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south african n Volume 23 – Number 13 n 12 April 2019 n 7 Nisan 5779

The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za Downgrade the ‘biggest issue to affect SA Jewry in modern times’ NICOLA MILTZ A shocked Krengel responded this week by Said Krengel, “We have asked Israel not She said that while they wanted Jewish saying, “It has been a rough few days.” to overreact and recall its ambassador.” As investment, “a Jewish population of 60 000 he Jewish community has been shaken This is not surprising considering that would generally happen, once an ambassador is electorally irrelevant”. to its core by Minister of International President Cyril Ramaphosa has on a number of one country is recalled, the other country “I don’t think the ANC realises how Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe of occasions assured the community of the would likely do the same. “We have asked the irrelevant South Africa has become globally TSisulu’s announcement last week that all government’s desire to continue to play a Israeli government not to abandon South in the past decade. It won’t affect Israel, relations with Israel were being severed. She meaningful and constructive role in peace Africa and South African Jewry. Israel is which offers the world very much more than also categorically stated that the downgrade negotiations in the troubled Middle East helping to uplift the lives of South Africans we do. It may bolster the ANC’s credentials of the South African Embassy in Israel was region. daily with major projects in the fields of for a while with itself, BDS [the Boycott already in progress. Krengel said the announcements came as water, technology, and security.” Divestment Sanctions movement] and “This is the single biggest issue to affect a surprise last week because, “Our view was Sisulu, meanwhile, has received wide- Hamas, but it will have absolutely no role to South African Jewry in modern times,” Zev always that a certain level of common sense ranging support for her announcement from play in resolving the conflict. Krengel, the vice-president of the South would prevail. You can’t play a diplomatic traditionally anti-Israel organisations such “If the ANC really wanted to do African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), role in peace negotiations if you have no as the ANC, the Congress of South Africa something, it would push the Palestinians to told the SA Jewish Report this week. diplomatic relations.” Trade Unions, the South African Communist get to the negotiating table soonest. If it did, Asked why an embassy downgrade in Israel He said more and more countries were Party, and other pro-Palestinian lobby it would discover that the Palestinians are and possibly in South Africa was such a big establishing strong diplomatic and other ties groups. very unlikely to heed its calls.” issue for the community, Krengel responded with Israel, not only in Africa but even in Sara Gon of the Institute of Race Relations In an article she penned in The Daily by saying it was emotional. the Middle East itself, and within the BRICS (IRR) told the SA Jewish Report, “We can Friend, the online news platform of the “We’ve had an Israeli representative in (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) be sure that the ANC and some opposition IRR, Gon said, “The position seems to be South Africa and Israel since 1950. It is a association. parties want to be seen to punish Israel.” Continued on page 8>> little piece of Israel sitting in our country. “I think what hurts We are a proud Zionist community, we love the most is that Israel South Africa, we love Israel, and it gives us is the only country a biblical link to our Jewish state. It will being singled out.” be a devastating blow if Israel recalls its Said Krengel, “If ambassador. We live at a time where there is the downgrade of a Jewish state, so to live without diplomatic the South African relations is like going to shul and not having Embassy in Israel a Torah in the ark.” goes ahead, which The SA Jewish Report revealed last week the minister says it that in her address to foreign dignitaries will, it’s the single and media at the South African Institute of worst government International Affairs, Sisulu responded to a legislation to affect question by saying, “We are putting together our community in a programme of downgrading our relations recent history.” with Israel in line with the resolutions that Over the past were taken by the ANC [African National week, the SAJBD Congress].” has been tirelessly However, she skipped over her prepared meeting with role statement on this issue which went further, players at the highest saying that “stage one [of the downgrade] level in a frantic bid has been completed”. to sway impending The written speech went on, “Our downgrade decisions. ambassador is back in South Africa, and we It has reached out will not be replacing him. Our liaison office to the Presidency, Public Enterprises Minister in Tel Aviv will have no political mandate, the Department Pravin Gordhan has a no trade mandate, and no development co- of International moment with Israeli operation mandate. It will not be responsible Relations and Ambassador Lior Keinan for trade and commercial activities. The Cooperation, the Bridge across focus of the liaison office will be consular, Israeli Foreign at a briefing for Jewish and the facilitation of people-to-people Ministry, and the business leaders. relations.” ANC. the divide See page 5

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082 401 8239 / 076 210 6532 then assisted the injured motorcyclist until it arrived. He was on There have been 285 reported cases of measles in Brooklyn’s FREE QUOTATIONS his way from Ashdod to Rishon Lezion to gin up votes on Tuesday. Orthodox Jewish community since October, including 246 children, WCBS-TV reported, citing the health department. “The measles vaccine works. It is safe, it is effective, it is time-tested. Airbnb to cancel its ban on West Bank The faster everyone heeds the order, the faster we can lift it,” De Blasio settlement listings said. In a reversal of a 2018 policy announcement, Airbnb will not Ilhan Omar calls Stephen Miller a white remove West Bank settlement listings from its website. The policy change came in a court settlement on Monday nationalist between the vacation rental company and a dozen American Jewish Right-wing critics railed against Representative Ilhan Omar for calling plaintiffs who had sued the company, organised by the Shurat White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller a “white nationalist” Hadin-Israel Law Center, a pro-Israel law organisation. amid a string of tweets decrying the Trump administration’s hard-line Airbnb announced in November that it would remove about 200 immigration reform policies. rental listings in West Bank settlements The detractors accused the Minnesota Democrat of targeting Jews - a because it contended that the settlements claim she has heard several times since joining congress in January. “are at the core of the dispute between Omar targeted Miller, who is Jewish, just days after President Donald Israelis and Palestinians”. The movement to Trump said the country could not take in any more refugees. “Our MichaelQUALITY WORKMANSHIP David boycott Israel saw the decision as a victory. country is full, can’t come, I’m sorry,” Trump said during a speech in Las But Airbnb never actually removed Vegas at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual meeting. the listings. And, about a week after the Omar has had a strained relationship with the Jewish community since Tired of your old worn-out furniture? Rejuvenate your home... decision, Shurat Hadin organised the suit on taking office, after employing anti-Semitic tropes about dual loyalty and behalf of a dozen American Jewish families, Jews and money, and the resurfacing of past tweets considered anti- CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY & FURNITURE REPAIRS most of whom own properties in West Semitic. Omar’s tweet was accompanied by an article indicating that Michael 082 820 7091 Warren 072 940 7757 Bank settlements. The suit was filed under Miller had convinced the Fair Housing Act, which was meant to Trump to appoint a 430 Louis Botha Avenue, cnr Main Street, Rouxville Shabbat times this week prevent discrimination against minorities in tougher candidate to the United States. lead the Immigration Starts Ends In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs claimed and Customs 17:37 18:26 Johannesburg that Airbnb was discriminating against Enforcement office. 18:10 19:00 Cape Town VEHICLES WANTED them for being Jewish, given that it still 17:23 18:12 Durban allowed listings by Palestinian Muslims and • A ll briefs supplied by 17:42 18:32 Bloemfontein Christians in the West Bank. JTA 17:41 18:32 Port Elizabeth 17:32 18:23 East London Torah Thought Achieving greatness with Shabbat Hagadol his Shabbat bears the title of it is the story of our salvation from He said any being Shabbat Hagadol – the Egyptian bondage that is the basis of all Jewish child could Any make, any model, any condition TGreat Shabbat. There are many Jewish pride and existence. Our entire tell you that 3 300 reasons advanced as to why the national existence is built upon the years ago, the Accident damaged vehicles and non-runners also wanted Rabbi Danny Shabbat that precedes the great holiday remembrance of that event that started Jewish people were Sackstein, % of Pesach is called Shabbat Hagadol. our history as a nation. led out of Egypt to Sunny Road Arnold Orkin 082 823 7826 It reminds us of the first Pesach in The Peel Commission of 1936 was Israel by Moshe Kehilla AUTO AFRICA Egypt, when the tenth of Nissan, the a British Royal Commission of Inquiry their leader, and there were more day of taking the Paschal lamb, fell on set out to propose changes to the than 600 000 males over the age of Shabbat. There is also the great Haftorah British Mandate for Palestine. One 20. It was a Thursday morning, and from the prophet Malachi that speaks of of the people interviewed was David they ate matzah. Ben-Gurion ended the “great day” at the time of the final Ben-Gurion. Ben-Gurion turned to the his presentation by emphasising this redemption. But the truth is that the British members of the commission, unique quality of the Jewish nation, and title is granted to this Shabbat simply and asked if the average British child that we needed to come home. because of its association with Pesach. knew about the founders of their nation. Pesach instils in our children an Greatness is an emotion that comes He asked the Americans how many awareness of our beginning as a from self-confidence and self-worth. children in the United States could people. When we know where we Great people have always felt the relay the momentous voyage more than come from, we will know where we are beat of greatness within themselves. 300 years ago of the Mayflower that supposed to be going. Greatness presupposes a feeling landed at Plymouth Rock? Who was The seder is the time to “passover” of being special, of importance and their leader? How many people were to our children loads of Jewish identity purpose. The entire message of Pesach involved? What day was it? What did and pride, to plant within them and is therefore one of greatness. For they eat? ourselves the seeds of greatness.

Editor Peta Krost Maunder – [email protected] • Sub-editor Julie Leibowitz Journalists: Nicola Miltz • Tali Feinberg • Jordan Moshe The source of quality content, news and insights Editorial co-ordinator Martine Bass – [email protected] Proofreader Kim Hatchuel – [email protected] • CEO Dani Kedar – [email protected] • Advertising Britt Landsman: 082 292 9520 – [email protected] • Design and layout Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – [email protected] Subscriptions Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860 525 200 • Board of Directors Howard Sackstein (Chairperson), Herby Rosenberg, 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.

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: 011 484 3619. You can also contact our Case Officer on [email protected] or lodge a complaint on their website: www.presscouncil.org.za 12 – 19 April 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 King Bibi is here to stay “This is an unimaginable achievement,” criticising Netanyahu’s settlement building and a weakening of the left-centre camp. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans. However, it’s unlikely such statements – Netanyahu is also facing legal hurdles that told exuberant supporters in the early hours which would make the creation of a Palestinian have him in embroiled in five corruption of Wednesday morning. DATELINE: state impossible – are in line with the proposed charges. There is nothing in Israeli law that Netanyahu was talking at his Likud party MIDDLE EAST peace plan. prevents a sitting prime minister from headquarters in Tel Aviv, where more than Neither Palestinians nor Israeli Arabs are standing trial and remaining in office even 2 000 well-wishers turned out to wave Paula Slier fans of Netanyahu. The 61% voter turnout while his appeal is being heard. Israeli flags to the accompaniment of blaring among the Arab community is significantly The process could take years. Interestingly, music and decorations falling from the sky. The coalition partners. Having said that, a more lower than in previous years. This is due in part this was not an important factor listed by prime minister stopped every few sentences to united centre and centre-left opposition in the to division within the community as well as voters in the polls before the elections. take in the applause. new government will keep him in check. disillusionment over whether Israeli elections As Israelis try to understand the “I am very moved tonight,” he beamed, “a But the prime minister has his work cut out bring real change. implications of this week’s results, a few things night of tremendous victory. I am very excited for him, and it could soon be payback time. His Representing about 20% of Israeli society, remain clear. that the people of Israel once again trusted me close ally, American president Donald Trump, the United Arab List was the third largest The country’s foreign policy is unlikely to for the fifth time, and with greater confidence.” is due to unveil his so-called Middle East “deal party in the previous parliament. Ahead of change. Israel will continue to be ruled a by a In what was widely seen as a referendum of the century” that will no doubt require the elections, it split into two parties, one of right-wing coalition. And King Bibi – as he is on Netanyahu’s leadership, by Wednesday Netanyahu to make concessions his right-wing which is not guaranteed to pass the threshold. both affectionately and disparagingly referred afternoon, with 97% of the votes counted, the support base presumably won’t be in favour of. In the bigger picture, this means a smaller to – has once again proven his detractors premier had mustered 35 Knesset (parliament) Until now, Trump has only boosted representation of Arab citizens in the Knesset, wrong. He is here to stay. seats. Netanyahu’s standing by recognising It was his best showing ever, and puts him Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving well on the path to taking office for a fourth his embassy there from Tel Aviv. He also SA-Israel relations could worsen with consecutive, and fifth overall term. This recently recognised Israeli sovereignty of the means, come July, he will become Israel’s Golan Heights, and on the eve of this week’s continued Netanyahu leadership longest serving prime minister, overtaking elections, announced that he considers Iran’s TALI FEINBERG an ambassador back to Israel. I see no sign of the country’s founder, David Ben-Gurion, who elite Revolutionary Guards to be a terrorist any such concessions in the near future. South until now held this title. organisation. ith Benjamin Netanyahu Africa would probably have preferred a Kachol But while Netanyahu is championing Just what the American president’s demands positioned to lead Israel for a fifth Lavan [centrist party] win, as relations under his success, he’ll face competition moving will be remains to be seen. But, there were term following this week’s election, Likud have been strained,” Gruzd says. “It’s set forward. Not least of all from political W to be another centre-right coalition, it seems. newcomer, former Israeli Defense Until the peace process resumes in earnest, Forces chief and head of the Blue and South Africa’s position is unlikely to shift, and White Party, Benny Gantz. Before the may even harden.” votes of soldiers and Israeli diplomats Political analyst Wayne Sussman says, “I based outside the country were don’t think the new government, no matter counted (uncompleted at the time of what the outcome, will change the status quo writing) Gantz had garnered the same with South Africa in the short to medium 35 mandates as Netanyahu. So, just term.” 13 000 votes separated the two in the That’s because he predicts there will be an prime minister’s favour. extremely right-wing coalition government, Positioning himself on the centre- including the ultra-orthodox parties Shas and left of the Israeli political spectrum, United Torah Judaism, the far-right United Gantz campaigned under the slogan Right List, and former Finance Minister Moshe of change, and rallied many of the Kahlon’s Kulanu party. country’s disillusioned Netanyahu To make the South African government critics behind him. It’s an excellent happy, Israel would have to be led by a left- achievement for a new party, but wing government. Sussman says it was a it fell short of assuring a majority “catastrophic night for the left”, and he is not coalition. sure if Labour and Meretz can survive until the This is what Israeli politics is all next election. about. For a party to govern, it must Sara and Benjamin Meanwhile, Zev Krengel, the vice-president be able to form a 60-plus majority Netanyahu of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, in the 120 seated Knesset. And this says, “The elections in Israel were free and is where Netanyahu has the advantage – murmurs of disapproval from Washington will it have any impact on South Africa’s fair, and indicative of its robust democracy. regardless of whether or not he beat Gantz in over comments Netanyahu made just days relationship with the Jewish state? We congratulate the winning party, and as the numbers game. before the election. “I don’t expect the election results to have diaspora Jewry, we look forward to working For weeks prior to the elections – and no Last weekend, he pledged to annex huge much effect, whatever the coalition results. with whichever government the Israelis have doubt also in the weeks to come – Netanyahu swathes of the West Bank, where Israeli South Africa is waiting for major concessions chosen.” has been building his coalition. He’s expected settlements stand. He said Israel would take to the Palestinians, which was virtually a non- “We are thrilled to have witnessed another to put together 65 mandates, four more than not just the big clusters of Jewish settlements, issue in these elections,” says Steven Gruzd, successful and peaceful election in the he held during his previous term in office. mostly around Jerusalem, but also the settler foreign policy analyst at the South African sovereign, democratic Jewish state,” says This will allow him to breathe more easily, outposts deep inside the West Bank. Institute of International Affairs. Rowan Polovin, the chairperson of the South and be less choked by the demands of his Trump has deliberately held back from “It has made this its condition for sending African Zionist Federation Cape Council.

