Beyachad News from S.A. Community

 

 

SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES

 

YOM HASHOAH 2011: 11h30

The forthcoming Yom Hashoah commemorative ceremony in Johannesburg will take place at the Martyrs' Monument at West Park Cemetery on 1 May at 11h30.  The ceremony, to be presided over by SAJBD Gauteng Council chairman Jeff Katz, includes readings from Holocaust literature in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino and the lighting of six memorial lamps by Holocaust survivors. 

 

The keynote speaker, Ben Helfgott, epitomises the indomitable Jewish spirit. Emerging from the living hell of a Nazi death camp as a destitute, emaciated, and homeless orphan, he refused to allow these harrowing experiences to break him. Instead, he forged a successful new life for himself in the United Kingdom, and eventually – amongst many other achievements - came to represent his adopted country as an Olympic weightlifter.      

For more information, contact Shirley on 011 645 2583/ beagle@beyachad.co.za.

 

REGIONAL

 

Gauteng: To ensure that all required procedures are followed for Yom Hashoah, numerous meetings were held with the JHB Metro Police Department, Emergency Medical Services, City Councillors and others. All requirements have thankfully now been met.

 

Gauteng: Mrs Baranov consulted with Eric Lee, founder of LabourStart and Trade Unions linking Israel and Palestine (TULIP) on the issue of boycotts of Israel in the world trade union movement and trade union issues in southern Africa.

 

Cape: SAUJS Cape Town hosted a very successful Shabbat dinner at which ANC Youth League President Julius Malema spoke. Mr Jacobson and Mr King attended on behalf of the Cape Council. 

 

Cape: The Board, with the CT Holocaust Centre, Gitlin Library and SA Jewish Museum, hosted visiting Executive Director of the Lithuanian Jewish community, Simon Gurevichius and two Lithuanian Jewish Day School students. Over 200 turned up to hear how the Lithuanian Jewish community is regenerating itself. 

 

KwaZulu-Natal: Mrs Baranov escorted ANC Youth League Secretary General Vuyiswa Tulelo to a meeting in Durban with young Jewish communal leaders, held by the Council of KwaZulu Natal Jewry at the Durban Jewish Club.  

 

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

Charisse Zeifert arranged for an OpEd by David Saks on Judge Goldstone’s turnabout regarding the Report on Gaza to appear in this Sunday’s issue of the Sunday Times.

 

Mrs Zeifert, following extensive communication with 702 presenter Chris Gibbons, arranged for Prof. Asher Susser to be interviewed on Mr Gibbons show to respond to very offensive allegations against Israel made by Hajo Meyer in a previous interview. 

 

The Communications Department has been active in arranging further media for the SA Associate of Ben Gurion University re the University of Johannesburg boycott issue. SAABGU Director Brenda Stern appeared against SABC TV Interface debate with UJ Deputy Vice-Chancellor Adam Habib on Sunday. Mrs Zeifert accompanied her to the debate on Radio 702 on Tuesday, where she was up against Habib and Prof Faried Esack on Radio 702 on Tuesday. Her article, which Board staff assisted with, appeared in the Saturday Star.

 

The Board arranged for a response by SAUJS tom appear in the New Age (Friday)

 

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

Thanks to a generous response from the Jewish community to its emergency appeal, the SAJBD has collected close on R100 000.00 for the Japan earthquake-tsunami relief project. Three-quarters of the funds have since been transferred to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the balance to assist Rescue SA with their relief mission.  

        

 

SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION

 

CHAG 

The Chairman, Director and staff of the SAZF extend good wishes to the community as we begin our celebrations of the wonderful Pesach festival of freedom. 

 

TZACHI LEVY

Congratulations to Habonim shaliach Tzachi Levy who this week received from the Jewish Agency in Israel the award for the best shaliach internationally in the areas of education and aliyah.  We are proud and privileged to be associated with him, and wish him much success in the future.

 

LUCKY DLAMINI

The callous and horrific murder of Lucky Dlamini, who began working for the SAZF more than 36 years ago, has left staff in the building shattered and devastated.  All of us at the SAZF extend our deepest sympathies to his widow and 5 children.  This was an enormous tragedy, and his loss has affected everyone who knew and respected this quiet and reserved man.  We will not forget him.

 

YOM HAZIKARON: 8th May 2011

The annual ceremony commemorating Israel’s fallen soldiers will take place on SUNDAY night 8th May at 18h30 in the Solly Liebgott Hall on the Yeshiva College Campus.  Please call 011 645 2531 for further information.

