Virtual Yom Hashoah, real community spirit

SHAUN ZAGNOEV

On a more positive note, it’s also the first time that there will be one single, combined ceremony for the community as a whole into which all the regions and stakeholders have had input. I commend all those involved in putting together this virtual Yom Hashoah event, in particular our national president, Mary Kluk, who so ably headed up the process.

The lockdown period designated by the government to last until the end of April is about to enter its final week. However, we all need to be aware that this doesn’t – and can’t – mean that afterwards we can expect things to return to “normal”. We have to be realistic and recognise that this is only the first necessary step in what will inevitably be a very long process. It will continue to be incumbent on people to protect themselves and those around them from contracting and spreading the virus. All measures involving social distancing, hygiene, and public gatherings will need to be strictly observed for a long time to come.

Among the most pressing challenges the country faces is to support the most vulnerable members of society who are unable to pursue their livelihoods as a result of the lockdown. Here, we can be proud of the sterling efforts by individuals and organisations in our community, including many members of the board’s councils, in contributing to this critical national effort. Alongside these efforts, we continue to do everything we can to help our own community cope with the stress and uncertainty resulting from the lockdown.

I have been involved in helping Jewish business owners take whatever steps they can to maintain the sustainability of their enterprises. In this regard, I have been in regular communication with ORT Jet, a local support structure for small-business owners and people with business ideas, which amongst other things offers advice and support for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) affected by COVID-19.

For further advice and information on COVID-19, I again urge everyone to make full use of the SAJBD’s COVID-19 Jewish Community Platform. This has become a valuable resource in helping our community weather the crisis, providing regular updates and communal guidelines on a wide range of issues, a hotline, and details on how those willing and able to contribute to alleviating the crisis can get involved. The platform can be accessed on our Facebook site, or by consulting the menu on our website (www.sajbd.org).

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