Protecting Jews on campus

Earlier this week, together with senior leadership of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), I had the opportunity to meet recently appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

In a warm and engaging meeting, the minister briefed the delegation on new developments in terms of Israel’s relations within our continent. He also expressed his willingness to work with South African Jewry and the many others in South Africa who have shown their support for Israel during this difficult time.

We look forward to working with the minister on these exciting initiatives.

Next week, our students will be returning to university. This is always a most exciting time of the year, and we wish all of the students, new and old, all the best for the academic year.

Having universities that are perceived as welcoming spaces for Jewish students is key to our survival as a Jewish community. For this reason, the SAJBD spends a significant amount of time engaging with the universities at all levels.

Higher education is one of the core spaces in which we engage with people from a variety of backgrounds, some of whom have views with which we strongly disagree, and universities are places where such views can and should be aired but within a spirit of engagement and tolerance.

The global trend toward shutting down Zionist Jewish voices in universities must be combatted. Thankfully, we have been able to maintain some of the safest spaces for Jewish students worldwide, but we cannot rest and must continue to ensure that education remains free from bigotry and open for all.

Over the past decade and more, the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) has undertaken some exceptional work to secure Jewish students’ rights and safety on campus. SAUJS also serves as a critical social space for our students to meet and engage.

This year, I’m so proud to see that National Chairperson Sasha Said, as well as the chairpersons at the University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, and private colleges chapters are all women! Strong young women leadership is a clear sign of a vibrant and open community. SAUJS is an excellent leadership training ground, and our SAUJS leaders learn unbelievable skills that stand them in good stead not only at university but throughout their careers.

As a professor at a university, I see the role that SAUJS plays on our campuses firsthand, and I strongly urge all students in our community to join SAUJS and take an active role in standing up for fellow Jews on campus. Study hard, and have fun!

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