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n Volume 23 – Number 1 n 18 January 2019 n 12 Shevat 5779 MATRIC south african MATTERS PULLOUT The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za Soccer-goalpost tragedy far from over NICOLA MILTZ “That feeling of finding someone At his memorial, his father told suing Yeshiva College. This close-knit about the importance of safety at who understands exactly what you mourners, “My baby soccer player community had been there right schools followed Kiyan’s untimely hen the father of Hugo are going through is so rare. Dov passed away in his goals in the end from the start when tragedy struck passing, he insists. Paluch – the Yeshiva understood immediately,” Singh told doing what he absolutely loved the the Paluch family. Inevitably, legal In his article he said, “I was angry WCollege boy who died after the SA Jewish Report. most. It was a cruel and merciless proceedings shift perceptions and because no parent should have to soccer goalposts fell on him – heard His son’s accident happened at the ending for his beautiful life.” create controversy. bury a child. But mostly I was angry that another boy had died in the same Riverside sports grounds during a After reaching out to Singh, Paluch According to Paluch, the family because after Hugo was taken from tragic way as his son, it “shook him to match between local club Riverside then wrote an opinion piece which had started legal proceedings soon us, naively, I thought that it could his core”. not happen again.” His letter states Dov Paluch told the SA Jewish that at the same time as there was Report this week, “I could not United in grief a huge outpouring of love and comprehend that soccer goals had support from the community, “there taken another precious child’s life in was inadequate response from less than 18 months since I lost my administrators around meaningful boy.” Jason Crouse Photo: efforts towards safety”. The devastating news changed Asked if a lawsuit could have something in him. The intensely been avoided, Hugo’s mother Nicole private Paluch knew it was time to explained, “Everything we have done do something. After some agonising and continue to do is to ensure that soul searching, he decided to go in Hugo’s memory, nothing like this public in December in a bid to ever happens again. We need schools kickstart a nationwide conversation in South Africa to take accountability around safety at schools and sports for the safety of our children. They grounds. are in the business of looking after First, he tracked down the father children, and keeping them safe of Kiyan Singh, the eight-year-old during the school day should be their Durban boy who was struck by a first and foremost priority. If no one goalpost during strong winds in late takes accountability, then change November. cannot happen.” “I had to find him and reach out,” Their beloved first-born son, Hugo, Paluch said. 14, died in June 2017 after soccer For Sahil Singh, it was the call he goals fell on him during break at was waiting for. “Dov’s phone call school. Described as a freak accident, came exactly when I was looking it gripped the community locally and online to find someone out there abroad as Hugo slipped away after Left: Tess and Sahil Singh with their sons the late Kiyan (left) and Aran. Right: Nicole and Dov Paluch with who had been through this.” fighting for his life for 11 days in Sydney, Armin and Poppy (with Hugo, inset). The heartbroken fathers spoke for hospital. ages in what would become the first and Juventus football clubs’ junior was published in News24 and IOL. after Hugo’s passing. “It was part of a Those who knew him said he was of many calls. Their shared grief and teams. The soccer-crazy boy was a Just as the holiday spirit set in, the process that had begun many months no ordinary child. Chief Rabbi Dr pain united them in an unimaginable substitute goalkeeper for the local community was unsettled by media ago,” he said. Warren Goldstein – a friend of the way. side Juventus. reports about Paluch’s intention of The turning point in going public Continued on page 25>>

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Authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 18 – 25 January 2019 Whatever you’re feeling, there’s a psalm for it World News in Brief JORDAN MOSHE “With so much the book will include a No Holocaust victim bones negativity in our comprehensive variety of n much the same way that there is an world, we need all tehillim. A sonar scan of the bottom of the Danube River in Budapest has revealed no human remains. app for everything, there is a psalm the help we can get Launching a sweeping Volunteers for Zaka, an Israel-based orthodox Ifor every requirement as well. So to find positivity. The drive that covers the Jewish group, conducted the search on Tuesday says Chabad House Director Rabbi David positive energy of entire country, Masinter is for the bodies of some of the thousands of Jews Masinter. prayer works to find committed to getting a copy shot dead on the banks of the river from 1944 to If you are sad, there is a psalm to help you. it,” he says. of the book to every Jewish 1945 by Hungarian Nazi collaborators. If you are mad, there is one too. If you are Masinter launched teenager in South Africa, as Slomo Koves, the head of the Chabad-affiliated finding it hard to concentrate, you will find a tehillim (psalms) well a shortened version to EMIH Jewish federation of Hungary, told JTA that the team operating the sonar would be back a psalm to help, and so it goes, according to campaign on every primary school pupil next month for another scan. Zaka provides Masinter. Wednesday this as well. “No one will be left emergency services and collects human remains week in honour out of this project,” he says. for burial after natural and manmade disasters. of the start of the “Those who cannot afford In 2011, human remains were discovered Appliance Repairs on Site 70th anniversary of to buy one will be included. during construction work on a bridge overlooking ers, the year when the This is a project for all Jews. the Danube. DNA tests run on the bones in ash August 2015 found that at least nine of the 15 hw Rabbi Menachem “Psalms break all barriers Dis toves samples were Ashkenazi Jews from Europe and , es, S Mendel Schneersohn, and express innumerable that six others could also be. es chin dg Ma the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, feelings,” he says. “Anyone The murders by the pro-Nazi Arrow Cross are ri g F hin assumed leadership of the Chabad can say them at any time. No at the heart of an ongoing and polarising debate as rs & more matter his age or situation, a Jew is never in Hungary about how government-led and other W Drye movement. ble commemoration efforts should address the issue um Call Jason Part of the Rebbe’s vision was for removed from G-d, and just needs to bring T every Jewish home to have Jewish texts out the connection that lies within him.” of complicity. The Mazsihisz Jewish Federation 082 401 8239 / 076 210 6532 has accused the government of whitewashing within its walls, says Masinter. Masinter’s This project follows another recently this complicity, though EMIH has disputed this. FREE QUOTATIONS campaign is to ensure that every family launched campaign in which Masinter set “Whether this is controversial or not is really has a book of psalms in their home, up a series of 18 art installations around not an issue,” Koves said of his group’s efforts and one that has an excellent English Johannesburg, all of them bearing simple to find the remains of Arrow Cross victims. “The translation. injunctions aimed at passers-by, including only thing that matters is the major mitzvah of “The book of psalms is a work of divine “Tell someone they look great”; “Complain bringing the victims to burial.” inspiration that enables anyone to give less, smile more”; “Make someone a coffee”; The rabbi said the government was helpful in obtaining permits for the searches. (JTA) expression to whatever they may be and even “Call your mom”. feeling,” he says. “The Rebbe knew very At a time when negativity pervades South well the innate power of tehillim and African society, Masinter is committed Gadot for Lego movie their ability to achieve great things in any to turning the pessimistic outlook of its situation no matter how challenging.” citizens around. Not only does he promote Gal Gadot will be heard as Wonder Woman long before the sequel to her megahit film is screened This year, therefore, Chabad’s annual positive thinking in the Jewish and broader in 2020. book publication will be geared towards community, he aims to change the way we Gadot will voice the character in The Lego a unique book of view reality. Movie 2: The Second Part, which will open next tehillim, making month in theatres in the United States, according Show your love, gratitude & these special prayers Shabbat times this week to movie blogs and fan sites, including Flickering accessible to all Myth. appreciation with our beautiful Starts Ends Jews. The Israeli actress will be joined by several 18:15 19:38 Johannesburg others who portray DC characters on the big presentations, filled with Featuring the 19:15 20:37 Cape Town screen, with Jason Momoa voicing Aquaman, fruit, nuts and chocolates original Hebrew 18:15 19:36 Durban and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn from Suicide text alongside an Squad. 18:15 19:53 Bloemfontein Kingswood Centre, English translation The Lego Movie was released before Gadot 9 Northfield Ave, Glenhazel produced by Chabad, 18:15 20:08 Port Elizabeth first performed asWonder Woman in Batman v 18:15 19:56 East London Superman: Dawn of Justice. (JTA) ☎ (011) 440-4924 Torah Thought Sticking to tradition Scoop 5x3.indd 1 2018/03/19 12:01 PM ow important is tradition in Judaism? We need to tell them why their G-d of my fathers VEHICLES WANTED Obviously, very important. There is grandparents did it. They need to understand and I will exalt Heven a major song in the musical that their grandparents’ traditions were not Him.” Fiddler on the Roof devoted to tradition! just for tradition’s sake, but for very good The sequence In spite of the effects of secularism, there reasons. And those same rationales still hold is significant. First Rabbi Yossy is still a need for us to feel connected to our today. comes “my G-d”, Goldman, roots, our heritage, and a sense of belonging Too many young people are put off and only thereafter Sydenham Shul to the Jewish people. tradition because some cheder teacher the “G-d of my But for vast numbers of our people, didn’t take their questions seriously. They fathers”. While the “G-d of our fathers” tradition is not enough. Not only for the were silenced with a wave of the hand, a – in other words tradition – plays a very rebellious among us, but for many ordinary pinch of the ear, or the classic, “When you important role in Judaism, an indispensable Any make, any model, any condition thinking people who decided that to do get older, you’ll understand”. prerequisite is that we must make G-d Accident damaged vehicles and non-runners also wanted something just because “that’s the way it There are answers. There have always ours, personally. Every Jew must develop a has always been done” is simply not good been answers. All our traditions are founded personal relationship with G-d. % enough. on substance and have intelligible, credible Authentic Judaism has never shied away Arnold Orkin 082 823 7826 So what if my grandfather did it? My underpinnings. There are only a handful from questions. Every page of the Talmud AUTO AFRICA grandfather rode around in a horse and of mitzvahs that require a leap of faith. is filled with questions – and answers. You buggy! And if my bobba never got a If we seek answers, we will find them don’t have to wait for the Pesach seder to university degree, why shouldn’t I? Just in abundance; including many layers of ask a question. because my grandparents practiced certain meaning, from the simple to the symbolic to When we think, ask, and find answers Jewish traditions, why must I? Perhaps the philosophical, even the mystical. to our faith, then the traditions of our those traditions are as obsolete as the horse This week’s parsha features the Song grandparents come alive. Once a tradition and buggy. of the Sea, sung by Moses and the Jewish has become ours, we then realise that this There are masses of Jews who think people following the splitting of the sea very same practice has been observed this way, and who will not be convinced to and their miraculous deliverance from the uninterruptedly by our ancestors for many behave in a Jewish way just because their Egyptian armies. Early on, we find the verse, centuries, tradition then becomes a powerful grandparents did. “This is my G-d and I will glorify Him, the force that can inspire us forever.