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There is an upgraded venue for Ioff a multi-pronged investigation Rabbi Motti Groner was appointed the shechita of lamb. The majority and calls for a sweeping revamp of as the new RC in food services. of lamb shechita is taking place kashrut. Has anything changed? Inspectors have streamlined on a separate day to beef shechita, Apparently there are now inspections using a new digital which according to Goldstein, procedures in place to handle “tip inspection process as opposed to the “ensures that the shochtim are less offs” from the community, according outdated, time consuming process of pressurised in order to comply with to the head of the Beth Din’s filling out paper forms, according to the AKO recommendations”. Kosher Department, Rabbi Dovi the report. There is a dedicated bodek Goldstein. Now, calls are recorded, Goldstein says the department sakinin (the person that checks and information is filed and will soon introduce a new Mehadrin the knife after every shechita) for investigated, he told the SA Jewish standard at functions “for people both beef and lamb shechita, and Report this week. who want it”, requiring a “thorough a dedicated mashgiach as an extra In a report the department investigation of the menu, and an precautionary measure to monitor released this week, Goldstein said additional mashgiach present at all labelling. 80% of kosher establishments now production and at the function”. “The kosher team has put its have CCTV systems in place, and Following the Stan & Pete head down, and there has been a the department is integrating the incident, the spotlight was focused super-human effort,” Goldstein camera systems into the kosher on mashgichim as the gateway to Rabbi Dovi Goldstein says. “It isn’t humanly possible to supervision system. kashrut. Many concerns were raised put everything into effect in such “By July, we will have 100% CCTV by mashgichim themselves and According to Goldstein, kosher fish and chicken.” a short space of time. While there coverage of our food services,” he members of the community about the department increased The department is also are no quick fixes, I’m confident says. levels of training, general working the recommended minimum developing new training modules in saying that we have managed These are part of what conditions, and expectations. renumeration rate, and has “engaged for mashgichim, which will be to bring in a new era of kosher for Goldstein refers to as “significant According to the report, two extensively” with individuals and presented to them at the conference. the community. We remain fully improvements” cited in the report. meetings were held eight months groups of mashgichim. The training will focus on skills committed to implementing all Following the reaction to the Stan ago with the mashgichim to hear The date for the first mashgiach in kashrut, professionalism, and the recommendations by AKO and & Pete scandal, Chief Rabbi their concerns. Three main points conference is set for next month. health and safety. Mashgichim will Bowmans.” Dr Warren Goldstein and the Union of Orthodox Synagogues initiated an investigation into Stan & Pete ANCYL calls for UCT Israel boycott to be enforced by leading law firm Bowmans. They also invited the Association TALI FEINBERG Jewish community plays in this country.” Sisulu’s comments at a South African Institute of of Kashrus Organisations (AKO) The statement also targeted UCT academic and International Affairs gathering last week. She was to review the kashrut-supervision he ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the council member Michael Cardo, who happens to asked why the government allowed UCT, a partly system of the Beth Din, and Western Cape is demanding that the also be a Minister of Parliament for the Democratic government-funded institution, to have relations to make recommendations for University of Cape Town (UCT) support the Alliance (DA). with Israeli universities. improvements. Rabbi Dovi Tacademic boycott of Israeli universities. Before the council meeting on the vote, Cardo She said the government would eventually deal Goldstein was appointed the new This is in spite of the University of Cape Town’s tweeted, “The motion to boycott Israeli academic with the matter of public institutions such as UCT managing director of the Kosher highest governing body, its council, on 30 March institutions is driven by a narrow, factional, BDS- and its relations with Israel. Department. sending a motion to boycott Israeli universities supporting clique. It’s a violation of academic “Any attempt by the government to interfere After that, says Goldstein, “We back to its senate for further discussion. “An freedom. It will tarnish [UCT’s] reputation, and with academic freedom, by ‘pulling universities built a new strategy” for the Kosher academic boycott is imperative to advance the jeopardise funding. As a UCT council member, I into the party line’ or telling them what political Department, based on four areas: cause to ensure isolation of what is clearly an will oppose it completely.” positions to adopt is ludicrous. I hope Higher • T raining new inspectors and apartheid government of Israel,” reads the ANCYL The ANCYL said, “We strongly recommend Education Minister Naledi Pandor doesn’t share introducing training programmes statement. that UCT asks Michael Cardo to recuse himself these sentiments. Threats to university autonomy for mashgichim; “Israeli apartheid must come to an end, and from the decision making process regarding the sound a very loud alarm bell for me,” Cardo said. • U pskilling staff at the department; our democratic institutions cannot maintain the academic boycott against the state of Israel. It is Sayed said the statement attacked Cardo • Imp roving customer services; and Israeli façade of a free society and, thereby, support distasteful in the highest degree that UCT has a because, “He was the only council member who • Imp roving efficiencies in the colonialism... The cloak of academic freedom member on its council who places narrow interests expressed himself before the council meeting on shechita (slaughter) system. should not be used to shield Israeli institutions above the lives of the Palestinian people. Yet, when the matter. This is prejudice and pre-empting the Factories, food services, and from facing the wrath of legitimate democratic and you juxtapose Michael Cardo’s neoliberal value discussion. His view is also inconsistent with South shechita are the three primary focus peace seeking societies,” it concluded. system and track record of working to erase South African policy on the matter. The DA is against the areas of the kosher organisation, Speaking to the SA Jewish Report, ANCYL Africa’s apartheid institutionalised socioeconomic boycott and any form of downgrade, and we don’t says Goldstein. Provincial Chairperson Muhammad Khalid injustices, it is not surprising that he does not agree with that approach.” A new compliance manager, Sayed said that it was imperative that the denounce the inhumane and unjust practices of Emeritus Professor Milton Shain, who has Rabbi Anton Klein, was appointed ANCYL comment on the matter because “the the state of Israel.” written extensively about the boycott motion, said, to oversee inspections at youth league has over the years been consistent “I think Michael Cardo is the target because he factories, process overdue product in pushing for an academic boycott of Israel, has been resolute on social media and in council. applications, and issue kashrut especially in the settlement areas. It is tied “...we are not anti-Semitic and This is all part of the ANC’s desperate politics in certificates. He has developed in with our policy focus, and our student the Western Cape. It seems the Youth League has criteria for the qualification and movement, SASCO [the South African Students have no issue with the Jewish nothing better to do while its party crumbles from training of five new rabbinic field Congress], has been pushing this line.” community. In fact, we appreciate within.” representatives, three of whom However, he said the ANCYL did not the important role you played in Shaun Zagnoev, the chairperson of the South are “on the ground inspecting our automatically fall in line with anti-Israel groups like African Jewish Board of Deputies, said, “There factories”. The other two are still Boycott Divestment Sanctions South Africa (BDS- our liberation, and the is nothing wrong with supporting Palestinian undergoing training. The three SA) or the Palestine Solidarity Forum (PSF). For role you continue to play in emancipation. However, the ANCYL is doing the representatives have had extensive example, it would consider the possibility of calling uplifting communities.” Palestinians themselves no favours by adopting training in industrial kashrut. on universities not to boycott Israeli academics who the obviously false, not to say absurd, position Rabbi Dovi Rabin was appointed question their government’s policies. Speaking to the SA Jewish Report Cardo, who is that Israel is completely responsible, and the as a rabbinic co-ordinator (RC) Sayed said he believed there was space for not Jewish, said he had no intention of recusing Palestinians totally blameless for failure to date to for factories to improve customer Zionist Jews on campus and in South Africa. “It’s himself from any future council discussions on achieve this. services which were “below a democratic country, and they have a right to the boycott motion. “This is all cheap politicking “In order for the conflict to be resolved, both expectation”, according to the express themselves. We can have contestation – part of the internal election campaign of the sides need to commit to a process of peaceful report. The RC appointment was one around those ideas, but we have never objected to ANC in the Western Cape. There are members of dialogue and negotiations, and far from being of AKO’s recommendations. Rabin there being Zionist students.” the UCT council who publicly support the boycott, helpful, one-sided condemnations and boycotts has since engaged with more than To the South African Jewish community, he said, disinvestment, and sanctions campaign against simply hinder that process. We find it disturbing 200 companies. “We as ANCYL have a particular perspective of the Israel. I don’t see the ANCYL calling on them to that the ANCYL chooses to vilify anyone who The department has hired data Palestinian issue, which is historic. But we are not recuse themselves. It’s a manifestation of the holds a view contrary to its own rather than systems analyst Renata Botma to anti-Semitic and have no issue with the Jewish ANCYL’s hypocrisy and double standards, and allowing for the free flow of ideas.” manage thousands of ingredients, community. In fact, we appreciate the important I’m treating its grandstanding with the contempt Rowan Polovin, the chairperson of the South and schedule numerous inspections role you played in our liberation, and the role you it deserves.” While Cardo dismisses the ANCYL’s African Zionist Federation Cape Council said, “We every year. continue to play in uplifting communities. Even if comments, he is more worried about International reject the ANC Western Cape’s cheap electioneering It has hired more administrative we differ, we recognise the positive role that the Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe attempt to win votes by bashing Israel.” 12 – 19 April 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Mashgichim form association to improve working conditions JORDAN MOSHE “We approached it and asked if it would work with us to address the problem,” he said. ohannesburg mashgichim came “It rejected any proposals of co-ordinated together on Monday evening to form an engagement. It said we would need a union association to improve their conditions to get what we wanted, and we’ve now met ofJ employment. its criteria. We are not going to war, but are The group of about 40 mashgichim pressing for the rights of people who serve the insisted the action was necessary after the community. Johannesburg Kashrut Department reportedly “The formation of this association refused to engage with them. Organisers achieves two things. First, it establishes believe that before the week is out, they labour standards that must be adhered to will have at least 50% of the mashgichim in in employing a mashgiach, regularising Gauteng on their books. employment. Second, it will implement The association will fall under the auspices standards of engagement, and ensure that of South Africa’s oldest trade union, the UASA issues can be addressed effectively.” (formerly known as the United Association of Blumenthal says that while some South Africa). mashgichim have worked in the field for more At the launch, the mashgichim discussed than 20 years, the department refuses to strategies, including a move to formalise recognise them as employees, and continues to contracts of employment and secure their treat them as casual labour. rights as professionals. “You are collectively regarded as passé, rachmonis (pity) cases,” he said to those present. “The department considers you replaceable with its own employees. You will be targeted, and need to ask yourselves if “We are the foot soldiers of you are prepared to form a collective to take responsibility for one another and protect your kashrut on the ground. However, livelihood.” we are treated with a lack He went on to say: “A mashgiach is an of respect and undermined auditor deployed on behalf of the community. The community and its rabbis know repeatedly. This needs to change.” how important this role is. The Kashrut Department acts as an intermediary between mashgichim and the community, and as it is With the support and guidance of Dr Ivor immature about the issue, we won’t deal with it Blumenthal, the former chief executive of but with the community directly. the Services Sector Education and Training “The resistance of the Kashrut Department Authority (SETA), the association will also have has been broken because we have met its union legal representation, lending further credibility criteria. It is time to for things to change.” to its standing in the community. The association said it had approached In spite of the crucial role they play in various rabbis to garner support for its 15439_Hold JR Ad_200(h) X 131(w)_Final_P.indd 1 2019/03/29 1:23 PM maintaining kashrut standards at kosher cause, among them Yossi Chaikin. They are establishments and events in our community, supportive, with some saying that it is only mashgichim say that no support is right that they should be satisfied with their forthcoming from the Kashrut Department, working conditions. motivating the formation of an association. Although he would not comment on the “We are the foot soldiers of kashrut on the alliance with a trade union, Chaikin, the ground,” said one mashgiach. “However, we are chairperson of the Rabbinical Association treated with a lack of respect and undermined of South Africa, said that he supported the th repeatedly. This needs to change.” mashgichim. Entering its 80 year, United Herzlia Schools (UHS) is one of Cape Town’s most They say the lackadaisical fashion in which “The mashgichim of our community need to prominent academic institutions and a leading light in Jewish education. they are treated imperils the standards of be happy and well treated,” he said. “We need With over 2000 pupils from pre-school through to Grade 12, and 400 staff kashrut in the community. Said one, “When we to recognise that they are at the forefront of working across 9 campuses, the school is looking to recruit an Executive bring issues regarding kashrut to the attention kashrut issues in our community. They are Director to work with its directors and senior management as part of its of the department, we often receive late at the coalface of kashrut, and do important long-term succession strategy. Reporting to the Board of Governors, the responses or are ignored. work.” incumbent will be responsible for: “It is essential that there is constant The managing director of the Beth Din’s communication regarding kashrut, and that Kosher Department, Rabbi Dovi Goldstein, • Driving the development and implementation of a world class education the necessary infrastructure for prompt said the Beth Din had engaged extensively strategy, in conjunction with all stakeholders. response is built. We have the right to demand with individuals and groups of mashgichim, • Ensuring the medium and long term financial sustainability of the answers, but are regarded as a fly on the wall as stated in its report released this week. (See institution. when we share our problems with them.” story on page 4) According to Blumenthal, attempts by “The Beth Din Kosher Department is • Developing a culture of excellence and accountability. mashgichim to engage with the department to committed to working closely with and • Ensuring the preservation of the Jewish ethos of the School. co-ordinate efforts on matters of kashrut have listening to our mashgichim who are such a been repeatedly turned down. core part of the kosher system,” he said. With at least 8 years of executive experience, preferably within the educational industry; the ideal candidate should have a relevant post graduate degree in education and/or management as well as a proven track Pravin Gordhan calls for active citizenship record of managing change. STAFF REPORTER process would take a long time, but assured his • Location: Highlands Estate, Cape Town audience that every effort was being made to South Africa is in the midst of an extensive process implement good governance and infrastructure • Nature of contract: Full-time, Permanent of rebuilding, and all its citizens need to find development through the public service in order to • Salary range: Market-related CTC Package ways to make a difference rather than watching get South Africa working again. • Benefits: All Jewish Holidays off passively from the sidelines. He commended prominent Jewish community This was one of the key messages conveyed members who had come forward in response to by Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “Thuma Mina” call, at a briefing for Jewish business leaders held in one of whom now lives in London but had been Email Loren for a detailed spec & application form: [email protected] Johannesburg on Tuesday evening. coming through on a regular basis to assist in Deadline for applications: 18th April 2019 A range of leaders – including the chief getting Eskom back on its feet. If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submitting executives of public companies – attended the On presenting the minister with a chanukiah your application, kindly consider your application to have been unsuccessful event, which was organised by the South Africa at the conclusion of the evening, SAJBD Vice- Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) as part of its President Zev Krengel quipped that it symbolised #MakeUsCount pre-election awareness campaign. the hope that the lights would continue to burn in Gordhan acknowledged that the rebuilding South Africa as well. 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 – 19 April 2019

