Leadership and vigilance

Last weekend, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) board held its annual National Executive Conference. The event was split into two portions, first, the meeting of board executives and affiliates that make up the SAJBD nationally. At this meeting, I was honoured to be elected for another term as national chairperson. A further mazeltov goes to Zev Krengel, who was also re-elected national president. 

I have been involved with the board since I myself was exposed to intimidation by anti-Israel protesters outside of the first Limmud in 2007. During this time, I have become clearly aware of the antisemitism, antagonism, and aggression that underlies the anti-Israel movement. 

The SAJBD’s mission and mandate was brought into a much sharper focus in the period following 7 October – “8 October” – and, as I described in my acceptance speech on Sunday, 26 October, an emotional interaction with a frightened student at King David Victory Park in October 2023 hardened my determination to ensure that our community remains safe, vibrant, and proud. That exchange has anchored me these past two years, steeling my resolve to safeguard the community. As we step into the next chapter, I carry it forward, humbled by the trust placed in us all. 

The theme of combatting the true malicious intent of those who wish us harm was evident in the second section of our event, the screening of the movie October 8, a powerful film produced, written, and directed by our esteemed guest, Wendy Sachs. It’s a raw, unflinching portrayal of the anti-Israel movement’s ascent, particularly in the United States and on American university campuses. The turnout was extraordinary, with all nine theatres at Hyde Park packed to capacity. 

The screening was also made more impactful in light of a protest that we witnessed here in Johannesburg last week. The movie outlines the use of an inverted red triangle as a protest symbol. As we know, during the Holocaust, the Nazis implemented a systematic classification system for prisoners in concentration camps, and the red triangle was one such classification, marking political prisoners. 

The symbol first gained widespread modern attention in Hamas propaganda videos released shortly after 7 October 2023 in which red triangles were overlaid as digital arrows to highlight and “target” Israeli soldiers or civilians during attacks. The symbol has been appropriated by the anti-Israel movement as, among other things, a symbol to mark “Zionist” or Israeli targets for boycott, doxing, or harassment. Many international Jewish organisations classify it as a hate symbol that glorifies Hamas terrorism and incites violence against Jews and Israelis. 

It was thus so jarring to see its use in graffiti that accompanied a protest outside of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre (JHGC) last week. The protest timed to coincide with the conference of the International Association of Genocide Scholars at the JHGC. To see it scrawled in graffiti strips away any pretence, and exposes the antisemitism that forms the foundation of such movements. 

Our vibrant community is built on the ongoing efforts of community members who support us and volunteer in the many groups that make up our structures. Last Friday’s incident outside KosherWorld and Yeshiva College stands as poignant proof: a quick-thinking schoolgirl spotted suspicious packages and alerted CSO. It proved to be non-viable improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Our deepest thanks to them, and above all to that young hero whose instinct for family and vigilance may well have averted a potential disaster.