Murdered rabbi’s legacy of light and leadership

Over the weekend, we were shocked to learn of the horrific murder of the Chabad emissary in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Chabad emissaries are universally admired for their tireless work in spreading kindness, Jewish values, and community support. Rabbi Kogan’s dedication to fostering Jewish life in the UAE exemplified these ideals. His senseless murder is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by antisemitism and terrorism worldwide.

We were heartened to witness UAE Ambassador in Pretoria, His Excellency Mahash Saeed Alhameli, send a letter and pay a visit to Rabbi David Masinter, the representative of Chabad in South Africa. In the letter, the ambassador commits his country to continuing to “promote kindness and goodness, as is the true way to honour the memory of Rabbi Kogan”.

We call on authorities to act decisively in combating these dangers and to ensure the safety of Chabad emissaries and Jewish communities globally. While this tragedy is heartbreaking, Rabbi Kogan’s legacy of light and leadership will continue to inspire us.

Over the past weeks, the Board has been involved in a number of interfaith initiatives, reminding us that even in challenging times, alliances can flourish. The past year has tested our resilience as a community, with moments of profound isolation. As the slogan on so many minibus taxis states, “When times are tough, friends are few.” Indeed, we have seen longstanding relationships falter when we most needed solidarity.

That said, recent months have brought a heartening shift. We have begun the process of rebuilding and strengthening interfaith bonds, which are the cornerstone of tolerance in a democracy. Notably, our relationship with the Hindu community has grown significantly. Multiple meetings with its religious and cultural leaders have solidified this alliance, and we’re proud to count them as steadfast partners. This renewed friendship paves the way for collaborative interfaith events next year aimed at showcasing our shared values and unity.

Last week, the Board participated in a multifaith conference hosted by the Institute for Global Engagement, headed by United States Pastor Bob Roberts Jr alongside the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals, under the guidance of South African Pastor Bert Pretorius of the 3C Church. The conference brought together a number of high-ranking political and faith leaders, and has led to our re-engagement with important faith-based groups in the country.

Lastly, as the City of Johannesburg municipality prepares to decide on the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive, we stand firm in our opposition to this proposal. The South African Zionist Federation has highlighted the powerful testimony of Juan Antonio Larroy Rodriguez, a survivor of the 1972 Lod Airport Massacre masterminded by Leila Khaled and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. In an emotional letter, Rodriguez recounts witnessing the murder of his girlfriend, Carmen, and 16 other Christian pilgrims during the attack.

The letter serves as a reminder of who Leila Khaled really is, and why it would be so abhorrent to name a street in Johannesburg after a woman who epitomises terror. We hope the City of Johannesburg pays attention to the countless submissions made by concerned city residents, businesses in the street, and other key stakeholders in rejecting this offensive proposal.

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