- SA Jewish Report

Transcription

- SA Jewish Report

CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘PUSS
IN BOOTS’ CREATES SENSE OF
WONDER / 10
BOOKS:
GHOST
STORIES
/ 11
PERES, ISRAEL GOVT’S
RESPONSE TO GOLDSTONE / 3, 9
The Jewish Report wishes its readers Chag Sameach!
www.sajewishreport.co.za
Friday, 18 September 2009 / 29 Elul 5769
Volume 13 Number 35
Israel, Jews slam Goldstone’s
report on Gaza operation
SEE PAGE 8, 9
HAMAS ROCKET
ON ITS WAY
FROM GAZA TO
SDEROT
A Palestinian Qassam rocket is launched toward Israel from Gaza City on January 9, this year, as seen from Israel's border with the Gaza Strip. (CREDIT: BRIAN HENDLER)
Brides competition - SOCIAL: Turffontein First SA rebbetzens’ Late Israeli astronaut’s
new entries / 16
Race Course / 6
conference in Jhb / 5 son killed in F-16 crash / 5
YOUTH TALK / 14-15
SPORTS / 20
LETTERS / 12
CROSSWORD & BRIDGE / 16
COMMUNITY BUZZ / 7
WHAT’S ON / 17
2
SA JEWISH REPORT
18 - 25 September 2009
SHABBAT, YOMTOV
AND FAST TIMES
PARSHA OF THE WEEK
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jont@global.co.za
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Honourable Abe Abrahamson (Chairman), Stan Kaplan (Acting Chairman)
Issie Kirsh (Deputy Chairman), Marlene
Bethlehem, Russell Gaddin, Norman
Lowenthal, Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter,
Herby Rosenberg, Howard
Sackstein.
Is it worth it?
ROSH HASHANAH throws open
the promise of a New Year.
A central theme of the day is
the well-known story of the binding of Isaac. Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his beloved son.
Try to imagine the scene realtime...
A father. A son. A loving relationship. “Sacrifice your son!”
How can it be? But he has been
told that it IS to be. And so
Avraham sets out to honour the
challenge - the greatest sacrifice
of his life, the greatest sacrifice
that a father could be asked to
make.
In fact, the underlying challenge is relevant to each one of us
all the time.
In the reflection of this heartwrenching challenge, we see the
image of our very own lives. Both
the
challenge
that
faced
Avraham, and the multitude of
challenges that face all people,
are captured in one short, but
sharp question - a question which
serves as a useful framework for
assessing one’s decisions - big or
small. It’s the ultimate thought
process which ought to be etched
into the neural pathways of our
brains, and the emotional pathways of our hearts.
Simply ask yourself... Is... it...
worth... it?
An inappropriate choice is seldom - if ever - all bad. Sure there
are gains and benefits. It feels
good - at least in the short-term.
It’s pleasurable, easy or fun. By
the same token a proper choice
RABBI
DANI
BRETT
Ohr Somayach
Cape Town
does have its down side. It may cost
money, time or energy. It’s difficult and involves sacrifice.
In economics, every action has a
cost and a gain. We ought to do a
cost-benefit analysis in other areas
of our lives as well. Is it worth it?
Does it pay?
Avraham had to make a choice.
Hashem had made a request. It
made no sense to Avraham. He
had to sacrifice his sense of logic.
He had to sacrifice his own flesh
and blood. What gave him the
tenacity to go through with it, was
the faith that Hashem knew best.
We also have to make choices.
All the time. Our natural response
at moments of great opportunity
is to immediately focus on the sacrifices we’ll have to make - the
time, money, or energy we’ll have
to expend, or even the preconceptions we’ll have to toss out. We’d do
well to train ourselves to reframe
those “sacrifices”. They’re really
“investments”: trading transient
things of smaller value, for
greater, more noble ones.
We can’t have everything. You
want money - you might have to
lose some sleep. You want friends -
you might have to forgive and forget.
You want spirituality - you might
have to control some of your urges.
Decisions have to be made one
way or the other. When we make the
correct choice, hopefully we’ll see
that the sacrifice was in fact no sacrifice at all. There’s always a tradeoff. Take a step back; consider the
gain, consider the cost - in broad,
eternal, supreme terms.
That juicy piece of lashon hara.
That non-kosher ice-cream. That
extra hour of sleep rather than tefilin at shul... Life’s short! Is it worth
it?
Yes - that weekly shiur means an
hour out of your week. Shabbos
means no cellphone for 24 hours.
And kosher food does cost a little
extra. But there’s not just a body,
there’s also a soul... Isn’t it worth it?
