt due to parent’s worries “Help your child to identify five they need to remember that their Maintaining a positive relationship that a child is not spending things they can see, four things children need to find their own with your child so they can access you enough hours studying. It could they can hear, three things they away around exams. Parents, as for support is the most important be helpful to set concrete goals can touch, two things they can much as they want to, can’t control factor during exam time, says clinical or expectations with your child smell, and one thing they can their children’s study habits,” says psychologist Renske Esterhuyse. before the exams and decide on taste. Repeat the exercise until Markovitz. She advises following the Dialectic rewards for meeting study goals the child is feeling calm. Tis “Different children study Behaviour Terapy acronym of or consequences for under- exercise can be done anywhere differently, and each child may “GIVE” to maintain a positive performance.” and anytime. Creating a require varying levels of support from relationship with your child: She emphasises that grounding box with meaningful parents. It’s important for parents “G” focuses on being gentle. Be consequences should be positive items that can be used during to try to dance the difficult dance kind, respectful, and communicate in and might, for example, involve the exercise can also be helpful.” of helping to motivate kids but not a non-threatening manner. extra classes during school term. participating in extra murals. She concludes, “If parents can completely stress them out. Tere are “I” is to stay interested. Listen However, under-performance should “It’s important to maintain implement the abovementioned for such high levels of anxiety in children without giving advice, maintain eye- be effort and not performance (grade) real-life connections and engage in their children, not only will children and teenagers today, so it’s important contact, don’t interrupt, and seek to based. enjoyable activities during exam learn to trust that their bodies are to keep things in perspective” she understand. “For example, agree beforehand the time to encourage the release of trying to help them in stressful says. “V” is for validation, which doesn’t amount of hours needed to study for oxytocin – a neuro-hormone which situations, they will also know that “Our role can be facilitative rather mean that you agree or approve of a particular paper, and work towards acts as an anti-stress mediator. It acts they have your support, and that they than controlling and interfering. your child’s behaviour – it means that success in that way. Avoid emotional as anti-inflammatory in the body don’t have to do it alone.”

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For more details and to book your free consultation contact Ari Kruger 083 564 9073 or email [email protected] 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 A life of generosity and community – RIP Isaac Reznik ROBYN SASSEN Dr Warren Goldstein. chaplain. He was a staunch supporter for everyone. he started an online streaming In the 1970s, Reznik was of Israel. For five years, he presented service, 20Chai, assisted by his ondly known as South African managing editor of the Reznik was never shy to speak two weekly radio programmes on nephew Adrian Jacobson. Jewry’s walking encyclopaedia, Zionist Record. Over the his mind, but respected leadership ChaiFM: Talk of the Town and Art Reznik leaves his twin brother, Isaac Reznik deeply respected years, he helped many people implicitly. He was like a bridge to of the Cantor, the latter focused on Maish, and sister-in-law, Lorraine, Ftradition. He was unstintingly publish their own books. the community’s past; he touched chazonnus (cantorial singers). Both nephews, nieces, adopted daughter generous, and expressed He was for many lives; he had place in his heart were popular. When he left ChaiFM, Julia, and their families. in his several years, actions the the editor humility of Jewish Friend to all the chief rabbis and dignity Tradition, a Isaac Reznik had close relationships with all the chief rabbis of and excited in these discussions, and always had something of a good quarterly his time. Here are personal tributes from Chief Rabbi Dr Warren invaluable to share. He was a real bridge to previous generations man. Union of Goldstein and Ann Harris, wife of the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris: of South African Jewish life. I feel sad at his passing because as Reznik Synagogues a community, we have lost his connection to our past. worked publication. Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein Isaac was a loyal and dedicated servant of the community and for his For 36 years, Isaac Reznik served with four chief rabbis and generations of of Hashem. He served with humility, dedication, and real passion community, he was dayanim (judges) at the Beth Din. He was someone who could to serve. May his memory be a blessing. not for committed draw on his remarkable memory, and tell you the traditions and the sake of to the UOS decisions of Chief Rabbi Louis Rabinowitz, Chief Rabbi Bernard Ann Harris awards, but where Casper, and Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris. He would always pop Isaac Reznik was director of the chief rabbi’s office when Rabbi for the sake Isaak Resnik he was into my office with interesting pieces of information and news Harris took office in 1988. He was the first link between the new of his fellow director clippings. If ever I wanted to know what the precedent was chief rabbi and the community. Isaac knew everyone, and had an man. He between 1986 and for something and how my predecessors had handled similar encyclopaedic knowledge of South African Jewish history, both died on 25 October 2019 from heart 1990. During this time, he situations, Isaac was always there to provide the information of which were invaluable to the new incumbent. Rabbi Harris failure. He was 83. was also involved with the with a smile and a sparkle. History excited him. The traditions of was not the easiest of taskmasters. He was a perfectionist, and His was a life filled with the value Zionist Federation and the our community excited him. Isaac was his first target for grumbles. But Isaac’s good humour, that giving brings. Never having had Federation of Synagogues. With Isaac, there was never a dull moment. He was fascinated patience, and loyalty never wavered so that the uneven path wealth or children of his own, Reznik Furthermore, his spare time by life and by the community, and totally dedicated to preserving became a level playing field on which the community thrived. invested love in many directions. He was occupied with cemetery its ethos and vision. He knew what generations of dayanim Isaac was our family’s first friend in a new and challenging was a good friend, a careful listener, assistance and attending used to do, how they handled cases, and what the policies life. We will never cease to remember and appreciate his and an incisive facilitator who to Jewish prisoners as a were of generations of Batei Din. He was always so animated kindness to us all. could make other people’s dreams come true. Over the years, he wrote hundreds of beautiful obituaries The highs and lows of Cape Town’s cableway for community members, and was punctilious in remembering yahrtzeits TALI FEINBERG “Greg was about three or four Suddenly a woman said over a their staff around Cape Town. (memorial anniversaries). years old. It was the old cable car loudspeaker, ‘We have a problem.’ “Te last thing we did was to Reznik was like a father to many. able Mountain is the – it was rectangular, and we all Tere was an electricity outage, so go up Table Mountain. Most of He raised his four nephews and a emblem of Cape Town, and stood at the front looking over the we had to wait to go down.” our staff had never been up the niece from the 1980s when his sister October marks the 90th city. Next to us was a young man Mothers and children were mountain or on the cable car, became too ill to take care of them, Tanniversary of its aerial cableway with a haversack. We’re halfway allowed to go into the children’s even though they lived in Cape and later passed away. Julia, the child (known colloquially as “the cable up the mountain, when suddenly area in the cableway station called Town. We got permission to bring of his domestic help, was seven when car”). Tose who have visited from this young guy started climbing up the “Dassie’s Den” while they a live music band to the top of her mom died. Reznik became Julia’s near and far have fascinating on the windowsill. I got a fright; waited. “Tey offered us drinks and the mountain for the first time guardian, and raised and educated memories of this iconic adventure I thought maybe they were doing food on the house.” ever. Hot Water, a well-known her. up the mountain. repairs. South African band, played their An amateur photographer, Reznik In its nine decades of existence, Te next song Wamkelekile which means loved cooking, and started the first there have been only a few thing, he Eden and Roey Saban stuck “welcome” in Xhosa, and it was gym in Johannesburg’s northeast mishaps, but no accidents or jumped out in the Table Mountain cable absolutely spectacular.” suburb of Cyrildene in 1969, where injuries. the cable car in Cape Town Eden Saban, who is from Israel he pooled the talents of local judo and Table Mountain itself is about car, and but lives in Johannesburg, has a karate experts, espousing the value 260-million years old. Stone Age out of his rare harrowing story to share from of yoga. people roamed its hills, and later pack came a February 2012. From 1978, he was the owner of the San and Khoi people called it parachute!” She and her husband had gone Goldberg’s Jewish Book Shop, which Hoerikwaggo – Mountain in the recalls up Table Mountain as a last activity had branches all over the country Sea. Barnett. with their young children before and established a bookshop model Te cableway officially opened Tose they headed for the airport. But, for Wits Medical School. Te seeds on 4 October 1929, and