Editor Peta Krost Maunder – [email protected] • Sub-editor Julie Leibowitz Senior writer Nicola Miltz • Journalist Tali Feinberg • Junior journalist 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 18 – 25 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Jewish man killed in Kenya attack was 9/11 survivor TALI FEINBERG respected and helped a lot Jason Spindler identified as Kenyans, one He does not think Jews in of start-ups, linking young – Spindler – an American, Kenya need to fear for their ason Spindler, the Jewish companies to investors. He and one more has been safety. “On the contrary, Kenya is American man who was one was doing extremely well, identified as a British a country with a deeply religious Jof 15 victims of a terrorist so this is a huge loss to national. The remaining population, and a generally attack in Kenya on Tuesday, had the startup system in East victims have yet to be strong affection for Jews,” he previously survived the Africa. identified. says. “Unfortunately, the threat 11 September terrorist attack in “What I liked about Steve Felder, a South of terrorism will remain ever- 2001. him, was that he was African expat who has lived present. However, it is typically His brother Jonathan Spindler, very tenacious resilient, in Nairobi, explains that perpetrated against Kenyan confirmed the death of his sibling persistent and innovative, the premises where the people as the primary targets.” at the Dusit Hotel on Riverside as raising these funds was a terrorist attack took place Al-Shabab – the Somali-based Drive in Nairobi. “It’s with a heavy huge challenge.” was partly a business and extremist group that is allied to heart that I announce that my A man named Joshua office park, and partly a al Qaeda – claimed responsibility brother, Jason Spindler, passed Rugema tweeted, “Jason hotel. He’s not sure why it for the attack. Kenya’s President away this morning during a terror Spindler was an amazing was targeted, but possibly Uhuru Kenyatta said on attack in Nairobi. Jason was a guy. He loved people and because security was not as Wednesday that security forces survivor of 9/11 and a fighter. Africa. Our last conversation strong there compared to had killed the Islamic extremist I am sure he gave them hell,” was in the restaurant he was an incredible entrepreneur who other places (which he describes gunmen. The same group carried Jonathan wrote on Facebook. gunned down in. I’ll never worked tirelessly to improve the as “fortresses”), or because there out the 2013 attack at the nearby “Jason was trying to make forget it.” Another tweeter, livelihoods of millions of people.” are a lot of people there during Westgate Mall in Nairobi that positive change in the third Patrick Sieyes, said, “Jason was Of the 15 victims, 11 have been the day. killed 67 people. world in emerging markets,” his mother Sarah Spindler told NBC News. “We all miss him so much. Zimbabwe’s Jewish community keeps its head down in the chaos And it’s so sad that such a bright TALI FEINBERG AND JORDAN MOSHE first day of a three-day national stay-away called from contacting loved ones to make sure that young person is taken away by for by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in they are safe. It therefore violates basic human terrorism.” “Mayhem and chaos reign supreme here,” said response to the deteriorating economic situation rights. “We’re relying on text messages,” she says. Spindler was the chief executive a Jewish Zimbabwe resident this week. “It is so in the country. Given the dire situation of most “An SMS bundle costs more than a data bundle, and managing director of I-DEV scary to be cut off without accurate information Zimbabwean citizens, the stay-away has become a and people are too poor to afford them. Children International, a strategy and or contact. People have no access to doctors or violent wave of looting and destruction. can’t tell their mothers if they’re safe, fathers innovation firm that works with any medication, and don’t know when they will. Demonstrations turned violent as roads were can’t check where their daughters are. The basic corporations, social enterprises, We have no way of knowing what tomorrow will barricaded, shops looted, and vehicles burnt. “The text message has become a privilege.” and impact investors to build bring. I was tear-gassed on Friday, I am confined government shut down the internet on Tuesday She concludes, “[There is] no official business-based partnerships. to my home now, and am completely in the dark in an attempt to quell the protests and inhibit communication; the internet service provider He joined the Peace Corps after about what will happen next.” Zimbabweans from organising mass action,” says was intimidated into shutting down the the 9/11 terror attacks, and was a This woman asked to remain anonymous out of Baranov. internet, and people are dying on the streets. graduate of New York University fear of reprisal. Zimbabwe has come to a grinding The lack of communication has also resulted in This situation is beyond absurd, and yet it hasn’t Law and the University of Texas halt in the wake of protests and clashes that have the proliferation of rumour and misinformation, appeared on any international news station at Austin. He was the recipient of rocked the country this week. heightening the fear and panic gripping many anywhere. What has to happen for this to be grants from the Bill and Melinda She is just one member of the tiny Jewish people. “Cut off from the outside world, we noticed?” Gates Foundation and the Clinton community which is weathering the storm. While hear all sorts of rumours,” says the anonymous Country Communities Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft Foundation, his mother said. some Zimbabweans are secure in their homes, resident. “I’ve heard that between three and 21 says the community is “lying low”, and his Spindler spoke at conferences others have been caught in the crossfire caused by people have been killed in the clashes - there is office has been calling twice a day to evaluate around the globe, lectured at the looting and chaos erupting across the country. no exact figure. I’ve also heard that the police are the situation. He has been approached by leading business schools, and had “We’re an extremely small minority,” says turning a blind eye to looting and, in some cases, many South Africans with family in Zimbabwe advised heads of state, Fortune Arnold Joffe, the head of the Harare Hebrew even joining in.” who have been trying to get hold of them in 500 corporations, and growth- Congregation. “We’re staying put at home, and While members of the community may be in the communication blackout. “The situation stage businesses. He was an not venturing out much, because if we do, we their homes trying to carry on as best they can, is getting very ‘hot’ for the first time in many Adjunct Professor at Middlebury can’t be sure if we’ll encounter empty streets or some Jewish residents are outraged at what is years, but we hope for better days,” he says. College’s Graduate Program for utter chaos. The situation is volatile and subject to befalling average Zimbabweans. “We’re fortunate Ex-Zimbabwean Dave Bloom received International Studies, and had a sudden change.” to be safe in our homes,” says Bulawayo resident communication from someone in Harare Juris Doctorate from New York By Wednesday this week, the situation in Leah Louth, “but out on the street, there are on Wednesday morning who said that the University. Zimbabwe was extremely tense. “Opposition and people who have no roof over their heads and are situation was “very worrying and dangerous. The CEO of Coca-Cola Africa, civil society leaders critical of the government are exposed to danger and violence.” The rioting is in the high-density suburbs, the Peter Njonjo, was a personal being arrested. The Movement for Democratic She continues, “I’ve never seen Bulawayo police are breaking down doors, and arresting friend of Spindler. Speaking Changes’ offices were set ablaze on Monday reach a point like this. The western suburbs people without reason.” to the SA Jewish Report from evening, and the military have moved into the are a war zone, yet we’ve had no word from Says Bloom, “The army and police are Nairobi, Njonjo said: “Jason was high-density areas around Harare, with reports the government. While we can hear the army cracking down hard. I suspect people in the an active investor and supporter of civilians being rounded up, beaten, and tear- mobilising and returning to barracks at night, we community are safe in their homes, but I’m of the Kenyan startup space, and gassed in their homes,” says democracy and can’t see what’s going on outside.” not sure how long that can go on. The old played a major role in raising human rights activist Alana Baranov. Louth says that the internet shutdown is a and vulnerable will probably be hardest hit in venture capital in East African She says the wave of unrest was sparked by the particularly heavy blow, as it prevents people getting food and medical services.” tech projects. He was very well Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis atINVEST vero eros IN et PROPERTY accumsan et IN iusto ISRAEL odio dignissimFROM R5 qui MILLION blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenitPROPERTIES augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi. 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Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 18 – 25 January 2019 Shylock post on social media exposes BDS anti-Semitism NICOLA MILTZ Masuku, who was accused of hate Suggesting that BDS is synonymous Joey Schnide responded to BDS- of anti-Semitism. This is hardly speech. Masuku, in his capacity as with anti-Semitism invisibilizes Jews SA’s Shylock post by saying, “Gonna surprising. Insofar as the literature BDS South Africa (BDS-SA) is forever international relations secretary who are active in the BDS campaign.” preface this by saying I’m a very of BDS does not support Israel’s right denying that its anti-Israel stance of Cosatu, had on two previous The organisation’s latest anti- strong supporter of BDS and very to exist, it is arguably an anti-Semitic is anti-Semitic. However, a post the occasions been found guilty of hate Semitic post flies in the face of its much want the movement to succeed. organisation. Of course, while I am organisation put out on its own social speech for inflammatory comments continual attempt to appear to stand That being said, this is absolutely aware that not supporting the idea of media account in mid-December and threats he made against local for human rights. disgusting. Beyond the fact that as a Jewish state cannot axiomatically exposed the truth. Jewry who support Israel, and Jews Acclaimed academic, author, and a Jew this makes me feel ill to read, be considered anti-Semitic, it is The post in question referenced on campus. expert on anti-Semitism, Professor it’s also a terrible look for BDS. BDS extremely naïve to wish Israel away. William Shakespeare’s play, Merchant After having been found guilty Milton Shain, described the post as is not inherently anti-Semitic and we Invariably, such sentiments tie in of Venice, using the famous writer’s and ordered to apologise, he took “awful”. already have to spend a ton of time with anti-Semitism. An hygienic form despised Jewish character of the matter on appeal and in a highly making the case that we aren’t anti- of anti-Semitism, in other words. As Shylock – the stereotypical greedy, controversial and surprising move, Semites. Horseshit like this discredits the post and cartoon illustrate, many hook nosed, miserly Jew – as an the SCA upheld his appeal. The our whole movement. If you care of the advocates of BDS hate Jews.” analogy for the South African Jewish matter will now be appealed in the about the success of BDS or you (sp) The South African Jewish Board of community. Constitutional Court. Jewish allies, you should take this Deputies criticised the post, saying, “If the famous Williams (sp) Seeing this as a victory for its down immediately.” “It is ironic that an organisation Shakespeare had written his 1596- cause, BDS-SA welcomed the SCA Another post said, “Please help that purports to stand for human 99 play, Merchant of Venice in this judgement, thereby firmly aligning anti-Zionist Jews who support BDS. rights would use an age old, vile, generation, he would have been itself with Masuku, who amongst Please do not reproduce anti-Semitic anti-Semitic stereotype in an effort to accused of hate speech, condemned, numerous utterances called at the tropes and rhetoric while officially demonise SA Jewry.” By doing this, it sidelined, and declared a racist. time for the “perpetual suffering” of representing BDS (or ever for that said, it revealed its true anti-Semitic That is because the play centred on the Jewish community. matter). I am ashamed that an official colours. a greedy and conscienceless Jewish BDS-SA’s derogatory post was BDS page has shared something so “According to BDS, our community money lender, Shylock, who insisted speedily removed when its handful of disgustingly anti-Semitic. is like Shylock, namely, ‘ruthless’, on slicing a pound of flesh from a Jewish supporters complained that “There are loads of anti-Zionist ‘vindictive’ and ‘merciless’,” said the debtor despite offers to pay him the organisation had gone one step Jews who would be happy to help you Board. double the money he had advanced. A too far down the slippery slope of Jew see why this is truly vile, please reach British sociologist Dr David Hirsh similar scenario played out in South baiting. out if you are unable to understand criticised BDS, saying, “The core Africa on 4 December when the So often accused of being anti- the problem here.” business of BDS is not as much Supreme Court of Appeal, stopped Semitic for its rabid and extreme Shain said the fact that the about resolving the Palestinian- Bongani Masuku some racists organised under the criticism of Israel, BDS spends much post and cartoon was removed – Israel conflict, as creating a hostile South African Jewish Board of time trying to convince the world He told the SA Jewish Report, apparently at the behest of Jewish environment for SA Jewry. No Deputies from taking a pound of that its condemnation of the state “Although barrels of ink have been supporters of BDS – “shows how amount of hiding behind ‘Jewish flesh from Bongani Masuku, Head, of Israel does not equate with anti- spilled as to whether Shakespeare’s close to the border of Jew-hatred the voices’ can excuse ongoing incidents International Relations, Congress of Semitism. As recently as last week, Merchant of Venice is a ‘blood-libel cartoon and tweet sailed”. of anti-Semitism, of which it has a South African Trade Unions.” it posted a tweet saying, “BDS is narrative’, the cartoon provided by “Money-lending, greed, the long history.” This postwas put out in response not, and should never be confused BDS clearly raises the possibility that perversion of law, revenge, and the BDS-SA Chairperson Professor to the Supreme Court of Appeal’s with anti-Semitism. 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So Coming out of the silly season much can happen between now and I DATELINE: then that when election day arrives on 9 s we do our best to get back into the swing of things and drag our brains back April, much of what is written here could be MIDDLE EAST kicking and screaming from our relaxing holidays, it is hard to imagine that it’s obsolete. Aback to the grindstone. There is something so luxurious about waking up in the As things stand now, however, the Paula Slier morning without any set plans. elections will boil down to two people: Israeli Another thing about being on holiday, though, is that we let our guard down to a Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who’s might mean that Likud is the only right-wing large degree. running for his political survival, and Israeli party certain to meet the electoral threshold Few of us remain glued to the news, and some even make a point of avoiding Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. of 3.25% of votes. The creation of centrist anything that is too serious. No wonder they call it the “silly season”. It wasn’t so long ago that Netanyahu parties has further split the political playing The thing about this time of year is that devious souls use it to get things done that insisted that he wasn’t going to call for early field. they don’t want others to notice. What better time? elections. He argued that Israel was facing If there is one politician who might give Also, people so often say and do things that show them for who they really are existential challenges that only he and his Netanyahu a run for his money, it’s former without their business masks on. Sometimes it might take a little bit of alcoholic government could surmount. Israeli Army Chief of Staff General Benny lubrication, but not always. Then suddenly at the end of last month, Gantz. He’s running almost neck-and-neck A case in point of using this time to get things done was in December 2017, when he announced he was bringing the elections with the premier, polling number two (38%) the ANC pushed through the decision to downgrade the South African Embassy in forward by eight months. behind Netanyahu (41%) in popularity. Israel. In this case, it used the ANC electoral conference where Cyril Ramaphosa Most Israelis agree this was an attempt to At the end of December, Gantz formed unseated Zuma as its smokescreen. put pressure on the attorney general, who a new political party called Hosen Yisrael I recall the vivid picture painted by Zev Krengel, the President of the South African needs to decide whether he will indict the (Israel Resilience Party), but at the time Jewish Board of Deputies, who was the only person in the room opposed to the prime minister or not, and if so, on which of writing, he had still not publicly stated motion. It was like a soccer match with a rough team playing against a single player charges. The issue has morphed into a his position on various issues. History has whose side had empty goals. political one. shown that Israelis rally behind generals In December 2018, after most of us had let down our guard, BDS South Africa (BDS- Mandelblit is doomed if he does, doomed when they’re in the army, but as soon as SA) posted the ugliest statement I have ever seen on social media. I was astonished if he doesn’t. He must also decide when to they step into the political arena, they lose that it could be so openly anti-Semitic, using the act. If he postpones his decision to indict popularity. No doubt, once Gantz presents imagery of Shakespeare’s moneylender, Shylock, from Netanyahu until after the elections, Israelis his platform, he will too. The Merchant of Venice. (See page 4) will not be happy. It means they will go to the As things currently stand, the polls Did it do it because it thought nobody would notice? polls without knowing if the candidate they also predict that the next parliament Did it do it because it slipped up and let its guard are potentially voting for faces charges of will be comprised of parties currently in down? Who can tell? It appears that its true sentiment bribery, lesser charges, or no charges at all. Netanyahu’s coalition. Gantz is likely to towards Jewry came through despite frequent denials But should Mandelblit decide to indict be watching how things unfold before he that it is anti-Semitic. Netanyahu before the elections, he will also makes his move as he’d rather be in the next Suffice to say, even its own supporters were be attacked. The premier and his right-wing government as opposed to being pushed into horrified. support base will accuse him of meddling and the opposition. And then it removed this post, supposedly expecting trying to disgrace Netanyahu ahead of the The only person who can realistically, that no one would notice, and no harm was done. polls. therefore, stop Netanyahu from winning a Fortunately, some of us were watching and on guard, As if this is not enough of a headache, fifth term in office is the attorney general. like the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, which put out a there’s been a major upheaval among Israeli But he’s already dragged his feet for months, statement immediately. political parties recently. Because of the so it seems unlikely he’ll rush to intervene What is interesting is that I, for one, have often wanted to believe that BDS-SA was proportional system for electing parliament, in coming weeks. Certainly, this is what a moral organisation that had human rights at its very core. It would mean that as a there has never been a clear majority for any Netanyahu is banking on. Jewish community, we only had to have opposing views about Israel. It would then just one party in the country. On the other hand, Mandelblit has said be a debate or a disagreement, but nothing sordid. We could simply agree to disagree. For decades, Labour (a social democratic that, it is “an obligation to decide” on a But, the reality is that there has never been a time when BDS-SA has seen the and Zionist party from which all Israeli prime course of action pre-election so that voters humanity in Israelis or others living in Israel. And, clearly it doesn’t think much of ministers until 1977 originated) and Likud have the necessary information. So, who the rest of us Jews either. For the organisation, it is about Israel being all bad and the (a centre-right political party chaired by knows what will happen. Palestinians being angels, never able to set a foot wrong. There are all forms of anti- Netanyahu) dominated the political scene. Assuming that Netanyahu wins the Semitism in the world and today, this is recognised globally as “the new anti-Semitism”. But in recent years – and months – they’ve election, his power will be severely No matter how hard BDS-SA continues to try couch its sentiments by making out splintered into smaller, more ideologically- diminished if he’s forced to fight the charges that it is fighting for the underdog against an ogre, the truth is out. driven factions. as a sitting prime minister. In such a In our news section of this paper, there are a number of stories that you may argue On the left, the Zionist Union (an alliance scenario, it’s unlikely he’ll survive for long. are not the most up to date news because they happened in the silly season. between Labour and the Hatnuah party, For now, the country is in full election Here is our reasoning for this: when things happen in the quiet time when no one headed by Tzipi Livni) broke up. On the right, mode, and candidates are vying for airtime. is expected to be watching, we should never ignore it when it has an impact on us. Bayit Hayehudi (the Jewish Home) ministers It’s highly unlikely that they’ll take the Most of these stories were ignored by the mainstream media, and yet they apply to us Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked left the looming indictments against Netanyahu directly. For this reason, we bring them to you. party they’d established to set up a new one out of their campaign speeches. But the Although we have some tough stories, this edition is mostly one of celebration. It is called Hayemin Hehadash (New Right). attorney general needs to make sure that the our “Matric Matters” edition (pages 9 to 24). They’re hoping to take votes away from campaigns are taken out of all discussions What a joy it is to see so many phenomenal young people graduate with distinction Netanyahu, but the increasing divisions regarding the indictments. into the rest of their lives. While I truly appreciate the hard work and commitment it takes to get distinctions, I believe there is way too much pressure on our children to achieve them. I understand the importance they hold for our youth to get into university, but at what cost? We need to be careful about where we put the emphasis in matric in the knowledge that not everybody is a straight-A kid. There are so many different paths for our youngsters to take, and they don’t all lead to university. Not going to university doesn’t mean they can’t be hugely successful. What is success anyway? For some, getting seven distinctions is easy, but for others it is impossible. Is that person, for whom it is impossible, any less capable than the one with all those distinctions? Not a chance! I know we are a community that values education above all else. I subscribe to that wholeheartedly, but education is much broader than distinctions in matric. Having said that, we congratulate each and every matriculant for getting through the pressure cooker, and wish them the best of luck in launching the rest of their lives. You are our future! On that note, it is with sadness that we bid farewell to international businessman and philanthropist extraordinaire, Ronnie Lubner, who was by his own admission the poster boy for the view that school years are no predictor of success in life (page 26). The SA Jewish Report sends condolences to the Lubner family. We would also like to wish all of you the most successful and joyful 2019.

Shabbat Shalom and Tu B’Shvat Sameach! Peta Krost Maunder Editor Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit 18 – 25 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 7 What happened to Friends Restaurant? GILLIAN KLAWANSKY options – including bakeries, supermarkets with a very crappy year, and the fact that we couldn’t take-out, and restaurants.” With Nussbaums come to an arrangement with people on our photograph of the entrance to Friends adding its own restaurant offering, things expense list,” says Timothy. Restaurant with a sign saying, “Friends became even more complicated. “I can’t compete Yet, with the closure of the Friends ARestaurant has closed down” went viral with its prices – I’m buying from it, how do I Restaurant comes the welcome news that the on Jewish social media during the holidays, compete with it?” he asks. original Friends Bakery, that used to operate causing much consternation. In spite of speculation that the split from in Ridge Road, will begin trading again – this The restaurant near Glenhazel went into Friends Bakery somehow contributed to the time at Off The Strip in Sandringham. “We had voluntary liquidation on 31 December 2018 demise of the restaurant, Timothy says this restraint of trade after we split from the factory, after two years of trading, according to the wasn’t a factor. “We decided to split from the so we couldn’t reopen,” says original Friends restaurant’s shareholders, Russ Timothy and bakery about a year and a half ago. For me, it Bakery owner Ruben Genish. “But since it has Dennis Cohen. wasn’t working. Our focus was on a restaurant now closed, we’re entitled to do so.” “We understood that it’s always risky when that happened to offer bakery goods. We were After finally being granted their Beth Din you do kosher,” says Friends Restaurant’s sole never a bakery, the bakery was always offsite. license, Friends Bakery plans to open for director and majority shareholder, Timothy. The The split took away a lot of turnover, but it also business next week. Says Genish, “We’ll offer decision to close wasn’t an easy one, he says, eliminated a lot of expense.” He also refutes very unique and special products – a few styles and was due to a number of factors that had an claims that there were any disagreements over of kitkah will be available, for example. We’re impact on the bottom line – there was no single The sign on the Friends Restaurant door the use of the Friends name. preparing many surprises, as well as all the aspect that led to the restaurant’s demise. affected us, we definitely felt a bit of a decline Ultimately financial negotiations with things we’re known for. We’re looking forward “A restaurant is a tough enough business as it in turnover at least two months after that landlords, the Beth Din, and staff didn’t yield to seeing all our old customers!” is. I’ve been in the game for 30 odd years. When saga,” says Timothy. “Maybe people didn’t trust results, and Timothy and Cohen decided to cut Timothy adds his seal of approval. “It’s you’re dealing with kosher, it’s a whole different kosher anymore. We also felt it when one of the their losses. fantastic that the bakery is reopening. The ball game. We learned an expensive lesson. You butcheries had their food pulled off the shelves “No-one’s to blame, it’s just a culmination of Friends name needs to stay alive. I wish it well.” have Beth Din fees, you have mashgiach fees, at Pick n Pay because people were phoning us that alone comes to about R40 000 to R45 000 and asking where we were getting our meat Board of Deputies comes to Deep Fried Man’s defence a month. Then you’ve got staff fees – labour’s from. They were scared to eat out.” NICOLA MILTZ to make it look as if he was mocking farm expensive these days and we had three kitchens. With low breakfast turnover and fluctuating murders. His original video was a recording of The costs just add on.” lunchtime traffic, Friends Restaurant started Comedian and satirist Deep Fried Man, aka Daniel a song he wrote and performed in 2013 – and Coupled with astronomical rental costs, that feeling the pinch. “We were almost fooled Friedman, has left social media following a tirade had nothing to do with the highly sensitive and together with water and lights, came to almost into a false sense of security because evenings of hateful anti-Semitic abuse and threats to his emotive issue of farm murders. R150 000 a month, running the restaurant were good because there no-one else was really and his young family’s life. Afrikaner rights activist Willem Petzer posted simply became uneconomical. offering dinner,” says Timothy. “However, in It was so bad, the South African Jewish Board of his tweaked and provocative version of the video Says Timothy, “Fruit and vegetables weren’t the daytime, there was a plethora of options. Deputies (SAJBD) came to his defence. “I have not on YouTube, allegedly designed to misrepresent the problem, but meat’s expensive, no matter No-one’s pointing fingers at anybody, it’s just witnessed such hatred on such a large scale for a Friedman and make it seem that he was making how you cut and dice it. You’ve always got to one of those things. I’m disappointed, but it is long time,“ said Wendy Kahn, the board’s National fun of farm killings. This resulted in a seldom try and offer value, and it’s tough to offer value what it is.” Director. seen, frenzied backlash of personal attacks when 90% of your turnover is meat.” Timothy also feels that the kosher food Friedman, who is the Citizen’s online news which turned into anti-Semitic hate speech With meat dishes came the challenges posed market has become somewhat saturated. “The editor, has been unfairly lambasted for a video levelled at the comedian and the community. he made in 2015 that was allegedly manipulated by the controversies that hit South Africa’s community is shrinking, but if you’re looking Continued on page 20>> kosher industry in 2018. “The Stan & Pete issue to eat kosher food in Joburg, you have about 29

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Reisman is pursuing a degree in is not routinely tested for is that it is not and its hereditary patterns empirically Acame to light when he did not stop biology at Touro College in New York City, common, and mortality from haemophilia is because the universal Jewish practice of bleeding after his Brit Milah. and he received a Bachelor’s of Talmudic Law exceedingly low. circumcision on the eighth day after birth “This case is unprecedented,” says Dr Dean from Beis Medrash Gavoah in 2012. “The rarity of having such a severe mixed facilitated the prompt diagnosis of bleeding Gersun, who is also a mohel. “In fact, the “The Talmud rules that after two separate coagulation disorder raises questions disorders.” mohel helped to detect the condition, as this occurrences in which brothers haemorrhaged whether a routine screening programme for In his paper, “Haemophilia and was the first time in 43 years of doing Brit and died at circumcision, the third son should all newborns is practical. However, there are circumcision – from observation to Milah that he could not stop the bleeding. not be circumcised,” he continues. rarer conditions screened for routinely in the classification: connecting a Talmudic Therefore, he realised something was wrong.” United States if they have high morbidity presumption with a modern diagnosis”, Gersun emphasises that the actual Brit and there are treatments,” he says. University of Michigan Professor Daniel Milah was perfect, and it was thanks to the The child’s case is so rare, he is Dr Rosie Schwyzer, a paediatric Eisenberg agrees with this view. “The story mohel’s training and experience that the the first documented patient in haematology and oncology expert based of haemophilia in Jewish law provides a baby’s underlying condition was picked up. South Africa to have this specific in Johannesburg, says that haemophilia fascinating insight into the observational “As regards the actual Brit Milah appears in one in 5 000 males, and it powers of the rabbis. performed, we wish to reassure the haemophilia, and there are would be difficult to test routinely for the “We also see the flexibility of Jewish law, community that this was not the cause of less than 200 documented condition. If a family is concerned, she and how it responds to up-to-date medical the undiagnosed underlying condition,” says cases in the world. recommends looking at family history for information to provide accurate Halachic Dr Richard Friedland, the Chairperson of any bleeding disorders in males or menstrual rulings. It should give at least a small degree the Regulatory Board of Brit Milah in South issues in females. Only about 30% of of humility to our modern minds to realise Africa. If this is the case, why has it never been haemophilia cases are not hereditary. She that rabbis in Israel, many centuries before The child’s parents confirm that their son a concern to check for the condition before points out that, “Any significant bleeding the first medical description of haemophilia, has “a rare genetic blood disorder called a Brit Milah? “Because it is usually picked after a circumcision needs to be taken note had not only recognised its inheritance haemophilia, in which he has a deficiency up before the Brit Milah because of a family of. Mothers must be empowered to trust pattern, but had established laws to guard of the protein blood factors [resulting in history of haemophilia,” says Gerson. “And their instinct if there is bleeding and it the health of babies who might have the his] blood not clotting properly. Generally, if there is no family history, it is usually doesn’t seem right.” disease.” people who have haemophilia are missing discovered during the bumps and bruises Ultimately, Jewish tradition notes Meanwhile, the family of the little boy only one factor, but our son is missing three of birth, or from the pinpricks a baby the risks of circumcising a baby with in Cape Town has thanked all the medical factors. He is one in 100 000 people who have undergoes in the hospital.” haemophilia, but emphasises that it is staff who are caring for their son, and the inherited combination haemophilia.” Speaking to the SA Jewish Report, Reisman mainly a hereditary condition. “Many community for its ongoing support. The child’s case is so rare, he is the first says he’s not sure why routine haemophilia haematology and medical textbooks documented patient in South Africa to have screening is not implemented. “Generally, acknowledge that the first recorded • His parents have requested donations this specific haemophilia, and there are less routine screening is implemented if a description of haemophilia and genetically to Haemophilia South Africa in his than 200 documented cases in the world. condition fulfils at least the following transmitted disease is found in the Talmud,” honour for a refuah shleima (prayer In spite of the rarity of the condition, criteria: it is relatively common or if it has writes Reisman. for recovery) at https://fundrazr. “Halacha broadly deliberates upon how extremely high morbidity or mortality rate; “The Talmudic description of haemophilia com/71RoBf?ref=ab_17oxYc_ the Jewish obligation to circumcise an it can be tested for with high sensitivity and was two millennia ahead of its time, as the ab_64izcrEj4XC64izcrEj4XC 18 – 25 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 9