The Talmud teaches - based on a
verse in the Torah itself - that true
dominion, is over one’s self. And it’s
a basic accounting procedure!
Consider always: the cost of the
mitzvah, against its greater gain; the
pleasure of the sin, against its eternal loss.
It is with this outlook that we
should assess our lives. What do we
value? What are our priorities?
What are we prepared to trade, for
what?
Delaying gratification - that’s the
world of the truly refined. And with
a bit of patience, the investment is
clear to see.
The Rosh Hashanah-Yom Kippur
season, is the time to look back. And
it’s the time to look ahead too. This
simple framework provides a tool
which is simple, yet powerful;
uncomplicated, yet highly effective.
Four powerful words, to take with
us wherever we go: Is it worth it!?
Timely tribute to secretaries again- paid by the UOS
EVE MARKS
PHOTOGRAPHS: DARREN SEVITZ
THE
UNION
of
Orthodox
Synagogues this year again
showed its appreciation to its secretarial corps and those of the
shuls by an Secretary Day
Appreciation breakfast, last week.
The breakfast was arranged by
the Community Development
division and held to honour and
appreciate the unsung heroes of
the shuls. Shul secretaries are
often underappreciated and overworked, especially during this
busy time of year.
Those invited were spoiled with
a delicious breakfast catered by
Gary Friedman Caterers and
received lovely gifts sponsored by
various companies.
Rabbi Ron Hendler, who is the
director of the Community
Development Division, organised
the event with the help of Eve
Marks, Laetitia Berman and of
course Lisa Zimmerman who personally decorated the hall beautifully.
September 18/29 Elul
(Friday night - Shabbat and
Erev Rosh Hashanah)
Starts
17:45
18:10
17:32
17:52
17:53
17:44
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Durban
Bloemfontein
Port Elizabeth
East London
September 19/1 Tishrei
(First Day Rosh Hashanah)
Candles to be lit from a
pre-existing flame at:
18:34
19:14
18:23
17:52
18:45
18:36
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Durban
Bloemfontein
Port Elizabeth
East London
2nd day Rosh Hashanah ends
on September 20/2 Tishrei at
18:34
19:14
18:23
18:42
18:46
18:36
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Durban
Bloemfontein
Port Elizabeth
East London
September 21/3 Tishrei
(Fast of Gedaliah)
Starts
04:50
05:23
04:36
04:56
04:54
04:46
Ends
18:22
19:00
18:10
18:29
18:31
18:22
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Durban
Bloemfontein
Port Elizabeth
East London
Rebbetzen Wendy Hendler, life
coach and “More-to-Life” trainer,
presented a workshop for all the
participants called “Self-esteem in
the workplace”. This was a very
useful and powerful process
which could help the participants
in all aspects of their work and in
their lives in general.
It was a well-organised, thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful
event.
“I am sure that I can speak for
all the women who attended that
Rebbetzen Wendy’s session with
us all was something that gave us
food for thought.”
Mr Justice Meyer Joffe
(Chair, editorial comm)
KASHRUT
The following symbols will appear on
advertisements and/or advertising features to indicate whether or not they are
kosher. Where no Kashrut mark appears
on an advert, the Jewish Report
assumes no responsibility for the
Kashrut status of that establishment or
advertiser:
NK Non-Kosher
K Kosher
Where no symbols appear, consult the
Beth Din Kosher Guide or contact the
advertiser.
Advertisements and editorial copy from
outside sources do not neccessarily reflect
the views of the editors and staff.
Secretaries of UOS affiliated shuls listening to one of the speakers
Rabbi Ron Hendler, director of the UOS
Community Development Division, with his assistant Eve Marks and Marilyn Segal, editor of Jewish
Tradition magazine.
SA JEWISH REPORT
Shimon Peres slams
Goldstone report
PRESIDENT SHIMON Peres
says the Goldstone report
“makes a mockery of history”.
Peres issued a stinging
rebuke to the report. Though
the report accuses both Israel
and Hamas of carrying out
war crimes during the threeweek campaign in Gaza, it
focuses primarily on Israel’s
actions during the fighting.
“The report in practice
grants legitimacy to terrorism, premeditated shooting
and killing while ignoring
the duty and the right of a
state to defend itself, something which is
explicitly stated in the UN charter,” Peres
said.
“The Hamas terror organisation is the
one that launched the war, and it also com-
The Goldstone report
‘makes a mockery
of history’
mitted other horrific crimes. Hamas has
employed terrorism for years against
Israeli children. It has detonated explosive
devices in the heart of Israeli cities,
harmed civilians, launched over 12 000 missiles and mortar shells aimed at innocent
civilians with one clear goal in mind - to
kill.”