is part of were the as the cable car went down, there of what is today Sukkah Mart were the Table Mountain National Park days when was an issue with the alignment, sown by Reznik in the 1980s when he and a World Heritage Site. It has the cable and it was forced to stop. Te car imported kosher lulavs and etrogs. transported more than 28 million car still was suspended in the air while Schooled at Athlone Boys’ High, people to the summit. had open mechanics worked urgently to fix Reznik, the son of a butcher, was born In the late 1870s, there was windows. it. on 14 October 1936 in the downtown a proposal for a railway to be “It was dangerous, because he Barnett remembers that people “We were stuck dangling in the Johannesburg suburb of Fairview. constructed as a means of getting could have been caught in the started coming into the room. Tey middle of the cables for about After matriculating, his interest in to the summit. Ten, a funicular wire.” told her that they had been about two hours, with a toddler and an politics was ignited. At 18, he was railway was envisioned. However, Greg, now in his 20s, still has to go down in the cable car when infant. Tey couldn’t get the lines the youngest member of the central it was only in 1926 that Norwegian clear memories of this moment in the electricity went out. Tere aligned, so the car couldn’t dock. committee of the United Party. He engineer Trygve Stromsoe his childhood. “I remember seeing was a tiny gap as the car had just Te cable car was jam packed, so studied pharmacy at Johannesburg proposed the construction of a the paraglider jump out of the started moving, and they had to we had to stand all that time, while Technical College, but worked in the cableway. cable car. I have this image in my evacuate or they would have been people around us were crying – Melrose Cheese factory. He built a model of his idea and head of this guy jumping out and left hanging in mid-air. probably in addition to our two After 10 years in the Jeppestown took it to Sir Alfred Hennessy, seeing a ‘balloon coming out of his Somehow, someone managed babies! Te windows were opened Hebrew Congregation, where he who got fellow investors Sir David head’ because that’s what I thought to find a piece of wood or an old to get some air in. As the sun served as treasurer, Reznik, his Graaff and Sir Ernest Oppenheimer was happening.” wooden door, which was placed started to set, my husband prayed siblings and parents moved to on board. Construction took two A few years later, Barnett, between the cable car and the the Amidah, and right afterwards, Cyrildene in the 1960s, and lived in years on the rugged cliffs of the Dorfman, and her other children, side of the building, and everyone the technicians got the cable car two neighbouring houses. He became mountain. Kim and Jaime, were back at the had to walk over it back onto the to work! When we were finally a committed congregant of Cyrildene Te Barnett family has two cable car, hoping for less drama mountain. Staff told them, ‘Look rescued, we rushed straight to the Shul under Rabbi Dennis Isaacs, and legendary cable-car stories. Te this time. Tey were wrong. “We into my eyes, don’t look down!’” airport to catch our flight home, they had a deep association, sincere first occurred about 20 years were going to see the sunset, and Jacqui Biess, the owner of the and caught it just in time!” enough to be critical. In 1991, Reznik ago, when Cecile Barnett, now it was a full moon, so there were well-known Charly’s Bakery in She says this experience is was elected gabbai at Cyrildene in her 80s, her daughter, Lauren queues of people to go up. I believe Cape Town, remembers filming rare, and people should enjoy the Shul. He had friendships with South Dorfman, and her grandson, Greg there were 1 000 people on the season two of the TV show Charly’s cableway as a unique Cape Town African Jewry’s great rabbonim Dorfman, decided to go up the mountain,” says Barnett . “It was Cake Angels, which looks at the experience. However, she plans to including Rabbi Louis Rabinowitz, cableway. Te Dorfmans were about 20:00, and we stood in the daily life and activities of the hike up the mountain if she visits Rabbi Yirmiyahu Alloy, Rabbi BM visiting from Australia. queue to go down the cable car. bakery. In one episode, they took again! Casper, Rabbi Cyril Harris, and Rabbi 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 Sydenham Preschool Singing in the sukkah at Rosabelle Klein helps Cause 4 Paws

Te staff of Sydenham Pre-Primary School visited Eikenhof in the south of Johannesburg last week to help Rene Parker of Cause 4 Paws to improve the well-being of dogs and cats in Jacksons Drift squatter camp by sterilising, vaccinating, and conducting outreach programmes. Te Sydenham team helped rescue a litter of puppies as well as bath, feed, and entertain the resident dogs. A sizeable donation of dog food, collars, leashes, blankets, plastic bowls, and cash was handed to Parker. We salute her and the Paw Rangers for their tireless efforts in spreading kindness to our voiceless furry friends.