 

YOM HAATZMAUT: “FOOTSTEPS to the FUTURE”- Musical Extravaganza 9th May 2011

On Monday night 9th May, at the Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City, an international cast of singers under the musical direction of Bryan Schimmel, accompanied by a live 12-piece orchestra, will enthrall and entertain you with a spectacular production marking the 63rd anniversary of Israel’s independence.  There will also be 2 free airtickets to Israel courtesy of El Al Airlines.

Donations for the extravaganza are R100 and R150; and bookings, which are essential, can be done through sazf@beyachad.co.za; online at www.sazionfed.co.za; or on 011 645 2531

 

YOM HAATZMAUT CARNIVAL FUNFAIR: 10th May 2011

A wonderful opportunity for children to experience the thrills and excitement of a real carnival, while celebrating Israel’s 63rd birthday!  Rides, live music, battle of the bands, a fabulous food court, and much more is in store for them.

All this takes place at the Gold Reef City Theme Park between 13h00 to 18h00 on Tuesday 10 May 2011.  

Entrance fee of R60 covers all entertainment, and bookings can be done on 011 645 2512/2550, through  sazf@beyachad.co.za, or online at www.sazionfed.co.za.

 

YOM HA'ATZMAUT 2011 - KOSHER FOOD STALLS

Booking is now open for Kosher Food Stalls at Yom Ha'atzmaut at Gold Reef City on 10th May from 13h00 – 1800. 

Contact Mike on 011 882 8107 or 082 679 0706 to reserve your place.  

 

ISRAEL QUIZ 2011

The first round of the Israel Quiz 2011 was written on Tuesday 12th April.  Some 110 learners participated from 7 Jewish Day Schools throughout the country. Kol Hakavod to all the pupils, teachers and Shlichim for motivating a record number of contestants.

 

MEDIA REPORT

Juan-Paul Burke, a UJ Honours student, in “UJ decision on Ben Gurion is a loss to all SA academia” in The New Age noted that “UJ has been hijacked by a group pushing their personal, political agendas” and in the politically apathetic climate that characterizes the university, UJ may “fall prey to those bent on subverting academic freedom for their own ideological purposes.”

 

The Mail & Guardian had 3 articles on the Goldstone retraction.

Jonathan Friedland’s M&G piece from The Guardian, appearing under the heading “Goldstone reopens Pandora’s box”, was sub-headed “The judge’s recent remarks about his findings against Israel highlight inherent bias at the UN.” 

Another article in the M&G, syndicated from Guardian News and Media, “UN compilers split over Gaza report rebuttal”, quoted Pakistani human rights lawyer Hina Jilani openly contradicting Goldstone, saying “No process or acceptable procedure would invalidate the UN report.  If it does happen, it would be seen as a suspect move.”

Verashni Pillay in “Local row over judge’s retraction” quoted Steven Friedman who said, “For an internationally respected judge, Goldstone’s arguments are laughable.  I should imagine the pressure on him (from the Jewish community) became untenable.”  Comments were also made by Zev Krengel and Avrom Krengel, who said, “It encourages us to know that our way had an effect against the international pressure and made him admit and regret his remarks.”

 

Brenda Stern in the Saturday Star in “Joburg university bit off own nose to spite Israel’s face” called the decision by UJ to terminate its MOU with BGU as “logistically inconsistent as it is smugly sanctimonius … its maverick behavior is more likely to have undermined its own standing as a credible centre of higher learning … The effrontery of UJ is breathtaking … UJ has failed to uphold the ethics and standards by which any reputable university must live up to.”

Also in the Saturday Star, in “The judge knew then as much as he knows now”, Felicia Levy wrote of Judge Goldstone, “Blaming Israel for his shortcomings is simply disingenuous.”

 

The Sunday Independent published Victor Gordon’s letter entitled, “Media machine as bad as Goldstone” which appeared in a number of papers last week.  

There was also a letter from Iqbal Jasset - “Turn in disparaging report may not be enough to save Israel” – who called Goldstone’s statement “a farce” and “an embarrassing saga for his beloved Israel” – what a turn-around from a man who praised Goldstone to the skies when his first report came out.  “Goldstone’s revised view has now turned him into a useful pawn in Israel’s vicious campaign to escape the full might of international law for the commission of war crimes.”

