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South African Jewish Board of Deputies

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South African Jewish Board of Deputies
Formation1912
Legal statusActive
Region served
South Africa
National Director
Wendy Kahn
Websitehttps://www.sajbd.org/

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies is an organisation formed in 1912 from the merger of the Board for the Transvaal and the Board for the Cape.[1] It serves as the central representative institution of most of the country's Hebrew congregations, Jewish societies, and institutions.[2]

In 1992, Nelson Mandela conveyed a message to the Board, publicly acknowledging South African Jewry’s “particularly outstanding contribution” to his people’s “struggle for freedom and social justice.”[3]

History

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Early history

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In 1923, the Board adopted a resolution in protest against immigration restrictions mostly targeting Jewish migrants.[4][5] In response to the Quota Act of 1930 that would effectively deny Eastern European Jewish migration to South Africa, the Board's secretary, Harry Carter, proposed a day of mourning and prayer on its day of enactment.[6]

In 1926, the Board advocated for the end of discrimination against Jewish teachers that were not being seriously considered for positions in government schools.[7] The following year the Board advocated for the end of discrimination against Jewish students applying to certain schools in Johannesburg.[8]

In 1931, amid an economic depression in South Africa, the Board launched a fundraising campaign to raise $150, 000 to benefit impoverished local Jewry.[9]

In 1940, the Board condemned the “narrow and exclusively racial approach” of the recently-formed Afrikaaner Economic Institute, cautioning that such an approach would lead to boycotts.[10]

In 1948, the Board condemned the withdrawal of US political support for the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine.[11]

Apartheid era

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In 1949, the Board sponsored a Jewish art exhibition, with 250 original works by both local Jewish artists and those overseas, as well as works on Jewish themes, including a work by Rembrandt.[12]

In 1949, the Board responded to a attack by Minister of Justice, C. R. Swart on a political meeting, with Swart alleging that a Board member was in attendance. M. Kuper, Chairman of the Board, confirmed that the allegation was false, as the man named by Swart was not a board member. Kuper also added that the board does not take a stance on national party politics. He affirmed that the board's scope was to protect the civil rights of Jewish citizens and protect them from discrimination and antisemitism.[13]

In 1951, the Board supported Israel's claims for reparations from Germany, that culminated in the Reparations Agreement between Israel and the Federal Republic of Germany.[14]

In 1955, the Board opened the country's first Jewish museum in their new headquarters in Johannesburg. Chief Rabbi Louis Rabinowitz, officiated at the opening ceremony, adding that it would be a “cultural stimulus” to local Jewry. The decision to open the museum came after the board received a gift of Jewish ceremonial silver objects from the Jewish Reconstruction Foundation.[15]

In 1952, the Board distanced itself from an allegation in a police report that it controls the South African Communist Party. The police report had quoted Jewish anti-apartheid activist, Michael Harmel as its source.[16] As early as the late 1950s, Jewish anti-apartheid activists had brought anti-apartheid resolutions to the Board of Deputies that were routinely voted down.[17] Benjamin Pogrund alleged that the Board played a role in defending Pretoria's ties with Israel ties and in supporting the government.[18] The Board, at times, distanced itself from the activities and views of individuals Jewish activists, asserting the Board's political neutrality on national politics. The editor and Board Associate Director, David Saks, wrote about the context of the distancing. Saks highlighted the lack of meaningful Jewish identification among some of the activists. He cited Ray Alexander Simons, who rejected identifying as Jewish, instead seeing herself as primarily an "internationalist" (citizen of the world). Saks also explained that disagreements were not exclusively rooted in discussions of national politics. Anti-zionist positions among some radical activists, scornful attitudes towards Judaism and an unwillingness to promote Jewish education to their offspring, were among the differences between the Board and the activists.[19]

In 1960, the Board assisted Jewish refugees from the Congo with urgent support and ensuring that they had housing in either South Africa or Southern Rhodesia.[20] In the same year, the Board, together with the Board of Deputies of British Jews and B'nai B'rith submitted a memorandum to the United Nations. The report demonstrated an anti-Jewish emigration policy maintained by the Soviet Union and North Africa governments.[21]

In 1961, when the Board’s vice-president, Israel A. Maisels, was appointed Judge of the High Court of Southern Rhodesia in 1961, he was described by The Guardian newspaper as a strong foe of apartheid who has championed the rights of the African in South Africa.[22] During a farewell speech of the same year, Maisels said: “Jewish organizations, of course, cannot take sides and may not throw themselves into political affairs. That is a different thing from saying that Jewish citizens must keep out of such affairs. This attitude is morally indefensible and ethically wrong. I do not exclude the Jewish clergy. Ethics cannot be confined to the walls of synagogues.”[23]

In 1962, the Board urged parliament to consider legislation that would prevent the publication of anti-semitic material in the country.[24]