KDL Pre-Primary has Grade Rs outside the sukkah with creations made for sukkahs at home. a lulav time in the Back: Max Antunes, Saul Grup, Sophie-Grace Rubin, Jesse Shalem, and Sienna Dodo. sukkah Front: Tali Stein, Aleya Swart, and Ben Hack. Children at King David Rosabelle Klein Nursery School love building the school’s mini King David Linksfield Pre-Primary sukkah, and then spend all their time in it – eating, drinking, singing, and playing. School pupil Judah Swill holds the lulav and etrog in preparation King David dominates maths olympiad team for Sukkot. Te children enjoyed King David Schools’ pupils featured strongly The team was led by Kitty Phillips from learning about the sukkah, and the in the International Teen Maths Olympiad Durban; Leigh Pleass, the head of maths mitzvot and traditions associated (ITMO) held in mid-October in Lucknow in development for King David schools and with this wonderful holiday. the north of India, with four of the 11 South executive board general secretary of the African team members hailing from the International Mathematics and Science school network. Olympiad; and Nicole Spector, the head of Grade 12’s vector Samara Jay, from King David High maths at King David Primary Linksfield. School Linksfield entered the key stage III Out of 280 delegates and 70 teams, South project wows judges competition for seniors. Her sister, Zoe Jay, Africa walked away with three runner-up from King David Primary Linksfield took part trophies, 14 bronze medals, and three King David Victory Park Grade 12 student Michael Rubin came in the key stage II competition for juniors, merit certificates, not to mention the non- first in the practical category at the 2019 Information Technology together with Mandy Wu, also from King mathematical trophy for the most exuberant Showcase held at Redhill in September. The competition features David Primary Linksfield, and Samuel Blou team. the Grade 12 IT projects of top students, and the judges included from King David Sandton. Each delegate won bronze for the team faculty members from three universities and industries such The South African delegation was among challenge; three boys won bronze for the as Microsoft South Africa. Rubin’s software, written in Java, is 18 countries that took part, mainly from individual competition including Samuel designed to teach physical science students about vectors and Europe, Africa, and Asia, some sending up to Blou; and Zoe Jay and Mandy Wu won merit Michael Rubin projectile motion. seven or eight teams to compete. certificates for the individual paper 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 Shabbat and the Rugby World Cup Final Has DA crisis burst white bubble? don’t remember which “breakthrough” agreement s the Democratic Alliance threatens to it was. But it was important. The Israelis and implode, the sense of security it has given Ithe Palestinians were finally about to reach an Athe small white population of South Africans, TAKING ISSUE agreement on the White House lawns, and peace many Jews among them, gets shakier. In spite of was about to come to the Middle East. At last. The INNER VOICE its flaws, its existence represented a political home only problem was that it was all to be announced on in a confusing context where they struggle to find Geoff Sifrin Friday afternoon in Washington, which meant that Howard Feldman another. This isn’t ideological in terms of helping Shabbat would have already started in Israel (which to build a great country to tackle the misery of the developing their own communities and institutions, is where we were that weekend). without knowing the score, we would be informed. masses, but mainly about a personal standard of and limiting their engagement with broader We had probably been married for about 11 years, Nevertheless, that was the plan. That was until living and security. society, government, and national bodies to a which meant we were still getting to know each some-time in the afternoon when I could take it To put it more crudely, can they still preserve minimum. They build their own schools, welfare other. It might even have been that weekend when no longer. And so, while everyone was sleeping, I their box of privileged life amidst mass poverty? organisations, and financial institutions. In a sense we finally declared the honeymoon phase over. snuck quietly down the stairs to our housekeeper, The DA seemed to offer this. Everyone knows that they have “left” the country but remain here. And all because I suggested to my bride that Jane’s, room, where I knew that she and her the white liberal minority on which the DA depends Second, there are those who aggressively stand perhaps, given the gravitas of the event, we might friends would be watching the game. is small in number, but immensely powerful in their ground as African, declaring to all that they consider leaving the television on. We wouldn’t be I found it full of people. Jane and her friends, wealth and influence. are fully South African in spite of being white, transgressing any rules, and could even leave the a few of my friends, and some of my brothers’ Whites who teach in universities and work in and intend staying. They insist on participating in sound down so that we wouldn’t disturb the peace friends had packed themselves into what was not managerial positions in business and elsewhere the non-racial project and broader society on an of the day. a large room. Together, we all watched the end of report a pervasive anger among young blacks equal basis no matter how much rejection they It didn’t go well. Not at all. I would have thought the finals. today towards whites, and accusations of racism experience from black pan-Africanists, and in spite that the given that the conversation was all about But it was an unforgettable experience. The day based on minor incidents. Whites who weren’t of the anger and accusations that they are still sanctity, she would have avoided the type of became a symbol for me. It was 1995, we were just born during apartheid are accused of blocking privileged white colonialists. language that followed. post-apartheid and indeed, bridges could be built. transformation, and made to feel unwelcome in Third, there are those who drift around in the Which is why when my one son wondered if As much as I’m excited about the finals and this country. Their response is, “Yes I know the middle, bouncing between the poles in search of there would be anything wrong with leaving the as much as I care about the outcome, I have no terrible history of black oppression, but what do their identity, longing to leave but knowing they television on this Shabbat to watch the South