JORDAN MOSHE
The sentiment was most keenly felt at what was to have been a Havdallah concert in the Kosher World parking lot in Glenhazel, Johannesburg. Instead of a celebration, it turned into a poignant memorial to the 11 lives lost in the anti-Semitic attack on Shabbat.
“We stopped our celebration. Our legs stopped dancing, and stood still. We stopped singing, and turned to the timeless words of King David’s Tehillim. We prayed together for the victims and their families. And we were not alone,” wrote Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein this week. Goldstein informed those gathered about what had happened, changing the flavour of the evening.
“At Havdallah ceremonies and concerts all over the world, the focus shifted from joy and celebration to pain and sadness. We were reminded once more that we are ‘like one person with one heart’. That we feel so deeply for one another. The shots were fired in Pennsylvania, yet they were heard so clearly here on the streets of Johannesburg, and all over the world.
“As the powerful words of the Havdallah were being sung – ‘for the Jews, there was light, happiness, joy and honour’ – I looked at the faces of the crowd gathered under the stars. I reflected on the enormous power that human beings have to bring darkness into the world, to bring hatred, and suffering. But, at the same time, I reflected on the infinite human capacity to bring light, hope, and love into the world.
“Our strongest and most powerful response to the darkness of the Pittsburgh haters is to boldly and courageously spread light boldly and courageously in the world. We cannot be intimidated, frightened, or paralysed by the darkness. We mourn and we pray, but we are not defeated or afraid. We have faith in G-d to work with us to ensure it is the light that will be victorious. In the words of the Havdallah itself, ‘I trust and will not be afraid.’”
Later in the week, Goldstein added, “It is an outrage that for murderers like these, nothing is sacred, not human life, nor a synagogue, nor a time of prayer.”
In the wake of the attack, the South African Presidency put out the following statement, “President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent a message of condolence to the government and people of the United States of America following the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue.
“The attack, which was targeted at the Jewish community, shows extreme levels of intolerance. South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent attack targeted at the community.
“President Ramaphosa has stated that, ‘We must excise from our society any manifestations of anti-Semitism. We must respond to anti-Semitism with the same resolve as we respond to any act or statement that seeks to demean any faith, race, gender, or ethnic group.’”
Israel’s Ambassador to South Africa, Lior Keinan, said, “It is unfortunate that anti-Semitism still exists today, and people are still the victims of such hate crimes.
“This is the worst anti-Semitic attack in US history. We hope that law enforcement will deal with this with the utmost importance. We are thinking of the Pittsburgh Jewish community during this difficult time as we all mourn with you.”
The South African Holocaust & Genocide Foundation added its voice: “The senseless act of hate which led to the murder and injury of members of the congregation attending a baby naming ceremony on the Jewish Sabbath contradicts all that Holocaust centres around the world stand for,” its statement read. “All congregations, no matter their faith, should be able to worship in safety.”
On behalf of the South African Association of Progressive Rabbis, Rabbi Sa’ar Shaked stressed that though this hate crime was performed by an individual, it had a wider context. “It aims to spread fear and distress, to keep different groups apart,” he said. “Our answer to this act of hate will be to fortify our efforts to reach out to one another. We call upon all educators, religious, and community leaders to invest in creating an atmosphere of respect, where all voices are heard and appreciated, and where diversity is acknowledged as a source of strength.”
It is this sense of unity in the face of tragedy that the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) promoted in its response to the attack. After condemning the act of terror and paying respects to the fallen in a post on social media, the SAJBD shared an online call to the local community to be part of a global initiative this coming Shabbat, #ShowUpForShabbat.
“As part of the global campaign spearheaded by the American Jewish Committee, this coming Shabbat, we call on the Jewish community to flock to synagogues throughout South Africa in support of this powerful initiative,” the statement reads. “Through #ShowUpForShabbat, we will join world Jewry in expressing a united stand against hate and anti-Semitism, and our determination not to allow such horrific attacks to prevent us from affirming our Jewish identity.”
Goldstein rallied behind the campaign, saying, “Like one people with one heart, we share in each other’s joy and in each other’s pain. We are a global family of brothers and sisters. And for family – we show up. That’s why I call on everyone to join the global call to show up for Shabbat this week in protest and defiance of the worst attack on Jews in America’s history.
“Haman came to destroy the Jewish people. Mordechai refused to bow down. He was fearless, unwilling to submit to the intimidation and hatred [shown by] our enemies. Let us follow his lead, and let the word go out that we will not bow down, and we will not submit to fear tactics. We will not be chased from our houses of prayer, from our values, and our mission. On the contrary. We will emerge from this with more resolve than ever to defend our divine mission and destiny.
“Let us join hands with our brothers and sisters around the world, and support this movement. Join me, and let us all show up at shul this Shabbat and make a difference.”
