Independent country communities’ organisation launched

TALI FEINBERG

The announcement led to much anger and confusion, as South African Jews across the country and the globe wondered who would care for the Jews, cemeteries, and shuls scattered across rural South Africa.

In a historic move, those at the meeting decided that an independent organisation would be launched, run, managed, and funded by the country communities themselves. It is to be called the Small Communities Association (SCA). Rabbi Silberhaft will be its executive director, and Barney Horwitz its chairperson.

“I’m delighted that despite the upheaval and uncertainty of the past 18 months, a resolution has been found. For every person at that meeting, the sole purpose was to find a workable way forward,” Silberhaft said.

“They have committed to the fact that no cemetery or country community will be abandoned. I’m pleased that the trustees and the board recognise and value the importance of country community activities. I’m excited to bring my 26 years of experience and passion to this new organisation,” he said.

On the whole, his work will continue as before, but might include less travel. “The country communities’ hotline number remains the same, and we are just a call away.” Silberhaft confirmed that he would be able to conduct weddings, brit milahs, Barmitzvahs and Batmitzvahs, and funerals in country communities just as he had always done.

He said the decision to join the new organisation would be up to the trustees of each country community. It will be a Section 18A public benefit organisation, and a non-profit. Donors will receive tax certificates.

“The SAJBD and Rabbi Silberhaft have been working with Barney Horwitz, a long-serving leader of the Griqualand West Hebrew Congregation in Kimberley, to arrive at a proposed restructure that meets the needs of all stakeholders,” said SAJBD National Chairperson Shaun Zagnoev.

“The meeting was called to present the proposal to the trustees of the various country communities for their input and in-principle support. All trustees were invited to attend, although some were unable to do so.

“It unanimously supported the proposal, and agreed that the practical details should now be worked out. The national executive council of the SAJBD, which met immediately after the meeting, formally ratified the decision, paving the way for it to go ahead.”

In the event that the African Jewish Congress (AJC) elects to join the SCA, these services will also be provided to Jewish communities in affiliated Southern African countries, which include Zimbabwe and Namibia. Silberhaft currently also serves as chief executive and spiritual leader to the AJC, which represents the small, geographically isolated Jewish communities in such countries.

Zagnoev said that the trustees of current country communities’ trusts would continue to safeguard the assets of defunct communities. “To the extent permitted by the relevant trust deeds, all income derived from these trusts will provide the main source of funds for the SCA.”

While the new body will be independent of the SAJBD, it will have a representative on the board’s national executive council. The SAJBD will continue to address any instances of anti-Semitism or related violations of Jewish civil and religious rights that arise in country areas.

He said that the capital in the country communities’ trusts was controlled by the trustees of the various individual trust funds, set up over the years for specific country communities that have become defunct, and could not be transferred elsewhere.

“The income earned by the trusts will continue to be used for the purposes specified by the various trust deeds. To the extent that the country communities department of the SAJBD has been allocated some of the income from the trusts, the intention is that such income will be re-allocated to the new independent entity. This will need the approval of the trustees of the trusts concerned.”

Regarding Silberhaft, Zagnoev said, “In terms of the original agreement, Rabbi Silberhaft will remain employed by the board until the end of the year. Thereafter, it is envisaged that he will work for the independent organisation. This will, however, be the decision of the committee of the independent organisation.”

While certain community members allege that money was borrowed from country community trusts, and not returned, Zagnoev emphasised that “this is not true”. He asked the concerned people to contact the board directly “so that we can deal with this unfounded allegation”.

Zagnoev said the board would “welcome input from anyone in the community on the proposed restructure” and would “be engaging actively with all country communities’ trustees to get any further input to obtain their support”.

“We are very pleased with how the restructure has progressed to date. In our view, the active involvement of country communities in the running of the new entity will invest it with a great deal of energy. We also believe that it provides a more sustainable long-term solution for dealing with country communities, and for smaller outlying communities.”

SCA Chairperson Horwitz said, “As a member of one of the oldest country communities, I have a passion for ensuring that the rich legacy of Jewish communities throughout South Africa be preserved, and that Jews, no matter their affiliation or level of observance, be cared for. For me, it is an honour to have participated in the design of the SCA, and to be an active partner in its future success”.

Silberhaft said he would like to thank every person who had been vocal, and had seen the importance of the country communities department, which had run successfully for the past 70 years.

“I’m glad I can continue to fulfil my life’s dream of celebrating yiddishkeit (Jewish customs and practices] wherever Jews are found. I’m here as I always was, offering an uncompromised service to the country communities of South Africa.”