intention of leaving the television on or watching you expect me to do now? Is the only route for me can’t, trying to feel more for the South African Africa-England game, I smiled at him sweetly and the game. I have no intention of finding a “halachic” to accept your rage and leave?” project but knowing that they will never feel truly said, “Why don’t you go and ask mom?” way to do so, and I am more comfortable than I After Sharpeville in 1960, some whites left African. It is this third group who are the most There is something 1995 about this Rugby World have ever been about this. the country because they felt it was destined to miserable. Cup final. The camaraderie and togetherness is For years, I allowed the negative anxiety of the plunge over the precipice and didn’t want to raise And then, of course, there is a group which immensely powerful. In the past few months, many outside world to infiltrate and pollute the day (even families in such a place; others left for moral doesn’t have to be counted here: those whose South Africans have made a deliberate choice to in my mind) and it’s only with maturity that I realise reasons because they didn’t want to be part of the applications for emigration to Australia or other shun negativity and embrace each other. The fact that we can’t have one without the other. If I allow racist apartheid system. Apartheid is gone, but the places are already in process, and are simply that we are in the finals plays perfectly into this. myself the joy of this game this Shabbat, there essentials of this racial disparity still exist. waiting to go. When South Africa played in the finals in 1995 it will be something else to tempt me from keeping Where do Jews stand in this scenario? Must The fact that the debate about the predicament was also on Shabbat. I recall it so clearly. We were Shabbos next week, and so it goes on. they follow the white exodus, for safety or moral in the DA is happening every day around white staying at my parents for Shabbat, and had all It doesn’t mean that I won’t be thinking about reasons? dinner tables shows how unsettling the problem decided that we would not get the result, but rather it and that it will be easy. But should I find myself Three categories of whites and Jews remain is. The party may yet regroup, but rather than see watch it on Betamax. The plan was ridiculously wavering at any time, all I’ll do is ask my wife what here. First, there are those who would like to this crisis as a collapse of the political landscape naïve given that Observatory is so close to Ellis she thinks. leave, but for whom emigration is impossible for that gave reassurance to whites, it could present Park where the finals were being held. It meant that Go Bokke and Shabbat shalom! financial or other reasons. They are reconciled to a significant opportunity to realign the mindset of staying and making the best of it, knowing they South African whites and clarify why and on what will never be truly African. They live in a bubble, terms they are living here.

A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies SAJBD conference debates critical issues Preparations for the South African Jewish Board of Deputies’ (SAJBD’s) biennial national conference, to take place at the Houghton Hotel on 10 November, have entered their final ABOVE BOARD stretch. As suggested by the title of this year’s Shaun Zagnoev event, “Unpacking Reality”, the aim is to explore honestly and rigorously various questions centenary conference in 2003 and named relating to the situation in which our country after two of the community’s foremost finds itself. philanthropists. Te practice has been to Te main part of the conference will take present it both to a lay leader and a Jewish the form of a panel debate, moderated by communal professional. Tis year, there will be acclaimed journalist and author Mandy Wiener, three recipients: Marlene Bethlehem and Cape focusing on critical issues such as the economy, Town’s Merle Reuben, who between them have education, social upliftment, and human rights. rendered more than a century of outstanding We have put together a distinguished panel of service in a lay capacity to the community, and acknowledged experts in their fields comprising Shirley Resnick, a long-serving member of the business leaders Dr Reuel Khoza (also renowned professional staff of the Johannesburg Chevrah as an author, academic, and thought leader) Kadisha, who truly epitomises the ethos of and Robbie Brozin; Wits Vice-Chancellor Adam selfless caring and compassion that has always Habib; Judge David Unterhalter; and SAJBD distinguished that wonderful institution. president and World Jewish Congress executive In addition to the above awards, it has been CLARITY. member Mary Kluk. decided to pay tribute to the many outstanding National conference is also an occasion lawyers who have devoted their time and ORDER. to honour the members of our community professional skills to the SAJBD throughout its judged to have made a particularly noteworthy history. Specific reference will be made to four DIRECTION. contribution to our society, whether that towering figures who passed away in the course be South Africa as a whole or the Jewish of the present century, namely Ivan Levy and Our team of over 1 400 professionals, operating from 7 offices in South Africa, offers a unique community specifically. Tis time round, the Harry Schwarz from Johannesburg, and Mervyn combination of local market knowledge coupled Rabbi Cyril and Ann Harris Human Rights Smith and Solly Kessler from Cape Town. with an international network, personal service and Award, which recognises those who have We look forward to welcoming you to this a professional approach. We shine a unique lens on clients’ businesses to see the people beyond the advanced the cause of democracy and social prestigious occasion, which is as much a numbers and establish where they are going. justice, will be presented in memory of Johnny celebration of what our community is all about Clegg, an iconic figure whose path-blazing music as it is about reporting back to our constituency. www.bdo.co.za did so much to bring South Africans together As seating is limited and bookings are filling up during the tumultuous final years of apartheid, fast, those interested in attending should log on and who sadly passed away earlier this year to www.sajbd.org/events as soon as they can to shortly after the decision made by the board to book their places. honour him. Te Eric Samson Mendel Kaplan Communal • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, Service Award was introduced at the board’s 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.