south african

JTheewish source of quality content, news andR insightseport Cyril’s The week that went horribly wrong power ast week came so close to ending on a high note for South African Jewry after Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) almost seemed to pass us by without struggle any distress. LBut it all changed so quickly after it dawned on us what Lindiwe Sisulu, the South African Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, had meant to say (but didn’t) at her briefing late last Wednesday night. She basically declared that the South African embassy in Israel was history, and the downgrade was already in progress. It was on its way to being a mere liaison office, with “no political mandate, no trade mandate, and no development co-operation mandate”. It would be for “consular and the facilitation of people-to-people relations only”. Suddenly the fear we had of the downgrade became a reality. Then, Sketchy Bongo, the musician who happily performed at Wits on behalf of the South African Union of Jewish Students during the IAW #NoPlaceForHateCampaign, apologised “deeply” for performing. While he denied being threatened and cajoled, it was evident on social media that was not the case. In his apology, he clearly alerted the following organisations: the Progressive Youth Alliance – which includes the ANC Youth League and Muslim Student Association, the Palestine Solidarity Committee, and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. Why on earth would he do that if he had not been read the riot act by them? Special commission by David Shapiro Come on! Turning tail, he tweeted that he had been “educated by your messages this evening”, which then led him to do “further research”. Israeli election day dishes up some hard choices After that, he wrote that he felt “terrible about accepting money for this show I didn’t CNAAN LIPHSHIZ - JTA of expressing gratitude for the benefits of their way fully understand”. He then promised never to of life. We have elections day!” said Shlomi Elba, a make this mistake again. ven by Israeli standards, the country’s latest 47-year-old lawyer and avid player of matkot, the What on earth did they threaten him with? general elections have been exceptionally dirty, beach pingpong game whose pops and clicks, produced Sounds a whole lot like what happened to rife with personal attacks between candidates, by a ball hitting a wooden bat, result in the cacophony celebrity Shashi Naidoo, who was pulled into Eand fake news. that many Israelis associate with holiday on the beach. the fold of the Boycott Divestment Sanctions But in an arid country where the blossoms and mild Yet, in spite of the temptation to play hooky and the organisation after she succumbed to threats. This is upsetting, least of all temperatures of spring are gone within a few weeks, absence of mandatory voting in Israel, its citizens have because it was a #NoPlaceForHateCampaign, and was about building bridges, the vote’s timing was impeccable. one of the world’s highest turnout rates at an average of not breaking them down. That’s because in Israel, voting day is a holiday. And about 70% (higher in some estimates). That surpasses It astonishes me how easily people who are ignorant about the situation in this year, Israelis certainly appreciated how the early the US by nearly 20 points, and trails only countries the Middle East can be fed a whole lot of hatred. election fell serendipitously in the middle of a week, such as Belgium, where voting is mandatory, and the Going back to the far more important issue of the minister and her during the lazy work period that separates Purim from Netherlands, which has had rates as high as 80%. declarations, you may wonder why I am questioning what she says. Passover. Some Israeli families plan parties to fall especially on First, I am curious to know why she didn’t actually make these declarations Sunbirds like Ela Shnaider, a 27-year-old accountant Election Day, right after elections are announced. when she delivered her speech, but left them be found online. Perhaps she had decided against saying it. Is that a possibility? If so, why? and Likud voter, cleared their morning on Tuesday “It’s just perfect because this way, it doesn’t eat Second, it feels like we have been blindsided by this declaration, in spite of it in favour of the beach. (Prime Minister Benjamin up your weekend,” said Alon Samo, a 39-year-old having been in the ether since the ANC Electoral Conference in December 2017. Netanyahu leads the Likud party.) illustrator from Tel Aviv. “I was done with my cousin’s Then, the decision to downgrade the embassy was made by the ruling party, not “It’s such a great preparation for the summer,” Batmitzvah by 16:00, with plenty of time to make my government. Shnaider said, lying on a yellow towel on the way back home and vote.” And yes, there have been many public mutterings about it, but it has never unfortunately named Metzitzim Beach in northern Tel Samo, who voted for Blue and White, said he been a fait accompli. Aviv. It means “peeping Toms beach”, named after a considered “playing hooky and not voting at all”. But, Besides, it was only very recently that the minister herself was talking about 1970s cult movie. Israelis and tourists enjoy the beach in Tel Aviv on 7 April wanting South Africa to get involved in the negotiation process between “Plus, it’s a way of getting Palestinians and Israel. So did President Cyril Ramaphosa on a number of a detox from this election occasions. In some of those instances, it was directed at our community, but in campaign,” she said, noting others, the declarations were made to the broader public. that she wasn’t happy There is simply no way South Africa can participate in negotiations for peace when activists for the Blue if it has cut ties with one side. So, why say this if you are going ahead with and White party of Benny severing links and downgrading the embassy in Israel? It doesn’t make sense. Gantz and Yair Lapid called Also, the minister spoke about how the former ambassador, Sisa Ngombane, Netanyahu a traitor. was recalled to South Africa in May last year. This was true. However, he Netanyahu’s campaign, in went back at the end of September last year ostensibly to resume his duties, Gershon Elinson/Flash90 Photo: turn, attempted to portray according to an embassy letter that was put out. Gantz, a former military Then, after the anti-Israel lobby became hysterical, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation backpedalled, saying Ngombane had chief of staff, as having gone back to Israel for personal reasons, and would return. mental issues, capitalising However, I have it on good authority that he did not come home again until on reports that he required he had completed his term, which was in December last year. psychological therapy years So much secrecy and mixed messages. ago. “in the end, it felt too guilty. I was given a free day, so Is our embassy in Israel really in the throes of a full downgrade? With growing awareness of the damages of the least I can do is show up.” I ask this because we are in election season, and it brings many promises summertime exposure to the harsh Middle Eastern Some voters took a more entrepreneurial that will never be fulfilled. It also often results in politicians saying things they sun, many beachgoers her age limit sunbathing to early approach to voting day than that of Samo or believe the electorate wants to hear. This is normal. April, when companies expect employees “to put in an Shnaider. For sure, the Jewish electorate doesn’t want to hear what Sisulu said, and we effort ahead of Passover”, she also said. “And this year: Gili Ronen, a high-tech executive from Hod will fight tooth and nail to prevent it. Voila! Elections.” Hasharon, gathered his childhood friends to go what But, perhaps the minister and her government is under the impression that Unlike the United States, Israeli voters have no he calls “orchid hunting” near Haifa, about 70 miles those they want to vote for them do want the embassy to be downgraded. real way of knowing when elections will take place. (112km) to the north of his home. I believe there are people who do want this, but research has shown that The country’s multiparty system makes government Israel, he noted, has about 30 species of orchids, though they are a very vocal, loud, and bombastic group, they are certainly not coalitions so unstable, they fall apart on average every “and they all bloom for about three weeks between the majority of South Africans, nor that big a group. They just believe they are 2.5 years, forcing elections that may take place at any March and April”. Ronen’s seven friends all voted at right, and will do whatever they can to destroy Israel. point during the year. The last Israeli coalition that 07:00, when Israel’s 10 720 ballot boxes opened on I can only hope that somehow this is more electioneering, and less a fait completed its mandated term dates back to 1988. Tuesday. accompli, as our community will feel it the most. The policy of making elections a holiday began in “Then, we all met at the rallying point, and the Shabbat Shalom! 1958, presumably as a means of either helping voters hunting expedition was out,” he told the Jewish Peta Krost Maunder turn out, celebrating democracy, or both. The law Telegraphic Agency in Haifa. They spotted only seven Editor declaring the holiday does not explain the decision. species, “but unlike the candidates, the flowers were “The Americans have Thanksgiving as their way all beautiful”. 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Sketchy Bongo, claimed this week the artist had been put under pressure. a pro-Israeli policy agenda. I cannot support Sketchy Bongo’s apology released a flurry of he wasn’t put under pressure by “We are used to these bullying tactics used the Israel Nation State Law, nor be seen to responses on Twitter representing both sides anti-IsraelW lobbyists into apologising for his by the PSC, which puts pressure on artists support it.” of the debate. He was praised and lauded performance at a peace and unity concert to follow its one-sided narrative. The SAUJS Stressing that, “I am not affiliated to or will by anti-Israel lobbyists for his “honesty”, organised by Jewish students during Israel peace and unity concert had no reference to be part of any organisation,” he said, “I am “maturity”, and for “taking a stand”, and Apartheid Week (IAW). However, the South politics or Israel. Sketchy Bongo was here to not in politics. I am about love, peace, and seemingly forgiven; while pro-Israel lobbyists African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) bring peace and unity through his music.” positive energy. I want my shows and music expressed their disappointment at him finds that hard to believe. She said his performance attracted large to be about that and nothing else. I will be for being so easily swayed by pressure and The popular DJ, whose real name is crowds of students, who “danced with South doing much more research before accepting intimidation from the Boycott Divestment Yuvir Pillay, put on a lunch time musical African flags” and the “vibe was incredible”. any shows in the future.” Sanctions movement. concert arranged by SAUJS during its IAW “People were having a great time until It is understood that the PSC was angered One Tweet by Aharon Chemel said, #NoPlaceForHate campaign at the University members of the PSC arrived and started by Araro’s presence at IAW, “Research on such a complicated topic doesn’t of the Witwatersrand (Wits) last Thursday heckling spectators, taking photographs, claiming she was a member take one afternoon, really disappointing (5 April). The aim of the concert was to and spewing hate and intimidatory of the Israeli Defense Forces reaction. You did a concert promoting peace promote peace and unity, according to SAUJS. threats. The altercation was really (IDF). Araro describes BTW, nothing to be ashamed of. Regardless of SAUJS said the concert was well attended divisive and unconstructive.” herself on Twitter as, what side you on.” by students on campus, many of whom Sketchy Bongo told the SA Jewish “#Israel, Ethiopian #Jew, Mordechai said, “#Israel is not an danced and waved the South African flag. Report, “I was booked to play at a #Zionist. #IDF Lieutenant #Apartheid state. Your apology for Things turned ugly when members of the peace and love concert at Wits. It was in reserves. Writer. performing is the result of bullying and hate Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) arrived supposed to bring people together, International Presenter. speech for the @WitsPSC and others. Don’t in protest, allegedly confronting the artist but it did the opposite. It was during Interested in Government give in to those who hate! Stand strong with after his show. Israel Apartheid Week. It was seen as Diplomacy & Middle East love and unity.” According to witnesses, they jeered and me supporting Israeli policy, as conflict.” SAUJS’ Katzew told the SA Jewish Report heckled spectators during the final stages of the people that booked me As an that SAUJS would meet the artist to discuss the performance, and afterwards verbally brought down an Israeli Israeli the matter. attacked members and representatives of the soldier and other Israeli citizen, Israel advocacy group StandWithUs. people. The set went she last Downgrade the An online video shows an intense and well, but sparked a served angry altercation between one of the huge protest. ‘biggest issue to members of the PSC, Rashaad Yusuf Dadoo, “I didn’t expect and visiting Ethiopian-Israeli, Ashager Araro, this as I thought affect SA Jewry from StandWithUs. It is believed that campus it was something in modern times’ security intervened as the protestors’ verbal that was about >>Continued from page 1 abuse escalated out of control. peace and love, A visibly shocked Sketchy Bongo watched but it was clearly the that on the one hand, the ANC is going to as members of the PSC screamed their group that booked me pushing sever all and any relationships with Israel, support for the terrorist organisation Hamas, a pro-Israeli policy which others and has no desire to play a conciliatory completely disrupting the atmosphere at the did not agree with. After the role in the Middle East conflict. On the peaceful unity concert. set, I did my own research other, the ANC wants Israeli and South Sketchy Bongo, known for his signature ski online as I was not completely African Jewish money, and Ramaphosa mask, was criticised for his performance by aware of the details of the will flatter the community to deceive. The anti-Israel lobbyists on campus and on social conflict.” ANC is nothing if not pragmatic – Jews media. He claims he “came can contribute economically, but they have At 22:47 that night, the artist tweeted across” the Nation State nothing to offer electorally.” an apology. “I do not support any apartheid Law, which prompted him Darren Bergman, the Democratic Alliance state. I want to apologise deeply for to reconsider his actions. (DA) Shadow Minister of International performing at Wits today. I didn’t think and “To me this is clearly a Relations, said South Africa was using do my research. I have been educated by your divisive law that encourages international relations to canvas for messages this evening, and have done further separation of people and elections. research. I feel terrible about accepting money does not promote love and “Israel and South Africa, in contradiction for this show I didn’t fully understand, and I understanding.” to the minister’s statement, enjoy major will never make this mistake again.” The popular DJ insists he was bilateral trade, and South Africa absorbs He then pledged to donate money to the not bullied into apologising. a lot of the technology emanating from Sketchy Bongo Israel,” said Bergman. “To boycott Israel from a South African perspective would harm South Africa more than it would YOUR ANCESTRAL LINK TO LITHUANIA AND POLAND Israel. Bergman said that while the DA shared the concerns of the government about THE GATEWAY TO YOUR FUTURE the attacks and deaths on both Israeli and Palestinian sides, it continued to push OBTAINING AN EU PASSPORT for “sincere attempts at finding peace in a diplomatic manner” as the best way to achieve resolution. Your ancestors who were born in Lithuania and Poland emigrated to South Africa, DA member of the national assembly, Israel or elsewhere to start a new life and broaden their horizons. Michael Bagraim, who sits on the portfolio committee on labour told the SA Jewish In so doing, they have GIFTED you the chance of receiving citizenship of the country of their birth. Report that Sisulu was “trying her luck.” The Lithuanian and Polish governments are restoring citizenship. They are giving you the opportunity to “The minister is on a frolic of her own,” broaden your horizons. With over a decade of success, with clients in South Africa, the UK, Australia, the US he said. “This is partly for political reasons. She is trying to hoodwink the Muslim and Israel, we look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you to obtain your EU passport. community to get it to align itself with the ANC. I don’t think it’s a community that is easily hoodwinked.” Contact me: Krengel said he stood by Ramaphosa, and did not feel betrayed by the president. Rose Lerer Cohen “He has many balls in the air. He needs breathing space. He is literally trying to keep [email protected] the lights on, and keep the ship afloat. We just hope our issue doesn’t go the wrong www.kin-search.com way.” Israeli Ambassador Lior Keinan said he was not in a position to comment. However, a response from Israel is expected soon. 12 – 19 April 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 A refusenik’s harrowing journey to freedom JORDAN MOSHE at the time,” says Furman. “He was a zealot of the refusenik movement, willing to pay any price hen Marina Furman was 19 for the freedom of his family and that of his years old, the KGB arrived at her people. His anti-government behaviour made apartment, escorted her to a nearby him hated by the KGB, and he was soon arrested park,W and beat her to within an inch of her life. for his activity. Because only a first-degree Her only crime was that she had asked to leave relative could appeal a prisoner’s case, he asked Russia for Israel. me to marry him so that I could keep pressure Furman was a staunch opponent of the on the government to release him. I agreed, and Soviet regime’s limitation of the right of Jews we married. We fell in love only later on, but we to emigrate. Hers was a harrowing journey that established a connection very quickly.” eventually brought her, her husband, and baby The months which followed were tumultuous. daughter to Israel. It was the fulfilment of a When the KGB learned that Furman was dream. pregnant, a KGB officer told her that they “I wanted to go to Israel from an early age,” would make sure that neither she nor the child says Furman, who was a guest of the Jewish would survive delivery if she and her husband Women’s Benevolent continued to protest. Society (JWBS). She “They said that I just shared her life story with had to apologise, and a JWBS audience at the Marina Furman we’d be safe. I refused, Johannesburg Holocaust and so when I went into & Genocide Centre last hospital to give birth, Thursday evening. they made sure I was as ASSIST US IN Born in Kiev in 1959, isolated as possible and Furman was refused therefore an easy target. permission to leave Russia “The doctors for Israel when she applied overdosed me with in 1978. She, her mother sedatives, and I was close COMPLETING and grandfather became to cardiac arrest. Thanks known as refuseniks. to one good doctor This was a term applied who stopped them, I to Soviet Jews who were survived, and was able PESACH denied permission to to give birth to my emigrate by the Soviet daughter, Aliyah.” authorities. Even after the birth “No one knew how the of her daughter, the FOR 650 authorities decided to let you leave or not. It authorities continued to threaten her life, and was completely random and unpredictable. We remained adamant that they could not leave the thought we stood a chance – of what value were Soviet Union. Finally, on Israel’s 40th birthday, two women and an old man to the government? 15 May 1988, Furman, her husband, 13-month- FAMILIES However, they refused us for no apparent reason, old daughter, mother, and father-in-law were and I still don’t know why.” granted permission, and left the Soviet Union Furman says that although she loved Russian for Israel. “We landed in a Tel-Aviv which was literature and culture, she never felt connected celebrating Israel’s day of independence,” says WITH SO MANY FAMILIES DEPENDENT ON to the country or its people. Life for Russians Furman. “There were fireworks all around us, and was difficult, but faced with the added prejudice Lev’s father said that they were in celebration of YAD AHARON & MICHAEL, and discrimination, Jews were particularly our arrival.” disadvantaged. This position was made far worse After initially living at an absorption centre FOR THEIR TRADITIONAL AND PLENTIFUL by attempting to leave and failing. in Mevaseret Zion, the family was adopted “Anyone who thought about leaving was by Ra’anana as part of a new absorption YOM TOV FOOD HAMPERS, considered a traitor,” says Furman. “If you were programme. Although life was far from easy, denied permission, you lost your job, your Furman says she felt at home in the Jewish state. WE ARE RELIANT ON YOU. income, your few friends. Armed with very simple Hebrew, she worked to “Ninety percent of Jews who became help new immigrants settle in Israel. She also refuseniks just accepted it, and tried to move travelled extensively to raise money to aid their Donations: on, constantly telling the 10% who wanted to absorption. protest not to make life even more difficult for In 1998, she was offered the role of shlicha Nedbank / Yad Aharon & Michael/ Acc No: 1911087 363 them.” (Israel emissary) at the Jewish National Fund Branch Code: 151105 / or Donate Online / Furman was relentless in her drive to take (JNF) in the United States, to which she, her her family to Israel. Although world Jewry was husband and two daughters relocated for a four- Ref: Your Name/Pesach lobbying tirelessly for the release of fellow Jews year term. from Russia, the protest movement was not Furman was offered the option of continuing something refuseniks could easily take part in to work at the JNF, and she and her family Contact: behind the Iron Curtain. Furman embarked on decided to remain in the US, where they still Tel: 011 485 2076 / Fax: 011 640 5277 a solitary protest, coming to the attention of the live. Today executive director of the JNF in KGB and law enforcement with whom she had Philadelphia, Furman visits Russia and Israel [email protected] / www.yadaharon.co.za frequent run-ins. often, and considers herself a fortunate wife, “I had no access to the Jewish lobby fighting mother, and grandmother. for us to leave,” she says. “I was on my own. The “I’m safe, free, and blessed,” she says. “Life KGB would beat me, and often threatened to is my gift, and it cannot be taken for granted. rape and kill me. They kept suggesting that I While I recognise the cruelty I suffered, I don’t make an official apology, to say that I was young think there’s anything to gain from being a and stupid. Other Jews told me to be quiet, to victim.” avoid drawing attention. Still, I kept at it.” She says her journey has taught her that as After months of protesting, Furman and her Jews, we must recognise our achievements. mother realised that if they remained in Kiev, “The refuseniks defeated one of the cruellest the KGB would soon silence them for good. They systems in the world,” she says. “We freed left Kiev to settle in a more liberal region of 1.5 million people. The Jewish people have Russia. This enabled Furman to finally connect done unbelievable things, and we need to stop with the liberation movement in the early 1980s. for a moment at times, pinch ourselves, and While living in Leningrad in 1986, she met Lev appreciate what we have done in a very short Furman, an underground Hebrew teacher and space of time. fellow refusenik. Within three days of meeting, “We are strong, and we can only get stronger. Lev proposed, and they were engaged four days We believed we’d triumph over the Soviets, and later. we did it. If we believe we can triumph over anti- “Lev was very involved in the [Hebrew] ulpan Semitism, we can do that, too.”

