King David turns to emigres for funds

SHIRA DRUION

It has become increasingly challenging for South Africans to afford a Jewish education for their children, what with the parlous state of the South African economy. Because of this, there has been a steep rise in students on subsidies.

This means that the King David Schools’ Foundation (KDSF) has a huge job to secure sufficient funds to ensure that no Jewish child is turned away because their family can’t afford the fees.

The foundation’s Executive Director, Raelene Tradonsky, and Director and pedagogic legend, Elliott Wolf, pride themselves on their tireless efforts to ensure that they have sufficient capital for this purpose.

The foundation relies on alumni for assistance, many of whom have long since emigrated and set up lives elsewhere. Many do so willingly, grateful for what they received in their school years.

“I matriculated in 2004, and our year has remained particularly close,” said alumnus Marissa Lewis. “It amazes me how a big group of our year has stuck together. I see it every time I am back in South Africa.

“I would say that about 80% of my closest friends from all over the world are Davidians. King David was the baseline for our connection. I continue to support King David whichever way I can.”

The quality of the King David school system is recognised the world over as it continues to strive for excellence across all spheres. It has ensured that its alumni have made their mark in every discipline.

“We cherish the privilege of allowing students to go through our school system who we know would not otherwise be able to do so,” said Tradonsky.

“A Jewish education is an insurance policy. We do everything in our power to realise the dream of being able to offer it to the children of our community.

“More than ever, we are finding that we have to travel globally to reach our targets. With the rising cost of living, the South African community cannot keep up with the rising demand for subsidies.”

The situation has required alumni who have left the country to step up to the plate by giving back to their alma mater, enabling the next generation of South African youth to join the ranks of Davidians who continue to achieve excellence.

The foundation relies on those alumni who feel a debt of gratitude to King David, and want to give back to the school to ensure that the students in the system are given the education they deserve.

New York and London are both home to hundreds of Davidians who enrich their communities with the wholesome values inculcated during their school years. Recently, two successful reunions were held in those cities, where alumni gathered to celebrate 70 years of King David schools. At these events, they were able to catch up with Wolf and Tradonsky, and pledge their support to the school. That is, only after an evening of laughter thanks to legendary comedian Nik Rabinowitz.

Reflecting on her recent trip to the United States and England, Tradonsky said, “My trips are always fraught with such highs and lows. There is the absolute privilege of travelling with Elliot [who is so revered by alumni] and meeting those who have become ‘world greats’ in their respective fields. Then, I feel the pain of seeing the extraordinary wealth and talent that has left South Africa.”

Indeed, the remarkable Davidian footprint is as significant as ever. Lewis, the Head of Americas for financial publishing group Citywire, who organised the New York event, said, “I can’t really articulate exactly why I feel compelled to help, but a lot of it has to do with the connection I still feel to the school. Even though I no longer live in South Africa, I recognise how King David helped me to grow into the person I am today.

“King David offered us a Jewish academic environment without ever sacrificing a world-class secular education, and I know and appreciate how unique that is,” she said.

New York based Greg Smith, the head of business development and partnerships at online investment management service Wealthsimple and formerly at Goldman Sachs said, “Mr Wolf and King David have played a substantial role in my life, and in the opportunities I am grateful to have had to study and work in America.

“Academically, King David is a pre-eminent institution that can stand next to the very best in the world. The Jewish values taught, examples set, combined with academic prowess, created a really potent combination. This has allowed Davidians to achieve success, move the needle, and to have an impact their communities the world over. It is extraordinary, and so many of us want to give back to that which built us.”

Ex-Victory Parker Marc Menashe is a lawyer living in London, currently the legal counsel for Credo. “With the cost of Jewish education in South Africa rising and the ‘tax base’ of financial support shrinking, Jewish South Africans living abroad have an obligation to support South African Jewish institutions so that another generation can benefit from, and eventually grow up to be, contributors to our community infrastructure,” he said.

Marius Barnett, also a Victory Park alumnus, also lives in London and runs a direct investment platform backed by a high-net-worth family. “I was fortunate to go to King David Victory Park with the support of generous donors. Having lived in many countries, and having travelled extensively, one can see how brilliant the King David schools and education system really is by viewing the impact that Davidians have made on a global level. This can’t have been coincidence, as it has been demonstrated across many platforms and over multiple generations.”

Said Menashe, “King David is an extension of your home, it aligns your values, and enriches the many realities in your life. It motivates each student intrinsically to reach great heights unique to each individual, without living in a world of continuous comparison. Being able to give your child an education of this calibre is possibly the greatest gift they can receive, and is a gift that can travel with them anywhere in the world.”

Smith agrees, saying, “We are proud Davidians, and will continue to support the wonderful work of King David Schools Foundation for many years to come.”