Matric Matters The future is in good hands with 2018 matriculants JORDAN MOSHE University, says only 4% of any school starting cohort will end up with a university degree. “If this is the generation of the future,” says There is today fiercer competition to get into Yeshiva College Principal Rob Long, “then our the faculty of choice at university, and principals future is in good hands.” He was talking about are certainly aware that their students need to the 2018 matric group, which he says are remain focused and work consistently. creative, resilient young people who want to However, they seem confident in the give back to the world around them. abilities of their matriculants, whose academic “They taught us that today’s generation is achievements clearly speak for themselves. not as materialistic as those of the past.” In the words of Morag Rees, the Managing Marc Falconer, the Principal of Herzlia High Director of Crawford Schools, this cohort is a School agrees, describing the class of 2018 as group of accomplished young people, who are one aware of the importance of creating and ready to meet the challenges of an increasingly owning a narrative. competitive world. According to the principals of South Africa’s For instance, more than 14% of students Jewish high schools, last year’s matric cohort at King David Linksfield achieved a full house set a new precedent in the classroom and on of seven distinctions or more, with results for the sports field that future students will find mathematics, physical science, and English all tough to beat. higher than in previous years, says the school’s In spite of persistent pressure and stress, Principal, Lorraine Srage. students from across the spectrum of the The same is true, says Principal Rabbi Yossi Jewish schools proved their mettle repeatedly Chaikin, of students at Torah Academy Boys throughout the past year – and they should High School. Despite being lesser in number know. than most groups, all passed with a university “Being a principal of a school is a huge entrance, each achieving at least one A symbol, privilege,” says Rebecca Sarchi, the Principal of with most scoring multiple marks in the 80s Torah Academy Girls High School. “It teaches and 90s. you the art of acceptance, diversity, and how to Alongside their academic prowess, the remain non-judgemental in all situations.” students clearly remembered to play hard. Every year, matric groups are defined by From squash to public speaking, outreach particular attributes or energies. The common projects to student-leadership initiatives, the trait amongst this cohort seems to have been matric students proved that they were more its sense of unity. than bright scholars, equally talented in spaces TOGETHER WE CAN! Says Falconer, “The group started off as a outside the classroom. little passive and disengaged, but by the end “From the winner of the Gauteng Individual ? = 600 JEWISH FAMILIES WHO ARE IN NEED of high school, it had coalesced beautifully, Speaking Competition to the winners of and had established far more of a self-starter the Gauteng Accounting Team prize, to the OF FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM YAD AHARON mentality. netball players and squash players, they pulled & MICHAEL – THE LEADING, INDEPENDENT together, driving each other to work harder, JEWISH FOOD FUND – EACH AND EVERY WEEK. perform better, and be better people,” says Long. According to the principals of The principals all point out, however, TO SUM IT UP: South Africa’s Jewish high schools, that achievements and statistics do not tell WE ARE RELIANT ON YOUR ASSISTANCE. the whole matric story. Behind the scenes, last year’s matric cohort set a new innumerable less-discernible triumphs defined CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MATRICS precedent in the classroom and on the year, be they personal successes or the OF 2018 ON THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS the sports field that future students ability to challenge the odds. Says Baker, “In spite of challenges and will find tough to beat. Donations barriers along the way, these students Nedbank / Yad Aharon and Michael / Account No: 1911 087 363 have been able to succeed by taking every Branch Code: 151105 / Or Donate Online The same was true of other schools, including opportunity that was given to them and using King David Victory Park, whose matrics it to the maximum – not only the top achievers, Contact Principal Andrew Baker describes as a cohesive but everyone in the group.” Tel: 011 485 2076 / 011 640 2106 group that bonded well, and looked out for one Although they are already gearing up to see [email protected] / www.yadaharon.co.za another. the class of 2019 through with as little stress Equally unique was the students’ movement and as much laughter as possible, the principals towards taking ownership of the present, and all express the wish for future success for the actively shaping the future. 2018 cohort, and confidence that they will do Given the dire pass rate and university their school proud. admission statistics in South Africa, this Says Long, “We salute the class of 2018, determination is, perhaps, more important and wish them every success as they move than ever. into an exciting future with, no doubt, a little Nic Spaull, Senior Researcher in the trepidation, but with a lot of their characteristic Economics Department at Stellenbosch determination and confidence.”

Matric - JR - 2018.indd 1 2018/12/13 12:39:47 PM 10 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 Private schools ponder the A to IEB of education alternatives TALI FEINBERG high educational standard, which made it not worth changing at this stage. hat curriculum is best for our In addition, it is the curriculum offered children’s future? Is it the National by most independent high schools in that WSenior Certificate (NSC), the province, so to do the IEB would be to ‘go it Cambridge A-levels, or the Independent alone’ without the support of other schools. Examinations Board (IEB) curriculum, or a Meanwhile, adding A-levels would link UHS combination? up with other schools doing the Cambridge These are the questions being considered curriculum. Its leadership realised that if any by schools and parents around the country. change was to be made, the addition of the At the end of 2018, United Herzlia Schools Cambridge international qualification would (UHS) confirmed it was introducing the be the most valuable option for all involved. Cambridge A-levels curriculum as an They also realised that the Applied (AP) additional matric option for its scholars. English and Applied (AP) Maths offered at The International Cambridge Global the school was at the same academic level Perspectives and Research syllabus will be as A-levels, but that the students doing launched this year in Herzlia’s middle and those additional subjects were not getting high schools. “This innovative curriculum additional point scores towards university. is centred on developing 21st century skills “This is because IEB offers AP Maths and and competencies of research, reasoning English, so this cannot count for points and communication,” says Herzlia Education for an NSC school. If Herzlia were an IEB Director Geoff Cohen. school, then these subjects would count,” says “With a view to offering a Cambridge Falconer. matric qualification as an alternative to the Therefore, the UHS decided that if learners National Senior Certificate (NSC), A-levels were going to take ‘stretching subjects’ like Internationally, Herzlia students who write an IEB matric together with applied will be offered in the high school from 2020 these, it might as well be an international apply to universities will still have to do courses in Maths and English. This matric to those who wish to pursue an international curriculum. psychometric tests and compete against the has been shown to be of a high standard, curriculum. This will position Herzlia uniquely Cohen emphasises that doing A-levels is not 35 million other students around the world with students gaining access to all local by offering three different matriculation a one-way ticket to international universities. who do A-levels every year. In addition, universities as well as many international streams – vocational, National Senior “It does not mean [students] will get into hundreds of South Africans have entered universities – and most certainly all Israeli Certificate, and A-Levels.” international or local universities with any international universities on the NSC and IEB. universities. At an information evening for parents late greater ease, but the rigorous academic Cohen also emphasises that A-levels are “For students to excel in the IEB matric last year, Cohen and Herzlia High Principal training will make them better prepared for not for everyone. “It is extremely rigorous, and contribute to the many other areas of Marc Falconer explained that the introduction university,” he says. on the level of first-year varsity. It allows school life – to gain a holistic education – it of A-levels came about after Herzlia had Locally, South African universities have a learners to delve deeper into three chosen takes a tremendous amount of time and thoroughly investigated switching from the vested interest in the NSC, the Cambridge electives, which means they have to be dedication. To add further examinations and NSC to the IEB curriculum followed at most curriculum is not well-known, and A-levels extremely committed.” curricula would add unnecessary further private schools outside of the Western Cape. are less broad than is the case internationally, Furthermore, students have to decide pressure,” he says. However, the UHS found that the NSC as which some universities may see as a which track they will follow at the end of “The IEB is the best exam to write,” says Dr administered in the Western Cape was of a disadvantage. Grade 10, and it is extremely difficult to join Eirwen Oswald, an experienced educator and the A-levels curriculum late or drop out of the principal of a Johannesburg school. it. “It would be very hard to swap,” he says. “Although the curriculum is the same as The school will offer in-depth counselling and that of government schools, the assessment assessments for each child to help them and is very different, and it is this that makes their parents to make this decision. for a superior exam. Content is not the Those doing A-levels will be able to focus in an IEB paper, so children who learn choose three of the following subjects as parrot-fashion style will not excel in this their electives: economics, history, maths, exam. The IEB papers are designed to test chemistry, physics, literature and language, understanding and skills rather than just and possibly art. pure content. Therefore ‘own voice’ becomes To do this, the students will “write off” a focus, and the candidates are exhibiting their first additional home language and skills like succinct argumentation, the maths papers in Grade 11, so that they have application of knowledge, and understanding more time and space to do their electives. of the curriculum. These skills are vital for In addition, all Herzlia students will do the success in the workplace and at university. Cambridge Global Perspectives curriculum Statistics show that many of the candidates from Grade 10 onwards, which will train who do very well in government state exams them in the Cambridge methodology should often fail first-year university because they they choose to do A-levels. Herzlia will be do not have the skills to cope. training its teachers in this course, and in She says the IEB is accepted in many teaching A-levels. countries overseas. “I taught at an Practically, students doing A-levels will international school for many years, and a join their peers doing the NSC in class, but large number of our students were accepted they will do a double period of their chosen and were successful at international subject. The school will ensure that there universities.” is no sense of elitism in the classroom. For Meanwhile, some other schools have those parents whose children are doing taken yet another route. Redhill School A-levels, there will be no real change in in Johannesburg is now an International school fees besides the cost of the actual Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the exams, which comes to about 90 pounds (R1 IB Diploma Programme, or the IEB. 586) in total. “Students thus have the opportunity Cohen and Falconer say that they have had to choose either a local or international excellent support and experienced fantastic qualification. Both are recognised by generosity from other Western Cape schools South African and international tertiary doing the Cambridge curriculum, and that institutions,” says Joseph Gerassi, the online resources for teachers and learners are Executive Head of Redhill School. exceptional. “The Diploma Programme offers a holistic, “We are excited about the academic and well-balanced curriculum that includes a deep learning potential of the Cambridge compulsory core programme comprising of curriculum, not just for the pupils who theory of knowledge, an extended essay, and are doing the course, but for all the staff an evaluation of a student’s CAS (creativity, involved, and the ongoing development of action, and service). Students in the IB are their departments and ultimately for the expected to complete this core successfully school,” says Falconer. as well as a balanced, rigorous academic “The King David Schools are not programme consisting of six subjects from considering A-levels currently,” says Rabbi different subject areas. This ensures that Craig Kacev, Director of the South African students are prepared fully for the transition Board of Jewish Education. “The schools into tertiary institutions.” 18 – 25 January 2019 Matric Matters SA JEWISH REPORT 11

HERZLIA HIGH SCHOOL

SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS

Jemma Bagg: English, Leah Gluckman: English, Claudia Greenberg: Joshua Russak: English, Simona Stone: English, Anna Valkin: English, Skye Zive: English, Maths, AP Maths, LO, IT, Afrikaans, Maths, LO, IT, English, Afrikaans, Maths, Afrikaans, Maths, LO, Afrikaans, Maths, LO, Afrikaans, Maths, LO, Afrikaans, Maths, LO, Life Sciences, Physical Life Sciences, Visual Art LO, Economics, History, Accounting, Economics, Hebrew, Physical Science, Drama, Life Sciences, Economics, Life Sciences, Science Physical Science Physical Science Visual Art Physical Science Physical Science

SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS

Kayla Dibowitz: English, Ryan Kaplan: English, Peter Oki: English, Zac Rubin: Maths, AP Dylan Solin: English, Benjamin Weinstein: Maths, LO, Business Maths, LO, Accounting, IT, Maths Lit, LO, Drama, Maths, LO, Accounting, IT, Maths, LO, Accounting, English, Afrikaans, Maths, Studies, Economics, Visual Physical Science Economics, History Physical Science Economics, IT Hebrew, IT, Physical Art Science

FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS

Zac Cohen: Maths, LO, Jamie Joffe: English, Alon Katz: English, Max Russak: Maths, LO, Jered Shorkend: English, Joshua Tarlie: English, Accounting, Economics, LO, Drama, Economics, Hebrew, IT, Life Science, Accounting, Economics, Maths Lit, LO, Hebrew, Maths, Accounting, Physical Science Visual Art Physical Science Physical Science Life Sciences Drama, Physical Science

FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS

Zachary Bloch: Maths, Aaron Glanz: Maths, Jared Levy: English, Gabriel Lipschitz: Accounting, Business Accounting, Economics, IT Maths Lit, Business English, LO, Drama, Studies, Economics Studies, Drama History

FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS

Raphael Nathan: Maths, Jaydin Pina: Maths, Samuel Pogrund: Maths, Adam Rawraway: Julie Wilensky: English, Drama, IT, Physical Accounting, IT, Physical Accounting, History, English, LO, Drama, LO, Drama, History Science Science Physical Science History

THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS

Daniel Gelbart: Lauren Hirsch: English, Mathew Jacobson: Ethan Meknassi: Saffron Meltzer: Drama, Benjamin O’Regan: Accounting, Business LO, Hebrew Maths, LO, History Economics, History, History, Visual Art Afrikaans, CAT, History Studies, Economics Physical Science 12 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 The stories behind 2018’s matric achievers Matric is the ultimate leveller and means different things to different teenagers. Being a matric achiever is not necessarily based on academic prowess and distinctions alone. It is for this reason that we asked the various high schools around the country to point us in the direction of some of their top matric pupils. The few individuals chosen were not necessarily the top academic achievers, but had a story to tell. They represent every one of the phenomenal matriculants from 2018. We apologise for not including all the stories. We just didn’t have the space! Grade 12s need a break Matric not a drama for Torah Academy achiever JORDAN MOSHE JORDAN MOSHE but Zlotnick – who describes herself as some form of unity as a group. “Although we dramatic to the core – connects deeply were a class of only 12, we had never really atric is a consistently stressful year. No matter xcelling in drama at Torah Academy with dramatic arts. “Taking drama as a gotten along. We had to have therapy as a what you do, you feel the pressure to achieve Girls High is not run of the mill, but then school subject is very different to drama as group in Grade 9. It was only while suffering those distinctions as neither is Chani Zlotnick, who did just a hobby,” she says. “You learn from the same pressures Liat E Chani Zlotnick M that in her matric year. techniques which enable you to that we found allies in each the year progresses. Shear But, marks are not the be In many schools, matric subjects like nurture your abilities, and you other, and together we pushed all and end all, say Yeshiva drama are considered a soft option for get the chance to put them to through. College’s head boy and girl for B-grade matric students. Zlotnick, who got a the test in really competitive “It’s stupid to get worked 2018, Liad Shulman and Liat distinction for two subjects including drama, spaces.” up over something like matric. Shear. They believe that if you says they are a different kind of difficult, and The only person to take Distinctions are overrated. really want to make a success perhaps even more rewarding. drama for matric at her school, I’ve seen people overwork of your matric year, you have “A student who thrives in doing art is a Zlotnick frequently felt pushed themselves, and end up doing to remember that results are top achiever as much as one who thrives to new levels. “Because I was worse than they would have only a small part of a bigger doing maths,” says Zlotnick. “You don’t have the only person my age taking done if they’d avoided the picture. to be a genius with eight distinctions to be drama as a subject, I’d often stress. Having said that, both considered a brilliant student, and the stigma be grouped with students in “A distinction doesn’t show achieved seven distinctions in against subjects beyond the norm needs to the year above me for classes what really matters, and if you matric. So, the two certainly committed themselves to their change.” and practicals. I had to prove to myself that simply do what you can to meet your own academic responsibilities. However, says Shulman, “There’s A ballet dancer since the age of four, I was up to the challenge, sidestepping expectations, it’s worth so much more.” so much more to this year in your life, and if you don’t see it Zlotnick also took drama classes as an anxiety, and just enjoy what I was doing.” Zlotnick is taking a gap year at the Tzohar that way, you’ve missed something vital.” extramural activity until the end of Grade 11. In spite of the stresses of matric, Zlotnick Seminary for Chassidus and Art in Pittsburgh Like hundreds before them, Shulman and Shear had So determined was she to enjoy her school says she found her anxiety levels dropping in the United States. She is also considering grand study plans prior to beginning matric, only to find career, she chose to pursue drama as a as the year progressed. “When you’re pursuing a career in law, a profession for that life had other ideas. Says Shear, “No matter what study matric subject – the only one in her class to surrounded by people who are stressed out, which she believes her dramatic inclination is routines you plan, you find that you have to be far more do so. it’s not easy to stay calm,” she says. “We’d well suited. flexible than you imagined. Driving lessons, Shabbatonim, “When I chose to study drama, business, often joke about the number of drugs we were “Drama has given me the ability to make socialising, even taking time to watch TV are all important history, and consumer studies along with the all on to cope with the pressure. myself heard, to stand up in front of other activities. They are part of the matric experience.” compulsory subjects, I made a decision to “While I did freak out at the beginning, people, and invest myself completely in what Both keen public speakers, Shear and Shulman enhanced take classes that I knew I’d find interesting I found that by the time exams came, my I’m saying.” their matric experience with meaningful engagements. and would enjoy. There’s little point to learning anxiety levels had dropped. I suppose I just She concludes, “Thinking that ‘artsy’ They devoted time to preparing and presenting speeches for something which doesn’t fascinate you, and got used to the pressure, and was determined subjects are for weaker students is events held during the year, not only earning A+s. believe me, these subjects can be just as hard to see the year through as best I could.” completely wrong. Even artistic people can be As tempting as it may be to as any other.” In fact, it was through shared stress that top achievers, and they can define their own Liad withdraw from social life and She admits she does enjoy maths, Zlotnick believes her classmates achieved success based on their strengths.” Shulman remain buried in one’s books, it is important to remain connected and engaged with Redhill matriculant goes outdoors for inspiration others, they say. “At some JORDAN MOSHE Grade 11 year, and two-thirds of matric, continue. Some people draw their energy point at the beginning of the working with 10 other students on the from socialising, some from sport, and year, the class realised that we or many students, matric means committee in devising and running various some from exercise. Find your source and weren’t all in individual sinking endless hours behind closed doors, environmental-welfare initiatives and use it.” boats, but in one big burning Fwith heads engrossed in books similar campaigns. Beyond scoring seven distinctions in his boat together,” says Shulman studying. Redhill School 2018 matriculant He explains, “I was excited to be part of final exams and coming eighth in South with a chuckle. “The need for Gabriel Fine ran a recycling initiative at a committee that aligned with my passion, Africa in the Biology Olympiad, he believes camaraderie and to connect his school, raised R10 000 for Woodrock and which could make a difference. the environmental committee had a with others in the same Animal Shelter, and organised sleep-out “Involvement in a committee like this tremendous impact on the school. situation is so important. You can’t be serious all the time. projects, as well as other initiatives. during matric is really special. It makes “When we started our term, there was Whether it’s engaging in banter with teachers or asking In spite of the demands of matric, Fine you attach value to your time, and evaluate a general feeling that the environmental stupid questions, have a laugh with your friends, and carry believed the outside world should be what is meaningful and what isn’t. You committee didn’t do that much. By the on.” embraced and not shut out. learn how to work with others Gabriel Fine time we stepped down, we had It’s unfortunate, they say, that few are able to look “Since I can remember, I have had a and combine your efforts to do changed that perception and beyond their matric year, and see the greater scheme of special connection with nature,” he says. something significant.” shown people that we could things. Not only do fellow students become competitive, “Apparently my first word was ‘spider’, and Beyond his environmental actually do things that make a their behaviour can become hateful – even vindictive, says because my parents are allergic to virtually contributions, Fine also difference to our environment. Shear. “When some people get their marks, they want to every kind of cat and dog, the pets I’ve maintained his school We showed them that change know how well they did in comparison to other people,” had have been everything but standard, sporting career during matric, was possible.” she says. “They get aggressive about their results, and including hedgehogs, lizards, and others.” serving as vice-captain of Although he considered forget what they’re really getting them for. All they want After attending Parkview Primary, Fine Redhill’s basketball and hockey studying overseas, and to see at the end of the year is a number on a piece of enrolled at Redhill at the beginning of teams. has sat the SAT tests for paper that’s better than someone else’s.” high school because he liked its ethos of Fine remained equally admission, Fine’s love The two say this culture must change. Says Shulman, community, diversity, and small class sizes. committed to his academic for South Africa and her “How can a percentage on a sheet of paper determine a With a chemical engineer for a father, he endeavours. Admitting to oceans has determined that learning culture, and the way you live your life? There are was fascinated by the sciences and biology, being a less-than-diligent he will pursue a degree in people who are far more talented at art, and would excel if both subjects to which he was drawn when student at the outset of the year, he found chemical engineering at the University they took it, but succumb to the pressure to take science he started Grade 10. Although he also took that he learned how to rely on himself of Cape Town this year. In spite of because people say they need it to succeed after school or up accounting and IT, his heart lay in the and on his abilities. “In the end, it’s all up initially considering studying zoology because everyone else is taking it.” study of the world and its natural wonders. to you,” he says. “You trust your teachers or marine biology, he believes that this Says Shear, “Even with a full house of distinctions, you “IT intrigued me, and because I enjoy to do their part, but they cannot see you choice equally enables him to make aren’t guaranteed that you’ll get a space in a medical- the mathematical elements of problem through it.” positive contributions to the natural school programme. Receiving a distinction isn’t what solving, I took it,” he says. “But I ended up The key, he says, is to find an energising world. people make it out to be, and may not actually be worth dropping it in Grade 11 when the workload outlet that rejuvenates you and gives you “The ocean is always close to my the extreme stress and pressure students put themselves became too much, and I kept to biology the necessary spirit that matric requires. heart,” he says. “Not only will I be under. and science. I wanted them to remain my For Fine, it was spending time in nature. living near it, but I’ll be trying to “Matric is the conclusion of 12 years of preparation,” focus.” “Whenever I was studying, I really wanted find ways to make it and the natural Shear says. “So much work goes into that final mark that In spite of the academic challenges to be sitting on the beach doing nothing world at large a better place. Chemical you can forget to appreciate the journey you go on to get presented by his Grade 11 year, Fine else,” he laughs. “But, whenever I could, engineering hasn’t closed any doors it. If you remember to work hard but also play hard, be didn’t think twice when elected to head I’d spend time fishing with my brother to working with the environment. It mindful of the bigger picture and set realistic goals, you’ll up Redhill’s environmental committee. He or doing something outdoors that would has given me a different way to make a come out with more than just a matric. held this position for the final third of the recharge me and give me what I needed to contribution.” 18 – 25 January 2019 Matric Matters SA JEWISH REPORT 13 TORAH ACADEMY TORAH ACADEMY BOYS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL FIVE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS

Ellie Joffe: Afrikaans, Levi Kinn: LO, Physical Shoshana Baddiel: LO, Yakira Levitan: Maths Maths, LO, Hebrew, Science, History Hebrew, CAT Literacy, LO, CAT Physical Science TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS

Ariel Yachad: LO, Yakov Drutman: LO, Batya Naparstek: LO, Daniella Slasky: LO, Physical Science History Hebrew Business Studies

TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS

Yoni Glassman: LO, Yehuda Goldberg: LO, Chani Zlotnick: LO, Physical Science History Dramatic Arts

Our Pupils are our Amazing Results

Mazeltov to the class of 2018 on all the distinctions, and on distinguishing yourselves in learning, chesed, outreach, friendship and positivity.

Tel: 011 640 7561 | [email protected] 14 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 Bringing martial arts to matric Not letting adversity get in the way JORDAN MOSHE that the youth were engaged. JORDAN MOSHE to improve his academic performance along the way. When “Responsibilities don’t just he reached Grade 9, however, he stopped to wonder whether orah Academy go away when you have matric When David Da Costa celebrated his Barmitzvah, his late he should press on under such trying circumstances. “I asked Boys High School pressure,” he says. “The things grandfather gave him a personalised book he had written for myself whether I wanted to be surrounded by such people. Tmatriculant Ellie Joffe you need to do are still there. him containing life advice. What sort of environment did I want to expose myself to, applied the principles of I had to just go ahead and do The book’s longest chapter was devoted to education, especially in light of my drive to perform better?” he says. karate learnt over many years them. It’s especially rewarding stressing its importance. He moved schools six times, was Once again, Da Costa transferred during the third term to his matric year. because you know you’ve done held back a year, and was diagnosed with Attention Deficit of the academic year, completing Grade 9 at King David Like many sports, karate something in a balanced way.” Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) early on at school. Linksfield. Taking up cricket and rugby, finding demands balance and A constructive outlet is In spite of this, Da Costa emerged from his matric like-minded friends and a niche in which he finally discipline. Maintaining poise, virtually indispensable, he year with six distinctions. felt at home, he forged ahead and progressed a clear mind, and says, especially “I always compare myself to others, but not in through senior high school. focus are all essential when you’re the typical way,” says Da Costa. “I look at their “I was used to averages of 60-65,” he says. “I to be a successful feeling the achievements, and use them to motivate me to pushed myself, and eventually received my first A martial artist. Like stress of strive and learn as much as I can.” ever in Grade 11. While it was exciting, it wasn’t karate, matric requires matric. “I After starting his journey at Yeshiva College, it really a surprise. I felt proud not because of the control and stability, have an older was in Grade 2 that he first encountered academic mark, but because my efforts were paying off.” and as a karatika, brother who difficulties. Da Costa was enrolled at Bellavista At the end of 2017, Da Costa tore a knee Joffe has learned did brilliantly School at the beginning of Grade 3. While he felt ligament while playing rugby – an injury that has to apply his martial in matric. more at ease surrounded by people with similar since prevented him from playing sport. “I always arts to his studies, To some challenges and teachers willing to assist, he didn’t identified myself through sport, but once that was bringing everything extent, his like the idea of being at a remedial school. gone, I didn’t really know who I was,” he says. “My into perfect balance. reputation put “While I did cope with the work, and felt at David Da Costa plans to join the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) after A keen soccer player pressure on home in that space, it was when I went into other spaces with school wouldn’t work out, and I wouldn’t be able to play rugby.” and the director of me, especially people my age that I felt awkward. I was young, but I knew Changing his perspective, he seized the chance to enhance children’s services Ellie Joffe when people I could be as good as my friends who were attending regular his school performance. His zeal would produce four As in his at Chabad of Norwood, this would see me and say that schools. This feeling took its toll on my performance.” first prelims, and resulted in him becoming one of the top three Torah Academy student they had no doubt I’d succeed Da Costa transferred to King David Victory Park, (KDVP) in business studies in the second prelims and being awarded a realised early in his matric because of how well my where he had to redo the year. He was somewhat at odds with medal for academics at the matric prize giving. year that balance was critical brother had done. Although his younger classmates, and in spite of settling in and even “I improved my marks in increments. I would gain a percent to success – it paid off with I was stressed, the balance I taking up school sports, he moved once again, and enrolled or two, and then plateau, then increase a little more. It was five distinctions in his case. struck put it into perspective, back at Yeshiva College during the third term of his Grade 5 gruelling and slow, but it was worth it.” “Karate gives you physical and evened things out.” year. Having emerged with six distinctions and an 83% average and mental stability,” says Joffe. According to Joffe, this “I felt socially out of place at KDVP,” he says. “I’d see my in his finals, Da Costa says his story may look like a dramatic “Eleven years of training have mechanism and its application friends who were still at Yeshiva, and felt I wanted to go back change of fortune from the outside, but it was a slow, shown me that not only does it to the work involved in matric there. I had also developed a religious appreciation which challenging process inside. relieve stress, it teaches methods is worth more than the end wasn’t really [being] satisfied, and thought that Yeshiva would “These things take time,” he says. “I don’t look at myself and which you can apply to life, even results. “The way you learn to provide it.” see a miracle, but someone who progressed slowly, and made to school, to make sure that work and grow is worth more Unfortunately, the age difference between him and his something out of a difficult situation. For me, concessions and everything stays in balance.” than the distinction you get classmates at Yeshiva became a particularly sore point, creating remedial allowances were excuses that I could use to not try Although he put his karate at the end,” he says. “Yes, they a rift between them. “They behaved like children do, and [as hard as I should]. I pitted myself against the top academic lessons on hold for the second are important, but distinctions excluded me in so many ways. They kept away from me, making achievers and saw myself as one of them, not as a remedial half of his matric year, Joffe aren’t necessarily indicators of the distance caused by the age difference even worse.” child.” strove to apply the principles a good approach. If anything, Da Costa bore this exclusion for a few years, going all out Da Costa’s grandfather would be proud. of balance and focus to his the pressure they create is the studies throughout the benefit – it fuels you and makes Victory Park twins prove benefit of studying together year. “You take the year as you create a method that works it comes,” he says. “After for you and helps you succeed STAFF REPORTER very different. “We have always The boys have always done the working hard, you have to in your own way.” worked and studied together” says same subjects, and have achieved disconnect, and balance work True to his ethos, Joffe will riting matric can be a Josh. “I can’t remember a time very similar marks. “There hasn’t with relaxation. But when be pursuing a gap year in Israel lonely journey. Hours throughout our school career where been more than a 1% difference in you’re working, you have to at the Ma’ayanot Yeshiva, where Wspent in solitary my brother and I weren’t doing our marks since primary school, swing in the other direction, he will spend time learning and confinement with a pile of past exam things together. Homework, projects but we have never competed with and give yourself over to playing soccer. papers from schools in every corner or studying was always a combined each other,” says Gaby. “We have studying – forgetting about Although his school career is of the country. effort.” slightly different strengths, with your phone entirely.” over, Joffe seems determined to The loneliness combined with The twins were also almost Josh preferring languages, and my It is for this reason that continue his balanced approach the pressure of having to achieve inevitably next to each other on preference for maths.” Joffe continued to run to life. He concludes: “What marks that will ensure an entry into the soccer or rugby field, creating a They say that research supports children’s services at his shul comes, comes. Everything is tertiary education adds to the stress strong combination through their the value of studying together. throughout his matric year, no about balance and perspective. on young lives. mutual understanding of each other. Students are able to absorb the work matter the pressure he faced. Get your priorities right, and For twins Gaby and Josh Nossel, It was obviously worthwhile, better by looking at their notes Without fail, he’d arrive at understand that they are part of 2018 matriculants at King David considering that they were King while a peer is explaining something shul on Shabbos, and ensure a bigger picture.” Victory Park, the experience was David Victory Park’s top achievers. Continued on pageb 21>> 18 – 25 January 2019 Matric Matters SA JEWISH REPORT 15 KING DAVID HIGH SCHOOL VICTORY PARK

EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS

Gavriel Nossel: English, Jess Rom: English, Gabriel Wolfson: English, Joshua Rosenthal: Joshua Arenson: English, Rachel Edelstein: Daniel Fleishman: Joshua Nossel: English, Afrikaans, Maths, Hebrew, Afrikaans, Maths, Maths, Dramatic Arts, English, Afrikaans, Maths, Afrikaans, Hebrew, English, Afrikaans, Maths, English, Afrikaans, Maths, Afrikaans, Maths, Hebrew, Life Sciences, AP Maths, Hebrew, Physical Science, Music, AP English, LO, Physical Science, Life Physical Science, Life Hebrew, Physical Science, Hebrew, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Physical Physical Science, LO Accounting, LO, AP Maths Physical Science, isiZulu Sciences, Geography, LO, Sciences, History, LO History, LO Life Sciences, LO Science, LO AP Maths

SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS

Jamie Gordon: English, Jason Mervis: Maths, Gadiel Shepherd: Carl Koton: Hebrew, Life Loren Kramer: English, Tova Swartz: English, Benjamin Valkin: English, Kayla Vardi: English, Afrikaans, Hebrew, LO, Hebrew, Physical Science, Hebrew, Life Sciences, Sciences, LO, AP English, Maths, Physical Science, Maths Lit, Hebrew, Hebrew, LO, Music, Maths, Maths Lit, History, Maths, Physical Science, French, LO, English, AP Maths, LO, English, English, Afrikaans Life Sciences, Business Business Studies, LO, Physical Science Dramatic Arts, LO, Visual History Maths Physical Science, AP Studies, LO History Art Maths FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS

Nicole Kochukov: Nathan Lieberman: Noa Nafte: English, LO, Liad Peretz: Maths, Shira Rosentvaig: Rebecca van der Walt: Natasha Lipschitz: Rebecca Matisonn: English, LO, Maths, Life Maths, Dramatic Arts, AP English, Hebrew, Visual Physical Science, Life English, LO, AP English, Life Sciences, LO, English, English, Hebrew, LO, AP English, LO, Dramatic Arts, Sciences, History English, isiZulu, AP Maths Art Sciences, Geography, LO Maths Lit, Dramatic Arts History, Maths Lit English History

FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS

Yaron Peretz: Dramatic Benjamin Pincus: Mira Rudnick: English, Megan Arenson: English, Erin Bleiden: Maths Lit, Danni-Lee Heymann: Elias Judin: English, LO, Ruby Lazarus: Business Arts, LO, English, Maths Business Studies, LO, LO, Dramatic Arts, AP Visual Arts, LO LO, English English, Dramatic Arts, LO Life Sciences Studies, LO, English Lit English, Maths English

THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS

Gabriel Marcus: English, Tyra Parsons: Business Orion Avinir: Dramatic Aryn Bloch: Geography, Justin Bolnick: Business Maya Rutstein: LO, Mikaila Sher: LO, Paige Sundelson: Maths Maths, IT Studies, LO, English Arts, English LO Studies, LO English Dramatic Arts Lit, Dance

TWO DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS ONE DISTINCTION Laurie Blacher: LO Ayden Miller: Dramatic Arts-Music Practical Joshua Modlin: Maths Lit Shannon Mosselson: Maths Lit Josh Phillips: Maths Lit Jonty Segal: LO Serena Steinhauer: Dramatic Arts

Joshua Sweidan: Lee Tankle: History, English, LO Geography 16 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 KING DAVID HIGH SCHOOL LINKSFIELD NINE DISTINCTIONS NINE DISTINCTIONS NINE DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS

Benjamin Atie: Jay Kaplan: Afrikaans, Michael Lever: Hannah Bloch: Laura Davidson: Kira Hertz: Accounting, Mira Jossel: Accounting, Aron Klevansky: Accounting, English, English, IT, LO, Life Accounting, Afrikaans, Accounting, Afrikaans, Accounting, Afrikaans, Afrikaans, English, LO, Life Afrikaans, English, LO, Life Afrikaans, English, Hebrew, History, isiZulu, Sciences, Maths, Physical English, History, LO, Life English, Hebrew, LO, English, Hebrew, LO, Sciences, Maths, Physical Sciences, Maths, Physical Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, LO, Maths, Physical Science, AP English, AP Sciences, Maths, Physical Maths, Physical Science, Maths, Physical Science, Science, AP Maths Science, AP Maths Maths, Physical Science, Science, AP Maths Maths Science, AP English AP Maths AP Maths AP Maths

EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS

Callan Kotzen: Shani Rosenfeld: Aiden Smith: Accounting, Adam Witt: Afrikaans, Jamey Wolpe: Ariella Chertkow: Gia Croock: Accounting, Martin Glazer: Accounting, Afrikaans, Afrikaans, English, English, Hebrew, IT, LO, English, Hebrew, IT, LO, Accounting, Afrikaans, English, Hebrew, isiZulu, Afrikaans, English, Accounting, English, English, Hebrew, LO, Hebrew, History, LO, Maths, Physical Science, Maths, Physical Science, English, Hebrew, LO, LO, Life Sciences, Maths, Hebrew, LO, Maths, History, LO, Maths, Maths, Physical Science, Maths, Physical Science, AP Maths AP Maths Maths, Physical Science, Physical Science Physical Science Physical Science, AP AP Maths AP English AP Maths Maths SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS

Natasha Horwitz: Nicole Kamionsky: Kira Katz: Accounting, Jonathan Kier: Adam Seef: Accounting, Yael Ben Melech: Jade Berson: Afrikaans, Max Brenner: English, Accounting, Afrikaans, Accounting, Afrikaans, English, Hebrew, LO, Accounting, Afrikaans, Afrikaans, English, Dramatic Arts, English, Dramatic Arts, English, History, LO, Life Sciences, English, Geography, Business Studies, English, Maths, Physical Science, English, Geography, Hebrew, LO, Maths, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences Maths, Physical Science Hebrew, LO, Maths LO, Maths, Physical AP Maths History, LO, Maths Physical Science AP English Science SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS

Adam Chilewitz: David Da Costa: Yonatan Davis: English, Daniel Flaum: Rachel Gerber: Gina Izerel: Afrikaans, Ariela Jacks: Afrikaans, Jonathan Katz: English, Accounting, English, Business Studies, English, Hebrew, LO, Maths, Accounting, English, Accounting, English, Dramatics Arts, English, Dramatic Arts, English, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Hebrew, LO, Maths, Geography, LO, Maths, Physical Science, AP Geography, LO, Maths, Hebrew, LO, Maths, Hebrew, IT, LO Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences Maths, Physical Science Physical Science Physical Science Maths Physical Science Physical Science SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS

Kira Levy: English, Saul Mayers: English, Ariel Raz: English, Daniel Suttner: Dramatic Rael Ware: Accounting, Juliana Bentel: Ethan Berman: Business Jesse Davidovitz: Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Arts, English, IT, LO, English, Hebrew, LO, Accounting, English, LO, Studies, English, Hebrew, Consumer Studies, Maths, Physical Science Maths, Physical Science Maths, Physical Science Maths, Physical Science Maths, Physical Science Maths, Visual Arts History, LO English, Geography, LO, Life Sciences FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS

Jesse Itzkin: English, Aaron Kress: Accounting, Natalia Laffer-Liebson: Yonatan Lipshitz: Noah Marks: Business Lori Mirkin: English, Tyla Parker: English, Oren Shaff: English, History, Life Sciences, English, LO, Maths, Accounting, Business Accounting, Hebrew, LO, Studies, English, Hebrew, Hebrew, History, LO, Life Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Maths, Physical Science Physical Science Studies, English, Hebrew, Maths, Physical Science History, LO Sciences Physical Science Maths LO 18 – 25 January 2019 Matric Matters SA JEWISH REPORT 17 FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR KING DAVID HIGH SCHOOL LINKSFIELD FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS

Farren Solarsh: Shira Walt: Afrikaans, Jamie Benater: Yakira Fisher: English, Joshua Jackson: English, Ariel Kartun: Accounting, Terren Lefkowitz: Ariel Lipshitz: English, Afrikaans, English, English, Hebrew, LO, Life Accounting, Hebrew, History, LO, Maths Lit Hebrew, History, LO English, Geography, LO English, Geography, Hebrew, LO, Maths Hebrew, Life Sciences, Sciences Maths, Physical Science Maths, Physical Science Maths FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS Mazal Tov KDHL Matric 2018

Ross Nowitz: English, Asher Radowsky: Hebrew, History, LO English, Hebrew, LO, Physical Science FOUR DISTINCTIONS

Nicole Rock: Business Studies, English, Geography, LO THREE DISTINCTIONS K Jaimee Bayhack: English, LO, Visual Arts IN Stephen Blumenthal: English, History, LO G DAVID Kayla Buchalter: English, Hebrew, LO Lauren Clacher: Hebrew, LO, Maths Lit Gabriella De Abreu: Hebrew, LO, Visual Arts Carly Diamond: Hebrew, History, LO Michael Goldman: Accounting, Maths, Physical Science Jaden Harris: English, History, LO Nurit Joselowsky: English, Hebrew, LO Jenna Lazarus: English, History, LO Benjamin Levin: Geography, LO, Maths Joshua Nathan: English, History, LO Jacob Ogus: Business Studies, English, LO Natanya Porter: English, LO, Maths Lit Daron Rubin: English, Hebrew, LO Liron Sharon: English, Hebrew, LO The Crowning Glory of our 70 Years Kayla Strous: Afrikaans, English, LO Marc Ungar: Business Studies, English, LO 100% pass rate

TWO DISTINCTIONS 491 distinctions (from 150 students) ave 3.27 per student Joshua Black: LO, Maths Lit James Brenner: Accounting, Maths 14.6% of students achieved a full house of 7 distinctions or more Sam Cohen: LO, Maths David Cramer: LO, Maths Lit Keiren Faurie: LO, Maths Lit 72.3% of the papers written resulted in a B or higher Damon Fine: English, LO Mikaela Goldsmith: English, LO 1 student on the Outstanding List (top 5% of learners in 6 or more subjects & 80% or more in LO) Adam Gordon: LO, Life Sciences Demi-Lee Harris: Hebrew, LO 8 students on the Commendable List (top 5% of learners in 5 subjects & 80% or more for LO) Joshua Labe: LO, Maths Lit Jordana Liebmann: Accounting, Hebrew 3 students achieved 9 distinctions Brandon Raik: Business Studies, English Jordan Rod: Business Studies, Maths Lit 10 students achieved 8 distinctions Shira Sacke: English, LO Ryan Selesnik: Maths, Physical Science 9 students achieved 7 distinctions Oren Shani: English, LO Adam Uria: Accounting, Maths 13 students placed in the top 1% for English 1 DISTINCTION Tal Aarons, Cassi Aluf, Idan Barak, David Bellon, 9 students placed in the top 1% for mathematics Gordon Blumenthal, Jake Danino, Zachary Davies, Jason Davis, Saul Dozetos, Chloe Edery, Yaeli 8 students placed in the top 1% for physical sciences Elimeleh, Jai-Aimy Ginsberg, Jesse Goldblatt, Taye Horwitz, Dylan Jacobson, Amber-Jade Joselowitz, 2 students placed in the top 1% for Hebrew Gavriel Kabb, Amy Katz, Kayla Koral, Tannah Levick, Avi Maor, Brad Milwidsky, Tyron Neimann, Noah Plein, Tori Rabinowitz, Joshua Sarakinsky, Jamie Schroder, Brett Slotsky, Steven Stern, Joshua Taurog, Dean Zier Continuing the successes of our incredible school 18 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 Cyber and social bullying most prevalent at our schools TALI FEINBERG and told me she thought she was parents tried very hard to meet her to use common sense, to support suspension, even expulsion. different,” said Sarah. teachers and the school principal, others, and to show compassion “King David Schools have very ara Abelson is still haunted “That’s when the homophobic nothing was done. They pulled their and understanding,” says Geoff comprehensive bullying policies. by the bullying she bullying started. She got an daughter out of the school, and Cohen, Director of Education at Internal surveys of parents and Zexperienced 20 years ago. anonymous SMS calling her a she completed Grades 11 and 12 United Herzlia Schools. students indicate that there is As someone with learning issues, ‘f**king lesbian’, she saw graffiti at a different school. She is happy, If bullying is identified, “the minimal physical bullying, with she had been to a remedial school, in the girls’ bathroom saying ‘Jane accepted, and “is a different child”. school’s response should be most bullying being relational, but dreamed of attending a Jewish is a faggot’, and someone wrote “Her new principal says she can’t sensitive, and we need to be aware emotional, and cyber in nature,” school and making Jewish friends. the word ‘fag’ in block letters on believe the school let a girl like this of not bullying the bully. We always says Rabbi Craig Kacev, the Director “Instead, from the minute I arrived, her locker. It was devastating, but go,” says her mother. “But they need to investigate the situation. In of the South African Board of I was bullied,” she recalls. the worst part was that the school lost her because of hate. There is all cases, the consequences should Jewish Education. Abelson acknowledges that wouldn’t do anything, and made no definitely a thread of homophobia, be determined by the severity of the “Research indicates that school bullying exists in all schools, but she effort to find the culprits,” recalls racism, and sexism in Jewish bullying, the age of the pupil, and staff probably witness only 4% experienced it at a Jewish school. In Sarah. schools, and it needs to be dealt the prior history.” of bullying incidents and, as particular, she says, “Jewish schools such, the school is dependent on can be harsh because there is a students reporting incidents,” he certain mould you need to fit into. says. “If they are reported, they If not, the nastiness comes out. I are investigated and responded was bullied purely because I was to by the school leadership and different. I was seen as an alien.” social services. Very often the Abelson has discussed her story schools hear of these incidents with many parents, and her sense is when it is too late to intervene that bullying is much worse today meaningfully.” because of cellphones. “At least Kacev says that the most difficult when I was at school, I experienced forms of bullying to respond to are it from only morning to afternoon, those of social exclusion and cyber Monday to Friday. Home was my bullying. “The school is not able to safe space. But now with phones, force students to be friends with kids can never escape it,” she says. other children against their will, Indeed, according to a recent global and most social interaction occurs survey, South Africa has the fourth after school hours. Likewise, the highest rate of cyber bullying in the ubiquitous nature of social media world. leads to a tremendous amount of Twenty years later, Abelson still bullying on chat groups and the hears those bullies’ voices in her like which occur on weekends or in head. It has made her want to stop the evenings. bullying in its tracks by sharing “Much of what is called bullying her story at schools, shuls, youth today is conflict, which still needs to groups, and anyone who will hear be dealt with in schools, yet is too it. While she receives enthusiastic quickly escalated to being termed responses from schools and parents bullying. There is no doubt that in initially, few have followed through order to respond effectively to all by asking her to present her story. forms of bullying, a team effort “It’s not being discussed. Just is required in which parents and like our community is starting to schools give the same message, talk about sexual abuse, we need to educating for kindness, empathy, talk about bullying. We need to be At the end of Grade 9, the school with the same way kids who act in The school aims to include and caring. Let us not forget that active, build programmes, and talk counsellor recommended that Jane protest of Israel are punished.” measures to prevent – as well children learn behaviours from the about it. I have huge dreams about be removed from this environment. So, what are our schools doing as remediate – bullying. These adult role models in their lives,” this.” Her parents had always offered to to combat bullying? “Each and can range from peer-mediation Kacev says. Many feel disillusioned, however. take her out of the school, but she every pupil has rights, namely to programmes to counselling *Names have been changed to For Sarah*, the mother of Jane*, felt that if she left, the bullies would feel safe, to learn and grow, to be and assertiveness training. The protect anonymity the only solution was to remove have won. respected, to be valued, and to be consequences of bullying range her daughter from the school she Yet one night at the Shabbat different. However, with rights from contracts and written • Z ara Abelson can be contacted about was in. “Around the time of her table, she told her father that she come responsibilities, namely: to warnings to withdrawal of her presentation on bullying at Batmitzvah, Jane cut her hair short wanted to leave. Although her respect yourself, to respect others, privileges, community service, [email protected] YESHIVA COLLEGE NINE DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS

Daniel Teeger: AP English, Gabriel Isaacs: AP Maths, Hannah Kahlberg: Doron Swartz: AP Maths, Joseph Kaplan: Tayla Lemmer: Afrikaans, Akiva Levitt: AP Maths, Galia Ovad: Accounting, Afrikaans, English, History, Accounting, Afrikaans, Afrikaans, English, French, Accounting, Afrikaans, Accounting, Afrikaans, Dramatic Arts, English, Accounting, English, IT, LO, Afrikaans, English, Hebrew, IT, LO, Life Sciences, Business Studies, English, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, English, Hebrew, LO, English, Hebrew, LO, Hebrew, LO, Life Sciences, Maths, Physical Science LO, Maths, Physical Maths, Physical Science LO, Maths, Physical Maths, Physical Science Maths, Physical Science Maths, Physical Science Maths Science Science SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS

Liat Shear: Afrikaans, Liad Shulman: Gabriella Bondi: English, Eitan Chipkin: Afrikaans, Gabriella Osrin: Gavriel Wolberg: Elisheva Wolovitz: Yonatan Oudmayer: English, Hebrew, LO, Life Accounting, Afrikaans, History, LO, Maths, English, Hebrew, LO, Life Afrikaans, English, History, Afrikaans, English, Hebrew, English, History, LO, Life English, LO, Life Sciences, Sciences, Maths, Physical English, Hebrew, LO, Physical Science, Visual Sciences, Physical Science LO, Life Sciences, Visual History, LO, Maths Sciences, Maths, Physical Maths, Physical Science Science Maths, Physical Science Arts Arts Science 18 – 25 January 2019 Matric Matters SA JEWISH REPORT 19 YESHIVA COLLEGE FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS

Edden Raz: Afrikaans, Micaela Reznik: Megan Riesenburg: Naflati Diner: English, Yishai Dredzen: Hebrew, Shirel Ganon: Afrikaans, Sarah Machanik: Yael Rosen: English, Dramatic Arts, English, Afrikaans, English, Hebrew, English, Hebrew, LO, Life LO, Life Sciences, Physical IT, LO, Maths English, Hebrew, LO Dramatic Arts, English, Hebrew, History, LO Hebrew, LO LO, Life Sciences Sciences, Maths Science French, LO

FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS

Kayla Tobiansky: English, Gabriel Urdang: English, Hebrew, History, LO History, LO, Maths Literacy

THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS

Daniella Kahn: Dramatic Amber Kopelowitz: Arts, English, LO English, History, LO

THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS

Ruby Marcolongo: Tamar Swisa: Dramatic Dramatic Arts, English, Arts, Hebrew, LO Maths Literacy

THREE DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS

Bradley Tanchum: Sapir Yehudai: Hebrew, Business Studies, English, LO, Maths Literacy LO TWO DISTINCTIONS Akiva Jankelowitz: English, Geography Ariella Rosenberg: Dramatic Arts, LO Gadi Sachs: LO, Maths Jordan Sandler: English, LO Peri Schleider: Dramatic Arts, Maths Literacy Hannah Snaid: Dramatic Arts, LO Daniel Wolff: Business Studies, LO

ONE DISTINCTION Rachel Greenblatt: LO Jamie-Lee Hack: LO Yechiel Hummel: Hebrew Michaela Levy: LO Allon Lipshitz: English Cameron Veffer: English 20 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 Powerful Jewish women: Tips from the top JULIE LEIBOWITZ Mandy Wiener lead lives other than in the the way to the top? can kill one’s career. I have seen this generally competitive and Weiner: From time to time, I happen to virtually every woman who he statistics are clear – girls stressful scenario of serious sacrificed spending more time with did this. The glass ceiling is still there, are doing better than boys, career life. my son. But today, he is a well- although more and more women are Ton average, at school and Wiener: I have some adjusted young man with a great thankfully shattering it. Complex university. However, the “female colleagues who have carried respect for women. In his view, I commercial cases are, in the main, advantage” disappears in the on as frontline journalists would have been a terrible stay-at- given to men. This is changing, but workplace, where women are paid despite having had children, home mother! very slowly, and it only involves a few less than men, and are rarely found in and their husbands are the Joffe:I didn’t spend enough time women at the Bar. One of the biggest positions of power and influence. So, primary caregivers. Then, with my family. I regret that, and so, problems that women experience what’s holding women back, and how there are others who gave up I think, do my wonderful sons and in all professions and careers is do powerful women overcome the their careers in journalism husband. One can’t recover the many sexual harassment. It is rife, and not obstacles? to go into corporates or precious moments of being together adequately dealt with by professional There are numerous reasons for something similar. And then that we all missed. I also had no time bodies and corporates. it, the most obvious of which is the there are those like me, who for leisure activities and hobbies. But Joffe:I never believed in a glass fact that women are usually primarily have tried to adapt their that’s the way it was and, while I do ceiling. Certainly, I never saw one. If responsible for home and childcare. careers to have the best of regret a few things, I loved almost one is really good at what one does, Many opt to give these their full both worlds, which is not every moment of a thrilling business one can achieve almost anything. The attention at the expense of their always possible. career. hardest part is achieving a balance career. Wiener: When you’re building between work and everything TheSA Jewish Report spoke to High Is it possible to balance your career, you have to throw all of else. One has to make choices, and Court Judge Sharise Weiner, former home, family, and a yourself into your work. It means understand the implications of those Vodacom executive Joan Joffe, career? choices. and journalist and author Mandy yourself visible, by making alliances Weiner: Work/life balance is a Wiener: I doubt any of Wiener – three Jewish women who along the way, and of course, by misnomer. What I learnt was that my male colleagues are have reached the pinnacle of their working exceptionally hard. You need I had to do the best at work when answering questions for an profession – about what it takes to to have a vision for yourself, and an I was there, and the best at home article on work-life balance succeed. appetite for risk. Plus, a big dose of when I was with my son. Trying to and whether they have faced passion. And, you need a supportive achieve balance simply adds to the any issue in their career What qualities does it take to rise and caring partner. frustration. You can do both, just because of their gender. to the top of your profession? Wiener: Above all, you must have an excel at each when that is what you The very fact that this is Weiner: It takes tenacity, dedication, inherent talent in doing what you do. are doing. Of course, having a great still being highlighted is hard work, and a good sense of That, coupled with passion and plain support system makes this easier. My a problem, because if we humour. It is accepted that women hard work, is everything. You have to husband was a very hands-on father. continue to treat it like a must work harder than their male have a drive to achieve, and you have In addition, he has always been the challenge that we’re female, counterparts to be fully recognised. to be willing to do whatever it takes cook in our family. I also had the then it always will be one. Joffe:You must differentiate yourself to get there. invaluable support of my parents who Some (actually most!) of the from others. You can do this by being could assist with lifts, homework, and very best, most respected excellent at what you do, by making Were there other promising so on. It alleviated some of the guilt. journalists in the country are women in your class who fell Joffe:It is extremely difficult for women. off the career ladder. Why? women to balance a highly successful Weiner: There were few women career with the responsibilities Do you think the in my graduate class. As far of family life. It can be done, but business or corporate as I know, only one or two are it requires serious effort. Having world is doing enough to still in the profession. The legal assistance in the form of a willing Joan Joffe accommodate women? profession is very patriarchal, partner, mother, mother-in-law, or Weiner: Some corporates and was obviously more so in home helper can assist, but there long, long hours, and sacrificing time have introduced good benefits the 1970s. Some women chose is absolutely no substitute for the with your friends and having fun. You and accommodations for their to pursue other careers, while presence of the parent. get very serious very quickly when female employees. It has changed others chose family life. As an Wiener: Work-life balance is a myth. dealing with the kinds of stories we dramatically over the past decade, advocate working for oneself, I read a comment from a Silicon do, and it’s difficult to disconnect and is to be welcomed. taking off time to raise children Valley chief executive recently who and decompress. I was extremely Joffe:Some companies do offer can result in the total loss of described life as a working mom fortunate that I was relatively “perks” like flexible working hours, your practice. like walking on a tight rope with a successful early on, so at least now I day-care centres for young kids, and Joffe:Certainly, some of my balancing pole – sometimes you lean can enjoy the benefits of that. generous maternity (and paternity) colleagues didn’t pursue a towards work and neglect your kids, leave. Definitely many more need to serious career. In some cases, it and other times, you lean towards What are the main issues career offer these and other benefits. must have been because their your kids and neglect your work. women face? Wiener: I imagine more can be done priority was not to go after That’s the reality. You can’t have it all, Weiner: Female advocates still face for women, but it would also be great career success at all costs. In life all of the time. huge obstacles in their career path. to see a cultural shift where we see Taking time off to raise children, more stay at home fathers supporting Sharise Weiner one has to make choices, and many women have chosen to What have you had to sacrifice on meaning a few years (not 10 days), successful career women. Board of Deputies comes to Deep Fried Man’s defence >>Continued from page 7

