SA Jewry: Where has all the passion gone?

GEOFF SIFRIN

But it also illustrated an important phenomenon – the degree to which mainstream South African Jewry is withdrawing from engagement with this country.

The speakers and programme contained scant reference to what it means to be Jewish in the specifically local South African context, the here-and-now of a country drowning in poverty, inequality and corrupt politics, yet a place where optimistic, new green shoots are popping up everywhere which need nurturing by committed people.

To be fair, Sinai Indaba’s self-declared mandate since its inception six years ago is to focus on the grand concepts, spirituality and practices of Judaism and the Jewish people, rather than local matters. To enhance understanding and enthusiasm about being Jewish.

Thus, there was also little direct reference to on-the-ground realities of life in other countries, aside from Israel.

South African Jews have in the past played a significant role in social and political affairs. Jewish activist organisations and individuals have engaged intensely, often at personal risk during apartheid, such as the Union of Jewish Women, the United Sisterhood and others. But now their older members complain that they are being replaced by fewer and fewer younger people.

South Africa is where most Sinai Indaba participants actually live. They face complex challenges about being actively Jewish in a rapidly changing, troubled society with an uncertain future.

Jews constitute only 0,13 per cent of the population of 55 million. It is common knowledge that many have given up on this country and have left, or are in the process of doing so. The Jewish population has shrunk from about 125 000 in the 1970s to some 70 000 today.

But for the ones who stay, a meaningful understanding of their place here as Jews is crucial. Local rabbis, lay leaders and individuals grapple with it.

The sense of powerlessness of minority groups is profound as they watch people well-connected to President Jacob Zuma’s government sell this country down the river with incompetence and corruption.

When criticism of the government and Zuma is voiced too loudly, accusations of racism tend to be hurled back, silencing many well-meaning citizens who don’t have the stomach for the fight. It is a form of “disenfranchisement” of minorities by what has become a majoritarian government rather than a democratic one.

The latest government debacle last week is about Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini’s failure to put in place legitimate mechanisms for paying social grants on April 1 to some 17 million of the poorest, most vulnerable South Africans who depend on these meagre amounts to keep going.

The disgrace should stir all people, including Jews, into urgent action to demand that those who created the crisis be brought to book. But the chances are that Dlamini, who is in Zuma’s close circle, will somehow be let off the hook.

It is impossible to know what South Africa will look like 10 years’ tgime. A realignment of its politics is underway, as the ANC looks like it will break apart under the pressure of its warring factions. Minority groups, including the Afrikaners, are withdrawing into their own laagers to look after their interests as best they can.

What will South African Jewry’s size be in 10 years’ time and what kind of community will it be?

Will it be engaged as South Africans, making meaningful “Jewish” contributions to society? There are no easy answers, except to say visionary leadership is vital to prevent it becoming insular and inward-looking.

Read Geoff Sifrin’s regular columns on his blog sifrintakingissue.wordpress.com