In 1968, the Board condemned comments made by Police and Home Affair Minister, Lourens Muller. Muller reportedly warned Jewish parents to do more to ensure that their children do not get involved in student protests against government policies. The Board wrote in a statement: “to fasten responsibility on the Jewish community for actions of individual members inevitably furthers anti-Semitism, even if unwittingly.”[25]

In 1972, the Board responded to international press reports of a speech made by Prime Minister B.J. Vorster where he referred to the board as a "secret society". Upon a careful reading of the speech, the board determined that Vorster did not intend to criticise the board when he drew parallels with the Broederbond.[26]

The Board officially condemned apartheid in 1985, having previously maintained a neutral position on national politics.[27] Upon the release of Nelson Mandela from jail in 1990, the Board published a statement in support of the decision: “It earnestly hopes Mr. Mandela will use his considerable political experience and wisdom for creating a suitable climate for reconciliation and negotiation, which would be to the benefit of all peoples of South Africa regardless of race, color or creed."[28]

In 1992, the Board urged Jewish voters to vote "yes" in the 1992 South African apartheid referendum, in response to the ballot question “Do you support continuation of the reform process which the state president began on Feb. 2, 1990 and which is aimed at a new constitution through negotiations?”[29] Later that year, Nelson Mandela On the eve of Passover in 1992, Nelson Mandela conveyed a message to the Board, publicly acknowledging South African Jewry’s “particularly outstanding contribution” to his people’s “struggle for freedom and social justice.”[3]

In 1993, the Board led a delegation of Jewish leaders paying their respects at a Soweto stadium for the slain political leader, Chris Hani.[30]

Post-apartheid era

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In 1996, the Board criticised Mandela for meeting with Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan on his African tour. In a statement, the board said that it: “would have preferred it if our esteemed president – who is the world symbol of reconciliation and nonracialism – would not have met with Minister Farrakhan.”[31]

In 1998, Thabo Mbeki addressed the board's 38th national biennial congress. Mbeki called on the community to play a role in the growth of the country, share knowledge, skills and other resources in the young democracy.[32] In 1999, Russell Gaddin, national chairman of the Board; and Marlene Bethlehem, national president of the Board, accompanied Nelson Mandela on an official visit to Israel.[33]

In 2000, the three most prominent Jewish organisations in the body joined to form an umbrella group. The Board joined with the South African Zionist Federation and the Israel United Appeal-United Communal Fund amid a decline in the Jewish population.[34]

In 2006, the Board criticised the intention of then-president, Thabo Mbeki to meet with Hamas. Mbeki subsequently decided not to meet with the group.[35]

In 2008, the Board criticised an initiative, Project Sydney, of the New South Wales Jewish Communal Appeal and the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies to assist with the emigration of South African Jewry to Australia. The initiative involved representatives travelling to South Africa to meet with Jewish families considering emigration.[36]

In 2011, the Garden Route Jewish Association affiliated with the Board, amid an increase in the Garden Route Jewish population since the late 1980s.[37]

In 2011, the Board honoured Jewish anti-apartheid activists, Arthur Goldreich at its national conference. At the conference, a new book, edited by by David Saks, associate director of the Board of Deputies, was launched. The book, titled, "Jewish Memories of Mandela," looks at the role of Jews in the life of Mandela and the broader anti-apartheid struggle.[38]

In his address to the 2015 Biennial National Conference of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, South African President Jacob Zuma credited the South African Jewish community's historical role in resisting apartheid.[39]

In 2020, the trade unionist, Tony Ehrenreich, apologised to the Board after a long running dispute dating back to 2014. Ehrenreich had posted a comment inciting violence and hatred against the Board. The South African Human Rights Commission subsequently upheld a complaint of hate speech lodged by the Board and ordered Ehrenreich to make an apology.[40][41]

The Board opposes South Africa's genocide case against Israel. The Board published a statement on 11 January 2024, accusing the South African government of "inverting reality by accusing Israel of genocide". The Board also condemned the involvement of Jeremy Corbyn in the South African delegation and critcised the government's close relationship with Hamas.[42]

In the wake of the October 7 attack in Israel, Wendy Kahn, National Director of the SABJD, travelled to Washington DC in April 2024. Kahn met with the White House National Security Council to discuss challenges facing South African Jewry. She also met with the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt, Representative Kathy Manning, the office of Senator Jacky Rosen, and the House of Representatives Africa Subcommittee.[43]

In May 2024, the Board condemned President Cyril Ramaphosa for chanting From the river to the sea. The Board released a statement: "The call to remove all Jews from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea equates to removing all Jews from Israel. The slogan and its call for the destruction of the Jewish state has its origin in the Hamas Charter, with its goal to see Israel as 'Judenfrei’ or Jew-free."[44]

