Board’s mandate is clear

We are truly fortunate in South Africa to be supported by a vibrant network of robust organisations and dedicated leaders, each with a distinct and vital role to play in our community.

In celebrating the strength and value of diversity in Jewish thought and practice, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has always strived to embrace the broadest possible representation of our community. This includes, but is by no means limited to, rabbinical, social, charitable, youth, and progressive voices. Through our democratic processes and inclusive leadership, the strategies and positions we articulate reflect the most considered and coherent expression of our multifaceted community.

Our mandate is clear: to be the voice of the Jewish community in the political arena; to monitor and combat antisemitism; to uphold our religious rights; and to build relationships across the spectrum of South African society. We are the only national organisation elected across a broad swathe of Jewish communal bodies, including shuls, Jewish schools, Jewish youth, and Jewish women’s groups to hold that mandate. As such it is important to clarify that we are distinct and independent of other groups and individuals in our community, including the chief rabbi’s office.

The multifaceted and democratic leadership empowers and allows the SAJBD to engage strategically in shaping our political positions and determining how best to communicate them. Our decisions are informed by the deep insight and intelligence gained through relationships carefully cultivated over the SAJBD’s 122-year history. No matter the provocation, we engage thoughtfully, rationally, and respectfully in pursuit of our mandate. Our strategies may be nuanced and complex, but they are always crafted with the utmost care to protect the safety of every Jew in South Africa.

As a proud South African who owes everything I have to this country, I want South Africa to thrive. I can call the majority party out on its obsessive prejudice against Israel while simultaneously hoping that it succeeds in navigating a constantly changing geopolitical environment so our beautiful, scarred country can grow and feed our hungry and heal our sick. I would hope that this sentiment would be shared by all those who cherish Jewish values in our community.