ANT KATZ

Mervyn Smith’s funeral is scheduled to take place at Pinelands No 2 Cemetery on Monday November 17 at 15:00. AJC Senior Vice President Ann Harris, will act as president until the committee next meet.

The epitome of a Jew dedicated to his people

“Mervyn, an attorney by profession, was a leader of stature, not only in many spheres of Jewish communal life but also as a respected representative of the community in South African national affairs.

“He was a determined fighter against apartheid both politically and communally, and in the mid-1980s, made strenuous efforts to influence the policy of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies in that direction. It was fitting, therefore that, he should occupy the position of president of the Board during the country’s transition to democracy.

“Who will ever forget the triumphant Shabbat, when Mervyn, together with the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, welcomed President-elect Nelson Mandela to the Marais Road Synagogue in Cape Town?

“Mervyn was recognised as a man of many talents. His effort and expertise in the vital work of the SA Holocaust and Genocide Foundation and in support for Israel were outstanding.

“He was passionately involved in promoting the interests of the South African Jewish community on the agenda of the WJC.

“As president of the African Jewish Congress, his care and concern for the welfare of all the African Jewish communities south of the equator was paramount.

“His presence, his wisdom and his experience will be sorely missed not only by his family, but by all his friends and colleagues.”

• Ann Harris, Senior Vice President: African Jewish Congress
• Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft Spiritual Leader and CEO: AJC
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