SUZANNE BELLING
The Jewish Report asked individuals how they felt about being part of the history and contribution the Jewish community has made to South Africa over the years.
Capetonian Patsy Bagraim who lives in Highlands, near The Gardens, where the first shul was started, says it is wonderful that the Jewish community “is still going strong. There have been lots of ups and downs, but we still have a strong voice for all Jews.
“We don’t sit back when there is anti-Semitism and we always look after our fellow Jews,” she says.
Patsy would like more people to join Jewish organisations and lend their support. “Sadly, we are economic refugees at the moment,” she says.
But she will join in the celebrations and hope for a bright future.
Amanda Zar, manager of the Herzlia Foundation Trust, spoke proudly about the powerful contribution of Jews and Jewish volunteers to the boards of different organisations and the work of Afrika Tikkun.
It is important to celebrate the success of the community, she says, which took its task very seriously. She also commented on the generosity of the members of the Jewish community who ensure that the organisations thrive.
“They take their work very seriously,” she says.
Rowan Polovin, acting chairman of the South African Zionist Federation, Cape Council, pointed out that South African Jews have been a very powerful influence on the history of South Africa,
“We have made a huge contribution to the fabric of the country and I think we can be very proud of our history and what we have achieved.
“Although we face ongoing challenges and incidents of anti-Semitism, we will be able to overcome this and continue to be a presence in the country for a long time,” he says.
Member of Parliament Darren Bergman says the Jewish community is an integral part of the country’s heritage.
“Our contribution is historic, present and will continue into the future.”
Jews have been prominent in all fields – business, politics, science, medicine and sport – and this contribution from a small part of the greater community “is very definitely something to celebrate”.
Veteran Pretoria communal leader Victor Gordon says: “Over many years, the contribution of the small population of local Jews to the development of this country should be a source of pride to not only our own community, but to this nation as a whole. Undoubtedly, Jews have played a part in almost every sector of society including business, the judiciary, commerce, medicine, the arts, science etc, excessively disproportionate to their numbers.
“While we look back on the past decades with some deserved sense of satisfaction, we also look ahead at the years to come in the knowledge that our community is well poised and equipped to not only face the many challenges that beckon, but to play our part in meeting and resolving them. The South African Jewish community remains a vital component in ensuring this country’s success.”
Mina Sable, a past national president of the Union of Jewish Women and a past vice-president of the International Council of Jewish Women, has served the community for 45 years.
“Our Jewish community has entered into many areas others have left. We are conscious of helping when help is needed.
“I think it is important to celebrate this anniversary – it brings people together in shared experiences.”
Bev Goldman, Israel consultant, SA-Israel Chamber of Commerce, says: “what a wonderful celebration! The Jewish community of South Africa has added incredible value to the growth and development of the country. We have so much of which to be proud.”
This included relationships with non-Jewish communities, with government, business and NGOs, which “have always been of mutual respect and admiration.
“We have enhanced our reputation in the fields of education, charity, medicine, the judiciary, politics and entertainment. We have fought discrimination, racism, anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. We have supported the poor, the indigent, the disadvantaged, the handicapped.”
Commenting on the “wonderful Jewish education system”, she says that the Jewish community has “almost too many” large and small synagogues. “We have admirable youth groups and we implement values and principles that are – or should be – the envy of so many other communities.
“Whew! We sound perfect – we certainly aren’t; but we keep trying, reaching heights, improving, moving forward – learning, learning, learning, all the time.”
Bev says South Africa is going through turbulence and tumultuous times and the feelings of insecurity in our community and across the nation are manifold. “But we will overcome – we have the stamina and determination.”