10 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 – 19 April 2019 The purple cow in South African politics

PETA KROST MAUNDER 55th anniversary of Sharpeville in person into parliament, he says, it and even did Chai’s have to put equity 2015, something was triggered in is amazing what one person can do. first promos. in it,” he says. “If

hat do you do when him. “I kept asking myself how we “You only have to recall how effective The Capitalist r we get a single e v y events take place that got here from the rainbow nation,” Helen Suzman was as the lone voice Party calls its r seat, we get our d n money back.” make you realise there he says. of reason for 13 years in parliament. members “co- e s s isn’t a political party that you want to Then, in March 2018, when a She singlehandedly created change, conspirators”, O He first W n

a vote for? five-year-old girl drowned inside a and kept the world informed. and they do l approached I

:

o Well, if you are Kanthan Pillay, you pit latrine at a school in the Eastern “If I get 10 competent people into things in a t Roman

o

h start your own party so that those Cape, Pillay saw the “abject failure of parliament, we can do much more disruptive, P Cabanac, who feel the same way, can put their the nation” in the horrific death of as that is where most of the work innovative, whom he tick next to the purple cow (the ZACP this bright, hopeful child. is done… and where most of the and audacious met when logo). The last straw was in June last year, crookery has happened.” manner. But, at he was his Pillay – a media business expert when the leader of the Democratic Pillay – whose daughter is Jewish the end of the guest on The Kanthan Pillay – launched the ZACP, the Capitalist Alliance, Mmusi Maimane, used his by virtue of the fact that his ex-wife day, says Pillay, “I Renegade Report, Party of South Africa, in March, and own wife as an example of white is Jewish – is well acquainted with am going to ensure a podcast that is going all out to get 10 MPs into privilege. “I immediately registered the Jewish community. “My life has that people no longer discusses politics, the next national assembly. None of the domain for a party, and put up a coincidentally been intertwined with misspend our money. It global affairs, and them are politicians. Mostly, they are dummy website,” says Pillay. Jewish people on a constant basis. I is for purely selfish reasons political ideology. out-of-the box, technology-sussed “I want to live in a country that guess we understand each other. Both – I want a better country.” The second candidate was business people, and like him, they works, and I cannot leave that to Hindu [his religious background] Pillay spent R200 000 from his Neo Kuaho, a successful serial are sick of the way politics works in politicians.” and Jewish communities have an own pocket to contest the elections, entrepreneur and the founder of South Africa. Instead of doing what he sees other emphasis on education and family.” and sought out the right nine other YDIDI (Youth Development through For Pillay, when protesters flung parties do, which is mostly to promise Pillay, who was integral to the people as potential MPs who fitted Investigation and Dissemination of faeces on the statue of Rhodes on job creation, Pillay wants his party to launch of eTV (or eNCA today) and with his belief system. “We are Information). “When I started YFM, the campus of the University of Cape be based on principles not outcomes. YFM, was asked by Johnny Copelyn treating our country like a startup. Neo asked me to put his information Town, almost coinciding with the And, even if his party only gets one to help guide the launch of ChaiFM, When you begin any business, you about scholarships and internships out on air. I gave him an early morning Saturday slot, and he has really helped people.” DA leader woos the Jews His search for the right people JULIE LEIBOWITZ colonial rule and African national liberation from things. “Change is tough, but it’s better than a criminal for the party took him around the apartheid. He insisted that to continue on this path syndicate running the country.” country. This belief in taking things emocratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane simply wasn’t good enough. “We need to break the Maimane also called for economic reform, pointing one step at time plays out in how he called for a reform of South Africa’s foreign cycles of national liberation towards a country of out that four out of every 10 adults are unemployed, plans to fix the country. Dpolicy, particularly in regard to Israel and the individuals fighting for their rights,” Maimane said, and South Africa has the highest percentage of youth “We are going to use the ‘eating the wider Middle East conflict. calling for political reform and “an end to the politics unemployment in the world. “We can’t live with an elephant’ strategy. One mouthful at Maimane told community members at the Sandton of populism and division”. economy that leaves out so many,” he said. a time,” he says. There are 10 plans Shul on 7 April that it was “unthinkable” that South “After race division comes religious division,” “I am animated by the dream of putting a job in based on research by the Institute Africa had removed its ambassador from Israel and Maimane said, “after that comes tribal, cultural and every home,” he said, pointing to his own modest of Race Relations into what South was downgrading its embassy in the country to language division. When your rights are taken away, background. His father was a factory worker and Africans’ priorities are. a liaison office. This, he said, was not the way to my rights are removed. So long as you have a green his mother, a cashier, was frequently unemployed. “Did you know that while the first contribute towards a two-state solution between Israel passport and so long as G-d has given me air, I will Growing up, income was insecure. priority is unemployment, the second and Palestine, which was what the DA believes is the continue to fight for your rights as citizens and as Key to reforming the economy is the need to move is drug abuse. Nobody talks about the way forward. Jews.” away from the “dogma of state-owned enterprises”. latter. However, they are always going He pinpointed South Africa’s “new friends”, such as The DA’s policy of “one SA for all” goes against that Maimane questioned the need for South African on about racism and land reform, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and Sudanese tide, according to Maimane. He pointed to “giants” of Airways, or Eskom in its current form. which amounts to less than 2% of “Keeping the lights on” is an election people’s priorities,” he says. platform of the DA. The party is pushing “As a nation, we are a caring people. for the diversification of power supply to I travel extensively, and I see that independent power producers, and the ability our race relations are far better than for municipalities to source energy directly anywhere. After our history, we from such producers. It’s an approach that puts actually go out of our way to avoid a

