Terror plot challenges

JEFF KATZ

Understandably, these reports have generated much concern in our community. We must, however, maintain our sense of perspective. Terrorism poses a global threat and it is unrealistic to expect South Africa to be immune from it.

Rather, our response needs to be to maintain the highest levels of vigilance against acts of terrorism, reporting anything that comes to our attention that may appear to be unusual or out of place to the CSO and diligently maintaining efficient, sensible security procedures at all our communal installations and events at all times.

The SAJBD has full confidence in our country’s law enforcement agencies’ abilities and it has been particularly encouraging to see how effective these were in both detecting the current threat and in acting decisively against those responsible.

We are in constant contact with both the NPA and the Hawks and will continue to work closely with them whenever asked to do so.  

WJC coup for SA Jewry 

As reported elsewhere in this week’s issue, our representatives did our community proud at last week’s World Jewish Congress plenary conference in New York. In particular, congratulations are due to SAJBD National President Mary Kluk and Gauteng Council Vice-Chairman Marc Pozniak.

The esteem in which both are held on this august body, was demonstrated by Mary’s being entrusted with heading up the nominations and elections process, while Marc, in the face of strong competition, was elected onto the WJC executive for the next four years.

Both Mary and Marc also facilitated important sessions at the plenary. Their role underlines the close association that the Board has established with the WJC, as well as the influential part that our relatively small community is able to play in its activities on behalf of international Jewry.

In the course of the conference, our delegates also met with social media companies in the US at a forum arranged by the Anti-Defamation League to raise our concerns. 

Israel – celebrating and remembering 

This week, the Jewish world marked Yom Hazikaron – the annual day of remembrance for those who died in defence of the State of Israel – followed immediately afterwards by Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day.

There was again an excellent turnout for both events, demonstrating once more the powerful spirit of Zionism that permeates within South African Jewry and how much our community continues to identify with both the triumphs and tragedies of the Jewish State.

Congratulations to the SAZF for organising both these inspiring gatherings.   

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