He said Israel evacuated its soldiers and
citizens from Gaza, opened its crossings,
and aided in the rehabilitation of the Strip, but “after
the Israeli evacuation,
Gaza was overrun by force
by a murderous, illegitimate terrorist organisation - Hamas - which
launched a mutiny against
the legitimate Palestinian
Authority.
“Instead of building
Gaza and worrying about
the welfare of its residents,
Hamas built offensive tunnels against Israel and
brutally used Palestinian
children and civilians in order to conceal
terrorists and hide weapons.”
The president said criticism against
Israel’s actions fails to offer effective alternatives that can stifle rocket fire against
the country’s outlying towns.
“IDF operations are what brought about
economic prosperity in the West Bank, liberated Lebanon from the wrath of
Hezbollah, and enabled Gaza residents to
return to their daily routines,” he said.
The findings of the UN report constituted “a prize for terrorism,” aides to
Defence Minister Ehud Barak told Israel
Radio.
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon
said the findings of the UN report were
predetermined. He said Israel’s co-operation with Goldstone would not have altered
“one word” of the report. On the contrary,
it would have “legitimised” the findings.
He added that Israel would work to enlist
the support of Western democracies in a
campaign “to prevent turning international law into a circus.”
3
4
SA JEWISH REPORT
Hurry up to enter the UJW Our Gerty turns
‘Bobba/Zaida Competition’ a whopping
THE CLOSING date for this year’s
Union
of
Jewish
Women’s
“Bobba/Zaida Trip” is September
15, so you’ll have to hurry if you
want top enter or enter someone
else. An entry form is available from
the UJW and the completed form
should be faxed to (011) 648-4307.
The UJW stresses that the choice
of the winner of the Bobba/Zaida
trip is at the discretion of the execu-
tive committee of the Union of
Jewish Women, Johannesburg and
no additional communication or
correspondence will be entered into.
The entry form comprises the
usual full names, date of birth,
address details and the name of the
person the bobba or zaida wishes to
visit. The UJW also wants to be
assured that the entrant is in good
physical and mental health, and fit
to travel.
A letter should be attached to the
entry form with the following information: a letter stating why you
should be chosen as the lucky recipient of the trip overseas.
Also letters of reference from
your community leaders; and a letter from your doctor confirming
that you are in good health and are
able to travel overseas.
Malka Ella Fertility Fund
hosts kids’ artwork
SOME CHILDREN’S artworks - by
children born through the assistance of the Malka Ella Fertility
Fund - were auctioned at the Fund’s
Ladies Breakfast on Sunday
September 6 at the HOD in
Johannesburg.
More artwork are available for
viewing on the website www.malkaella.co.za and are available for sale.
The Malka Ella Fertility Fund named after Malka Ella Salitan was established over nine years ago
to assist Jewish couples with support during the painful experience
of infertility and more importantly
to alleviate the prohibitive expense
of fertility treatments.
The South African Jewish community can be proud that no Jewish
couple need to delay fertility treatment due to financial constraints.
To date there have been 78 babies
born through the Malka Ella
Fertility Fund. The message we
focus on is that “The gift of life must
surely be one of the greatest acts of
“tzedakah”, and the Johannesburg
Jewish community has always given
its unstinting support to our cause.
It is greatly appreciated and assists
us in our endeavours to “bring
dreams to life”, the Fund says in a
media release. For funding, contact
Suzanne on 082-771-4226. For donations and gift certificates, contact
Kate on 072-255-1772.
century!
EVELYN FURMAN
GERTY COHEN (nee Jacobson)
celebrated her 100th Birthday
on September 5.
She was born in Johannesburg, to the late Abe and
Bella Jacobson, well-known
benefactors in the Jewish community. She had four brothers.
Gerty married the late Issie
(Coffee) Cohen in 1937 - a long
and happy union. They had
three children, Amy, lste
Miriam, and Evelyn and five
grandchildren Marlain, Sandra, Raymond, Judit, Lauren
and no fewer than nine greatgrandchildren Bianca, RicciLee, Brad, Georgia, Ashley,
Jason, Gaby, Jessie and Carey.
Her lifelong dedication to
WIZO SA (Women’s International Zionist Organization)
was profound. She served on
the Bellevue branch and
received the Rebecca Sieff
award for long service from the
organisation..
Her wry sense of humour has
brought many a smile to peoples’ faces. She was a keen
sportswoman and her sporting
activities included golf, tennis
and bowls.
