Building on history

On Monday evening, 11 November, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies celebrated its 120th anniversary with a gala dinner attended by more than 300 guests, including ministers; deputy ministers; the heads of parliamentary portfolio committees; representatives from eight political parties; members of the diplomatic corps; a 16-person delegation from the American Jewish Council; two chief rabbis; more than 40 journalists; student leaders; interfaith community representatives; industry leaders; and prominent figures within the South African Jewish community. The broad spectrum of attendees underscored the Board’s continuing significance in South Africa, highlighting its mandate and its role as a pillar for the community and a bridge to wider society.

The hall featured stunning portraits of influential South African Jews who have made iconic contributions to South Africa. The more than 100 portraits served as a tribute to the powerful legacy that the Jewish community has cultivated in South Africa.

The evening also marked the launch of Jubuntu 2, a book showcasing impactful social projects that the community has initiated or supported. In a meaningful gesture, the tables were decorated with fresh vegetables, later donated to three of the community projects featured in the book.

In my address as the national chairperson, I described my initial scepticism toward the history-focused theme of the event. I had hoped that the event would be forward-looking and optimistic. But if there’s one thing I know as a Jew – and a psychologist – you cannot truly move forward without knowing where you come from. It’s a sentiment expressed in the Torah, in which Moses urges the Israelites to share the story of their liberation with future generations. As Jews and as South Africans, we understand the importance of storytelling to keep a people’s memory and culture alive.

The first keynote address of the evening was delivered by Dr Mathews Phosa, titled, “The South African Jewish community: recognising past contributions and envisioning a shared future,” in which he praised the Jewish community’s remarkable contributions to South Africa’s history and its commitment to justice. Dr Phosa underscored the profound relationships between Jewish mentors and South African leaders, including Nelson Mandela. He closed with a call to action, urging all to continue the legacy of courage and resilience. “The fight for a fair, just, and united South Africa continues. Let’s walk this journey together, as one nation, in the spirit of unity, courage, and hope.”

The second keynote address was delivered by South African born chief rabbi of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, Sir Ephraim Mirvis. Mirvis highlighted the important role that the Jewish community had played in the struggle against apartheid, and how proud he was to have come out of this vibrant community. The rabbi went on to discuss the importance of being a light unto the nations, especially in these most trying of circumstances.

The event concluded with the presentation of three awards. Mazeltov to our awardees, Avrom Krengel; Lester Hoffman; and Stanley and Marion Bergman. Stanley and Marion had flown in from their home in New York especially to receive this award. In their acceptance speech, the honourees acknowledged that despite more than four decades in the United States, their roots have always remained in South Africa and within the South African Jewish community.

And so, here’s to another 120 years, fighting for the Jewish community’s civil rights and liberties, and building on the legacy of those icons who have come before us.

• Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM, every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.