Standing on the shoulders of a giant

It’s impossible to truly contextualise in words the enormity of what Issie Kirsh z”l was as a businessman, a visionary, a leader, and above all, a Jew of deep humility and heart. His legacy in the media world is extraordinary and far-reaching. He helped build platforms that gave voice to a country, with integrity and courage, always ahead of his time. Entire books could be written about this. I certainly can’t cover it all in a single article.

What I can perhaps offer is a glimpse into the extraordinary character that defined Issie’s greatness. For more than two decades and continuing to this day, I’ve been in business with his beloved son, Danny, with Issie serving as our chairperson for many of those years. Whenever I, or anyone else, had the privilege of engaging with him, you couldn’t help but be struck by the authenticity, depth, dignity, wisdom, and warmth with which he engaged the world.

He embodied a rare combination of strength and softness, intellect and instinct, confidence and humility. His leadership was never loud, but always clear. His success never overshadowed his goodness. And at the heart of everything was his family, his pride and joy, whom he guided with deep love, unwavering integrity, and dignity.

He never led with ego. He never demanded reverence. Yet it was impossible not to be in awe of his presence, not just for what he had done, but for how he carried it. Humble, gracious, generous with his time and mind, he uplifted everyone who came into his orbit.

I serve on the board of the SA Jewish Report because of Issie. For many years, he was part of the leadership team of the paper, serving as vice-chairperson. And once he retired from that role, he continued to encourage and support it, always understanding deeply the importance of strong Jewish voices in a healthy democracy. His commitment to our country and our community was unwavering. He was both deeply rooted in his Jewish identity and, at the same time, embraced the broader South African society, always seeking unity, respect, and shared purpose across all communities.

His long and beautiful marriage to Mushe, may Hashem bless her with continued strength and health, was a testament to love, loyalty, and shared purpose. Together, they raised a family rooted in values, a family whose impact continues to shape industries and communities alike.

The passing of Issie feels deeply personal. The gap he leaves is enormous. He was part of a generation we learned so much from, a generation that helped shape many of us. Without it, we feel a little more rudderless. Issie didn’t just build businesses; he built a future. That generation lived with faith, with courage, with sacrifice, and with the understanding that success must always serve something greater.

It brings to life the timeless saying: “If we can see far, it’s only because we stand on the shoulders of giants.” And if Issie could speak to us now, I believe he would be urging us to become those shoulders – to carry forward his values, and to build a world that the next generation can stand tall upon.

To Mushe and the entire Kirsh family – to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family – we offer our heartfelt condolences. May you be comforted among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim. May Issie’s neshama have the highest aliya. And may his memory continue to be a guiding light for all who follow in his path.

Baruch dayan haemet.

• Benjy Porter is a family man, entrepreneur, director of the SA Jewish Report, and holds various other communal leadership positions.