JEFF KATZ
Some great names came up in his address, people who truly changed the country for the better and of whom our community is justly proud.
Almost without exception these business icons generously supported Jewish causes, whether relating to local Jewry or to Israel.
Earlier this week, we were deeply saddened by the passing of someone who in the course of a long and varied life epitomised – to an extent rarely equalled – someone who achieved hugely in all three of these fields.
Bertie Lubner was an outstandingly successful businessman who devoted just as much, if not more, passion and effort to serving his community, country and the State of Israel. What was so remarkable about him, and which his fellow SAJBD members on our Gauteng Council and NEC found so inspiring, was that the word “enough” was not in his vocabulary. Despite all he had achieved – even listing the highlights here would take up too much space – Bertie was always looking to do and give more.
This was as true in his final months, when his health was failing, as it was in his younger, more robust days.
At our National Conference last year, Bertie was presented with the Eric Samson Mendel/Kaplan Communal Service Award. It was only the latest in a long string of public honours he had received over the previous quarter-century and more, and in truth he could just as easily have been given it when the SAJBD first instituted the award back in 2003.
What spoke volumes was the reaction of the capacity crowd when the award was announced. In the outbreak of spontaneous cheering and rhythmic clapping – a reaction far from typical of South African Jews, we saw how greatly esteemed and admired was the name of Bertie Lubner in our community. And just as importantly, Bertie saw it too.
We will miss him greatly, but can take at least some comfort from the thought that the legacy he left will benefit ourselves, our country and the people of Israel for generations to come. I will miss the drives home with Bertie from Gauteng Council meetings.