According to Friedman, there is no love lost satirical song was manipulated by “Politics aside, it is an effective “I stand by the [original] video, which satirises between himself and Petzer. He told the SA Jewish Willem Petzer are unacceptable organisation in dealing with anti- white South African fears of genocide, a word Report that this was “a smear campaign that and should be condemned Semitism.” which most rational people realise is a ridiculous worked”. unequivocally. This is a clear case He was particularly moved by way to characterise farm murders – a very real It stems from an article Friedman published online of the demonisation of a Jewish an article published in the Citizen and shocking crime which has been politicised and which exposed Petzer for being the host of a Discord community member, which written by the board’s David Saks, divorced from the other horrific forms of crime that chat room in which racist content was being shared resulted in him, as well as the who came to his defence. all South Africans face daily – by people with an and discussed. broader Jewish community, being Saks described the “fall- agenda.” The SAJBD entered the fray when social-media harassed and demeaned because out” from Petzer’s “stunt” as Friedman said this week the response had been attacks on Friedman turned into what it called “a of his Jewish identity. “exceedingly ugly”, saying that frightening, and had made him want to take a step Pandora’s Box of hate”, which spiralled into a racist, She said that the board had Deep Fried Man the many hateful messages back. He described the incessant bombardment of anti-Semitic onslaught opening the floodgates of also received countless racist and anti-Semitic received by Friedman would have been bad enough hate and vitriol on social media as “highly shocking”. hate on all fronts. posts, which it had removed due to their sensitive had they been levelled at him personally, but “many “I’m not a religious person, but this has made me “Petzer’s provocative and inflammatory video content. went a great deal further by using his Jewish realise and understand how much anti-Semitism is caused the public to vilify Friedman, which then Love him or loathe him, Deep Fried Man has background as the basis for their vitriol”. out there. The personal hatred directed at me was ignited a spate of anti-Semitism, and resulted in the controversial views on most things, including Israel. “The increasing readiness of people of all one thing, but all this Nazi stuff was the thing that board coming out in defence of Friedman whose life Speaking to the SA Jewish Report, he said he backgrounds to make Jews the scapegoat of their shocked me the most. I had no idea so many South and family has been threatened,” Kahn said. had often disagreed with the board in the past, but country’s problems by peddling crass anti-Semitic Africans had so much hate in their hearts. It made In a Facebook post last Friday, the board said, despite this and his views on Israel, he was “touched conspiracy theories is symptomatic of a deeply me feel sad and despondent. It is so hard to change “The anti-Semitic responses that were levelled and moved” by how the board had handled the unhealthy society,” Saks wrote. people’s minds from this blanket hatred based on against comedian Daniel Friedman after his 2013 situation. Friedman wrote earlier on his social media pages, race or religion. It was very scary,” he said. 18 – 25 January 2019 Matric Matters SA JEWISH REPORT 21 Standing alone and standing strong STAFF REPORTER “Being Jewish is part of my “there is bound to be tension”. caring was a big Leah Schewitz identity. [It’s] who I am, what I However, she said her school deal for me. While I he 2018 head girl of believe in, and the way I conduct my handled “every anti-Semitic incident am proud of myself Merrifield Preparatory School life,” she says. That wasn’t about to immediately and in the correct for achieving six T& College in East London, change simply because she was the manner”. distinctions, I Leah Schewitz, was the only Jewish only one at her school. Her friends were understanding believe that as long person at the school and, for many “I felt a certain level of and caring, and if she missed school as one does their of her peers, she was the only Jewish responsibility being the only for a chag (holiday), they would offer personal best, it is person they knew. orthodox Jewish person, besides to help her catch up. “Many of my enough.” Schewitz, who got seven my siblings, at school because for a close friends loved coming to our Schewitz said distinctions in matric in 2018, told lot of students, I was the only Jew house for Shabbos, and learning she was also the SA Jewish Report, “Being a Jew in they knew and were most likely about our traditions”. extremely humbled a secular environment brought me going to know. If I acted or behaved She had a lot of responsibility – to be chosen as closer to my faith as I often had to inappropriately, that is what they not least regarding her studies – in head girl. “I was stand alone, but I was proud to do would know of Jewish people,” says her matric year. “Being head girl selected because so.” Schewitz. and house captain was a lot of work I am a strong She moved to Merrifield School “I tried to see the positive side, and responsibility, but it was a huge leader and get “with wooden cabins in the forest and although my knowledge of honour, and I really enjoyed all my things done to the as classrooms” in Grade 8 because Jewish Studies is a bit behind being duties. best of my ability it was the only school nearby at a non-Jewish school, it made me “My biggest achievement at school in a considerate that offered an Independent aware of being Jewish. I had a strong was winning the President’s Award and respectful Examinations Board matric. While sense of pride that my parents [for Youth Empowerment] at gold manner. I was she quickly learned to love her instilled in me from a young age, and level and receiving a fellowship for on the Student school and peers, she said she often the courage to often stand alone.” three years in a row. To be awarded Representative heads to Israel for the Bnei had to “stand alone” because of She told the newspaper that for giving back to one’s community Council for two years prior to Akiva programme, Limmud. her views on Israel or her spiritual when you go to a school with many as well as being yourself, and the that, which stood me in good “Bnei Akiva changed my life. beliefs. different religions and cultures, fact that people saw me as kind and stead to be able to get involved Going on the December camps and add value.” for the past four years gave She said her school was me the opportunity to make HIRSCH LYONS BOYS HIGH SCHOOL supportive of her. “My school incredible friends and get the has always supported me as an tools I needed to go back home SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS ONE DISTINCTION individual, and I think would and be the only Jew,” she says. be proud of me no matter In August, Schewitz will what religion I was. It was leave the programme to study about the quality of education at Stern College for Women in I got at the school, not so New York, and is excited to be much my religion.” surrounded by Jewish people Now, she is going to dig so she won’t have to stand deep into her roots as she alone.

Aharon Rabson: English, Shmuel Fihrer: English, Netanel Hoppenstein: Daniel Levin: English, IT Meir Bookatz: IT Victory Park twins prove Hebrew, Maths, Physical Maths, Physical Science, English, Maths, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Life Sciences, Geography, Science, Life Sciences, benefit of studying together IT, LO LO IT, LO >>Continued from page 14 to them. In addition, Josh Nossel HIRSCH LYONS GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL when a student has to explain a concept to another FOUR DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS ONE DISTINCTION ONE DISTINCTION student, it ensures a better understanding of the problem. “When we were in Grade 10, we ran a programme at a government school that we called Learn-2-Teach. We taught maths and science to a few other Grade 10s, which had us learning the Elisheva Bome: English, Ayala Sackstein: English, Kayla Levy: Business Gila Levin: LO Natalia Klein: LO work so we could teach History, LO, Maths Lit History, LO, Maths Studies, English, LO someone else.” says Josh. “When you try explain a maths or science problem, REDHILL you get a real sense whether IVY ACADEMY you understand it yourself.” Gaby Nossel SEVEN DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FOUR DISTINCTIONS Beyond enhancing the learning process, the stress- management benefits of having someone to chat to and not being alone are quite significant. “The two of us would study together, most of the time lying in bed with our notes lying all over the place. To be honest, it wasn’t Yaakov Brill: Maths, Shlomo Brill: Hebrew, Moshe Brill: Maths, Gabriel Fine: English, Dayna E Silva: Dramatic Maths, LO, Accounting, Arts, English, History, LO, particularly stressful for Accounting, Economics, Maths, Physical Science, Accounting, Hebrew, LO us. If we didn’t understand Hebrew, LO IT, LO Life Sciences, Physical Life Sciences Science, AP Maths something, we would ask each other. Often we would A Family of Distinction FIVE DISTINCTIONS argue about who was right. I would always remember our Brothers, Moshe (20), Shlomo (22) and Yaakov Brill (18), have proved arguments and debates in the their academic excellence by achieving 14 distinctions between exams,” says Gaby. them in matric last year. Hailing from Israel, the brothers continued “We also played a lot of Fortnite during exam time. It allowed their schooling in South Africa by enrolling in Ivy Academy in 2016. us to switch off, and in a way, spend time with our friends,” Josh Shlomo, the first one to enter the school, was followed by his brother says. Moshe, and finally Yaakov. With different starting points, the Kyra Soicher: English, There is no doubt that matric can be an incredibly stressful brothers all landed up writing matric together in 2018. History, LO, Life Sciences, year, but these two teens make a pretty convincing argument for Physical Science not doing it alone. 22 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 The unbearable pressure of being in matric JORDAN MOSHE With standardised testing, ranking, the beginning of their final year? comparison, and competition, a Although there is the obvious or many high school students, worrying number of young South and important need to build a matric is the most stressful, Africans suffer from depression and culture of resilience in our children, Fcharged, and demanding anxiety.” Abrahamson feels it is short sighted experience of their school Abrahamson maintains that just to expect pupils to develop experience. While a certain amount South Africa’s education system traits and skills to cope with of pressure to perform can be places too much focus on academic academic pressure. “It is up to the motivating, it is all too easy for the outcomes, espousing a very adults in their lives, their parents, pressures of finals to overwhelm narrow view of success, and a their teachers, and educational students at a crucial time when they one-size-fits-all approach that leaders to work out ways to reduce are making major decisions about negates individuality. “There is that pressure, and to question their future. too much testing,” he says, “too seriously how best to educate their The pressure to succeed may be much competition, and too much an education, and frequently of education at the University of children. inevitable, but it is taking a toll on comparison between kids. The ignoring the negative physical and the Witwatersrand, is that the “It is important that adults the well-being of our youth. education system is geared towards psychological consequences this evidence doesn’t support the claim remind the child that these narrow “There are many obstacles and achieving the highest marks pursuit has on children. that matric success guarantees definitions of success, these grades, challenges that teenagers are forced possible rather than helping pupils Among the consequences of this university success. these numbers, don’t describe who to navigate today that children to love learning, think creatively, very narrow definition of success is “While we should give credit they are, and that their interactions did not face in the past,” says and develop practical life skills” that students have come to believe and, indeed, congratulate learners with others, their contribution psychologist David Abrahamson. Whether a student is a that a true measure of their overall from our schools who pass matric to society and discovering and “However, there is no doubt that straight-A performer or struggles success is successful admission and qualify to join our universities, developing their own individual the pursuit of success is also academically, the consequences to university. Putting themselves there is evidence which shows that strengths, is actually much more harming our children. of this system are felt by all. under tremendous pressure, they success in school-level examinations important in the long run.” “School academic pressure has Abrahamson believes that this drive lose sleep over getting distinctions, can be attributed to teaching Abrahamson thinks it essential increased considerably over the to achieve at the end of 12 years of believing that success in finals will methods which emphasise rote that parents pay closer attention past few decades, thanks in part schooling has become something of guarantee success at university. learning, excessive and repeated to the individual natures of kids to an education system obsessed an obsession, often superseding the The truth, says Dr Felix practice. Such methods do not have and not just accept that they with a narrow definition of success. more positive aspects of receiving Maringe, the head of the school much relevance to most university should conform to fit the system. learning tasks.” Parents should not only focus on Maringe says that learning at marks and percentages, but on Achieving excellence against all the odds university requires critical thinking whether their child is engaged skills, identification, selection, with learning, enjoying learning, TALI FEINBERG I worked really hard!” and evaluation of evidence to and thinking creatively and “Christina was adopted by my step mom as a baby. support the development of ideas independently. “Even if a child has a learning difficulty, they are still Her adoptive dad then passed away, leaving them with and understanding. “Many young “We need a revolution in able to succeed,” says Romi Malloon, who is studying nothing,” says her step-sister, Sasha. people have little or no preparation education,” he says. “We need to to be a teacher after battling academically and socially “They moved back to Cape Town to give her mom an in such skills when they get to broaden our definition of success throughout her own school career. Christina van Kamp opportunity to find work. Her mom met university,” he says. “As such, these and broaden what we teach. It may While some children sail through my dad when Christina was six, and they students find it challenging to make mean measuring non-cognitive school, a large number have to fight tooth soon moved in with us. By then, Christina the transition from ‘studying’ to skills, like character, ethics, or and nail to make it through their primary had already had a tumultuous childhood, ‘reading’ for the university degree. social responsibility. It probably education. On recognising their children and when placed in a school in Constantia, Succeeding at university is more means upsetting power balances in are battling, parents get fearful and she was thrown off even more.” dependent on reading rather than schools, giving kids more control some go into denial. However, it is vitally Sasha’s father then made the life- on studying.” over their learning. It certainly important for them to be loving and changing decision to place Christina at If this is the case, how do matrics starts with shaking up all the supportive, and to find the right school Herzlia in Constantia, where she was soon – even their parents – avoid the accepted wisdoms that we hold path for their particular child. discovered to be a stellar soccer player and pressure which invariably sets in at about education.” “Research has shown that a bedrock of athlete. good early attachment relationships with “Her academics, however, were far below to the next grade. But, she felt DYLAN BOURNE: When it was caregivers goes a long way to promoting where they needed to be. She managed to unsupported by teachers, and had announced that Dylan Bourne resilience,” says clinical psychologist Leanne Stillerman pass Grade 7 and was sent off to middle school, where few friends. At the beginning of would be head boy of his school, Zabow. This is evident in all three examples of the they enlisted a facilitator for her.” Grade 10, she hit rock bottom. parents Tim and Vanessa sobbed children listed below who have succeeded in spite of Christina describes Herzlia as a “fully She was suicidal and with joy and disbelief. His having learning issues at school. inclusive school”, making it the ideal Romi Malloon anorexic. achievement comes after a life- Stillerman Zabow says that even if a child is born environment to support students of all Yet somehow, she long battle with epilepsy and its with a temperament that is not particularly resilient, “if abilities. pushed through, and effects, including depression, the parents provide a sensitive, responsive caregiving She thrived on the support she was at the end of Grade isolation, fear, and academic environment, it goes a long way in moulding a child to given. Her efforts have since been 10, her principal said issues. being a well-adjusted individual”. acknowledged in an award received at the school believed in “Dylan was diagnosed with “If the environment fits the child’s unique needs, her recent valedictory, the Jane and Ellie her, even if she didn’t epilepsy when he was four,” says those people born with difficult temperaments can even Lison Award, for “showing considerable believe in herself. This Vanessa. The condition runs surpass those with easy going temperaments,” she says. development in her approach to her was when her mindset in the family. Soon after Dylan And, even if a child has a difficult early environment, schooling, and achieving excellent results began to change, and was diagnosed, he was put on all it is essential to keep showing them love and care, in her studies”. as matric exams grew sorts of medication that had an and find what it is they need. “Their personality is It comes in the form of a trophy with five closer, she began to impact on his development, his developing well into adolescence, so there are window blue stars – perfect acknowledgement of work, teaching herself personality, and his future. periods [in which] we can intervene to provide right a young girl who fought every step of the way to get to to study in a way that worked for “The medication made his support.” where she is today. her. hands shake, so he often wrote Stillerman Zabow says that schools, parents, and Christina will spend five months on kibbutz in Israel “I got a tutor, and we grafted. with great difficulty. This meant teachers need to recognise that there are multiple kinds next year. “When I come back, I want to work with We did past paper after past paper. he would fall behind in school, of intelligence, and cater to those strengths. In addition, children. I’m also passionate about sport, so maybe All we did was work. After she left, and he needed support,” says his if we want our children to have tenacity, as parents and coaching or teaching.” With her strength of character I would work through the night,” mom. teachers, we have to have the resilience to Dylan Bourne and determination, her future looks Romi says. In spite of this, her Unfortunately, his school did help them along their journey. bright. matric prelims did not go well. not offer support to the family. Finally, de-stigmatisation goes a long Yet, when it came to finals, she “I believe we should judge a way to helping young people find their ROMI MALLOON: Romi has just was confident. “From failing every school by how it handles its most way. Supporting them in getting the completed her third year of teacher year, I passed everything, and just vulnerable. This school literally help they need, and facing their issues training – something she never dreamed missed [getting] two distinctions.” told me, ‘he doesn’t belong here’ head on, are ways to turn things around she would achieve. She was accepted to study teaching and ‘he’s the one who is making and stop children with challenges from “I was born with severe attention at Varsity College, and is one year himself different’,” Vanessa says. “falling through the cracks”. deficiency hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). away from getting her qualification. Dylan was placed at a remedial As a child, I was a bully and as a teenager, After that, she wants to specialise school where he thrived at first, CHRISTINA VAN KAMP: “I just I was bullied. I struggled academically and in teaching autistic children. “I’ve but then the bullying started. finished my matric exams, and they went socially throughout school,” she says. had these dreams since Grade 10, In addition, as a child, he was really well!” says Christina van Kamp. “I Although she failed most subjects and I’m finally achieving them,” she under the impression that the concentrated, focused, and achieved what I wanted to... from Grade 7 upwards, she was continually pushed says. Continued on page 24>> 18 – 25 January 2019 Matric Matters SA JEWISH REPORT 23 CRAWFORD SANDTON NINE DISTINCTIONS EIGHT DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SEVEN DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS SIX DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS FIVE DISTINCTIONS

Tomer Melnik: English, Gabriella Pillhofer: Benjamin Hack: Dramatic Adam Norwitz: English, Alyssa Smullen: Aiden Swartzberg: Erin Fuhr: Design, Nicole Nathan: English, Hebrew, History, Maths, IT, Dramatic Arts, English, Arts, English, History, LO, Geography, Hebrew, LO, Afrikaans, Dance Studies, Accounting, English, LO, Dramatic Arts, English, Life Sciences, LO. Maths, LO, Life Sciences, Physical History, IT, isiZulu, LO, Life Maths, Science, AP Maths Maths, Physical Science, English, History, LO, Life Maths, Physical Science, History, LO Visual Arts Science, AP Maths Sciences, Maths AP Maths Sciences AP Maths

FOUR DISTINCTIONS THREE DISTINCTIONS TWO DISTINCTIONS ONE DISTINCTION CRAWFORD LONEHILL ONE DISTINCTION SEVEN DISTINCTIONS Bianca Ward: THREE DISTINCTIONS Afrikaans, English, History, LO, Life Sciences, Maths, Physical Science

Dalia Maram: Accounting, Jamie Porteous: Music, Tiia Diamond: Maths Benjamin Chuvali: Maths Joshua Pohl: Dramatic Matt Friedlander: English, LO, Maths Maths Lit, LO Lit, LO Lit Arts, English, LO Dramatic Arts 24 SA JEWISH REPORT Matric Matters 18 – 25 January 2019 Reflections on matric 21st comes with extra pressure. It means that seated next to PJ Powers! shame-faced if their academically aspirant the pupil you taught about three years ago – This past pupil was Nicolas who had been in offspring cannot lay claim to a least one. Such sometimes more – really wants you there. It my matric English class, and who had either nonsense! OPINION also gives a glimpse into the trajectory of a sneered, snored or sighed (it seemed to me) But there was something quite unusual life launched – but not yet entirely set – on its his way through many hours of Hamlet. about Nicolas even then. He seemed destination. A top matric achiever he most certainly to understand that a matric certificate, Marc Falconer It also puts the end-of-school “hurdle” in a was not. (I notice that the school Nicolas garlanded or not with As, was not in and of nyone over the age of 40 who attends new perspective. Like a galloping herd of wild attended now boasts a distinction rate of itself a symbol of success. a 21st birthday party and does not horses, the group which has recently written 3.5 per candidate. In the days of his matric, While not to undervalue the work and Ashare any genetic material with the the matric exam has leapt over, and has this average was more in the region of two dedication such achievements entail, it was, celebrant, or does not at least distantly before it the promise of wide-open plains: any distinctions – the fiscus it seems is not the as he mentioned in his speech, just a thing remember that young adult in nappies, may direction, any company, any speed. only sphere of inflation.) one could or could not do. Being able to excel have to settle in for a long night. It is not one So, there I sat among the other party guests In the even remoter days when I was at sitting down at a hellishly uncomfortable of those invitations which it is easy to excuse – the compulsory slightly inebriated great at school, one distinction was considered desk in a hot and sweaty hall and produce oneself from attending. uncle and the adoring spinster aunt – and in gifted and, with three, one was on the brink convincing answers in a certain strictly For a teacher, an invitation to a past pupil’s this case, for some reason, I remember being of genius. These days, parents seem a little controlled time was certainly a skill. However, it did not necessarily predict one’s ability to run a business, be an ethical employer, find opportunities to grow and develop in one’s work, or be a good friend, parent, spouse, or citizen. And interestingly, for all his modest 67% in English and his somnambulistic approach at the back of the class, his 21st speech was bestrewn with Hamlet references. “Brevity is the soul of wit,” he said at the beginning of his focused comments, and so apposite for Nicolas: “This above all: to thine own self be true.” Since we have kept contact over the years, I can report that Nicolas is the founder-owner of a large, multimillion rand waste-disposal company employing many hundreds of people. And now, many years later, I am also able to consider another quote Nicolas contrived to have in his speech – and that was after I had met and considered the quite distinct philosophies of Rabbi Shammai and Rabbi Hillel. The former’s thoughts and opinions weighed and measured and quite possibly coming with some sort of certification (but without exception in this case). The latter, WHEN YOU VALUE THE JOURNEY, Rabbi Hillel, would almost certainly have nodded in agreement with Shakespeare’s understanding of unexamined potential: YOU REACH THE DESTINATION. “Lord, we know what we are, but not what we may be.” As we celebrate these outstanding results, we recognize the investment that our teachers, parents and students have made in the entire process. • Marc Falconer is the principal of Herzlia High School in Cape Town.

