SHAUN ZAGNOEV
The first conference dealt with formal procedural matters like the election of the new council, the outgoing chairman’s report back to affiliates, and amendments to the constitution. The second, taking place on a day on which President Cyril Ramaphosa is available to participate, is aimed at South African Jewish Board of Deputies’ (SAJBD) affiliates, and the wider Jewish public.
Since Ramaphosa already formally addressed the Jewish community in Cape Town earlier this year, it has been decided instead to stage a dialogue between him and eminent local business leader Stephen Koseff on the issues facing South Africa today, and how they see these playing out in the future. We look forward to what should be a fascinating exchange on questions that will be uppermost in virtually everybody’s minds.
This being the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, the second part of the conference will look back and celebrate the Mandela legacy, including the noteworthy part that many Jewish community members played in his life and career. It will include the screening of an updated DVD presentation originally made for the launch and marketing of the SAJBD’s acclaimed 2011 book Jewish Memories of Mandela.
In my next two columns, I will provide further updates about the upcoming conference and its programme. There has already been considerable interest in the event, so those wishing to attend or find out more are encouraged to visit our website on www.sajbd.org.
Joining hands in the fight against global anti-Semitism
At the end of October, the SAJBD’s Diplomatic and Parliamentary Liaison, Chaya Singer, was part of a World Jewish Congress (WJC) Junior Diplomatic Corps delegation to the Russian Jewish Congress conference in Moscow.
The theme of the conference was “Combatting anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia”, and Singer gave a presentation on the work of the SAJBD as a case study in combatting anti-Semitism.
She also attended a meeting at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Russian Council of Young Diplomats, and her report on our recent collaboration with the Russian Embassy in South Africa regarding the screening of the film Sobibor was received with enthusiasm. Such engagements are important in ensuring that our community, despite its relatively small size, continues to play a meaningful role in global Jewish affairs.
- Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM, every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.