 

In the Sunday Tribune in “I never met a bad SA soldier”, Col Richard Kemp, who visited SA as the guest of the SAZF and delivered an address at their 47th Conference, was interviewed by Vivien Attwood on his very distinguished military career.  Only brief mention was made in the interview of Israel, when Kemp mentioned that he was against the Goldstone Report from the beginning; and detailed the precautions taken by the Israelis to limit civilian casualties, and the difficulty of doing so in the face of Hamas tactics of using human shields and fighting in civilian clothing, among civilian dwellings

 

The Star carried three letters on the Goldstone issue.  

Amina Akoo in “Israel has a bad reputation for good reason” took umbrage with Victor Gordon’s letter, calling his reaction “Typically Zionist: shoot the messenger and ignore the message… Media integrity has nothing to do with the reputation Israel has created for itself by slaughtering civilians”. 

In “Editorial on Goldstone Report flawed”, E Qasim challenged the editorial stating that Goldstone has “relieved Israel of his greatest charge, that of intentionally targeting civilians” with “Israeli policy of indiscriminate attacks on Gaza is well documented.”

D Wolpert in “Mission doomed from the start” described the UN Human Rights Council as “a body of dubious credentials” and questioned why Goldstone participated in “what could only be a kangaroo court in the first place.”

Also in The Star, Adrienne Schwartz in “Anti-Israel lobby behind UJ’s move”, challenged the comments by Michael Hardman on the morality of the UJ decision, calling it “sanctimonious and dishonest … The severance is due to the anti-Israel lobby in South Africa who are part of a world-wide attempt to delegitimize Israel … and prepared to compromise South African beneficiaries of the water purification research programme.”     

 

There were three pieces in Business Day this week.  

Adam Habib of UJ in “Academic freedom intact after UJ decision” defended the university’s decision on the grounds that “the agreement had become so politicized that it undermined the possibility of the science happening … Academics and researchers are entitled to continue their research engagements with BGU if they so desire.  We view this as part of their academic freedom, a constitutional right we actively support and defend.”  

E Price writing from Australia in “Taking liberties with facts and stats” challenged John Dugard’s criticism of the Goldstone statement, saying “Mr Dugard, in waging his sustained campaign against Israel, like Mr Goldstone, is not unduly concerned with the facts for any assertion he chooses to make …Mr Dugard is outraged by Goldstone’s piece since it has cut the ground from under his feet.”

In “No cellphones for UJ”, D Wolpert, one of the most regular and consistent of Bus Day’s letter writers, presumed that staff at UJ will “cease to use cellphones and computers because of their connection to the Israeli military via BGU” because of that university’s “ties to the Israeli military.”

 

In the electronic media, Redi Tlabi on Talk Radio 702 held a Round Table Discussion on the BGU-UJ issue with Brenda Stern of SAABGU against Professors Adam Habib and Farid Esack of UJ.  Redi was very professional and very balanced and the debate was managed well with a minimum of aggression involved.  General consensus was that Brenda acquitted herself with great skill and aplomb despite being up against 2 opponents; and UJ’s case was definitely not the winner.

 

 

WIZO SOUTH AFRICA

 

Join us every Thursday for a "Lunch & Learn" Shiur with Rabbi Michael Katz 13h00 - 14h00 at Beyachad. For more information, contact Joyce on 011 640 2416

 

Looking for that perfect gift for Yom Tov? The Elise WIZO Gift Shop has that special something that will add flair and sweetness to any Yom Tov table. Choose from a wide selection that caters to everyone's tastes. The Elise WIZO Gift Shop is situated at the bottom level of the Genesis Shopping Centre, Sandler Road, Fairmount, contact 011 640 2760

 

Say it with flowers! Orchid Florists bring their special touch to any occasion. From weddings to hospital arrangements, you can count on Orchid Florists to beautify any occasion. Call Annette on 011 728 4513

 

WIZO's second hand store, Wize Buys needs clothing, household articles, books and shoes (not household furniture). If you have things you would like to donate, please contact Sandy on 011 645 2515

 

What do you get the person who has everything? WIZO GIFT CARD – in lieu of gift money goes to WIZO PROJECTS for underprivileged women & children in Israel. For more information please contact Sandy on 011 645 2515

 

 

UNION OF JEWISH WOMEN OF SOUTH AFRICA

 

GIFT CERTIFICATES: For all occasions, printed in colour and laminated. Phone 011 648 1053

 

UJW KOSHER MOBILE MEALS:  

R35.00 is what it costs to feed a needy person for a day. Please contribute whatever you can to Kosher Mobile Meals and help us provide for those who cannot do so for themselves.  We have been delivering meals since the 1960's. Contact 011 648 1053 / ujw@mweb.co.za 

 

