ANT KATZ

Two separate books dedicated to the relationship between Nelson Mandela and SA Jewry are both still available in small quantities and both are hugely worthwhile and iconic tombs which every Jewish household in SA should have on their bookshelves.

The first, “MADIBA: A Tribute From SA Jewry,” was published privately by Hilly Golombick in association with the SA Jewish Board of Deputies in 1990 to commemorate Madiba’s ninetieth birthday y. 44 short pieces written by the who’s who of every aspect of SA Jewish life.

The second, called “Jewish Memories of Mandela” and written by David Saks was published by the SAJBD in 2011 and is a stunning coffee table book.

“MADIBA: A Tribute From SA Jewry,” enables the Jewish community to pay tribute to Mr Mandela, or Madiba, as he is affectionately known, wrote Hilly as part of his preface.

“What has come to light in the course of this undertaking is a wealth of hitherto unknown historical information that will certainly be of interest not just to the Jewish community, but to historians and biographers in general. These personal anecdotes do more than just touch on the ‘big events’ in Mr Mandela’s life that did so much to shape our society.

More importantly, they reveal the ‘human’ face of this remarkable man – the fair-mindedness, thoughtfulness, compassion and humility, as well as the innate wisdom and intelligence that have moved and inspired all who have been privileged to have come into contact with him. Read and Enjoy!”

The book is available in Joburg at local Jewish bookshops and the Selwyn Segal Gift shop or from Cool Crafts at 40 Durham Road, Raedene.

Capetonians will find it at most local Jewish bookshops.

For those living farther afield or having difficulty in getting hold of a copy, you can e-mail orders to Hilly directly at cityb@webmail.co.za and he’ll send you a copy for just R185 postage paid anywhere in SA. If you are outside SA, it will cost you R250 or $25 which, again, includes postage.

Hilly only sends on receipt of EFT payment to: Madiba Tribute Book, account #2977 0666 16 Nedbank, Rosebank, Branch code 19 77 05.

Jewish Memories of Mandela

Jewish Memories of Mandela offers a fresh perspective of the story of Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid struggle as seen through the lives and recollections of Jewish South Africans who were a part of it. It gives new insights into such well-known personalities as Helen Suzman, Ali Bacher, Joe Slovo, Sol Kerzner, Tony Leon and Arthur Chaskalson and their role in South Africa’s democratic transformation.

The book is a Hardback, linen-bound, with 264 pages and covers modern South African History, the Apartheid era and SA Jewry.

There are a limited number of these collectors’ items still available. To order this magnificent coffee table book from the SAJBD directly for R400 (excluding postage and packaging), send an e-mail beagle@beyachad.co.za  or call +27 11 645-2583.