A credible, united Jewish voice

As we approach the South African Jewish Board of Deputies’ (SAJBD’s) national executive conference next weekend, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable origins of the Board. 

Established in 1912 through the amalgamation of the Jewish Board of Deputies for the Transvaal and Natal, founded in 1903; and its Cape counterpart, in 1904, the SAJBD emerged at a time when our community sought a unified platform to articulate its concerns. 

The first meeting of the then Transvaal body took place under the auspices of the then head of government, Lord Alfred Milner. In giving government approval for the creation of the Board, he stated that it should protect special Jewish interests and voice Jewish opinion, just as other similar religious, commercial, or cultural groups were created to do. The governor stated that the Board would be of great benefit to the government, as it could now engage with a single coherent Jewish voice, stating that up to that point, when seeking guidance on Jewish-related interests, it had been exceedingly difficult to find a single authority, and indeed at times, the advice he had been given had been contradictory. 

The approval specifically identified the need for a singular Jewish voice to represent the community. What began as a government-granted mandate has evolved into something far more powerful: a democratic legitimacy earned through our inclusive structure of affiliates, constituents, and co-opted leaders reflecting the rich diversity of South African Jewry. 

The SAJBD’s history has always mirrored the societal, cultural, and historical trends shaping our country and our community. To remain relevant, we must continually adapt, welcoming new affiliates, embracing varied perspectives, and ensuring that our leadership represents the spectrum of views. Of course, this multiplicity can make consensus challenging, yet it’s precisely what lends weight and legitimacy to the unified voice we ultimately present, both within our community and to the wider society. 

It’s in this spirit that delegates from across our regions will gather next weekend to debate strategy, structures, and responses to the pressing challenges we face today. History reminds us that until the 1930s, the Board operated somewhat sporadically. But with the alarming surge in antisemitism during that decade, its role became indispensable, transforming forever how we defend Jewish rights and engage with the world. 

I have felt a similar shift in the period that followed 7 October 2023. The demands on our community, and on the SAJBD, have grown more urgent than ever before. Yet just as previous generations adapted to secure our place, so too must we refine and strengthen our structures today. Only then can we maintain the credible, singular voice that has sustained South African Jewry for more than a century, a voice that defends our rights, fosters connection, and ensures that we remain a vibrant part of this nation. 

I look forward to the discussions ahead and to emerging even stronger together.