Her compassion for other
people encompassed all the
Jewish values. Her zest for life
and her adaptable nature has
helped her splendidly through
life’s journey.
Gerty
now
lives
at
Sandringham Gardens and has
lived in South Africa her whole
life.
AROUND THE WORLD
NEWS IN BRIEF
LAS VEGAS JEWISH PAPER TO CEASE PUBLICATION
WASHINGTON - The Rosh
Hashanah edition will be the
last for the Las Vegas Jewish
Reporter.
Apparently a casualty of the
recession, the 33-year-old paper
is shuttering in the wake of low
donations, the Las Vegas Sun
reported.
"The newspaper has served
us well and we're proud of it,
but we're enthusiastically looking to a new era of communi-
cating and maintaining contact
with our community," said
Elliot Karp, president and CEO
of the United Jewish Community/Jewish Federation of Las
Vegas, which published the
newspaper.
"We had to re-evaluate our
priorities. Are the dollars that
went to publishing the Reporter better used to help people? The answer to that was
yes." (JTA)
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS MEET WITH OU
WASHINGTON - Orthodox
Union leaders met with top
Obama administration officials at the White House on
Tuesday.
At the meeting, Dennis Ross,
special assistant to the president and senior director for the
Central Region, told the group according to someone in the
room - that he was not surprised that Iran put forward a
proposal for talks, but that the
United States is engaging the
Iranians to test and push them,
and to take away excuses.
Ross added that the United
States didn't want to be part of
a fake process, and that an invitation to dialogue was part of
measuring whether Iran really
was willing to change its
behaviour.
Asked about the dispute over
settlements in the West Bank,
Ross did not concede any error
in the administration's demands for an absolute settlement freeze, but said the "logic
was to create an environment
to get into negotiations" and
that "we will wrap up these discussions and not everyone will
get what they want, but all will
get something".
The group also discussed
domestic policy with senior
adviser David Axelrod and discussed the president's faithbased agenda with Joshua
DuBois, the head of the White
House Office on Faith-Based
and Neighbourhood Partnerships - including reducing
abortions and the importance
of fatherhood.
Obama
senior
adviser
Valerie Jarrett welcomed the
group to the White House.
(JTA)
SA JEWISH REPORT
5
Israel grieves for its Major Asaf Ramon
GRIEF HAS again struck the Ramon family in Israel.
Major Asaf Ramon z”l, was killed on
Sunday in IAF combat training. Asaf was
the son of the late Israeli astronaut Ilan
Ramon, who died in the Columbia shuttle
tragedy in 2003.
Israeli President Shimon Peres, left,
embracing Assaf Ramon at his Israel Air
Force pilot’s graduation ceremony in June
2009. Assaf, son of the late astronaut Ilan
Ramon, was killed in a flight training accident on September 13. (PHOTOGRAPH: IDF)
Asaf Ramon was killed in a crash while
flying an Israeli Air Force F16-A during a
routine training flight on Sunday afternoon. Asaf was 15 at the time of his
father’s death. He vowed to follow in the
footsteps of his father and serve as a pilot,
and maybe even an astronaut, in the
future.
He completed the IAF’s training course
for pilots and in June he was given his
pilot’s wings by President Shimon Peres.
Shortly before receiving his wings he
said: “It was important for me to mention
my father and tell his stories, because I
am proud of him and proud to be his son.
But I also want people to know me as Asaf
and not just as the son of astronaut Ian
Asaf Ramon with a picture and dedication from his father astronaut Ilan Ramon
(PHOTOGRAPH: AFP)
First SA rebbetzen’s conference
held in Johannesburg
OWN CORRESPONDENT
WHILE THERE are obvious reasons for
South Africa’s rabbis to meet annually, this
year Rebbetzen Gina Goldstein, wife of Chief
Rabbi Warren Goldstein, decided there were
also really good reasons for the country’s
rebbetzens to get together.
So she and Rebbetzen Wendy Hendler —
whose husband Rabbi Ron Hendler organised the annual rabbis conference —
arranged the first South African rebbetzen’s
conference.
The day after the Annual Chief Rabbi
Cyril Harris Rabbinical Conference ended,
the rebbetzens of South Africa held their
morning conference at the HOD hall in
Johannesburg. More than 50 rebbetzens
came from all over the country, including
from Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, and
from a variety of different communities,
including Chabad, Aish Hatorah and Ohr
Sameach to participate on September 3.
Other than congregational rabbis, there
were also the wives of the Beth Din and
those involved with the Jewish schools who
participated.
