New era beckons for SA country communities

SHAUN ZAGNOEV

Contrary to certain claims that have unfortunately been doing the rounds since the decision to restructure was announced, the new arrangement does not mean that the board has abandoned its responsibilities to the country communities. Rather, henceforth, the country communities themselves, together with the trustees of trusts set up in the name of defunct communities, will take ownership of the process. While we are encouraged by the unanimous agreement at the meeting to establish the new organisation – called the Small Communities Association (SCA) – it should be clarified that it isn’t yet a done deal. The next stage will be to secure support for the SCA from the trustees of the various country community trusts. That process is already taking place.

I congratulate Barney Horwitz, who has headed up the historic Jewish community in Kimberley with great dedication for many years, on being appointed as the first chairman of the SCA. We thank him for the passion and commitment he has shown, and look forward to working further with him, along with present Country Communities Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, in bringing this hopeful new chapter in the history of our country communities to successful fruition. I would also like to express our sincerest appreciation to Rabbi Silberhaft for heading up our country communities department with such inspiration and devotion over so many years, for which he has deservedly gained international renown.

SAJBD leaders visit Israel

Over the past two weeks, I have participated in a series of meetings with senior government officials in Israel along with a number of my board colleagues and representatives of the South African Zionist Federation. The meetings were held to update the officials on our community’s current situation, and to get a perspective on the political situation in Israel itself. Among the departments we engaged with were the ministries of foreign affairs and regional co-operation.

In these uncertain times, it is particularly import that diaspora communities remain in regular contact with Israel and with each other to discuss common problems, and explore ways of working together to resolve them. I thank all those who gave of their time to meet us for their staunch support for our community and willingness to partner with us in safeguarding and promoting Jewish life and the Jewish way of life in South Africa.

• Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM, every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.