Achieving excellence IEB against all the odds >> Continued from page 22 medication he took for epilepsy would cure him, 207 100% 45,8% 89,1% 11 but as he grew older, he realised that this was not the case. CANDIDATES PASS RATE OF ALL PAPERS OF ALL PAPERS STUDENTS ON IEB’S WRITTEN ACHIEVED WRITTEN ACHIEVED OUTSTANDING AND By the time he was a teenager, epilepsy had AN “A” SYMBOL A “C” OR HIGHER COMMENDABLE LISTS become his enemy, leading to fear, loathing, depression, and suicidal thoughts. It was recommended that he be placed in a facility for teenagers in crisis. He was unsure at first, but soon realised that he needed help, AVERAGE OF 3.37 DISTINCTIONS PER PUPIL and agreed to be checked in. While it is every parent’s nightmare to discover that their child is in such a dark place, the family accepted that this was the only way forward. 59 INDIVIDUAL PAPERS WRITTEN IN TOP 1% IN SA When Dylan checked out after two weeks, he was a changed boy, with increased confidence. He had made peace with his epilepsy. His parents also found the ideal school for him, which focuses on skills instead of 3 LEARNERS WITH 14 LEARNERS WITH 16 LEARNERS WITH 21 LEARNERS WITH 20 LEARNERS WITH 14 LEARNERS WITH academics, and their son thrived. “He has found 9 DISTINCTIONS 8 DISTINCTIONS 7 DISTINCTIONS 6 DISTINCTIONS 5 DISTINCTIONS 4 DISTINCTIONS a passion for cooking, swimming, and archery, his marks have gone up, he has new friends, and the school has zero tolerance for bullying.” As his school’s head boy, Vanessa feels that Dylan “really has an opportunity to make a 011 480 4700 | kingdavid.org.za difference. He can help his peers be comfortable around people with epilepsy, and demonstrate true empathy for others who are different. “Our sincere wish is that Dylan’s story will give parents and young people hope that one can overcome one’s challenges.” 18 – 25 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 25 Talmud-inspired learning craze sweeps South Korea TIM ALPER – JTA they eat (and don’t eat), or what they centres. believe. What they discovered inside n 2014, Kim Hye-Kyung found However, there is one fact about sent their hearts aflutter: vast halls herself staring into an educational Jews that just about every South resonating with the clamour of heated Iabyss. Korean can recount. student discussion, with teachers’ The mother of two lives in study-mad “Jews account for just 0.2% of the voices nowhere to be heard. Pairs of South Korea, a nation where parents world’s population, but 23% of Nobel Talmud students – chavruta comes fork over a combined $17 billion (R233 Prize winners have been Jewish,” Seoul- from a Hebrew root meaning “friend” billion) on private tutoring every year. based student Choi Jae-Young related. or “companion” – locked horns in lively Children start early – 83% of five-year- “And despite all the time and money we debate over texts, parsing its logic, and olds receive private education – and spend on education, only one Korean debating a series of written questions the pace keeps intensifying until, at age has ever won a Nobel award. That irks posed by teachers. 18, students take the dreaded eight- many Koreans. It makes us want to For many South Korean thinkers, hour Suneung university entrance learn Jews’ secrets.” this was the “secret” they had been LET’S FILL THEIR exam. Flunk the Suneung, and your job prospects could nosedive. Pass with flying colours, and you may land a 2019 WITH coveted spot at a top-ranked university. “I hated the idea of sending my children to private academies, where teachers cram information into young heads with no thought for nurturing creativity,” Kim Hye-Kyung said. COLOUR “When my kids were younger, I read them books or took them out instead of sending them to academies. But as they grew older, I started worrying that their with therapies they need school results would suffer as a result of my decisions.” Kim Hye-Kyung was in this quandary Photo: Tim Alper Tim Photo: when, by chance, she came across a book by a Korean author about what, A South Korean woman and her child read Talmud-themed books at a Seoul bookstore for her, was a novel study method. It was chavruta, a method used by Talmud Some South Koreans think the key to after since the 1970s: a learning scholars in which pairs of students unlocking such “secrets” can be found methodology that added dynamism to debate and ask one another questions in Jewish approaches to education. book-based learning, and removed the with lunch and snacks based on ancient rabbinic texts. The result is dozens of private teacher as the focal point of lessons. “When I read about chavruta, chavruta-themed academies, with busy The methodology is gaining I immediately felt an emotional branches in major cities throughout mainstream acceptance fast, connection,” Kim Hye-Kyung said. the country, catering to everyone from moving from private academies into “It was the educational path I’d been toddlers to adults. Some make use of conventional public classrooms. dreaming of.” Korean-language Talmudic texts, while In December, one of the largest Most South Koreans have never others follow entirely secular curricula. teachers’ trade unions in the country, met a Jew. Aside from a small Chabad Interest in the Talmud eventually the Korean Federation of Teachers’ house in this capital city and a few led Korean academics to explore how Associations, struck a memorandum informal groups of (mostly secular) Jews study religious texts. They began of understanding with the Havruta with stationery for school Jewish expats, South Korea’s Jewish to learn about yeshivas, academies that Culture Association. The resulting community is virtually non-existent. are devoted to Talmudic scholarship. partnership will see scores of regular As such, South Koreans know next to South Korean consultants paid visits to school teachers learn how to initiate nothing about how Jews live, what some of Israel’s busiest Talmudic study chavruta-style learning sessions. Soccer-goalpost tragedy far from over >>Continued from page 1 family – described him as an “activist for good”, and as for private schools regarding high school break supervision, with holidays and outings someone who wanted to make the world a better place. The Joffe stated that Yeshiva College “did not provide sufficient tight-knit Yeshiva College community of which Hugo was [any] supervision during break”. a part cocooned the grieving Paluch family during their Krengel said that the process of the inquiry and the darkest hour of despair. findings of the report had led to much introspection, and a “The school and the community literally held us up when review of safety policies and practices had been undertaken. we were broken, and for this we will always be grateful,” said “The school is fully insured, and we are committed to Paluch. providing a safe environment for all learners,” he said. In a letter to the parents of Yeshiva College in December, Paluch said his son would have started Grade 10 this week. the school’s management said it remained heartbroken by “There is nothing you can do for the pain,” he said, with new uniforms this tragedy. describing unwavering heartache. However, the letter states, “The school believes that these “I’m hoping people do not see this as a malicious attempt press articles contain information that is misleading and to take down a school. It is not about this. We are not inaccurate, and do not reflect the findings of the commission confrontational people, we are private people. . of inquiry conducted by the Honourable (retired) Justice “I appreciate it is out there now, but we don’t want this to Meyer Joffe.” blow up. We are not taking legal action out of anger. Our goal The school confirmed that a claim had been made by the is to create awareness of safety. The main concern is that this Paluch family against the school for monetary damages. tragedy does not happen again, ever. with extra mural activities Avrom Krengel, the Chairman of Yeshiva College, told the “Suing is part of a process to make sure schools start SA Jewish Report that it was “unfortunate and regrettable” taking safety measures seriously, otherwise there will be that it had come to this. “The Paluch family instituted legal consequences. proceedings soon after Hugo’s passing. We were aware,” he “Ultimately another child died, and that is why we feel said. we have to go through with this so that schools around the The school has revealed to the parents what it believes are country start to take notice about the vital importance of visit www.arcadia.org.za the relevant findings of the report. safety at our schools.” It said that Joffe was “not satisfied to ascribe any fault to Said Singh, “This is a well-known risk to children around Yeshiva College” with regards to the buying, installing, and the world. People cannot dismiss them as freak accidents. maintenance of the goalposts. Five children have died between 2017 and 2018. Countries The school told them it had hired a health and safety have adopted safety precautions, policies, and measures, For more ways to donate consultant in 2014. The consultant did not include an especially in places like the United Kingdom, Canada, and SMS ‘Arcadia’ to 37613 and we’ll call you back inspection of the sporting equipment in his site audit. Australia. It is real, and it is happening. Ensuring safety is Tel: 011 532 9758 / 9662 According to the report, “Yeshiva College was remiss in not inexpensive and not time consuming. All it takes is some Arcadia banking details: Arcadia | Standard Bank - JHB | having its sporting equipment, including the goalposts, time, effort, and care.” Branch code: 00205 | Account no: 000 139 270 Ref: Name, Surname evaluated.” The two grieving fathers are due to meet early next month & BTS | Please send proof of payment to [email protected] While acknowledging that there are no specific regulations to brainstorm an awareness campaign. 26 SA JEWISH REPORT 18 – 25 January 2019 Farewell to Ronnie Lubner, who lived life large

MOIRA SCHNEIDER Rhona and Ronnie Lubner In addition to his jocular persona, Ronnie was “incredibly polite. He was also incredibly onnie Lubner was the poster boy generous towards staff that he did well for the view that school years are with,” he says, mentioning a houseman who Rno predictor of success in life. After had been in his employ for more than 35 being expelled as a youngster from seven years. schools, he went on to make his mark “Ronnie was the type of guy who would as an international businessman and give you a task to do, make sure you philanthropist of note. understood the task, and make sure that “All he wanted to do, he said, was play the you understood that if you took on that fool or play sports,” nephew Marc Lubner task, you’d better deliver. If you delivered, said of his uncle who passed away on 27 you would be very handsomely rewarded. December in Plettenberg Bay. “He was “If you didn’t, you’d be given one chance apparently very good at sport.” to fix it up, and if you didn’t, you weren’t “I think it was during the under-16 given too many more. I very rarely heard championships for Southern Transvaal [that] him raise his voice, yet the words that he actually took a set off [tennis champion] Photos supplied he used could cut me down to size very Eric Sturgess. That was his claim to fame quickly.” sports-wise. He always used to tell the story. As for philanthropy, Ronnie contributed “It was a sport that he played throughout “very generously”, primarily to the his life, and it used to be a point of social Progressive Jewish movement as his wife, interaction wherever he went. He was a great Rhona, was a “very devout” adherent. sportsman, and his knowledge of sport was He was also a “very strong” supporter of exceptional. He had a passion for sport of all the Selwyn Segal Society for the Jewish kinds, particularly tennis and football.” Handicapped, as well as the Arcadia The company that Ronnie launched with Children’s Home, both of which his late son Gary, the Belron Group, at one stage mother had been very actively involved in, sponsored the Chelsea Football Club, father, Morrie, in the early 1900s. the project. says Marc. including the year that it won the Triple More recently, Ronnie is well known for “I believe it’s going to be the premier An offshoot of Selwyn Segal, the Morrie Crown. Under Gary, Belron, an international having turned around The Houghton lifestyle conference facility in the northern suburbs.” and Bella Lubner Kibbutz, was a farm auto-glass replacement business, has grown development in the northern suburbs of Marc recalls that Ronnie had the ability bought by Bertie and Ronnie in honour of to become the largest of its kind globally. Johannesburg, which will constitute a “huge, to use humour to engage with others. “He their parents. They populated it with some In spite of his success in business, Ronnie huge” part of his legacy, Marc believes. The would walk into a meeting, and immediately of the higher-functioning kids from Selwyn never lost the common touch. Journalist business had been started by others, with set the scene by telling jokes. That would put Segal, who worked in the factory making a Suzanne Belling remembers that when him being a mere investor, but when it got people very much at ease with him – then he number of Jewish foodstuffs. she worked for his late brother, Bertie, in into trouble, Ronnie intervened. would get to the business of the day. Ronnie was also a supporter of Afrika 1996, Ronnie used to move his chair to sit “He paid off all the creditors, and invested “What a lot of people missed, however, Tikkun. “With his money, we built the with the cleaners during office lunches. The an enormous amount of his own money into was that underlying that humour there was Ronnie and Rhona Lubner Children’s siblings were then joint chief executives of what really is an iconic development,” he often a very serious message. You had to be Centre in Alexandra township run by Afrika the international PG Group started by their relates. “He took it upon himself to complete quite astute to listen to it and not think that Tikkun,” says Marc, chief executive of the

the guy was just continuing to play the fool. organisation. “He was certainly an intellect – it wasn’t The early childhood and youth- 46035 stupid humour, and it was never crude. development centre caters for about 4 000 “He had this expression that he was well kids a day. known for. When people used to say, ‘Will Ronnie’s wife, Rhona, predeceased him you come back to me?’ on a particular matter by three months. He leaves three children: or investment opportunity, he used to say, Gary, Joanne, and Derek. ‘Well if the phone doesn’t ring, you know it’s me!’” When Ronnie was checking into hospital two days before he died, a nurse told the family afterwards that she had greeted him, saying, “Oh Mr Lubner, nice to meet you!” His response was, “Yes, I know it is.” Marc remembers a piece of advice that Ronnie gave him in his early days that he has The late Ronnie Lubner (centre), flanked by trusted advisors and close never forgotten. “There friends Arnold Forman (left) and Mark Barnes was a particular issue that I was battling with. Ronnie took me up to his bedroom, and started to show me what the perfect new year, new ambition, golf swing was. It had a long follow through. volvo xc60 “He said to me, ‘I’m just going to give you Purchase a new Volvo XC60 and receive R80 000* towards a one tip. Like in golf, tailor-made deal just for you. Only you have to have that at CMH Volvo Cars Bryanston.* long follow through.’ You can start with a CONTACT US FOR MORE ON OUR great idea, but you LUXURIOUS, SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN. need to follow through with it otherwise it just remains a great Hillary Lubner, Marc Lubner, Ronnie Lubner and Nicky de Beer (Field Band Foundation) idea.” *Terms and conditions apply. Present this advert to quality. He was also notorious for his handshake, • A memorial service for the late Ronnie Lubner Marc says. “If you put your hand out to is scheduled to be held at the Houghton Golf 277 Main Road, Bryanston shake his, he would swerve his hand so that Club on Thursday, 17 January, at 18h00, on CMH Volvo Cars Bryanston 011 - 700 4700 / 087 724 8874 | [email protected] you missed it.” what would have been his 85th birthday.

46035 Volvo DealerQ1 PrintAD v1.indd 1 1/9/19 3:21 PM 18 – 25 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 27 Icon of lefty Zionism is gone fervently opposed militarism. Shortly as the biggest selling literary work in after the Six-Day War and in an Israeli history. article in the Davar newspaper, with To a generation of South African OPINION some prescience, he predicted that Jews who, like me, came of age in that “even unavoidable occupation is Habonim in the 1970s and 1980s, a corrupting occupation”. Oz was a Oz was the pre-eminent sage of the Gavin Rome founding member of the Peace Now Zionist, socialist, kibbutz movement. srael’s celebrated author, Amos Oz, organisation established in 1978. He Whilst we were still imbued with was an icon for how one can be was a consistently fierce critic of the the enthusiastic naivety of utopian Iboth an unapologetic Zionist and settlement and continued occupation dreamers, in his writings on the a fierce critic of Israel’s nationalistic, of the West Bank. kibbutz, Oz gently reminded us right-wing drift. that real life always had a method of This Israeli treasure passed away at Amos Oz altering, softening, and even distorting the age of 79 on ideological dreams. For Oz, the kibbutz 28 December 2018. In numerous was not a socialist utopia, but rather, as obituaries published in the days after he famously put it, “the least bad place his death, Oz was, for good reason, to live”. described as Israel’s greatest novelist. Despite his departure from kibbutz He was the recipient of numerous life at the age of 50, it remained the literary awards including the Israel home of his imagination. His burial in Prize for Literature (1998), the highest the graveyard of Kibbutz Hulda is thus MichaelQUALITY WORKMANSHIP David honour of the State of Israel; the Kafka an apt homecoming. Prize (2013); the Prix Méditerranée In an interview with Tablet Magazine, Étranger (2010); the Primo Levi Prize he said, “I have lived in a kibbutz for (2008); the Heinrich Heine Prize more than 30 years, and although I Tired of your old worn-out furniture? (2008); and the Goethe Prize of the Oz was a prodigious writer, the left the kibbutz 27 years ago, I still go City of Frankfurt (2005). author of 40 books, including novels, back there in my dreams at least once Rejuvenate your home... Oz, originally called Amos Klausner, short story collections, children’s a week. Good dreams, bad dreams, was born in Jerusalem in 1939 to books, and essays. His most famous trivial dreams.” In the same interview, Lithuanian parents of a secular, and perhaps best work is A Tale of Love Oz, with manifest pride, referred to the CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY intellectual lineage. A few years after and Darkness, a memoir which has characteristics of Israeli society – blunt & FURNITURE REPAIRS his mother’s tragic suicide and at the been described as a universal human directness, a lack of hierarchies, and a age of 15, he Hebraised his surname to story but also a very Jewish story. It is latent social anarchism – as “the good Michael Oz and left Jerusalem and his father to the elegiac tale of Oz’s youth, deeply heritage of the kibbutz”. become a member of Kibbutz Hulda. steeped in the joys and sorrow of the Perhaps his most penetrating insight 082 820 7091 He lived there for 35 years, before birth and early years of the State of into the prejudiced and one-eyed Warren moving to the town of Arad, and Israel. The book was translated into criticism of Israel is contained in the finally, in his latter years, to Tel Aviv. about 28 languages including Kurdish opening pages of the Tale of Love and 072 940 7757 Oz proudly fought as a soldier in (much to Oz’s reported delight) and Darkness, where he writes, “The rest Israel’s wars of 1967 and 1973, yet has been referred to Continued on page 29>> 430 Louis Botha Avenue, cnr Main Street, Rouxville 28 SA JEWISH REPORT Tu B’Shvat 18 – 25 January 2019 The relevance of Tu B’Shvat for the youth of SA I say tomato, you say growth. years’ time, there is a good chance they cherry… It’s Tu B’Shvat If a small sapling is deprived of water or will have grown taller. As important as it OPINION sun, its growth will be stunted, it cannot is to grow physically, we also need to grow BEV PRICE grow on its own. During a child’s formative in character, in who we are, and what we years, its influence and nourishment are are all about. We need to make sure that The Jewish National Fund of South Africa (JNF) will this coming Rabbi Pini Pink most crucial. we are always striving to become a better week give South African Jewish scholars 6 000 packets of tomato Studies have shown that a child’s brain person. seeds from Foods and Trees for Africa to celebrate Tu B’Shvat. The Mishna in the tractate of Rosh is sponge like, meaning it can absorb and Another way man is compared to the Why tomatoes this Tu B’Shvat? Hashanah teaches us that there are four take in all that goes on around it. When tree of the field is by connection to fruit. Charmaine Hirshowitz, Agriculture Sector Manager at the New Years in the Jewish calendar. surrounded by positive influences, people Many trees are fruit bearing. For these Israel-South Africa Trade Office, says that Israeli tomatoes are On the first of Nissan, there is the new who fill their lives with studying the Torah trees, this is the purpose of their creation. commercially the most prolific in the Southern Hemisphere. year for kings and festivals. On the first of and performing mitzvot, we can hope that What is a sign of a healthy tree? A tree that An Israeli company in South Africa has a triangular partnership Elul, there is the new year for the tithing this positivity will reflect on the child. bears many healthy fruit. So too, man was with a South African agricultural company and an Israeli seed of animals. On the first of Tishrei, the new You would not plant an apple tree in the created to produce fruit. These fruit are company, using hothouse and open-field cultivation. year for mankind and for years. On the middle of a barren desert, and expect it our good deeds. Cherry tomatoes are an Israeli invention, she says. Apparently, fifteenth of Shevat, the new year for trees. to flourish and grow into a fruit bearing Obviously, the more good deeds we the size of the surface area of these tomatoes is hugely Obviously, the most well known is the tree. In the same way, we can’t put our do, the better people we are. But another advantageous for their ripening time, making them more first of Tishrei, the day that G-d judges and children and youth in the middle of a important comparison between the fruit commercially viable. Farmers love them because they grow decides what will happen to all of mankind world devoid of goodness and expect the of a tree and our good deeds is that the upwards, use less space on trestles, are adaptable to drought in the coming year. On the fifteenth of next generation to be caring, kind, and fruit of a tree contains seeds, which allows conditions, and are disease resistant. Shevat (often referred to as Tu B’Shvat), compassionate. the fruit to continue to grow after the As far back as 2012 at the JNF-KKL World Marketing G-d decides what’s in store for trees and Our body is dependent on healthy food seeds are planted and begin to grow. Conference in Israel, it was reported that cherry tomatoes would plants, how much they will grow, will they and drink, the correct vitamins, the right Our good deeds, should not be a once- change the livelihoods of people in many countries. Research give fruit, will they survive the winter and amount of sleep and exercise. But our body off occurrence, they should be long lasting, continues at its agricultural R&D centre located in Har Hanegev. continue to stand strong, or will they be is also dependent on our soul, and our and have a domino effect of producing Studies being done there have helped to develop different struck by a bolt of lightning? soul also needs nourishment. How can we further good deeds. And, just as the seed strains and growing methods suitable for diverse international soil, The obvious question is why it is nourish something spiritual? We feed it by is deep inside the fruit, our good deeds water, and climate conditions. Hirshowitz says that the many small relevant to us that G-d judges the trees, or performing mitzvot and studying Torah. should be part of who we are, part of our business enterprises using cherry tomato “early-entrance-to- that they have a new year? But, the most important is to remember DNA. market” Israeli tomato seeds are enhancing the local economy. The Torah teaches “Ki Adam etz hasadeh that all we have comes from Hashem. Living in South Africa in this day and The product manager of the South Africa seed company – man is like a tree of the field”. If we take Of course, the lesson of continued age, we can sit back and watch the world involved in the partnership is heading to Israel at the end of this a slightly deeper look, we see that a person growth applies to children and teens even around us, or we can stand up strong like month to visit various tomato growers and seed companies. resembles a tree in many different ways. more than it applies to adults. a tree, making sure our good deeds are He says that a lot of the tomato varieties sold commercially One of the special characteristics of If we look at the externals of an adult, permeating the society around us. This in South Africa are from Israeli breeding programmes. They are a tree is that it never stops growing. Its we won’t notice their growth, even though way, we will have a positive effect on our called hybrids, and are non-GMO (genetically modified). whole purpose is to grow. It starts as a tiny there is constant subtle change on the friends, family, and generations to come. His company has worked for more than a decade with Israeli seed, then grows into a small sapling, and inside. seed companies and breeders to ensure that it stays ahead of new eventually into a tall and strong tree. The However, if we look at a child or teen, • Rabbi Pini Pink is the Rabbi of Chabad developments in breeding. surroundings and nourishment this small we see obvious physical growth. If you Greenstone and the youth director of So, some of these delicious tomatoes will now be growing in seed and sapling receive greatly affect its measure a child now and then again in a Chabad House, Johannesburg. and around our community.