“We realised that we are all strong women
who have each worked out our roles in our
communities, but it is important for us to get
together, to support one another, to share
our experiences and to network,” Goldstein
explains. “We all do our jobs differently and
have our own joys and our own struggles. We
can so obviously help each other and have so
much to learn from one another.”
As Goldstein and Hendler explained,
being a rebbetzen can potentially be quite a
lonely position. “Although the rebbetzen is
one of many women in the congregation, she
is set aside as a role model and her life is on
show,” explained Hendler.
“She can’t just do anything she wants
without it making some impact on the congregation,” she added. “Many of the challenges facing rebbetzens are not something
that most women in the congregation have
to deal with and so it is often difficult for the
rebbetzens to discuss.”
However, in this public forum specifically
catering to women married to rabbis, they
were able to share, be inspired, be supported
and comforted and invigorated.
“It is so helpful to know that you are not
alone and also to meet all the other women
in the same position as you,” said Rebbetzen
Goldstein. “There was an incredible atmosphere on the day of excitement, respect and
support and everyone had a chance to speak.
“Some rebbetzens are really shy and find
the visibility of their job very challenging.
When we were arranging the conference, we
picked up that some rebbetzens have issues
that the rest of us could help them with.”
A support group for rebbetzens, under the
auspices of Rebbetzen Joan Bernard, was
launched at the conference. Bernard — a seasoned rebbetzen and a highly trained counsellor — will run the support group.
At the conference, Rebbetzen Mashi
Lipskar discussed the practical ways to find
purpose and fulfilment in the role and
Hendler gave a self-esteem-building workshop.
Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein also
addressed the women, giving them feedback
from the rabbis’ conference and asking their
advice on certain issues in discussion.
“The rebbetzen’s conference was such a
powerful experience and we all felt included
in a wider vision for the community,” said
Rebbetzen Goldstein. “This is only the beginning. The more cohesive we are as rebbetzens,
the more we can give to the community.”
Ramon.” Having excelled in the course,
he was well on his way to making a name
for himself. He had dreams of becoming
an astronaut, like his father.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
reacted to the crash by saying: “This is a
dreadful tragedy for Rona [Ramon], the
entire Ramon family, and the entire
nation... It is rare that a private tragedy
pierces the heart of the nation with such
strength. Today we all grieve the death of
Asaf, who fell from the heavens like his
father Ilan.”
The funeral took place at Moshav
Nahalal, where Asaf was laid to rest
alongside his father.
Asaf is survived by his mother, his two
younger brothers and younger sister.
6
SA JEWISH REPORT
SOCIAL SCENE
Rita Lewis jont@global.co.za
It was fun and it was for a good cause
It is no wonder that a recent function held in aid
of the Hospice Association at the Turffontein
Race Course raised the second largest amount of
money ever for the organisation - R500 000 second only to a recent function organised by
Brian Joffe, as it was top class in every way. The
ambience at the race track, with racing going on,
lent an air of excitement to a splendid fundraiser
Organiser of
the Hospice
fundraising
event at
Turffontein
Race Course,
Ivan Zartz
(centre) with
Lance
Michael and
Joy Rubin.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA LEWIS
THE ATMOSPHERE pervading the venue was
truly conducive to relaxation and luxury,
although there was also an air of anticipation and
excitement as guests chatted with friends and
consulted with "experts" when it came to the betting stakes.
The décor of the hall and the splendour of the
buffet was no less imaginative and attractive.
Strictly kosher food in the form of a braai
(boerewors, steak and ribs plus the accompaniments) was supplied and donated by the Burger
Box in Glenhazel and cooked by their staff and
was served on the balcony.
This was not the usual event where guests sit
through the entire function, only interacting with
those at their own table while listening to speeches.
Here, the fact that guests could walk around, go
outside on to the balcony overlooking the racecourse and watch the races or watch the riders
jockeying for position, made it unique.
Some people went to see what was going on
around the stables and in the parade ring where
the preparation for each race made for an interesting visit.
For those who just wanted to stay put, massive
screens dotted around the room enabled guests to
watch each of the races from their seats, from the
buffet table or anywhere else in the complex.
During the event, a raffle was held which
offered magnificent prizes including a trip to
Dubai with other prizes being stays at Sabi-Sabi
and the posh Westcliff Hotel.
Ivan Zartz, the event's organiser, said he was
very excited about the amount of money which
had been raised for Hospice - such a worthy
cause. But he said it had been a lot of hard work.
He praised Kas Naidoo and all his staff and
those people who had donated their time and
efforts to collect prizes, sell raffle tickets etc,
which had all made this function so memorable
and such a success.
