Voices
Board of deputies is shamefully out of touch
Last week’s edition of the SA Jewish Report displayed a rather embarrassing and undignified front-cover selfie of Zev Krengel with new ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa. But the true story inside the newspaper was far more embarrassing, as Krengel narrated the tale of how he and the Jewish Board of Deputies were outplayed, outmanoeuvred, outsmarted and outgunned at the ANC conference in December.
Name withheld on request, Israel
What was most shameful was Krengel’s admission that, while BDS supporters got up one by one to denounce Israel, he did not feel comfortable to rise to speak. As our official representative to the conference, he sat there quietly in dereliction of his role, failing to represent the Jewish community or find his tongue.
This belies the true question which your article failed to address: Why was he there in the first place, if he was unwilling and unable to give our community a voice?
It is quite evident from the turn of events that the board of deputies failed catastrophically in its mandate to represent the Jewish community. Its campaign appears to have been irrelevant and ill-conceived, and the results, abysmal.
It is evident to me, residing in Israel for many years now, that those making up the board of deputies appear completely out of touch with the South African body politic. Their understanding of the intricacies of ANC politics and modern-day South Africa appears to elude them.
Rather than a smiling selfie, the cover should have depicted a community in crisis and a leadership in shame.
Rafi Plotkin - Thornhill,Toronto
January 25, 2018 at 10:58 am
‘I have previously commented about how unsuited Zev Krengel is to represent the SA Jewish community.At last someone else has posted a similar view. My friends and I have given Zev a new name ie Cringe Kringel. Sorry but he is out of his depth when faced with smart and highly educated opponents.
Is there no one better qualified to assume this most important role or is it seen as a poisoned chalice ??
I am sure that Zev is well meaning but he should recognize that he has limitations, some of which were brutally exposed in his dereliction of duty to speak out at the ANC conference and be a proper and fit Jewish Deputy.
His selfie seemed more important to him than that of his elected role.I would recommend that Zev be sent on an Israel Advocacy course as well as a Jewish History course.
As he continues to cower, cringe and GENUFLECT his position becomes untenable.
Regards from Thornhill .
‘
nat cheiman
January 25, 2018 at 12:58 pm
‘The fact is that the ANC is dishonest and there idea of fairplay is the same as Hamas and Hezbollah.
In fact, the ANC are in bed with Hezbollah, Hamas and other terrorists, so how on earth could anyone expect a reasonable tilt at maintaining relations between SA & Israel?
The ANC have nothing but treachery running through their veins.’
Selwyn Cohen
January 30, 2018 at 5:49 am
‘A very astute comment with which I and many of my friends agree.
If a Deputy cannot carry out their onerous responsibilty then an alternative incumbent should be appointed.’
Michael Rosenberg
February 14, 2018 at 6:06 pm
‘one does not send a pacifist to the front-lines you send the biggest, strongest and most courageous lead by the most intelligent, experienced combat officer, indeed, Zev is truly not suited for this position’