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Tis column is paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies 1 – 8 November 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 19

Sukkah party celebrates community service Letters osherWorld and the Union of Jewish Women SA JEWISH REPORT A RIVETING READ (UJW) held a party at As the former assistant editor of The • The magazine-like, highly informative, Kthe KosherWorld sukkah in Johannesburg Jewish Herald (1956-1961), in-depth reporting; October to honour employees I feel compelled to compliment the editor of • An excellent standard of professional and volunteers in community the SA Jewish Report, Peta Krost Maunder, journalism from the likes of Tali Feinberg, organisations who are on the outstanding quality and relevance of Jordan Moshe, and Nicola Miltz; responsible for the organisations’ the current weekly SA Jewish Report. • Superb editorials and opinion pieces (as success and continued impact on It is surely no exaggeration to describe well as my favourite columnists Paula the community. the content and the style of the publication Slier, Howard Feldman, and Geoff Sifrin); Te staff and volunteers of Yad as a “riveting read”, covering the broad and Aharon & Michael, Hatzolah, spectrum of South African, Israel, and world • A great contemporary design/layout and and Kosher Mobile Meals were Jewish socio-economic and political issues effective editorial co-ordination. treated to a delicious dinner Wazza Katz (Hatzolah), Tana Genn (UJW) and Hilly Reuben (Hatzolah) from a Jewish/Zionist perspective. Wishing you all the best at the made possible by the generosity thank Tendachick, FreshFellas, evening. UJW is also grateful Aspects that stand out include the commencement of another year of good of local businesses. Hubertos, and Feigels for their to KosherWorld for hosting the following: work. – David Abel, Somerset West Te UJW and KosherWorld generosity in supporting the event. PEOPLE OF COLOUR SHOULD BE MORE SENSITIVE ABOUT ANTI-SEMITISM The most recent edition of the SA Jewish too, have suffered through colonialism, Advancing Sacred goal of unity and tolerance Report – and indeed previous editions – slavery, and apartheid, which discriminated discuss the importance of the interfaith work in rogressive Rabbi Julia Margolis, the have had their fair share of reports about against their race. They must be held to Johannesburg,” she said. chairperson of Sacred (the South African anti-Jewish sentiment expressed either by account for the anti-Jewish sentiment that “As religious leaders, we have to encourage Centre for Religious Equality and Diversity), government officials or cowardly slime who some of them express. interfaith communication. It’s important not to Pwas recently invited by the Ahmadiyya Muslim spew hatred on various social media. We have a lot more in common than marginalise people of other faiths, including those It’s very disappointing that there are most people in either of these two groups community in Johannesburg to participate in an who don’t identify with faith at all,” Margolis says. interfaith peace symposium and give an address on “We understand that we won’t be able to resolve native African people, people of colour, would think. Perhaps we could help each the topic “unity in diversity”. all our faith-based differences, but we can learn to whether they are in government or not, other if we tried. “It was beautiful to see representatives of so appreciate others’ faiths. In spite of having different who are anti-Jewish. White supremacists On another note, there was a letter many communities and religions come together to beliefs, we should still be able to work put black people and Jewish people in a commending the SA Jewish Report for together for the betterment of our society similar category, and hate us both. raising funds for rape survivors. I have to address issues such as homelessness, Racist Jews are criticised for their said it before, and I’ll say it again: women hunger, job opportunities, and projects in the beliefs. We Jews were victims of the should take self-defence classes. Take community of Johannesburg. Holocaust; we were hated based on being them before a life threatening situation “SACRED’s aim is to provide a progressive Jewish by