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facebook.com/jcssa2019 Institute for Jewish Policy Research 18 – 25 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 29 Anti-Semitism among Yellow Vest protesters demoralises France’s Jews CNAAN LIPHSHIZ – JTA Yellow Vests movement, according to the several police officers were wounded in National Bureau for Vigilance Against confrontations that turned whole streets our years ago, a heartbroken Bernard- Anti-Semitism. But nonetheless, they have of the capital into war zones shrouded in Henri Levy found some solace in how been a feature of that movement since its smoke from burning plastic and tear gas. Fmore than a million Frenchmen marched inception, the bureau’s founder, Sammy Some protesters flung yellow paint on through this city to protest extremism. Ghozlan, told JTA. police, causing eye injuries. In response, The Republican March, as it is known, took Violence against police, meanwhile, police used water cannons, injuring many place on 11 January 2015 amid national seems to have become a hallmark of Yellow dozens. mourning after Islamists gunned down Vests protests – even if only a minority Attacks on police are particularly 12 people at the Charlie Hebdo satirical of participants engage in it. Hundreds troubling to many French Jews, who for the magazine and, two days later, four people at a of police officers have been wounded in past 15 years have depended on security HyperCacher kosher store. The silent protesters confrontations with Yellow Vests. Nearly 50 forces for the protection of their schools, held signs reading ”I am Charlie”, “I am police”, of them were injured on 1 December alone. neighbourhoods and synagogues.

and “I am Jewish”. That Saturday, multiple cars were set But the emergence of anti-Semitism Alain Azria Photo: That march was “something we have never ablaze in Paris’ chic Champs Elysees as a characteristic of the protests is more The annual commemoration for the victims of the 2015 jihadist seen before in France and perhaps anywhere”, shopping area. On 11 December, terrifying, attack at the HyperCacher store in Paris on 9 January 2019 Levy, a Jewish philosopher and celebrated author, said at the time. “It’s a kind of miracle, this national unity, this feeling of fraternity, this willingness by Parisians to go down to the street.” Four years on, he had hoped it would be a watershed moment for French society, he told JTA on Wednesday. Change “alas did not come”, and the march’s “spirit and promise have been betrayed” by another wave of street protesters, he said, namely the Yellow Vests movement. What started out in the northern hemisphere autumn as a series of protests against a hike on fuel prices has been mired since in countless instances of violence against police and a substantial amount of anti-Semitic hate speech. “Instead of a million people in the street, today we have thousands of homophobes, xenophobes who are anti-republican, anti- journalists, and sometimes anti-Semites. For these demonstrators, it’s as if the bloodbaths never happened,” said Levy, who is scheduled to speak on 13 February at the 92Y Jewish community centre in New York about these and other issues. Anti-Semitic incidents during protests by Yellow Vests – named for the reflective safety vests they wear – have included signs and slogans describing French President Emmanuel Macron as a “whore of the Jews” and their “puppet”. There have been many cases of protesters performing the quasi-Nazi quenelle salute, which was created by the French comic Dieudonne M’bala. Dieudonne, a Holocaust denier who has been convicted of hate speech against Jews and others, now delivers his weekly hate sermons online on video platforms while wearing a yellow vest. These cases, as well as anti-Semitic graffiti and chants, are on the “margins” of the Icon of lefty Zionism is gone >> Continued from page 27 of the world was generally known as ‘the worldatlarge’, but it had other epithets too: enlightened, outside, free, hypocritical. … Out there, in the world, all the walls were covered with graffiti: ‘Yids, go back to Palestine’, so we came back to Palestine, and now the worldatlarge shouts at us, ‘Yids, get out of Palestine’.” While his voice on contemporary matters is now stilled, it will endure in our imagination and in our better and more reflective moments. Oz will remain with us because he wrote so much, so elegantly, and so well. In his memoir, Oz described his very youthful hopes as follows, “When I was little, my ambition was to grow up to be a book. Not a writer. People can be killed … but not books. However systematically you try to destroy them, there is always a chance that a copy will survive and continue to enjoy a shelf-life in some corner on an out-of-the-way library somewhere in Reykjavik, Valladolid, or Vancouver.” Be assured that it is not only in those places that Oz will live on.

• Gavin Rome is a senior counsel at the Johannesburg Bar. He has acted as a Judge of the High Court on several occasions. His Habonim moniker, for those wondering, was Gadi. 30 SA JEWISH REPORT 18 – 25 January 2019 Incendiary stories that turn the world contained such magic. His ability to tell the of the Western world’s most stirring phrases If Zuma, in spite of the poison he has injected British during World War II the kind of stories came from the immensely charismatic Martin into the country’s life and politics, could still be TAKING ISSUE they needed to hear about themselves and their Luther King Jr. In 1963, King inspired the black lauded by so many thousands, we are seriously struggle inspired them to confront the most civil rights movement in America, just before off track. bitter odds and win. One of his most famous being assassinated, with his “I have a dream…” Yet, just as Churchill rallied the British Geoff Sifrin quotes from a rousing 1940 speech is, “… we speech during the protest march on Washington at their darkest hour, so we wait for the shall fight them on the beaches…” after large to end racism. South African Churchill. Time will tell if it is hat is it about a politician’s speech tracts of Europe fell to the Nazis. There’s always a flip side, however. Hitler Ramaphosa. So far, the signs are not good. that you remember afterwards? His South Africa’s story during the last century was an equally charismatic storyteller, who His speech at the launch was so loaded with Wcatchy phrases? His body language? was pitched to incredible heights by Nelson inspired a culture of hate among millions of tired clichés that the response from many The urgency in his voice? These are often more Mandela, a rural youngster from the Eastern Europeans, which poisoned the world and was cynicism. We’ve heard it all before from memorable than the content. Mostly, he or she Cape who rose to the summit, changed the continues to do so. His noxious populism and president after president. is a storyteller on a stage. world, and died an elderly man surrounded by calls for “lebensraum” tapped into the fears and It’s not that the country is falling apart. Its Occasionally, a story crosses your path which loved ones. His heroic journey inspired South resentment of vast swathes of German society. people are still friendly. Unlike the proverbial sets you alight with hope, a tale of hero and Africans to believe they could achieve great It instigated attacks on his “enemies”, whether man on the street in many other countries, our victory. The oratory of the late gravel-voiced things – the triumph of good over evil. they be Jews, Marxists, foreign powers, or people still have a smile for a stranger, even if British Prime Minister Winston Churchill It’s not just the story, but how it is told. One whatever he decided. their lives are tough and disappointing. South Africa’s positive story had all the We are familiar with the more personal Letters charisma and heroism of the others. It stories that play themselves out regularly at inspired the world. But has it been poisoned ground level. “Have a good life!” was the cheery ISRAEL AND JEWS HAVE MANY SOUTH AFRICAN ADMIRERS irredeemably through corruption, factionalism, farewell one youngster called out to a relative and racism? passing by last week as he left a Glenhazel In your editorial “Friends where you didn’t mention in your editorial, to spread their The sight of former President Jacob Zuma pharmacy on his way to life in Australia. He can, know you had any” (14 December 2018), love and admiration. It is deeply moving to dancing with President Cyril Ramaphosa before because he has the youth and wherewithal to you highlighted the incident of an Afrikaans attend their annual tribute to Israel, in which 85 000 people in Durban last week at the ANC’s do so. lady who was so excited to meet “G-d’s hundreds of Israel admirers converge at a election manifesto launch, brought a collective Should we try to make him want to stay? A chosen people”. It was through her and her huge church in Boksburg to share their joy, groan to many who had hoped our positive lot more than catchy phrases in a storyline are husband’s church involvement that they had and pray for Israel and the Jewish people. narrative was still secure. required to reboot the country for that. found their “love for Israel and the Jewish Other organisations, like Bridges for Peace, people”. Ebenezer, and the International Christian A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies Thank you for highlighting the fact that Embassy Jerusalem, collect funds worldwide the Jewish people and Israel have admirers. to alleviate poverty and improve Israeli lives. In fact, there are many thousands right here These and others are comprised of thousands Board’s election manifesto calls for in South Africa, as well as in many countries upon thousands of Christian Zionists, whose worldwide, whose genuine love for Israel and genuine love for all things Jewish uplifts greater tolerance and civility the Jewish people leads them to sacrifice my soul. It gives me hope that, with their he next few months will doubtless done without resorting to using divisive, much to help Israel. ongoing enthusiastic enlightenment, peace be dominated by news and insulting, and inflammatory language, Many work with Rev Kenneth Meshoe and will come to Israel and the world. – Edna discussion about the upcoming especially when it comes to questions of Freinkel, Johannesburg T his wife, Dr Lydia Meshoe, who you national elections scheduled to take place race. I urge our community to observe these early in May. The South African Jewish standards scrupulously when commenting Board of Deputies is running publicly on the elections a multifaceted pre-election and indeed on all issues of awareness and educational broader national concern. campaign called Make Us We are conducting a Count aimed at involving voter-registration drive our community as much as ahead of voter registration possible in the process. weekend on 26-27 January. The campaign started This is to encourage last year with the drafting community members, in and distribution – including particular first-time voters, to members of Parliament to contact their local voting and political party whips stations to ensure that the – of a document giving relevant information on the the board’s input into the voters’ roll is accurate and election manifestos of up to date. the main political parties. Later, we plan to host This document highlighted public debates between the key areas we believe Above Board representatives of the main all parties need to focus competing parties. We are their attention on, the Shaun Zagnoev also once again putting involvement of the Jewish together an interfaith community in these issues, and the election observer team to assist the underlying principles of care and respect Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the individual that need to inform how on polling day. we, as a nation, go about addressing such This initiative, first implemented by challenges. the board for the 2009 national and On the last point, we stressed in our provincial elections, was an inspiring manifesto how critical it was for all success, with participation by nearly 100 parties, regardless of difference in aim volunteers from across the religious, ethnic and ideology, to unite in a commitment and national spectrum, including Jews, to opposing the dissemination of hatred, Muslims, Christians and foreign nationals whether based on race, ethnicity, religion, from all over Africa. That success has nationality, or other such grounds. been repeated at all subsequent national This year marks the 25th anniversary and municipal elections. Thus far, we of the birth of democracy in South Africa. have had an enthusiastic response, and I In recent years, regrettably, we have encourage those interested in taking part strayed far from the spirit of unity and to contact Roseanne Rosen at our head national reconciliation that characterised offices ([email protected]). Apart from the the early years of the post-apartheid era. much-valued assistance it provides to the While we all need to do whatever we can IEC in fulfilling its mandate to ensure that to restore the values of civility, tolerance, our elections remain free, fair, and above and inclusivity into our national discourse, board, it is a wonderful way to really make our political leaders have a special oneself a vital, active part of our robust responsibility to lead the way in that democratic culture. regard. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing, • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board even robustly, with what another person Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday from has to say, but at all times, it must be 12:00 to 13:00. 18 – 25 January 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 31 In Plett, villa mix-up becomes mewling brawl

When I checked the envelope with the non- I do!” I screamed back. “We will take as long as Cupboards were neatly packed. Shopping done. working key, it became clear that we were in the we want. You moron! Get out of here before I call And now we had to vacate. Under pressure. wrong flat. We were meant to be in the “Villas” the police!” Black dustbin bags were filled but then split as and this was the “Mews”. It was in the same I was very brave for a moment, but quickly we dragged them down the stairs, tomatoes and complex, the units were both upstairs, and had messaged a friend to come and be my backstop. eggs rolled on the pavement. HOWARD FELDMAN the same number of rooms. He is a doctor, so I knew that if he couldn’t help The whole experience was awful. It was always Stupid system. in the altercation, at least he could resuscitate going to be unpleasant and frustrating. We had s a child, December holidays meant “Ah,” I said apologetically, hoping that me. I have never been in a physical fight in my made a mistake, and we needed to rectify it. But Muizenberg. As an adult, we seemed to everyone would see the humour. I was still life, and there was little chance of me surviving it didn’t need to be as confrontational as it was. Aspend the time on the Atlantic Seaboard. dripping wet from the pool, and trying to an altercation with this team. It was ugly and aggressive, and there would have And then this year, for the first time, we decided process how this had all happened. “Give us an With that, the Springs family exited. I been the same result if the container family and to give Plettenberg Bay a bash. Spoiler alert: we hour. Let us pack up, and we will be out of your assumed they went to find a nearby bar, but their agent had behaved with a little compassion. loved it, even though it started off a little shaky. way.” Turns out that that suggestion was hardly instead they sat downstairs on top of their I don’t know if, given the circumstances, I Here’s why: we had hired unit 12 at a complex what Mr Boksburg was looking for. “You have 30 trailer, and watched our frantic and now would have been more patient that they were. that we had never been to. The arrangement minutes!” he screamed, fingers jabbing, and his disorganised move. But I do know that from now on, should I find was for us to collect the keys from a box on the face very close to mine. I was triggered. “The hell It was terrible. The fridge had been stocked. myself in that situation, I will try. main road in Plett, and then go to the unit. The keys were waiting as planned, and we found the place with relative ease. So far so good. We drove around for a short while, looked for, and found unit 12, which we knew was a second-floor unit. As I was about to put the key in the lock, the door was opened by the cleaner who was preparing the apartment for the new tenants. We went inside. Didn’t love the place (especially since it looked nothing like the photos we had seen), but decided we would be adults and make the best of it. After lugging everything upstairs and unpacking, we decided to go shopping. When I tried to lock the apartment, I found that the keys didn’t work, so I took the ones that were in the door and off we went to do what we needed to. I was a little perturbed by the key situation, so checked my confirmation to make sure it was indeed unit 12 that we had booked. Confirmed. No issue. Two hours later, the fridge was packed, the meat had arrived from Johannesburg, my wife was making dinner, and I was swimming. We were ready for our holiday in unit 12. And so was another family of 12 from Brakpan. The dad had more tattoos than David Beckham (that’s where the similarity ended), and the mom looked like she wasn’t on her first brandy and Coke (not even her second). An array of strange looking others, who most likely lived with them in their mobile home, were also present, and they seemed more interested in a fight than they were in having a holiday. I assumed that they hadn’t beaten up anyone in the 11 hours it took to get from their container on the East Rand, and were itching to get their eye back in. Their estate agent, although based in Plett, must have also hailed from the Germiston area (perhaps Wadeville) and might even have been related to them. Her ambition quite clearly seemed to be to escalate the situation until everyone slaughtered everyone else, and she could relet the apartment.

Sunday (20 January) AT • Second Innings hosts musician H ’S Malcolm Wood in Musical W O BE KIND &

Memories With Malcolm. Time: Tea at 10:00. N Meeting at 10:30. Venue: KOSHER Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres, Sandringham. Cost: R20 members, R40 visitors, includes tea and light refreshments. IN CAPE TOWN. Contact: Linda Fleishman 011 532 9701. Wednesday (23 January) Passover packages now available • Jewish Learning Institute launches new course, Crime & Consequence, with Rabbi Ari Kievman. Time: Mornings: 09:45 to 11:15. Venue: Chabad House, 27 Aintree Avenue, Savoy. Evenings: 19h15 to 20h45. Venue: Sandton Central Shul, 8 Stella Street, Sandton, opposite the Enjoy a stay at the country’s only Kosher hotel, the Premier Hotel Gautrain. Contact: www.jli.org.za 011 440 6600 or [email protected]. Thursday (24 January) Cape Town. A range of Kosher packages are available, such as an all • Sandton Seniors Club. Time: 10:15. Venue: Chabad Riverclub, Benmore. inclusive 9-day Passover package providing accommodation, meals Contact: Rabbi Ari Kievman [email protected] or 011 440 6600 and excursions. Monday through Friday • Chabad Seniors Club includes memory enhancement, dynamic shiurim, Contact our Kosher booking experts today to discuss your needs. HO TEL transport, a delicious lunch, technical tutors, and more. Time 09:00 to 13:00. Venue: Chabad House, 37 Aintree Avenue, Savoy. PREMIERHOTELS.CO.ZA | [email protected] | 021 430 3400 CAPE TOWN Contact: Rabbi Ari Kievman 011 440 6600 or [email protected]