Volunteer Drivers required for FRIENDSHIP LUNCH CLUB to Oak Street on Wednesday - Drop off & collect. Please phone 011 648 1053 if you can help

 

UJW BRIDGE SCORERS

We have a new stock of Bridge Scorers. R30 for a pack of 4. Contact 011 648 1053

 

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMME 2nd Term

MONDAY MAY 9 MAY 2011 

Lecturer: Bev Goldman – Head of Media, Public Relations & Education at SAZF

Lecture:  ‘THE DELIGITIMISATION OF ISRAEL’

Time:       9h30

Venue:    1 Oak Street Houghton

Donation: R20.00

 

WEDNESDAY 11 MAY 2011

UJW AGM 

Venue: 1 Oak Street Houghton

Time:   9h30

 

MONDAY 16 MAY 2011

Lecturer: JOHN LUBBE – Professor John Lubbe Former Professor of Semitics at UNISA

Lecture:   ‘THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS” –an illustrated presentation in two parts

Part 1:   The Dead Sea Scrolls & the Qumran Caves

Time:      9h30

Venue:   1 Oak Street Houghton

Donation: 20.00

 

MONDAY 23 MAY 2011 

Lecturer:  JOHN LUBBE

Professor John Lubbe Former Professor of Semitics at UNISA

Lecture:   THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS –an illustrated presentation

Part 2:    ‘THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS - The ruins & the Graves

Time:      9h30

Venue:    1 Oak Street Houghton

Donation: R20.00

 

WEDNESDAY 25 MAY 

Lecturer:  DR LORRAINE CHASKALSON

Former lecturer in the Dept of English, Wits University

Lecture:   “CLASHING CULTURES, CHANGING PERSPECTIVES”

Time:        9h30

Venue:     1 Oak Street, Houghton

Donation: R20.00

 

MONDAY 30 MAY 

Lecturer:   COLONEL KEVIN WILLIAMS - Former Director of Ceremonial & Military Music-SANDF

Lecture:    ‘The Role of Military Music Past & Present’ an audio-visual presentation

Time:         9h30

Venue:      1 Oak Street Houghton

Donation: R20.00

 

 

UPDATE FROM TELFED

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR COMMUNITY  

Please be advised that Telfed's offices will be CLOSED for Pesach from Monday 18th April (14 Nisan) until Monday 25th April (21 Nisan) inclusive. We will re-open on Tuesday 26th April (22 Nisan) at 08.00. On behalf of our chairman Maish Isaacson, members of our Executive and all staff, we wish you a Chag Pesach Sameiach veKasher.

 

The Telfed Rishon Le'Zion Regional Committee in cooperation with Kehilat Ohel Avraham and Sarah, will be commemorating the Israelites crossing of the Red Sea over 3500 years ago, by hosting our annual Pesach Community Pesach Dinner on the 7th night of Pesach - 24th of April, Sunday at 7.00pm.

Tickets will be sold on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 from 5.00pm – 9.00pm at the Centre located on Mohliver Street, #16.

Please call 03-950-7414 for more details or email the Telfed Rishon Le'Zion Regional Chairperson, Beryl Schmidt on schmidts@012.net.il

We will also be collecting dry foods/donations to buy dry foods in order to prepare food baskets for needy families in Rishon.

 

 

Beryl

 

For more information please see www.telfed.org.il and www.facebook.com/telfed

 

 

BEYACHAD COMMUNITY CENTRE

 

The Jessie Kaplan Boardroom in Beyachad has been upgraded into a state-of-the-art Media Centre, complete with the most sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment available for hire by individuals, groups and companies.

 

We offer Video Conferencing, Video and Audio facilities, and Tele-conferencing, all at extremely competitive rates and dependent on the length of time that the equipment is used.  

 

Bookings are now open – please call Debbie 011 645-2560 or Michele 011 645-2562 or e-mail Debbie@israelcentre.co.za; Michele@beyachad.co.za for further information.

 

 

  JOHANNESBURG JEWISH RESOURCE CENTRE (JJRC)

 

CONTACT US ON (011) 645-2567

e-mail library@beyachad.co.za

Hours: Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.45pm

Friday: 8.30am - 3.00pm

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Incorrect Johannesburg Jewish Resource Centre bank account number given on

SA Zionist Conference flyer.  Correct bank account number: 

Nedbank - Rosebank

Current Account No: 1004681631 

Branch No: 0977

Cheques to be made out to Johannesburg Jewish Rescource Centre.

 

The Audio-Visual department is fully functional, however, due to reconstruction, the Library will be closed temporarily.