CKNJ in forefront of aid to xenophobia victims

ALANA BARANOV

The donations, raised by the local Jewish community, include goods from the Johannesburg Jewish community, transported to Durban by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies.

They will go to both victims of the xenophobic attacks as well as the deeply impoverished communities where the xenophobic violence broke out some weeks ago. By addressing the needs of both groups, the CKNJ hopes to build bridges and foster engagement between the communities, while assisting with access to resources.

The first handover took place on Monday May 4 in Umlazi, Section 5 and they will continue over the next few weeks.

The donation of goods is just one part of the CKNJ’s programme launched in the wake of the attacks. The Jewish community was intensely involved in the emergency relief that followed in the aftermath of the violence, assessing the needs on the ground and collecting funds and essential items for the various displaced persons camps and foreign nationals seeking safety in locations across Durban.

This was done in conjunction with international humanitarian organisations such as the Red Cross as well as local partners like Refugee Pastoral Care at the Denis Hurley Centre, and is ongoing with a collection from the national office of the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS).

The CKNJ attended the recent Peace March in Durban and the Anti-Xenophobia Imbizo organised by KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu. It is also a part of civil society networks like the multi-sectoral Hate Crimes Working Group which advocate against hate crimes and raise awareness about fighting against xenophobia.