birth, something that cannot be arises. Take them so that you learn how Jewish voice on relevant social, moral, ethical, changed (regardless of how hard some to prevent becoming a victim of rape and and religious issues in South Africa, to tried). Of all people, we Jews should know other crime. Be proactive. Don’t wait until counteract religious discrimination in all its that discriminating against someone based something horrible happens, and then react forms, to advance freedom of religion, and to on their race, or some other category, is by taking a self-defence class. Because promote fundamental rights and freedoms wrong. if you survive the assault, you will need through advocacy, activism, scholarly If this is so, then we must also criticise therapy as well as self-defence skills. – Rabbi Julia Margolis with the contributions to public discourse and public people of colour who are anti-Jewish. They, Michele Engelberg, Johannesburg Ahmadiyya Muslim community interest litigation.” Sunday (3 November) AT Resilience workshop with Lara Noik SA Methodist Church formally adopts BDS • Open ongoing Nechama Growth From H ’S and Tova Goldstein. Time: 18:00. >> Continued from page 1 Grief support group. Time: Tea from W Venue: ORT SA Academy,

O

09:30, group starts at 10:00 to 11:30. 44 Central Street, corner said the MCSA’s adoption of BDS and a respected policy fellow at the N came as no surprise as some of Institute for Race Relations, John Venue: Jossel Card Room, Ground 10th Avenue, Houghton. “The church has been its leaders have been outspokenly Kane-Berman, wrote on politicsweb. Floor, Golden Acres, George Avenue, RSVP: [email protected] anti-Israel and have hosted pro- brought into disrepute co.za that he rejected his church’s Sandringham. No need to book. Men and Thursday (7 November) Palestinian events at their churches. by supporting BDS, embracing of the global BDS women welcome. Contact Linda Fleishman • ORT Jet presents The Alexander Technique: bringing However, on social media, some movement, “which is dedicated to which is acknowledged 011 532 9701. harmony and contentment into your life with Caryn Christian South Africans expressed the stigmatisation, isolation, and Monday (4 November) Katz. Time: 18:00 to 20:00. Venue: ORT SA their disappointment. Kevin globally as an anti- ultimate destruction of the state of • The Union of Jewish Women hosts Professor Academy: 44 Central Street, corner 10th Avenue, M Joubert wrote on the MCSA Semitic organisation. It’s Israel”. Facebook page, “Disgusted in my “To this end, it has embarked on a Kathy Munro, the chairperson of the Johannesburg Houghton. Cost: R100 for members, R200 for disgraceful behaviour.” Heritage Foundation and honorary associate non-members. church for supporting the terrorist- campaign to capture governments, professor at the school of architecture and • Hebrew speakers meet at 10:30 on the second aligned BDS movement.” Pierre De Jager agreed, “Te Bible international agencies, newspapers, planning, University of the Witwatersrand, on floor of Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene. “Te Methodist and Anglican is our highest authority and not the non-governmental organisations, Church then can boycott the Bible politics in the so-called churches. and academic institutions around the The Yeoville Water Tower – an Unknown Part of All welcome. too because the Bible was made in Te Bible commands us to stand world,” Kane-Berman wrote. “One our History. Time: 10:00. Venue: 1 Oak Street, • Learn Yiddish every Thursday with Tamar Olswang Israel too. Let them keep their BDS with Israel. Te Israel-haters in the thing is certain, the BDS campaign, Houghton. Donation: R40. Contact: UJW office and the UJW. Time: 10.00 to 11.00. Venue: 1 Oak while we keep our Bible with all its church brought the curse of G-d on whether or not endorsed by the 011 648 1053. Street, Houghton. Cost: R100 per person, R80 for prophesy about Israel, yesterday, our country, and we can see it every Anglican Communion, will not bring Tuesday (5 November) pensioners and UJW members. Includes tea/coffee now, and in the future,” wrote day.” peace between Palestinians and • ORT SA CareerHub presents an Innate Health and refreshments. Contact: 011 648 1053. Tumelo Tom. A member of the Anglican Church Israelis.”

