Board treasurer steps down amid allegations

TALI FEINBERG

Marx has also stepped down from his role as ex-officio, executive committee member and immediate past chairman of the Cape Board.

In answering questions from the SA Jewish Report asking why he had resigned so suddenly, Marx wrote: “Following the Cape Board’s biennial conference at which a new committee was elected, allegations of irregularity around various aspects of the election were directed at the Cape Board.

“Included in these allegations is the fact that, on the morning of the conference, I arranged for my son to be a substitute in place of a delegate of an affiliate (shul or organisation voting on behalf of its constituents) who was ill.

“I am a past president and member of that affiliate. I have apologised for this lack of judgement and I am certain that it had no effect on the outcome of the elections. I am confident that the other allegations are without substance, but these have been referred to an independent review panel under the chairmanship of Advocate Seligson.”

Marx’s decision comes in the wake of a heated fracas over the Cape Board’s elections (as reported in the SA Jewish Report on September 7). The Cape Board has acknowledged there are members of the community who were unhappy with the election results. This specifically relates to two prominent women, the one a vice-chairperson and the other a former chairperson, were voted off the Cape Board.

There is a strongly-held belief that this was a result of a concerted smear campaign by members of the community. There were allegations that lies were spread about the two women being pro-BDS, and affiliates were believed to have been encouraged to vote the women off the Cape Board.

Greg Flash, a former member of the Cape Board, said: “The results of the Board election with Bev May and Li Boiskin being voted off, shocked, saddened and angered me. In particular, that Li – as a past chairman and an extremely hard worker – could be booted out, is disgusting. I am ashamed of those that pushed this agenda, whoever they were. It may have been democracy, but it does not make it moral or right.”

A key question around Marx’s chairmanship concerned his actions in relation to the annual Yom Hashoah ceremony held under the auspices of the Cape Board, in April, which was during his tenure. An Equality Court agreement had stipulated that the service be held in two parts, with a woman singing solo in the first part.

However, the Cape Board under Marx’s chairmanship distributed two sets of posters, with one only advertising the second half of the ceremony, violating this Equality Court agreement. This was done without the knowledge or buy-in of the Cape Board or its executive.

In response to questions about the posters from Gilad Stern (one of the applicants in the Equality Court matter who therefore had a vested interest in ensuring the first half of the ceremony was advertised to the community), Stern said that Marx denied any knowledge of the posters or that the Board had produced them, and at that point he agreed to withdraw the posters.

Marx wrote in his statement: “This was the first ceremony post the settlement agreement in regard to the Kol Isha issue last year and was, by agreement, held in two parts.

“The Cape Board mounted an extensive community campaign advertising the ceremony and reflecting the times for both parts. In addition, following a request by Orthodox shuls, a poster designed by an outside organisation reflecting only the time of the second part, was distributed by the Board to those shuls. The distribution of this second poster was done with my knowledge. With hindsight, this should not have taken place.”

Marx also stated that he thinks his presence on both the Cape Board and National Board, would distract the SAJBD from its important and essential work, and would result in a protracted and vicious public spat in the context of his actions. He therefore chose to step down from his Board positions.

“I conclude by recording that every action that I have taken over my term of office, has been taken in the best interests of the community and Board; it has been an immense privilege to lead the Cape Board during a difficult period; and I hope to again serve the Board soon.”

Despite stepping down, it has been confirmed that there is agreement that Marx will be able to return to his role as national treasurer at the SAJBD after six months.

“The decision for Eric to return to his position after six months, was part of a settlement agreement entered into by the Cape Council. It will be discussed at our NEC meeting,” wrote Charisse Zeifert, head of communication at the SAJBD.

In response to questions from the SA Jewish Report, SAJBD President Mary Kluk said: “Mr Eric Marx was elected to the SAJBD as national treasurer at our NEC meeting held immediately after our National Conference on August 20, 2017.

“At that time, no allegations had been made against the Cape Board in regard to the elections. The discussion around who will replace Eric will be determined at our NEC meeting, as per our constitution.

“We are grateful to Eric for the contribution he has made to our community, both in Cape Town and nationally. Throughout Eric’s term of office, very often dealing with complex and difficult issues, we believe he has always endeavoured to act in the best interests of the community. Bringing about a resolution on the Kol Isha issue is just one such example.”