Photo: Ilan Ossendryver Photo: cities, not the state, at the centre of enterprise, resurgence of racial hatred.” tourism, and revenue generation. As the things on their list get “The state doesn’t need to be at the sorted out, they will fall off the list so centre of development. We need to allow our that they can focus on the next item. cities to play at the centre,” he said. “Our It is all very practical. In terms of cities are beautiful, and attract tourists. We drugs, instead of jailing drug abusers, need electronic visas and less cumbersome they will send them to rehabilitation, regulation. We need tax cuts for manufacturers treating them as patients rather than and exporters, and a fund for enterprise criminals, focusing on getting the development.” dealers behind bars, not the addicts. On this theme, Maimane turned to As for the issues close to many Johannesburg and Tshwane, cities in which Jewish people’s hearts – Israel and the DA recently came to power. He berated the anti-Semitism – Pillay believes we corruption and infrastructure backlogs the party shouldn’t conflate the issues. had inherited from years of ANC government. DA leader Mmusi Maimane “Freedom of religion and at the Sandton Shul “I’m a resident of Johannesburg,” he said. “I association are and must be know about the lights. Johannesburg inherited sacrosanct. It is the right of every President Omar al-Bashir, saying this shows how the past such as Helen Suzman, who for many years an infrastructure deficit of R170 billion, and has been individual,” he says. He speaks of our foreign policy is typical of liberation movements. stood as a lone voice against apartheid, and proudly able to stop R18 billion-worth of corruption. More than how anti-Semitism so often begins These movements tend to be archaic and backward fought for people who did not look and sound like her. 90% of its bridges are unsafe to drive on. It will take in a belief of unearned reward, or an looking, and value historic ties rather than looking to He also praised the wider Jewish community for its 17 years to catch up.” offhand comment that fuels hatred. the future. “immense contribution” to the country’s enterprise He described the suburb of Alexandra as facing “It is unacceptable.” South Africa’s foreign policy should be based on development and charitable ventures, saying that an infrastructure backlog of more than 20 years, a As for South Africa’s relationship human rights and trade, he said. It should be outward the “DA needs to partner with people like [Discovery situation that “can’t be fixed instantly”. Tshwane, with Israel, “it has to be based on looking, and accept that countries all over the world founder and Chief Executive] Adrian Gore”. which was R2 billion in the red, now has a budget enlightened self-interest. If the best have solutions which can help us with problems such Maimane called for voters to undermine the ANC’s surplus. source of oil is Iran, then we should as business creation and water management. majority at the polls rather than support President Though it was “a long walk, we will get there,” buy from Iran, and if the best source The theme of moving away from a liberation-era, Cyril Ramaphosa’s “reform” programme. Maimane said, calling for stronger police and of agritech is Israel, then we buy dominant-party, “centrist” mentality to a coalition He asked what “new dawn” existed in a party in intelligence and a provincial, not national-level police from Israel,” he says. “The Cape Town government that fosters individuality, enterprise, and which men like David Mabuza and Ace Magashule still force to deal with crime. drought could have been alleviated progress was threaded throughout Maimane’s speech. ran the ANC, saying, “If we reward the current party, In conclusion, Maimane called on the community if we had allowed Israel to help He hit out at the African National Congress (ANC’s) we are telling it that it is OK to steal from us.” to do two things: first, keep contributing to the with desalination. It is absurd how “racially aligned voting” and the party’s “need to keep Voting for the DA “would force the ANC into a country, help to get it going, and don’t lose hope and we go about putting this veneer of convincing people that they need to be liberated”. coalition, and a non-racial, constitutional rule of emigrate. Second, Jewish South Africans should vote sanctimoniousness on what we do.” He said that South Africa had experienced many law”. This, he said, would result in a more capable – preferably for the DA and its vision for a non-racial Time will tell how the party does in liberation cycles, including Afrikaner liberation from state and the eradication of corruption, among other future, where their rights will be protected. the upcoming elections. Is it that we reach 11 000 Jews? Or is it that we provide shelter, food, medical care, education, burial and counselling? Is it that we have to manage a budget of R320m per annum? Or is it that we must fundraise over R200m per annum? Is it that we embrace the highest levels of governance and transparency? Or is it that we ensure that from cradle to grave…

NO JEW GETS LEFT BEHIND You decide.

TO DONATE www.jhbchev.co.za | 011 532 9758 / 9674 | SMS Pesach to 37613 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 – 19 April 2019 Behold the burning bush GUS SILBER essence holds the power to heal, to soothe, to people may be judgemental right-to-privacy provision, that anoint, to open the mind and enlighten? if they find out that you it should no longer be a criminal t’s a crop that has been a feature of Jewish He presses a thumb and forefinger to his lips smoke offence for an adult individual to life and culture since Biblical times, but and mimes the act of inhaling. What if Moses weed,” grow, cultivate, possess and use are attitudes towards the now-legal use of was actually a bit of a stoner? he says, marijuana in Imarijuana shifting in South African circles? Once, not too long ago, to even raise such a “but for private. It’s Shabbat dinner, and between the lighting proposition in a traditional Jewish household me, the big The judgement of the candles and the clearing of the plates the might have been to incite shock, scandal, meaning of has yet to be ratified conversation turns, as it often does, to matters perhaps even outrage. the change in South African law, of Biblical interpretation. Now, in his home community of Sea Point, is that or put to the test to Specifically, that incident of the burning bush Dov is finding that, Shabbat after Shabbat, the I feel less determine precisely in the Book of Exodus. Remember? topic is high on the agenda of casual discussion stigmatised.” where the line should Moses gazes into the flames, and in a blinding and people are only too happy to venture an The change, of be drawn between glow of heavenly light he sees a vision of his opinion on the benefits, or otherwise, of the course, is the recent private and public. calling: to go forth and liberate a people. recreational use of marijuana. Constitutional Court But for even the most So, it is written, and so, unto the generations, Dov has been a regular user for 15 years, since judgement, based moderate occasional has it been understood. But tonight, the young his early 20s, and even if his early experiences on the user, gone are the days of tech entrepreneur at the table – let’s call him were furtive and clumsy – he recalls dropping a worrying about winding up in a holding Dov – is making a case for a different take on joint in a jacuzzi when a friend’s mother barged cell, as happened, when he was still a teen, the age-old tale. in to investigate that tell-tale sweet smell – to a Johannesburg creative-agency owner What if the bush wasn’t just a random bed of he feels now as if a weight has been lifted who we’ll call Marcus. mountain bramble, he suggests. What if it was a from his shoulders. “That got me into trouble with my special plant, a sacramental plant, a plant whose “There is still a bit of a fear that parents,” he says. But it didn’t stop him from smoking. He’s 38 now, with an easy- going nature that belies the stresses and intensity of his job. Lighting up in Israel: a South African’s trip The weed helps him cope, but he never GUY LIEBERMAN stronger psychoactives like LCD, mushrooms, and MDMA, grass was lights up in the workplace – only at home, and celebrated as a key to liberation from the industrialised, capitalist only after dark. His habit may now be legally onsidering the proliferation of the marijuana plant in system. acceptable, but that strain of discretion lingers, our country of birth, it is no surprise that South African “For some reason, over the past 100 years, being happy, high, or although he disputes the common assertion entrepreneurs are involved in medical cannabis in Israel. drunk, has been associated with badness,” Kaye says. “Cannabis that smoking marijuana makes you paranoid. CSouth African-born Saul Kaye is the founder of CannaTech, a has been part of our diet for thousands of years, as was beer, as “The paranoia comes from the fear that series of global cannabis conferences that bring industry players was olive oil. Those ingredients – hops, olive, and hemp, all contain you’re doing something illegal,” he says, “so together to gather knowledge and nurture this blossoming cannabinoids, and these are healthy for you. They are part of our that doesn’t apply anymore.” ecosystem. Kaye is an entrepreneur and a chemist with a small, DNA, and should never have been taken from our diet.” For Dov, whose field of work is driven bustling pharmacy in Beit Shemesh. So, how have the Israelis navigated the counter-cultural emphasis by change, innovation and out-of-the-box “This is not actually a new industry for Israel,” Kaye says. “It on the psychoactive experience? thinking, there can be no doubt that marijuana started as legitimate research way back in the early 60s with “One of the things Israel did well with its medical programmes helps to stir up the creative juices. But there is Professor Raphael Mechoulam’s request to the police to secure was that it wasn’t about the high. There are different cannabinoids an important caveat. permission to explore the medicinal properties of the plant.” The found in the plant, with THC being the psychoactive component “I get a fire hose of ideas when I smoke,” he 89-year-old Israel Prize-winner is an organic chemist, considered the and CBD being the element that doesn’t get you stoned. Both have says, “but very often I’ll review those ideas bona-fide godfather of medical cannabis. proven medicinal value, but the quotients of either depend on the later, and some of them will make no sense to “Now, medical cannabis is booming around the globe, and the needs of the patient. Currently we’re focused on CBD, but next will me.” attention is returning to Israel because we’ve been doing it for such be CBG, CBC, CBN… there are 300 molecules in the plant, each with A bigger benefit, he believes, is that a little a long time,” Kaye says. their own medical uses, and we’ve identified 140 of them! That’s marijuana helps him to see his challenges and wellness, that’s cosmetics, pain creams, and problems in a whole new light. salves, entirely new categories are going to be “My favourite saying,” says Dov, “is that created.” you can’t see the label from inside the bottle. As the CannaTech brand has grown, so has You’ve got to be able to shift your perspective.” Kaye’s influence. This year, he lead a delegation Which brings us to the big question, from to the exclusive World Economic Forum for the a Jewish point of view: Is the label kosher? first-ever CannaTech Davos. To give a sense Marcus believes that it is. of the altitude of people now getting involved “I’ve heard that weed is kosher for Pesach, in the sector, Ehud Barak travelled with him even,” he says. as one of the major sponsors of the Davos The official view is a bit more, well, nuanced. delegation. In a famous ruling in 1973, when asked to Along with molecular research into cannabis respond to a group of Israeli yeshiva students is an equally meticulous set of technological who wanted to use hashish, Rabbi Moshe advancements in hardware design. Feinstein decreed, in short: no. To learn more, I met angel investor Brian The rabbi’s chief concern was that illegal drug Cooper from Syqe Medical, also a former South use could lead to a precipitous moral decline, African. but he worried also that young people would “Marijuana? No thanks! That was the gateway be encouraged to defy parental wishes, and Saul Kaye, Anthony Scaramucci drug to a world of addiction,” he says. “I never contravene the injunction in Leviticus that and Ehud Barak touched the stuff!” Cooper remained emphatic calls on us not to indulge excessively in bodily about this view of cannabis for most of his life, pleasures. until he met Perry Davidson, his daughter’s By 2013, however, new research and “A few years ago, there were two approaches to promoting boyfriend at the time. attitudes were beginning to prevail, leading cannabis. One was the Green Party, which was about ‘freeing’ the Perry showed Cooper the first iteration of what is now Rabbi Efraim Zalmanovich to declare that plant, everyone having the right to do whatever they want. That Syqe Medical’s impressive world-first: a selective-dose, highly cannabis was kosher, albeit for medicinal argument didn’t work. The other approach which was taking place personalised, pharmaceutical grade inhaler. rather than recreational purposes. simultaneously was medical inquiry [into cannabis], and a focus As our straight-laced businessman who’s never smoked a joint in his Around the Shabbat table, Marcus has on research. There was no hubbub, no buzz around it, but it was life explains it, “The best way for cannabis to enter the body is through identified three common attitudes towards credible. Effectively, we took the conversation with the Green Party, the lungs.” This may seem obvious to almost anyone, but he clarifies. marijuana, in the light of its legalisation. and shone a light towards medical research and all that this new “Don’t misunderstand, any kind of smoke is terrible for the lungs, but There are those, typically older and more industry would bring – sustainability, job creation, tax revenue. what we’re doing is vaporising the raw plant. While medical marijuana traditional, who are staunchly opposed to it; That’s a different language, one that many people could understand.” joints are working on quantums of 30g, we’re providing the essential there are those who are curious and intrigued This distinctive Israeli approach of taking a concept or idea THC or CBD requirements using as little as 3g.” and would like to give it a try sometime; and and developing it into a new trade, with all that revolves around It’s now becoming clear that the medical cannabis industry is a there are those, the majority, who don’t and it – research, innovation, strategy, investment, marketing, and game-changer globally. Considering that Syqe Medical just raised won’t smoke, but are non-judgemental and distribution – is by now a scenario we’ve become accustomed to. $50 million (R703 million) in Series B finance for an inhaler, with an tolerant. What’s unique in this particular case, however, is the baggage agreement with Teva Pharmaceuticals to take it to market, one gets But the choice is yours. Whether that cannabis brings with it – the negative perception of the plant in the the sense that cannabis is now entering the mainstream. We may as burning bush is a clump of bramble, or a crop mainstream. well take a deep breath, and settle in for the ride. of the variety that people have been growing, Mary Jane was the poster drug for the hippie movement, with cultivating and using since Biblical days, you’re the promise that it would help free one from the shackles of one’s • A longer version of this article was first commissioned and published in free, in private, to make that informed decision desk and the control so tightly held by “The Man”. Along with Telfed magazine. on your own. 12 – 19 April 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Friedman brooch is queen’s jewellery TALI FEINBERG To young people wanting to get or new uses for old gemstones. into this field, he says, “Creating a “With the international welve years ago, South African jeweller piece of jewellery from original increase in crime, a whole Kevin Friedman was asked by the design to completion is a new category of ‘safe Botswana government to make a hugely satisfying process and Johannesburg jewellery’ Tbrooch for a statesman. He was never told a jeweller’s sole purpose is to has emerged, which opens who the person was, and he was not allowed give pleasure to the wearer and opportunities for design.” to share any details of what he had made. He the viewer. There are so many He is grateful for the thought about that brooch over the years, entrance opportunities in this support of the South Queen Elizabeth wearing the but could never have imagined who it was field. Working in a retail store African Jewish community, brooch really given to. and having the opportunity to “both in encouragement and “I often wonder about several of my handle precious items daily, or going exceptional special commissions, creations, and if they are bringing joy, which is to a jewellery school or college to get a Kevin Friedman like the amazing opportunity to the only reason for existing,” he says. So, when technical training gives a great foundation.” create three sets of uniquely South African he saw Her Majesty, the Queen of England Friedman says that the field is constantly beaded Klei Torah for Temple Israel wearing an attractive, unusual brooch a few changing, with discoveries of new gemstones in Hillbrow”. weeks ago, it piqued his interest. Describing the moment, he says, “I thought, ‘That’s pretty! It’s not something that she usually wears; that looks like something I would make. Hold on, it has my signature line… no I’m just imagining it, move on.” So I started reading the article, and WISHING ALL OUR I was like, ‘Yikes, that’s mine!’” Friedman was in such shock, he put it out on his personal Instagram and Facebook JEWISH SHOPPERS, pages, which are only available to friends. “But before I knew it, my friends were all so CHAG SAMEACH excited to share my joy!” Since then, he has been interviewed by multiple media outlets clamouring to share this good-news story. So how did Friedman get to this point? “I am a seventh-generation jeweller, and was inspired by my father and grandfather,” he explains. “I did my apprenticeship in their factory, and I studied the history of jewellery at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. I continued my education by both attending and lecturing at international jewellery conferences.” At the time of making the queen’s brooch, Friedman “had just completed a high profile commission of setting the Ponahalo diamond with an essential African flavour, so I was approached to take on the commission of designing a brooch representing Botswana”. The process of making such a piece includes the initial concept, translating it into a drawing and interpreting the sketch into a three dimensional sculpture, and then making the individual frame for each of the stones. “Brooches are one of my favourite jewellery items, so I dived straight in,” he recalls. “The national products of Botswana are cattle, millet, and diamonds. I thought it through, and just drew a ripe grain head on its leaves. I used recycled gold, and the diamonds were ANNUAL PESACH MARKET | CENTRE COURT all custom cut to fit the drawing in exact proportions. The design process took a few days, but then I was given three weeks to 7 - 19 APRIL 2019 manufacture the piece once it was approved.” Friedman says this is a “dream-come-true moment” because “Her Majesty the Queen Monday to Thursday: 9h00 – 16h30 wears jewellery extremely well, and it’s one of those unattainable goals to see her wearing Friday: 9h00 - 14h30 one of my treasures. Each and every person that wears my treasures with pride and joy is Saturdays: Closed my dream. So the smile when I unveil a new Sundays: 9h00 - 15h00 creation that was individually designed for a client is really my motivation!” Friedman says the value of the piece comes from its provenance. “The reality is that provenance really is the true value of a piece of jewellery. The history of this piece as a presentation from the heart of Botswana to the queen and her family would increase the value of the item more than 100 to 300 times.” PESACH Other clients of his include Jerry Hall, Joan Collins, and Charlize Theron, and he has collaborated with people like Carolyn Steyn, a Zulu queen, and Elana Afrika. He says his Jewish identity has definitely influenced his life. “Growing up in a traditional orthodox environment filled with unique rituals and ceremonies, one can’t Tel: 011 728 6640/42 | Fax: 011 728 6643 | 26°08’47.20”S 28°04’43.82” deny the underlying influence in everything African Street & Sarie Marais Street or Corner Hamlin Street & 6th Avenue, Norwood | www.norwoodmall.co.za I do, the same way that living in Africa has a strong resonance in my creations.” 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 – 19 April 2019