He also thanked the many sponsors, including
Sol Kerzner who had donated the fabulous first
prize, Myron Berzack of Voltex and Burchmore's
auctioneer, Darryl Jacobson whose company
gave of its time and expertise to raise a goodly
amount of money from the artwork and gifts
which had been so generously donated and sold
by them.
Claire Baecher who is a cancer sufferer herself,
painted an outstanding picture for the auction.
Zartz said the event was so successful that he
would be holding it annually at the same venue.
Shoshana Stern with Shawn Lazarus, the
owner of the Burger Box who donated all
the kosher food.
Aline Meendermann and Kelly Jacobson.
Hospice fundraiser, Alicia Lerm showing
her happiness with a job well done.
Some of the younger generation enjoying themselves.
Kas Naidoo with Mapule Moshiveu.
Selwyn Aronson stands in front of
photographs of another race.
Darryl Jacobson of Burchmores who was
both a main sponsor and auctioneer at
the function.
Claire Baecher who painted and donated a
beautiful artwork for the auction.
COMMUNITY BUZZ
LIONEL SLIER
082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448,
lionel.slier@absamail.co.za
SWAKOPMUND (NAMIBIA)
From Marc Kopman, vice-chairman, United Hebrew Institutions,
Krugersdorp:
"To celebrate my wife's birthday, we
decided not to have the usual type of
destination and before long we were
winging our way to Walvis Bay in
Namibia, the nearest airport to
Swakopmund. We hired a car to
tackle the half-hour drive to
Swakopmund and then located our
accommodation.
"Swakopmund was established as
a military base in 1893 when it was
a German colony and developed as
a seaport at the mouth of the river
by that name. It was proclaimed a
town in 1909. The Herero name is
'Otjozondjii'- place of sea shells.
"Next morning, negotiating the
main road, and as always, seeking
any Jewish connections, came upon
a town library named in bold signwriting, 'The Sam Cohen Library'.
"We proceeded to the Tourist
Information Office in this truly
quaint, lovely holiday destination
and were informed that said Cohen
emanated from a Windhoek Jewish
family and although no synagogue
existed in Swakopmund, there was
a Jewish cemetery on the outskirts
of the town.
"Into the car and we promptly
found it with about 30 - 40 graves in
evidence and separated from the
gentile cemetery. There was fine
white sand earth as far as the eye
could see and the graves all seemed
to be in fine condition and the cemetery excellently maintained."
SOPHIATOWN/
JOHANNESBURG
Continuing with the story sent in by
Marcia Parness about her uncle's
Pharmacy, written by his daughter,
Yvonne Kaplan:
"In that yard (at the back of the
shop) lived an Indian family - the
Cajees. They seemed to have so
many children. They bought exotic
things from the pharmacy like saffron for making food yellow and
henna, an orange dye. On festivals
they bought rose oil.
"There was another small room
occupied by the Zulu night watchman who slept during the day and
rented out his bed at night. There
was still space in the yard for my
Dad to park his shiny blue Dodge
car, which had a running board.
"A young man would come into
the shop to sell my Dad a Dodge
hubcap. The first time he refused
saying that he had all of his. The
young man said, with a smile, that
SA JEWISH REPORT
he would come back the next day.
"For sure, that night when my
father went out to go home, one of
this hubcaps would be missing. After
buying back his hubcaps a few times,
he drilled the number of his licence
plate onto each hubcap. This put an
end to the hubcap merry-go-round.
"A more serious threat was the
endless bait of police traps. Longtime customers would come in offering him uncut diamonds or
unwrought gold. My father had no
interest in buying either of these
commodities, which were illegal to
own. He was always disappointed
when it was someone that he had
known for a long time who was trying to entrap him for the police
reward."
To be continued.
RUSTENBURG/JOHANNESBURG/PRETORIA
From Willie Pokroy:
"On Monday August 31 one of the
longest friendships that I know,
ended. I am talking about 81 years
plus. The ladies concerned were
Jean Ginsburg, who sadly passed
away and Rhona Pokroy who was
devastated by this news.
"Both were born in Rustenburg,
six months apart. They went to the
same kindergarten and later attended the same school, learnt ballet and
piano together and shared the most
delightful youth.
"Johannesburg was the next phase
of their lives where they moved to and
had their families. Rhona then moved
to Pretoria where she now lives.
"There was not a week that went
by that they either visited or spoke to
each other. In layman's terms, they
were virtually sisters.
"Sadly a long-standing friendship
has come to an end. Totsiens, Jean,
you will be sadly missed."