R2,200 Savings for SAJR readers! Cannabis Industry Education, Code: SAJR150 Networking & Dealflow Tickets R12,350 Join cannabis researchers and entrepreneurs from across Africa, canna-tech.com/capetown Israel and the world to register Cape Town 25 & 26 November Info: 063 601 4480 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 1 – 8 November 2019 ‘The gees is unbelievable’ says rugby coach LUKE ALFRED down to a kicking game and a try here or Musikanth, whose Ikeys also won the “It means that we’ve played 20% more there.” World Varsity Cup in 2015, is a great fan of rugby than England have, because we evin Musikanth, the coach of the Evan Speechly, who was the Springbok Erasmus, calling it a masterstroke that he’s played all our pool games,” he says. “Eddie Israeli national side and the UCT physiotherapist when Joel Stransky been able to adapt and extend historical realises that what it boils down to is a (University of Cape Town) Ikeys, the slotted that never-to-be-forgotten drop- Bok strengths like forward dominance, marathon runner who runs 5km before the Kwinner of the Varsity Cup in 2014, is upbeat goal against the All Blacks in extra-time strong defence, and the kicking game. start of the main race. That’s going to be about South Africa’s chances in Saturday’s at Ellis Park in 1995, doesn’t think twice That said, he’s also a great admirer of huge.” Rugby World Cup final against England. when asked about the Sydney-born While not discounting England, “We can win it,” he says, noting that Bok who will emerge Jones, saying that Musikanth remains an evangelist for all coach Rassie Erasmus has built on traditional victorious in Japan. the quality of that is green and gold. Having showed South African rugby strengths of superb “There is no doubt England’s physical steady improvement under Erasmus, he’s conditioning and unremitting physicality. that South Africa and mental not surprised that the Boks have reached “He’s backed his captain, Siya Kolisi, in a are going to win preparation the final, and thinks they can go all the similar way to the way that Jake White this final,” he said has been truly way. backed John Smit when Jake first started from Dubai, where astounding. out as coach, and he’s taken the template he is assisting the “Eddie’s going to of White and Kitch Christie and focused on Dutch cricket team have good insight traditional South African rugby strengths.” in an International into our plans “We really are looking incredibly [Jones was part of strong. It’s an extremely well-drilled White’s coaching staff when the squad and just the gees [spirit], Springboks last as we say, is looking unbelievable won the World Kevin Musikanth in that side.” Cup in 2007] because of his involvement with the Boks. The game is Should Kolisi be lifting The Webb Ellis going to be cracker.” Cup aloft in Yokohama on Saturday, it will He notes that both South Africa and be an incredible journey for the youngster England use an aggressive, in-your-face from the Port Elizabeth township of defence, and this is going to give the final Zwide. A boarder at Grey High in Port a bruising intensity. “They’ve got hitters, Elizabeth, Kolisi lost both his mother and big tacklers, like Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola, grandmother when he was a boy, his path and Sam Underhill who all showed how being littered with obstacles that would Kieran Read and Beauden Barrett were have hobbled the more faint-hearted. smashed back in those hits in the semi- If Musikanth tends to see things through final. New Zealand were rocked back, green-tinted spectacles, he’s also Israel’s and were unable to gain any attacking national coach, and bemoans the fact that momentum. We would need to be aware of rugby doesn’t have more opportunity for that. smaller nations. “There was a plan for a “England’s defence has been incredibly promotion-relegation system through what effective in the tournament so far,” he was called the Nations Cup which gave a says. “They kept New Zealand down to team like Georgia the opportunity to get That said, Musikanth believes that the Cricket Council (ICC) T20 tournament. seven points; they kept Argentina down into the Six Nations, but it was shelved. I final against Eddie Jones’ England in “We really are looking incredibly strong. to ten points; Australia – a side which can never really found out the reasons why.” Yokohama on Saturday won’t be everyone’s It’s an extremely well-drilled squad and attack from basically anywhere on the Such dynamism would have been good cup of tea. It will be rugby for the die-hard just the gees [spirit], as we say, is looking pitch – were kept to 16 points. That’s really for all the smaller rugby-playing nations, fan and aficionado, he predicts, custom- unbelievable in that side. remarkable.” including Israel, because it would have made for those who like their rugby dour “All of us in Dubai see it as [a Springbok Musikanth also points out that not given them something to build for. Israel’s and attritional. “This is a rugby purists’ win] about to happen,” Speechly said. playing France (the points were shared next fixture is against Malta in March. Rest dream final,” he says. “Everyone would like “The 1995 group are confident it’s going when the game was cancelled due to assured, they’ll be preparing for it with the flair brought to the game by, say, a New to happen, so we are all looking to a great Typhoon Hagibis) will clearly be to the same kind of intensity the Boks are Zealand or a France, but this is going to be final.” England’s advantage come Saturday’s final. bringing to Saturday’s World Cup final.

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