The ups and downs of PRODUCT SS PNP H KW CBP

MATZAH shopping for Pesachdik food Rakusen’s - R29.99 - - JORDAN MOSHE This exclusivity appears to hold true for other products MATZAH Mosmarks R28.99 - R36.99 R42.99 as well. Where some of the stores feature a sizable ith Pesach starting next week, the selection of products, others seem to have reduced MATZAH Johannesburg Jewish community is stocking their Pesach offering this year. Take sauces for example. Jerusalem - - R28.99 - up on Pesachdik goods, though the large Checkers seems to have opted not to stock any, while the EGG MATZAH variationW in prices makes it worth shopping around. once standard Glen’s Awesome dressing can be found at Aviv - R103.99 - R89.99 Every store with a regular Jewish clientele has Pesach Pick n Pay and Spar only. New on the Pesach scene are EGG MATZAH items in stock, and designated aisles are filled with imported Haddar Italian dressing and local Bon Appetit Mosmarks R86.99 - R78.99 - kosher le pesach products, featuring everything from vinaigrette, and while the former seems to carry a GRAPE JUICE matzah to flavoured coffee creamer. standard price, the latter is considerably cheaper at Pick Rashi R85.99 - - - n Pay. GRAPE JUICE The range of brands seems to apply to products Kedem R89.99 - - - like dried mango as well, with no retailer carrying the same brand as any other. Where KosherWorld GRAPE JUICE Farbrengen - R60.99 - R79.99 stocks Montagu at R39.99 for 100g, only 50g more will cost you almost R70 at Pick n Pay for the Selwyn WINE Unorthodox - R85.00 R101.99 - Segal produce. Then, you have the brand stocked by Spar costing R59.99 for 250g, making the bulk SOUP R89.99 R73.99 R95.99 - purchase more cost effective. Osem On the whole, Pick n Pay appears to undercut the STOCK CUBES prices of its competition quite significantly. Where Telma - R11.99 R14.99 - Osem chicken soup costs almost R100 at both Spar SOUP MIX Manischewitz Matzah and KosherWorld, the comparatively appealing and Soup Mix - R52.99 R57.59 - price of R73.99 at Pick n Pay makes a significant SOUP MIX difference to those with more limited budgets. The Jerusalem Matzah Ball Mix R54.99 - R31.99 - same is true for a luxury item like a bottle of wine, TOMATO SAUCE which is a full R27 less at Pick n Pay. The retailer Glen’s R64.99 R58.99 - - However, the range of prices and products this year also seems to be the only large store to carry bottled SALAD DRESSING definitely make it worth considering where you buy what. horseradish this year. Glen’s French - R45.99 - - TheSA Jewish Report took note of essential items only Still, when it comes to selection and the convenience in comparing offerings at prominent kosher retailers of doing your shopping in a single store, it still seems to SALAD DRESSING Bon Appetit Vinaigrette R48.99 R40.99 R48.99 - KosherWorld, Norwood Pick n Pay, Sandringham Spar, pay to visit KosherWorld for most products. Its variety and Checkers Balfour Park. of imported items is significant, and there are four SALAD DRESSING It is interesting to note that few stores carry brands of a staple product like matzah-ball mix – Osem, Haddar Italian R72.99 R71.99 R71.99 - the same brand of products like matzah and grape Manischewitz, Jerusalem, and Telma. Some previously CHRAIN juice. Rakusen’s, Aviv, and Jerusalem brand matzot unseen items, such as Nu Tree’s flavoured waters, also Selwyn Segal - R54.99 - - seem to appear almost exclusively at certain stores. make a visit worthwhile. KICHEL And, although Mosmarks matzah can be found at Selwyn Segal R74.99 R57.99 R76.99 - KosherWorld, Checkers and Spar, the prices vary • All prices and stock were recorded on the same day, and SUPERMARKET KEY: SS: Spar Sandringham PNP H: Pick n Pay Hypermarket considerably. correct at the time of going to print. Norwood KW: KosherWorld CBP: Checkers Balfour Park A tribute to the ‘Queen of Cleveland’ TALI FEINBERG settled in Leningrad. They fled in 1941, and eventually landed up his life,” says her daughter. in France. “Some of their children were born in Russia, and some Kazen also had a deep love of Israel, and raised funds for a ebbetzin Shula Shifra Kazen was born in Stalinist Russia in France,” says Rebbetzin Goldman, one of their six daughters. vocational school and the Barmitzvahs of orphan boys there. to a poor Jewish family that lived hand to mouth on the Four months after she was born, the family headed to America. She would go on to assist, house, and feed thousands of freezing streets, clinging to their yiddishkeit in any way With the assistance of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Russian Jewish immigrants in Cleveland. She ensured their Rthey could. they arrived in New York, where they hoped to settle near the children went to Jewish schools, ran a food bank, helped the It is a world away from sunny South Africa, where her Rebbe. But he asked them to go to Cleveland, Ohio, where there elderly get to shul, and made sure everything was kosher. daughter would eventually settle, bringing the elder woman’s was no Chabad Jewish community to speak of. They had their She even became an expert in arranging brit milah for boys legacy of service, fortitude, and family to the Jewish community work cut out for them, and they gladly accepted. and men of all ages who had never been brissed in Russia. “She of this country. would go in her white coat to Mount Sinai hospital, working Kazen passed away last week in New York at the age of 96. with doctors to ensure a bris was done correctly. In all, she “The shiva was attended by thousands of people, some of whom arranged about 500 of these brisses,” says her daughter. flew in simply to pay their respects,” says her son in law, Rabbi On top of this, she was the mother of seven children. They Yossy Goldman of Sydenham Shul in Johannesburg. all went on to serve as Chabad shlichim around the world. “My Known as “the Queen of Cleveland”, the rebbetzin’s life reads mother was so happy when we came to South Africa, even like the history of the Jews in the 20th century, and ends with a though everyone was leaving when we got here in 1976. It dynasty that stretches to every continent. With more than 500 was not easy, but the Rebbe told us that everything would be descendants, that story has even reached us in South Africa. fine here. Now this community is the envy of the world,” says Kazen’s daughter, Rebbetzin Rochel Goldman and grandchildren Rebbetzin Goldman. Rabbi Nissen Goldman, Rebbetzin Sarah Feldman, Rebbetzin The tenacity and commitment she inherited from her mother Zeesy Deren, and Choni Goldman (aka Choni G) all work in our has certainly become part of the Chabad community in South Jewish communities in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Africa. So, how did a story that started in Russia end here? Rebbetzen But there was also tragedy. Kazen’s eldest and youngest Kazen was born in Gomel, Belarus, then part of the newly- children passed away in their primes. Her daughter, Esther created Soviet Union. The eldest of seven children born to Rabbi Alpern, changed the face of Jewry in Brazil; while her son, Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan and Maryasha (Garelik) Shagalov, her life Yosef Yitzchak Kazen, was a pioneer of Judaism on the internet, began in difficult circumstances. Russia had been devastated by and the founder of Chabad.org. Rebbetzin Sarah the terrible civil war that birthed the Bolshevik revolution, and “When her husband Zalman passed away about eight years Feldman with her thousands were dying of starvation, according to Chabad.org (the ago, the local newspaper called him ‘Cleveland’s kindest man’,” late grandmother website that would eventually be started by her late son, Rabbi says Rabbi Goldman. He describes his mother-in-law as “a Rebbetzin Shula Yosef Yitzchak Kazen). Shifra Kazen legend, with a total commitment to Judaism, come what may. “She had a very tough childhood in Russia, and it steeled her She really created a dynasty.” for life”, says Rabbi Yossy Goldman. Her father was arrested for Kazen is survived by her sisters, Rosa Marosov and Rochel practicing Judaism illegally and for being a mohel. He was killed, It was here that Kazen would thrive in her role in building Levin, both of Brooklyn and her children, Devorah Alevsky, although his fate was unknown to his family for decades. “As the the Jewish community from the ground up. “She would make Cleveland; Henya Laine, Brooklyn; Blumah Wineberg, oldest child, she became like a mother to her siblings at age 12,” everyone part of her family,” remembers her daughter, recalling Kansas City; Rivka Kotlarsky, Brooklyn; Rochel Goldman, he says. how they would host Russian immigrant families in their home Johannesburg; and hundreds of grandchildren, great- Terrible times followed, including going into hiding and for months at a time. grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren across the world. working in factories in Moscow. Shortly after she turned “She changed the direction of people’s lives. For example, “She now continues on her soul journey,” says Rebbetzin 18, Kazen was introduced to her future husband, Zalman she met a young man on a bus who was going to India to ‘find Goldman. “But her legacy will continue. Just this week, Katzenelenbogen (later shortened to Kazen). himself’. She convinced him rather to go to yeshiva, and he is someone who she helped many years ago named their new The couple got married in an illegal Jewish wedding, and they now the head of a large frum family. She changed the course of daughter after her.”

