Visible and unafraid

Over the past few days, a great deal of concern has engulfed our community regarding a document referring to an “Apartheid Bill” put forward by the Al Jama-ah political party. I must reiterate that what exists at present is merely a notice of intention to introduce a private members’ Bill, together with an invitation for public comment. No draft text has been tabled, no wording released. 

We are under no illusions about the motives of this party, nor about the antisemitic agenda that drives this initiative. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) regularly comments on proposed Bills on behalf of South African Jewry, and will do likewise if and when the wording of this Bill is shared. Should Al Jama-ah attempt to insert its antisemitic and unconstitutional views into South African law, we will oppose it, using the constitutional protections in our country. We will keep the community updated as developments unfold. 

Combatting antisemitism remains one of the core mandates of the SAJBD. While high-profile cases often claim the headlines, many are unaware that we treat every single reported incident, no matter how “minor”, with the utmost seriousness. Every slur muttered in a coffee shop queue, every menacing post, every act that leaves a Jewish South African feeling unsafe, matters to us. 

For years, the Cape SAJBD has run a highly effective antisemitism hotline, offering swift support and decisive action. I’m happy to announce that we have now launched a national antisemitism hotline aimed at giving the community an easy route to report Jew-hate. It’s crucial that you report it so that the Board can support you, give guidance, assist in exploring the options for a response, and update our monitoring and statistics. Please don’t think twice, send us a message and allow us to support you in any way we can. Your courage in speaking up strengthens us all. 

This will be the final column of the year, and the last before Chanukah. The festival marks the brave acts of Jews who stood tall and fought for their identity. This is why we display our chanukiahs in our windows, for all to see. It’s a proclamation of Jewish pride and our willingness to be seen as Jews. We, at the SAJBD, will continue to fight so that Jews can wear kippot, Magen Davids, and express themselves proudly as South African Jews. 

This week also marks the start of our youth-movement machanehs, those extraordinary summer camps that have shaped generations of proud, engaged South African Jews. I wish all involved at our camps at Bnei, Habo, Netzer and several others all behatzlacha, and I look forward to seeing engaged, dynamic and inspired youth on their return! 

As we enter deeper into December, and the end of the year edges ever closer, the work of the Board doesn’t stop as our community disperses to their respective holiday destinations. Please report any antisemitic incidents to our hotline so that we can assist and advise. Chag sameach, enjoy the holidays!