We’re part of a united global Jewish community

MARY KLUK

I participated as a member of the WJC executive, representing South African Jewry. The African Jewish Congress was represented by CEO and spiritual leader Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft and acting president, Ann Harris, while the SAJBD’s Marc Pozniak and Alana Baranov played a leading part in the meeting of the Jewish Diplomatic Corps, a body established by the WJC to develop young Jewish leaders.

The value of bringing together Jewish leaders from around the world – the WJC represents Jewish communities in 100 countries across six continents – lies not just in the practical benefits that result from sharing ideas, information and expertise with one’s colleagues, but in the feeling of solidarity and chaverschaft that it generates.

No matter where we might be, we are all, as Jews and as Zionists, confronted with serious threats and formidable challenges and it is all too easy to feel overwhelmed by it all sometimes.

Coming together reminds us that we are not alone, nor working in isolation, but rather part of a united, global Jewish community whose members care about and assist one another in any way that they can. It is gratifying that SA Jewry, through its representation on the WJC executive, is positioned to be a meaningful part of the world Jewish voice and make a contribution on many levels.   

After our meeting, as reported elsewhere in this issue, Ann Harris, Rabbi Silberhaft and myself, were privileged to be part of the Jewish delegation that met with Pope Francis. It was a historic meeting, and all present drew much comfort from the latter’s unequivocal condemnation not just of anti-Semitism but of attacks on Israel that deny its legitimacy and right to exist. 

Two key resolutions adopted at the WJC meeting were to urge the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to return to direct negotiations without preconditions and to call for the maintenance (and if necessary expansion) of sanctions against Iran until such time as its compliance with the nuclear agreement reached with the p5+1 group of nations has been verified.

Other important areas dealt with were confronting anti-Semitism and BDS activism and fostering interfaith co-operation, in which regard WJC President Ronald Lauder spoke out strongly against the alarming rise of anti-Christian persecution, particularly in the Middle East, but in many other places as well.

Mr Lauder is among those who are at the forefront of building bridges and forging alliances between the Jewish world and the global community, whether in the political, religious, human rights or cultural realms.

We hope that as many of our community as possible will join us in hearing what he has to say on the work of his organisation and the situation facing world Jewry, at our national conference on November 22. To book for the event, or for further information, contact Jenni on jenni@sajbd.org / (011) 645-2521.

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