Mission

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The issues which the board states it addresses are:[45][46]

Notable figures

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References

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  1. ^ "South Africa JVL - Jewish Virtual Library". Dev.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. Archived from the original on 25 October 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  2. ^ "South African Jewish Board of Deputies". Berkleycenter.georgetown.edu. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  3. ^ a b Mandela Thanks South African Jews for Contribution to Black Struggle The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 16 April 1992
  4. ^ Charge South Africa Treats Jews As Asiatics The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 27 August 1923
  5. ^ Jewish Immigration to South Africa “practically Stopped” The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 25 September 1923
  6. ^ Kittridge Blames South African Government for Quota Bill, Charges Bias The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 5 March 1930
  7. ^ Discrimination Against Jewish Teachers in S. A. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 14 July 1926
  8. ^ S. A. Jewish Boad Hears Charge of Discrimination The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 13 December 1927
  9. ^ Economic Depression Drives South African Jews to Suicide The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 23 July 1931
  10. ^ ‘racial Approach of So. African Body Seen Leading to Boycott of Jews The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 22 March 1940
  11. ^ South African Jews Condemn U.S. Abandonment of Partition; Pledge to Jewish State The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 29 March 1948
  12. ^ Jewish Art Exhibition Opens in South Africa; Construction of New Reform Temple is Begun The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 4 September 1949
  13. ^ South African Board of Jewish Deputies Clarifies Position on National Party The Jewish telegraphic Agency. 8 March 1949
  14. ^ Jewish Groups in South Africa Support Israel’s Reparations Claim on Germany The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 3 April 1951
  15. ^ First Jewish Museum Opened in South Africa by Board of Deputies The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 8 December 1955
  16. ^ So. African Jews Submit Statement to Parliament; Refute Slander The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 30 June 1952
  17. ^ "DID THE SAJBD SIT ON THE FENCE UNDER APARTHEID?". South African Jewish Board of Deputies. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  18. ^ "The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship With Apartheid South Africa". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  19. ^ [1]
  20. ^ Graphic Report on Congo Jewish Refugees Presented in So. Africa The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 5 August 1960
  21. ^ Moscow Charged with Maintaining Anti-jewish Emigration Policy The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 7 November 1960
  22. ^ Israel Maisels, So. African Jewish Leader, Named Judge of High Court The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 1 March 1961
  23. ^ So. African Jewish Leader Urges Jews to Take Sides in Country’s Issues The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 3 May 1961
  24. ^ So. African Jews Seek Legislation Against Anti-semitic Material The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 6 March 1962
  25. ^ South African Jews Angered by Police-interior Minister’s Admonition to Parents The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 4 September 1968
  26. ^ Vorster Did Not Criticize South African Jewish Board of Deputies The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 2 November 1972
  27. ^ S. African Jews Oppose Apartheid The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 13 June 1985
  28. ^ World Jewry Reacts with Elation to the Freeing of Nelson Mandela The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 13 February 1990
  29. ^ Behind the Headlines: South African Jewry Takes a Stand Backing Political Reform Referendum The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 16 March 1992
  30. ^ South African Jews Pay Respects to Slain Communist Party Leader The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 20 April 1993
  31. ^ S. African Jewish Groups Flay Meeting of Mandela, Farrakhan The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 30 January 1996
  32. ^ South African Leader Urges Jews to Have Role in Growth The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 29 August 1995
  33. ^ South African-israeli Relations Get Boost with Mandela’s Visit The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 13 October 1999
  34. ^ As South African Jewry Dwindles, Its National Groups Move Together The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 3 July 2000
  35. ^ S. Africa won’t meet Hamas after all The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 14 May 2006
  36. ^ South Africans irked by Aussies’ push The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 5 February 2008
  37. ^ South Africa’s Garden Route Jews form association The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 29 November 2011
  38. ^ Jewish anti-apartheid activists honored The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 29 August 2011
  39. ^ Zuma, Jacob (22 November 2015). "President Jacob Zuma: Biennial National Conference of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies". South African Government. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  40. ^ Tony Ehrenreich has at last apologised to the Jewish community for his conduct South African Jewish Board of Deputies. 24 July 2020
  41. ^ South African Jews to sue union leader over Gaza murder charges The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 15 August 2014
  42. ^ SAJBD’s statement on SA’s case at the ICJ: “Inversion of Justice” SAJBD. 11 January 2024
  43. ^ In Washington Mission, WJC and South African Jewish Board of Deputies Highlight Surge in Antisemitism World Jewish Congress. 26 April 2024
  44. ^ South African Jews criticise President Ramaphosa’s ‘river to the sea’ chant The Jewish Chronicle. 28 May 2024
  45. ^ Our mission SAJB. Retrieved on 1 September 2024
  46. ^ Positioning statement SAJBD. Retrieved on 1 September 2024
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