16 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 – 19 April 2019 Israeli cancer patients have the time of their lives in South Africa GILLIAN KLAWANSKY been to Cape Town, sailed on yachts, travelled Chaiyanu South Africa, explain how important just been amazing – the community, the place, up Table Mountain, and travelled in sports cars organisations like Chaiyanu are. and the experiences.” lavish breakfast fit for a king in the before coming to Johannesburg. “Someone “The Hope Tour helps the children get their For 15-year-old Ne’orai from Tzfat, riding a warmth of a magnificent Glenhazel even gave R2 500 to each boy to go shopping,” mind off their illness,” says Alan. “Coming jet ski on the Vaal River was a definite highlight. home. A band of rumbling Harley says Maimon, “they went crazy!” The SA Jewish to South Africa and enjoying all the amazing “Everyone being together, and the community DavidsonsA parked outside. Music and joy. And Report waved the boys off as they left for their things the people put out for them changes here has made the trip so special,” he smiles. a bus of 20 Israeli boys between the ages of six last stop on the tour – Zebula Game Lodge. their perception of their world.” Asked what keeps him going through his and 21, all suffering from cancer, descending Photo: YossiRozenboim illness, he simply says, “I know it’s all from on it all. Hashem.” The event was just one example of the Chaim, a 21-year-old suffering from bowel unbelievable hospitality enjoyed by kids on the lymphoma, says the trip has had a massive annual Chaiyanu Hope Tour to South Africa. impact on him. “I can’t explain how this tour Involving an 11-day trip to South Africa, has helped me, it’s something very special,” Eliyahu Shmueli at the tour is packed with once-in-a-lifetime he says. “It’s my first trip overseas. After all the Lion Park experiences and the chance for young Israelis the treatment and the hospitals, and being in to connect with the South African Jewish that depressing place, to suddenly go out and community. enjoy life and see that my body can work as it’s Volunteer families here host some of the kids supposed to has helped so much. And all the for Shabbat, and cater for lively breakfasts and amazing, good people here have helped too.” dinners. “Every meal is a party. We’ve had drum Chaim’s not just battling an illness, he’s also circles, laser tag, and now motorbikes,” says moved away from his parents and the Haredi Elad Maimon, the chief executive of Chaiyanu. community in which he grew up. “In South “This is the best trip because of the people here. Africa, the people are Haredi too and, in the The Jewish community in South Africa is the South African Liran Assness, who together “I’ve also spoken to the doctors, and they beginning, I was worried because I didn’t know most amazing Jewish community in the world, with his wife Tamara hosted the Harley understand that if you take them out of their how it would be,” he says. “I have to say though there’s no question about it.” Davidson breakfast, described how he got daily environment for ten days, it can change that they’ve all been such good people. In Israel Currently in its ninth year, the Chaiyanu involved in Chaiyanu. “A few years ago, when everything. From a hospital bed to this! there aren’t communities like this. Everyone Hope Tour runs separate trips for boys and the Chaiyanu group spent a Shabbat at our Nothing can beat it,” says Ronnie. here just accepts you for who you are, they open girls on alternate years. It’s just one programme shul, we hosted a few kids. One boy stayed at us Speaking to some of the boys, it becomes their homes and their hearts. They welcome Israeli organisation Chaiyanu offers as part for Shabbat, and we formed a bond.” clear just how beneficial the Hope Tour is. A you in, and make you feel like you’re worth of its daily initiatives to support kids facing Visibly emotional, Assness spoke of how the 21-year-old boy, who prefers not to be named, something. cancer. boy passed away last year. “He taught me about expresses how excited he is to be on the trip. “Being with kids going through the same “The doctors always say that when the kids strength, and to really appreciate what you’ve “I almost couldn’t come as my doctors thing as I am is great,” says 12-year-old come back from these trips, everything’s got. He was so positive. So, every year, we do wouldn’t allow me, but on the last day, they Gilad. “They understand you like others can’t changed,” says Maimon. “They have a reason something for Chaiyanu. We have a connection gave me the go ahead. It was amazing. This trip [understand you]. I’ve made good friends here, to carry on with life, and they fight harder. It with it. It’s so important to have something like has given me power, energy, and hope. and we’ll keep in touch. When I get home, I’m affects everything for them.” this, which brings joy to kids’ lives.” “The only thing I knew about South Africa going to be happier. It’s definitely going to help The boys on the Hope Tour this year have Ronnie and Alan Kaplan, the directors of before I came was the Soccer World Cup, and it’s me.” Appreciate each step towards the ballot box INNER VOICE t’s Tuesday, 9 April 2019, and as I help but get drawn into the significance of the South Africa, too, has a lot of noise ahead of write this, Israelis are casting their event. us. The cacophony of accusations and blame, vote. They have from 07:00 this It reminded me of the way in which South of promises and lies, will increase, before the Howard Feldman Imorning until 22:00 this evening to Africans describe 1994. country makes a decision about its future. do so. Already, my social media feeds South Africa, too, is headed for an election, There is no doubt that the next few weeks have a say in the future of the country. It is vital are flooded with photos of families and will go to the polls next month. Although ahead of the May election will be filled with to remind ourselves that the right to vote is not celebrating the right to choose the the countries are separated by the length of a political antics and irresponsible behaviour. a given, and to remind ourselves about what it future direction of the country. continent, the parallels are significant. Both are We are seeing it already, and the intensity meant to live without the ability to be heard. You will read this armed with young democracies, with South Africa enjoying will only increase. We can ask and hope for When it comes time for South Africans to more knowledge than me about the only its sixth democratic election. Both countries responsible electioneering, but the experience cast their ballot, we need to take a leaf out outcome, and yet for my purposes, have citizens who know and understand what it of almost every country in the world indicates of Rabbi Alpert’s book, don our clothes with the result hardly matters. What is of means to be disenfranchised, what it means to be that it will not be any different. religious reverence, and appreciate each step significance is that for the 21st time vulnerable, and many will recall the first experience What is important is that we continue to that we have taken, and each step that we will since 1948 (more accurately 1949), a of voting as a nation. remind ourselves what it means to be able to take towards the ballot box. free and fair election is taking place in Israel. Many of us (myself included) were Cry the beloved SA Jewry born after Israel’s declaration. We The African National Congress (ANC)-led that Jews still wield economic influence through TAKING ISSUE have no real understanding of what it government does not kowtow to Jewish interests business and major corporates. means to live in a world without the nearly as much as South African governments once Growing Muslim interests are becoming more Geoff Sifrin presence of a Jewish state and all that did, particularly in relation to Israel. important to the South African government than it represents. My father remembers it Jews remember nostalgically when former South they were before. As the shrinking South African ambassador, Sisa Ngombane, permanently well, and often describes a time that African President Nelson Mandela visited Israel Jewish community loses its influence and its from Israel. The ambassador was withdrawn in was lonely and frightening. This is no in 1999 after retiring as the first democratically confidence, it’s a painful reality for Jews to accept. May 2018, in line with an ANC resolution at its surprise, given the historical events elected president, and called out to Chief Rabbi However, they need to guard against too much 2017 elective conference, following the killings and context of that period. Cyril Harris at his hotel in Jerusalem: “My rabbi is pessimism. of protesting Palestinians by the Israeli army in The run-up to any election is here, now I feel at home in Jerusalem!” It’s better to look this scenario straight in the Gaza. International Relations and Cooperation never pleasant. Honest people Could President Cyril Ramaphosa do the eye, and re-format the community’s understanding Minister Lindiwe Sisulu declared last week that the make promises that they have no same? With his slim hold on power, it would be of itself. It’s worthwhile to consider where the ambassador “will not be replaced”. intention of keeping, and every impossible in today’s anti-Israel climate among community’s strengths lie, and its new place in this The decision is simple-minded. And coming sentence uttered by an opponent is South Africa’s body politic. That is, even if he has a evolving new country. This would be better than just before the elections, it smells of cheap deconstructed to expose the cracks. good relationship with the Jewish community and denying it, and hankering after the “good old days”. electioneering by the ANC to appease the dogs Friends and colleagues stand on the might otherwise be willing, other factions in the Even if some of the best of the Jewish snapping at its heels. Even many Israelis and Jews opposite end of a fictitious spectrum. ANC, and more radical parties would immediately community in all fields – business, the arts, and who object to the policies of the Israeli government With all the noise and mudslinging, make political capital out of it to use against him. others – have left for safer shores, the basis on feel this way. it’s easy to forget the essence of what Mandela was already out of office, but which they grew up here is strong enough to re- It has a sadder tone for South Africa than Israel. it means to have the privilege of nevertheless had the clout to visit Israel, in spite invigorate itself. Many South Africans still bask in the glory of the voting. of the politics. Jerusalem carries huge significance It will not be easy. The Jewish presence in South Mandela years. On my radio show this morning, for Jews, particularly the Kotel. But to Muslims, African society is sparser than ever. Many South It’s a bitter pill to swallow that those years are I read a first-hand account of Rabbi Jewish control of it is anathema. Africans, such as those in rural schools, grow up gone, as this country drowns in bad government Moshe Alpert, voter number 1, in Nothing in politics is fixed forever, there are too and live without ever encountering a Jew. They are and has difficulty keeping the lights on. 1949. He describes how they woke up many variables. In South Africa, minority groups left only with stereotypes that they hear or read For most world citizens, South Africa is just a dot early, donned their Shabbat clothes, such as the Jewish community, which once held about. on the map. As politics shifts, South African Jews and walked with reverence to the major sway in government and elsewhere, are The latest blow to this Zionist community – and the ANC need to be more agile to balance. It voting station. There was a mystical experiencing significant contractions in how they which indicates political realignment – is the would be better to increase interaction with Israel quality to his narrative, and I couldn’t are perceived and treated. This is in spite of the fact government’s decision to recall the South African rather than reduce it. 12 – 19 April 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies ‘Star and Crescent’ sheds light How IAW travesty became ‘Israel Awareness Week’ on ancient co-existence ewish students are at the SAUJS’s approach is clearly if it is collectively answerable for the coalface of defending Israel, bearing fruit. Whereas initially, alleged actions of a foreign country. rom the early together – the exception particularly during the it struggled to make itself 600s CE, Jews and rather than the norm? infamousJ Israel Apartheid Week heard amidst all the rhetoric Delusions over downgrade Muslims have co- A 10-week course run (IAW). and intimidation, over time, In regard to the long-running Fexisted, at times peacefully by the Florence Melton Confronted by a barrage of it has increasingly been able embassy downgrade saga, last and at other times School of Adult Jewish manipulative and mendacious to hold its own and eventually week’s events were less positive. contentiously. Historical Learning and developed propaganda, and in spite of often reduce IAW events to something Speaking to the South African perspective is important by the Hebrew University being subjected to vicious abuse, of a sideshow. The average Institute of International Affairs, to understand what we of Jerusalem helps us to they have consistently responded uncommitted student appears Lindiwe Sisulu, the Minister have in common and what STEVEN GRUZD explore this fascinating with dignity and restraint. While more responsive to an approach of International Relations and sets us apart. It helps us history. Titled “The IAW supporters aggressively shut that emphasises civilized dialogue Cooperation, declared inter alia, to minimise conflict and Star and the Crescent: down dialogue, the South African and education as opposed to lack that the downgrade was now forge closer ties. The Long Relationship Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) of debate with the sole purpose of being implemented, and the South Through the ages, from the deserts between Judaism and Islam”, scrupulously promotes it. While demonising and delegitimising the African ambassador to Israel of the Arabian Peninsula and Israel, the course, held in Saxonwold, the other side routinely resorts other side. would not be replaced. to vibrant life in ancient Baghdad, Johannesburg, emphasises to threats and crude insults, We are following up with medieval southern Spain, the mighty participation, inclusivity, and not infrequently crossing over the government to obtain Ottoman Empire, and modern multiple perspectives, through into overt anti-Semitism and ABOVE more clarity, noting that such Paris, New York, and Johannesburg, extensive text-based learning. physical disruption, SAUJS has BOARD statements roundly contradict these two communities have always It traverses this history from been disciplined and law-abiding. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s had complex, fluid, and intricate Abraham in biblical times right up Whereas IAW is about fostering Shaun Zagnoev recent assurances to our relations. The religions share values to today, encouraging students to hatred and anger, SAUJS has community that government was such as charity, ethical conduct, and view contemporary Jewish-Muslim promoted the values of dialogue Something new during IAW looking to “play a constructive monotheism, and practices such ties through a longer historical and education. this year was the Congress of role [in the Middle East] that will as circumcision, dietary laws, and lens. At this time, the South African South African Trade Union’s bring all parties together”. regular prayer. Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) picket outside the SAJBD’s Cape Our press release reiterated But, what impact has the status • “ Star and Crescent” will be held in and the South African Zionist offices on the grounds that South our core arguments against a of Jews as Dhimmi, or “people Saxonwold on Mondays from Federation work closely with African Jewry must be pressurised downgrade, while pointing out of the book” had on Jewish and 29 April to 27 May 2019, and then SAUJS, and assist where required, into ceasing support for Israel. that such policy changes cannot Muslim communities? How has on Tuesdays from 4 June to 2 July such as in liaising with the The demonstration itself was a simply be declared by a minister, the formation of the state of Israel 2019, from 19:00 to 20:30. It will universities to ensure that all abide non-event, with fewer than thirty but first have to be discussed by affected these societies? Why is be facilitated once again by Steven by the relevant codes of conduct. protestors taking part, although it Parliament and then ratified by positive communal interaction – Gruzd, a political analyst and Barring one or two exceptions, this is a concern that our community Cabinet. such as the relations forged in Cape freelance journalist for the SA Jewish year was largely free of the kind should have been targeted in the Town between the Open Mosque and Report. Contact Ariella Milner on 082 of ugly confrontations that IAW first place. • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on the Progressive Synagogues, where 804 6113 or [email protected] to proponents have engineered in the For our part, we denounced this Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM they now visit each other’s houses enrol, and for subsidies, students’ and past. crude attempt to treat local Jewry as every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00. of worship to celebrate key festivals couples’ discounts. This column is paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies This column is paid for by The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning

