Sense of SA Jewish Community Since Oct 7

October 7 2023 is a day that Jewish communities all over the are still dealing with. The South African community is no different.

We have been made to question our sense of security and belonging which has come about due to a rise of antisemitic incidents.

The protestors say that their issues are with Israel – they have nothing to do with Jews. So why then do they target shuls, schools and the like?

Why is harassment out in public and hate speech at higher levels than it’s ever been before.

In 2023, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies recorded 182 antisemitic incidents in the first 11 months of the year but 63% of these happened between October 7 and November 30!

It doesn’t help that the Government which is here to protect all its citizens is not only leading the charge but helping antisemites to feel empowered to get away with whatever they want.

The Jewish community in South Africa is one of the warmest and most loving in the world. It has gone through a lot and we’re still here. There is a strong sense of community and this is part because we are aware of our history here. In the 1980s and 90s there was a lot of immigration of Jews to Australia, America, England, Canada and of course Israel. We don’t have the number we had in the 70s but it’s about quality and not quantity.

So those of us who are here feel very strongly about making this such a warm and vibrant community. One that will make young kids proud to be Jewish.

This is why it’s so important for parents to instill a strong sense of Jewish identity in their kids. You don’t have to keep kosher or Shabbat but you have to do something so the kids know they are Jewish and the responsibility that this brings with it.

Otherwise they won’t have the desire for their kids to have a strong Jewish identity. We didn’t go through this for thousands of years just for it all to finish in the 21st century.