SARU in the firing line

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) continues to come under heavy fire locally and internationally for its decision to withdraw an invitation to the Tel Aviv Heat to participate in an upcoming tournament as a result of threats from the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) lobby. By capitulating so readily to BDS pressure, SARU probably thought that taking the line of least resistance would be the easiest option, but that has certainly not been the case. The strong and ongoing backlash to the decision demonstrates the depth of opposition at all levels to discrimination in sport, whether politically motivated or otherwise. One of the roles of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is to combat unfair discrimination against Jews, which includes discriminating against the Jewish state. Our position was eloquently stated by National Vice-President Zev Krengel in a number of television interviews last week. Since my last column on the subject, we note that a formal complaint has been lodged against SARU with World Rugby. As much as SARU wishes it, therefore, the issue isn’t going away any time soon

St Valentine’s Day gift to Vaalbank community

Water security is one of the major challenges that many communities around the country confront, particularly in rural areas. Together with our partners, The Angel Network, and working closely with Dr Lesley Bradburn and other local activists, the Board has been able to come to the assistance of the community of Vaalbank in Mpumalanga by constructing a new borehole in the centre of the village. The decision to construct the borehole was made after the local dam dried up, as well as criminal sabotage that damaged the municipal water supply. On 14 February, the Board’s professional staff attended the official handover of the facility. It was an uplifting occasion, one celebrating a relatively small yet practical and meaningful contribution by our community to improving the lives of our fellow citizens.

Turkey earthquake

We were much saddened to learn that two leaders in the Turkish Jewish community, Saul and Fortuna Cenudioglu, were among the many thousands who lost their lives in the horrific earthquake that struck the country last week. Their bodies were recovered by the Israeli rescue team, which was one of the first international aid groups to arrive in the country. The SAJBD wrote to express its condolences to the family and the Jewish community. For details on how to contribute to the relief work, see our Facebook page.

Ukraine war one year on

On 24 February, we will mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the year, the SAJBD engaged with the Ukrainian ambassador, participating in efforts to raise funds for humanitarian relief in the country. Funds collected from the community have periodically been handed over to the Ukrainian Ambassador’s Fund as well as the Joint Distribution Committee, which continues to work on the ground to assist those affected by the conflict, Jewish or otherwise. On the first anniversary of the war, we will be handing over the residue of the funds collected to both those organisations.

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