
Voices

Farewell to a true friend
This is the first edition of the SA Jewish Report since the untimely passing of Olga Meshoe Washington, a dear friend of our community and an unwavering advocate for Israel. Meshoe Washington was a Zionist, a Christian, a leader, a champion of human rights, and a source of inspiration to all who knew her.
As chief executive of DEISI (Defend Embrace Invest (in) Support Israel) International, Meshoe Washington dedicated her life to fortifying the bond between Africa and Israel, passionately advancing the Christian imperative to support the Jewish state. She boldly confronted and refuted comparisons between Israeli policies and South African apartheid, describing these analogies as “woefully ignorant” and a diminution of black South Africans’ lived experience.
Meshoe Washington’s influence extended far beyond Zionism. Her impactful work in socio-economic and youth development earned her recognition as one of The Jerusalem Post’s “25 Young ViZionaries”. Her leadership in programmes, non-profit organisations, and non-governmental organisations demonstrated her commitment to building a brighter future.
On a personal note, Meshoe Washington’s poise and grace shone through in every encounter. Whether facing aggressive attacks in the media or addressing contentious topics at events, she stood firm with dignity and eloquence. She was a beacon of courage, wisdom, and compassion.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, Joshua Washington, their children, and the entire Meshoe family. Meshoe Washington’s legacy, defined by her faith, resilience, and unwavering love, has left an indelible mark on our society and will continue to inspire generations to come. May her memory be a blessing.
Matric results and a return to studies
This week, we celebrate the release of last year’s matric results, which once again showcase the excellence of our community’s schools and brilliance of our pupils. We’re thrilled to see a significant increase in Jewish students pursuing medical studies, which is a trend that fills us with pride.
For the first time, the University of Stellenbosch will host a South African Union of Jewish Students chapter, reflecting the growing number of Jewish students choosing Stellenbosch for their tertiary education.
At the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, we’re all too aware of the challenges that face our students on campus, and we’re committed to ensuring that our universities remain safe, welcoming spaces for Jewish students, just as they have always been. We look forward to seeing Jewish students thrive on all campuses.
Summer camps
There was another successful season of youth movement summer camps in December. These machanot continue to have a profound impact, fostering community, identity, and leadership among our youth. This year’s camps were especially memorable, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the Community Security Organisation and its dedicated volunteers, who sacrificed their own holiday time to ensure the safety and security of all participants. To them, we extend our deepest gratitude.