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Mevushal and Kosher for Passover Check Listings at www.unorthodoxwines.com 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 12 – 19 April 2019 Pupils vote in mock Israeli elections Waiter donates tip to Jewish charity ewish schools King David Torah Judaism party, Likud, the Regular patrons at Frangelicas restaurant keeping it. Linksfield High School and Blue and White party, the Labor in Glenhazel arranged with their waiter, His customers were so touched by this Herzlia Middle and High Party, and several others on the Vladimir Ropi, that they would give him a unexpected generosity, they decided to match SchoolJ held mock Israeli elections ballot. large annual tip instead of tipping him his donation, and the Godleys did the same. on 4 and 8 April to educate pupils Afterwards, they were divided each time they visited. Ropi – a third- That’s how #ProjectVLAD was launched. about Israeli politics and the into grades to cast their votes in year law student who has worked at Inspired by Ropi’s extraordinary initiative, democratic process. specifically allocated voting areas. Frangelicas for three years – was many other customers jumped on board with Herzlia Middle School Likewise, at Herzlia happy with that. their own matching contributions for Selwyn Middle and High School, “But,” remarked Simon Godley, Segal residents. pupils were exposed to the who owns Frangelicas together with array of political parties Elana Godley, “after years of being • To join the initiative, donate to: running for election by part of the Frangelicas family and being www.jhbchev.co.za (click on once-off donation student representatives, exposed to the warmth and generosity of and select Selwyn Segal) or Standard Bank who delivered party the community, when Ropi received his tip Norwood, Account 001 846 078, Branch 004105, manifestos, election of R760, he decided to donate the money to Society for the Jewish Handicapped, Reference VLAD Vladimir Ropi promises, and showed Jewish charity Selwyn Segal instead of and your full name). party political videos. Likud, the Democratic Progressive Party, Labor Help make Pesach special for old souls Party, United Torah King David Linksfield’s project Judaism, New Right Party, Meretz During the late 1960s and early 1970s, members of was spearheaded by Shinshin (Israeli Party, and Blue and White Party the Union of Jewish Women (UJW) assisted Meals on educator) Michal Benstein, who were represented at the event, Wheels, which was being run by a church in Yeoville. worked with Habonim’s Sganit which was hosted by Tzachi Cohen, They discovered that there were Jewish recipients Mazkir Klali Eden Plein and other the head of the school’s Israel who felt forced to accept non-kosher food as there madrichim. programme, and the Middle and was nowhere they could get kosher food. Most of Preparations for the King David High School Zionism Committee. them were house bound and lonely. event began a week earlier, when Following the presentations, In 1972 Kosher Mobile Meals was born. The old- each of the school committees was ballot boxes were set up along with aged home in Sandringham provided food that was given information about one Israeli monitors, and pupils were given the delivered by kombi to the elderly. political party competing in the chance to vote for the party of their The Kosher Mobile Meal’s kombi was driven to elections. They created political choice. Berea, Hillbrow, Joubert Park, and the city centre. posters and slogans, which There were many incidents – some sad and some were displayed around the happy – but over the past 46 years, Kosher Mobile Kosher Mobile Meals operations manager Glenda Goldberg packing school for a week. Each Meals has ensured that elderly and frail individuals hampers with volunteers committee chose a Grade are visited and given nourishing food. The service 11 representative to speak now caters for about 150 recipients. of 11 fabulous prizes, including a return ticket to Israel on for them when the school This year, the UJW invites you to assist it in making Ethiopian Airlines, jewellery, vouchers, a food warming gathered for the special Pesach special for its recipients. By making a donation as hostess, and other incredible prizes. To make a donation, assembly earlier this week. small as R100, you will be entered into a draw to win one call 011 648 1053, or email [email protected]. On the day, each representative explained the Samuel Maron from aims and ideologies of their Torah Institute shows gratitude at gala dinner King David political party. Students Rabbi Shmuel Moffson cited the importance of Linksfield Guests at the heard about the United High School Torah study at the Johannesburg Torah Institute’s JTI gala dinner (JTI’s) first gala dinner at its learning centre in Oaklands, Johannesburg, on Wednesday night. Moffson spoke to the 120 assembled guests about Moses Moyo honoured the transformative, enriching effect of Torah study The South African Zionist activist and pro-Israel lobbyist on Jewish life. He was joined by advocate Jonathan Federation (SAZF) asked ChaiFM Moses Moyo. Kaler did so when she Hoffman, who shared his personal experience of Chief Executive Kathy Kaler to plant was in Israel to run the Jerusalem growth through commitment to Torah study. a tree in one of the Jewish National Marathon. Since opening its doors, the JTI has offered Fund forests to honour late social She planted the tree in the Keren courses in Talmud, Chumash, Parsha, Jewish law, Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish history and philosophy, Hebrew reading, as (KKL) Tzora forest in well as international JLI (Jewish Learning Institute) the Ella Valley near courses. Kathy Kaler Bet Shemesh in central Israel. It is one of two KKL tree planting sites Sports Quiz raises roof for charity Kids that are available all With 36 teams pack for year round for visitors and five sporting wishing to plant a tree categories, the annual Pesach to contribute towards Bidvest Sports Quiz is Yad Aharon & Michael A table of participants at make Israel green. The a highly competitive held its annual the Bidvest Sports Quiz second site is located in event, but the community Pesach the north of Israel, near greatest winner of the packing day on 7 April, the Golani Junction. night was the Selwyn filling food boxes for 650 Segal Society, which families in need. More Mina Lopato goes to town received a donation of than 100 volunteers R400 000. came to assist, including Mina Lopato Nursery School in Greenside held its fun day, carnival, and The quiz, held children from Habonim, Pesach market recently to huge success, with current families and alumni on 3 April at the and Bnei Akiva, as well as enjoying the excitement, socialising, and shopping. Wanderers Club in those on Barmitzvah and Johannesburg, has Batmitzvah programmes. been in existence since 2001. It is a night of competitive fun in which sports stars gather, business people mingle, and Segal was raised through table sales, the money is raised, says Barney Girnun, auction of sports memorabilia and TAG event owner and joint managing director Heuer watches, as well sports greats of MSCSports. such as Schalk Brits, Jesse Kriel, and “Congratulations to the overall winning Vernon Philander, who were required to team who just happened to be the Bidvest participate in the quiz itself. Services team, captained by Bidvest Coupled with other sports celebrities Services Head Alan Fainman,” Girnun such as Gavin Hunt, Jean de Villiers, Zevi Slutzkin displays says. Schalk Brits, and Dean Furman, the night chesed (compassion) from Mina Lopato kids enjoying their fun day The generous donation for Selwyn was one to be remembered. a young age 12 – 19 April 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 Israeli star sings praises of Roodepoort rugby and braaivleis chuckling. “That and by going onto YouTube.” the gap between club LUKE ALFRED “My favourite kickers are Hayden Parker rugby there and the far- of the Sunwolves and Demetri Catrakilis, the stronger club game here ri Abutbul is a rugby pioneer. The former Stormers flyhalf. Kevin used to coach in South Africa.” former Tel Aviv security guard and Demetri at False Bay, and I met him a couple Ideally, Musikanth Israeli international is currently of months ago,” says Abutbul. “His approach to is hoping to bring

Oplaying club rugby in Roodepoort on the West kicking is what I like. Everything is so cool. He’s between five and seven Ilan Ossendryver Photo: Rand after being persuaded to come to South confident and happy.” talented young Israeli Africa by Kevin Musikanth, the current Israeli The outside centre who played good basketball players here on an national coach. in Israel has taken a gamble in coming to annual basis for seven Ori Abutbul Musikanth convinced Abutbul that a trip Johannesburg. He’s left his girlfriend and his years. “That’s almost south was the smart way to grow his game, job as a security guard at Facebook in Tel Aviv a year-and-a-half in so the 24 year-old is experiencing the culture behind until he returns at the end of the South terms of a World Cup shock of hearing line-out calls in Afrikaans. African winter. He’s living a dream by being planning cycle,” he He’s also experiencing the joys of seeing here, getting close to some of the temples of the says. “If we can get that pineapple on pizza, and finding out that we call international game, and learning a great deal right, we’d be well on a barbecue a braai here in South Africa. Then just by being in the Roodepoort environment. the way to reaching our there’s the little matter of calling traffic lights Musikanth, who engineered Abutbul’s move dream of qualifying for robots. to Roodepoort, has done similar things for a World Cup.” Best of all, he’s rubbing shoulders with Israeli internationals like Jason Ferreira, who Musikanth has never former Golden Lions centre “Stokkies” is currently playing at Pirates, and Jared Sichel, been one to dampen his Hanekom and Roodepoort coach Alwyn who was playing at Villagers. The dream for the dreams. He remembers Hollenbach, the ex-Cheetahs centre who was ex-Ikeys coach, Musikanth, is that he can find this time of year exactly forced to retire due to the recurrence of a a rugby-loving benefactor to turn the trickle of five years ago, when staff had hired a professional magician a couple shoulder injury. Israeli players here in South Africa into a stream, UCT-Ikeys, the side he then coached, travelled of days before the final, and it became a team And he’s loving every minute of it. because it’s one of the obvious ways for the to Potchefstroom to meet the more favoured mantra that magic was always possible. Not that Abutbul’s arm needed a great deal Israeli game to grow. Pukke in that year’s Varsity Cup final. “I was happy we were losing 33-31, I really of twisting. As a teenager, he encountered “You need to upskill Israeli rugby players,” UCT had lost to Pukke in the competition’s was, because it was a respectable loss,” he says. several South Africans coaching on kibbutzim says Musikanth, “and you also need to have a round-robin phase, and Musikanth is far enough “Then we charged down an attempted drop-kick in Israel, and it was there that he fell in love club rugby system to challenge them. We might away from the experience to admit that they when they should have kicked it out after the with rugby. He half-jokingly likes to call himself be some way off perfecting that system, but shouldn’t have been in with a shout. But magic final whistle, and we scored the winning try. “Africa”, and given that he enjoys the game so the next best thing is to find a way to bridge was in the air because he and the UCT support “That’s magic in my book.” much, he didn’t think too hard after Musikanth came up with the proposition. “It’s so much fun,” says Abutbul, who is Letters hoping to make his first XV Roodepoort debut this weekend. “This is pure rugby. This is hard- BDS SEXUAL HARASSMENT STORY HAS NO PLACE ON ISRAEL POLICY REVEALS ANC’S ‘RAMAPHONYISM’ working men coming to play after work and FRONT PAGE South Africa will not reinstate its ambassador to Israel, Lindiwe Sisulu, enjoying themselves.” The SA Jewish Report dated 29 March refers. Why give the South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation said on Abutbul is an outside centre and place-kicker, Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement and the Friday. one of the young players on whom Musikanth sexual harassment charges hanging over the head of its How many Jews are still enamoured with Cyril Ramaphosa, and are thinks that Israel’s 2023 World Cup dreams founder such prominence? voting for the ANC to strengthen this man? can be built. As a younger player, he played Surely there is more Jewish orientated news that would It is not under Jacob Zuma but Ramaphosa that SA is ending diplomatic in several positions in the pack, ranging from be more worthy of a position on the front page? I think a ties with Israel. loosehead to eighthman, but finally ended up great error of judgement has occurred here. There can be I have never been enamoured of Ramaphosa. Ramaphoria made me sick as second centre. no justification for this save for possibly gloating at the from day one. Musikanth first saw him several years “enemy’s” misfortune. Who was deputy president under Zuma for several years, and went along ago, scoring all of Israel’s points in a victory If that is the case, it flies in the face of an injunction on with all Zuma’s decisions? Who stood by Zuma all this time? over Malta, and was impressed not only by us as Jews not to do so. By featuring BDS in so prominent a Who was responsible for the Marikana massacre, while withdrawing the Abutbul’s obvious ability, but his calmness. “I position, you are feeding into this misguided organisation’s ambassador from Israel for Israel’s action to stop a violent Hamas mob taught myself to kick out of a book,” he says, publicity framework. Shame on you! – Albert Glass, Cape from storming the border? Sunday (14 April) Town I cannot believe people do not see the danger of the ANC getting • Second Innings hosts Steven Gruzd, an analyst at the South African another gargantuan majority. The ANC has had 25 years of rule in SA, Institute of International Affairs, on Is there hope for better Jewish-Muslim Unfortunately, BDS-SA and its leadership is relevant to our and has brought only corruption, crime, poverty, and decay. Do you community, whether we like it or not. It is not about gloating, really think a rotten bus can be the answer just because there is a new relations. Tea at 10:00. Meeting at 10:30. Venue: Arcadia, entrance but simply giving our readers information that is of interest driver at the helm, a driver who has feet of clay anyway? – Gary Selikow, opposite Glenwood Lodge in Long Avenue, Fairmount. Cost: R20 and importance to them. - Editor Johannesburg members, R40 visitors, includes tea and light refreshments. Contact: Linda Fleishman 011 532 9701. • The Big Band Music Appreciation Society hosts a programme presented by Lionel Gordon. Audio: music from the 40s, Basie, Dorsey, Goodman, James and Miller, and a movie: From Lawrence Welk to America with Love. Time: 14:15. Venue: Beit Emanuel Slome Auditorium, AT H ’S IF WE ARE IF WE ARE 38 Oxford Road, Parktown. W Contact: Marilyn: 072 243 O

7436 or Jack: 082 450 N NOT SAFE NOT SAFE 7622. • The Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre (JHGC) hosts an WE ARE WE ARE uplifting afternoon of Yiddish, Hebrew, and English songs, bringing to life the world that was. Featuring Russel Lurie, Leigh Nudelman, Evelyn Green, Jonathan Mayer, and Helen Heldenmuth. Time: NOT FREE NOT FREE 15:00. Venue: 1 Duncombe Road, Forest Town. RSVP to dowi@ jhbholocaust.co.za or 011 640 3100. Suggested donation of R50. Pesach is a time to celebrate the freedom of the Wednesday (17 April) Jewish people. Our current reality is that we • The JHGC hosts a South African premiere of First They Killed My Father are NOT free from all the hatred in the world. to commemorate Genocide Awareness Month and the launch of the More than ever our community needs the CSO International Genocide Community Screening Campaign. Time: 19:00. to keep us safe at all costs. It is only because of Venue: 1 Duncombe Road, Forest Town. RSVP to dowi@jhbholocaust. you - our donors and volunteers - that the CSO co.za or 011 640 3100. Free admission, donations welcome. is able to continue to protect Jewish life and the Jewish way of life. Protect your freedom, be safe, • The ORT SA CareerHub presents Lorraine Silverman of the Work Sharp contribute to our Pesach Appeal. Creative Career Development Programme. Time: 18:00 to 20:00. Venue: The ORT SA Academy, 44 Central Street, Houghton. Cost: R200 for WE ARE HERE BECAUSE OF YOU members, R400 for non-members. RSVP [email protected] WWW.CSO.ORG.ZA Thursday (18 April) • Join the Women’s International Zionist Organisation every Thursday for a Lunch and Learn shiur with Rabbi Michael Katz. Time: 13:00 at CSO 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER 086 18 000 18 Beyachad. Contact: WIZO office: 011 645 2515.