Shulman honoured for community work

JORDAN MOSHE

Shulman received the SAZF’s Herzl Award at the organisation’s conference last weekend for playing a key role in the promotion of Israel in South Africa, and for his devotion to the Jewish community.

The award is given to a Jewish person under the age of 44 who has contributed significantly to the local Jewish community, and has strengthened its connection with Israel.

For the past 13 years, Shulman has been at the forefront of promoting Israel, and defending it from delegitimisation.

His communal involvement began with his leadership of the South African Union of Jewish Students as national chairperson, followed by involvement in the Jewish National Fund, and election to the SAZF as the youngest ever vice-chairperson.

His work led to the creation of the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) initiative, and he is currently director of the South African Israel Forum, leading youth leaders, academics, and activists on tours of Israel.

Shulman told the conference that his family had been involved with the SAZF from the very beginning of the organisation. “My great-grandmother raised money for the first merchant ships in the Israeli navy. My grandmother on the other side was a fundraiser for Magen David Adom, and to this day, there is a bike with her name on it scooting around Jerusalem, saving lives.”

He expressed gratitude to the SAZF, and thanked his family for supporting him in his endeavours. “They have put up with odd hours, and accepted a Jewish son who in the end wasn’t a doctor, lawyer, or accountant.”

Shulman stressed that it was better be a Jew today than at any time over the past 2 500 years. “We have a democratic state of Israel that is welcoming and strong, reaching out and supporting people around the world. It’s only by supporting it and the SAZF that it can get even better.”

The late journalist and pro-Israel activist, Moses Moyo, a close friend and ally of the Jewish community who passed away last year, was also recognised posthumously.

Outgoing SAZF National Chairperson Ben Swartz announced the inauguration of a new award created by the SAFI in Moyo’s honour. It will go to any member of South African society who has shown exemplary commitment to Zionism and the Jewish community. The award will be awarded at the next SAZF conference.

“Towards the end of last year, a dear friend of the Jewish community passed away tragically. It was a great blow to us,” Swartz said of Moyo. “We felt there would be no better way to ensure Moses’ legacy was perpetuated than through the inauguration of a new award, known as the SAFI Moses Moyo award in his memory.”

Swartz thanked Moyo’s relatives, who were present, saying that he would be remembered as a friend, and an incredible activist.

“He kept all of us on our toes, and wouldn’t let us slouch or slumber,” he said. Mostly, he was a mensch (person of integrity), and this is our way of saying that we are grateful for his work, friendship, and efforts.”