JOHANNESBURG
The annual Act of Homage and
Memorial Service for the Jewish soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice, will be held at the South African
National War Jewish War Memorial,
West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg on Sunday September 27 at
10:00 for 10:30.
You are requested to be seated by
10:15. Decorations and medals are
requested to be worn. Headdress for
gentlemen is essential. No wreaths
by request.
This notification came from Lt-Col
W Bergman, chairman of the
Johannesburg and Reef branch of
the South African Ex-Service
League. His e-mail is William@
bergman.co.za and his telephone
number (011) 465-3501.
7
(SAZ):
"It was with great awe and
excitement that we read the article in Community Buzz (August 21
2008).
"We have a Zionist support
group called 'Support Association
for Zionism' which was founded in
February 2008 in George, Southern
Cape.
You can read about our organisation on the website www.sazionism.co.za
"The reason for this letter (you
will be able to read about it on our
website as well), is that we got
connected to Ashkelon through
Marty Davis of the World Zionist
Organisation and are running a
project called Kumi Ori.
This project brings us into
direct relationship with Ashkelon
and its people by extending a helping hand towards them.
"Reading in the column about Dr
Harry Sonnabend, confirmed to us
again the special link between
Ashkelon and South Africa. Thank
you so much for releasing this
valuable information.
"We are compiling a file Ashkelon South Africa. If you can
perhaps assist us with some more
information, it would be highly
appreciated."
• If anyone has any information,
however little, please e-mail it to
me at lionel.slier@absamail.co.za
or to Leon van Zyl at ner-elohim@mweb.co.za or on his cellphone 082-940-9012.
BENONI
Golf widows, wives, partners and
friends, be prepared to be without
your loved ones on October 28.
The following letter was received
from the United Hebrew Institutions of Benoni:
"The Benoni Jewish community
is holding a golf day on
Wednesday October 28 at the
Benoni Lake Golf Club. The
charge is R250 per player. Tee-off
times commence at 11:00.
"There are many people in
Johannesburg (and elsewhere)
who have Benoni connections and
we would welcome your support.
Please phone Bernie Goldman on
084-205-8684. Regards, Lila Gobetz
(secretary)."
• Some of Murphy's other laws:
Everyone has a photographic
memory but some people don't
have film. He who laughs last,
thinks slowest. Murphy got lost
in thought - it was unfamiliar
territory. Eighty three per cent
of all percentages are made up
on the spot. Experience is when
you make the same mistake
twice.
GEORGE
From Leon van Zyl, co-chairman
Support Association for Zionism
• An elderly man sent a postcard
home. He wrote: "Don't worry if
you don't get this postcard."
GLENHAZEL
• 1 bed, cnr unit with tenant R500 000 • 4 bed, 2 bath, 3 recep pool & garden R1.3 mill
• Glensan: 2 bed, 2 bath, garden duplex R999 000 • 4/6 bed, 3 bath, pool and so much more 2500m2 stand R3.5 mill
• NEW 4 bed, 4 bath, garden unit asking R 4 mil SOLD • 4/5 bed, 2 bath, stunning home & stand asking R2 mil
• Silvamonte: new 3 bed, 2 bath, modern asking R2.3 mil (neg)
RAEDENE FAIRMOUNT
• 3 bed, 3 bath, 3 recep, pool and more R1 mil • Fairmount: 4 bed 2 bath pool and garden R1.1 mil
• Rouxville 2 beds 2 baths garden unit asking R900 000 SOLD
SYDENHAM
• 4 beds, 4 bath, study, pool & cottage with garden R2.5 mil or rent R20 000 • 3 beds, 3 recep, garden and more R850 000
HIGHLANDS NORTH
• 3 beds, 2 baths, pool & garden in boom R1.2 mil • 3 beds, 1 1/2 bath, 3 recept, pool , garden & staff accom R900 000
• 4 beds, 2 baths, pool, jacuzi & cottage R1.4 mil
SAVOY ESTATE
• 2 bed, duplex garden unit R500 000 • 3 bed, 2 bath, 3 recep, garden and more from R750 000
• Gresswold: garden unit 2 bed, 2 bath, new pool & security in complex R830 000 or rent R 6000
• 2 x 2 bed units with tenants R475 000
RENTALS
• Westpoint: Morningside 2 bed, 2 bath, mod unit for rental R8 000 • Hazelwood: Glenhazel 2 bed top floor unit R6 000
• Sydenham: New house 4/5 beds pool and more R20 000 • Savoy Estate: 2 bed, garden duplex R5 000
• Gresswold: 2 bed garden unit R6 000 • Highlands North: 3 bed, 2 bath, pool and more R8 000
THANK YOU
To everyone for
your support and
encouragement,
your response and
well wishes are
very appreciated.
We are working on
our logo, watch this
space. We will be
launching our new
logo soon and we
are also putting
final touches to our
website, which
should be up and
running by next
week.
Once again a
SHANA TOVA to all
and thank you.
Watch this space lots of exciting
things are coming
and we are thrilled
to share them with
all of you.
8
SA JEWISH REPORT
OPINION AND ANALYSIS
FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS
Goldstone’s
damning report
THE POLITICAL onslaught against Israel in this
country which has accelerated dramatically this
year, has received a major new injection of energy
by the release of Mr Justice Richard Goldstone’s
commission’s findings on Israel’s Gaza operation reported in the story on this page. It comes hot on
the heels of the recent controversy at Limmud,
where visiting speaker David Benjamin - a legal
adviser to the IDF during the operation - was
labelled a “war criminal” by the Palestinian
Solidarity Committee and a charge laid against him
with the police.
Now, to add fuel to the fire, Goldstone has concluded that both Israel and the Palestinians committed
actions amounting to war crimes and possibly
crimes against humanity.
Israeli officials have reacted angrily to the report.
Minister of Information Yuli Edelstein said it
“exceeded the limits of Israel-bashing that we’ve
become accustomed to. Making such allegations disguised as ‘protecting human rights’ is more than a
stretch”.
A Foreign Ministry statement said: “(The report)
fails to mention the word ‘terrorists’ and the same
Hamas operatives, who kidnapped (Israeli soldier)
Gilad Shalit, are lauded for their support of the committee’s work... The fact that the operation followed
years of incessant rocket fire on civilians, as well as
the wide support it was given by the Israeli public, is
not mentioned at all...
“This report sends a very troubling message to
terror groups, according to which the cynical use of
civilian suffering for political gain actually bears
fruit.”
Tragically, the report will tear open new schisms
among Israelis and Jews themselves, including Jews
in South Africa, who are already at loggerheads on a
the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The Kasrils camp must
be rubbing its hands in glee. In Israel, left-wing
activist Yonatan Pollak, who testified before
Goldstone, was quoted on YNET as saying: “It’s
wrong to say that everyone is rejecting the conclusions of the report, the government can say what it
wants, but all the human rights organisations are
calling on Israel to launch an investigation into the
incidents of the attack on Gaza and not refute the
report’s conclusions.”
Goldstone is well known in South Africa as a former Constitutional Court judge and member of the
Jewish community. He is, to many, “one of us”.
Looking back, some people said he was very unwise
to accept the leadership of the commission - a classical “no-win” situation. Whatever his findings, he
would be attacked. If he found against Israel, he
would be accused of turning against his own; if he
found against the Palestinians, he would be accused
of not being objective because he is Jewish.
Some said he was being exploited by the UNHRC
for his “Jewishness” and previous ties to Israel, to
give “legitimacy” to their biased investigation.
Others - including a respected columnist in this
paper - said that with Goldstone, known for his
integrity, leading the commission, Israel would likely get the most balanced, fair hearing it could expect
from any UN investigation, a perception reinforced
by him insisting the mandate be broadened to examine Palestinian actions as well as Israeli ones.
Now, however, there is dismay and rage at what he
has produced, and the certainty that it will be eagerly snapped up by Israel’s enemies in this country
and elsewhere as new ammunition.
It plunges South African Jewish organisations
and leaders who publicly supported Operation Cast
Lead into a place fraught with pitfalls. They will be
watched carefully for their response, which could
have potentially serious implications for South
African Jews who are already feeling anxious about
voicing open support for Israel in this environment.
It is essential to stress that the necessity of Israel
initiating the incursion is unquestionable - even
Israeli peace activists like David Grossman and
Amos Oz saw it as a dire necessity by the sovereign
state of Israel to stop the criminal rocket attacks
against its civilians by Hamas - an organisation seen
as a terrorist organisation worldwide.
Has Goldstone been “used” to provide legitimacy
to an inherently biased investigation? It is hard to
believe that a man of his character and standing
would allow this. One thing is certain: His report has
allowed the opening of a new chapter in the global
attempt to deligitimise Israel and turn it into a pariah state.
Israel and US pro-Israel groups say the source is biased in dismissing a lengthy UN report on last winter’s Gaza war that
recommends investigations and possible war crimes prosecutions. (PHOTOGRAPH: BRIAN HENDLER)
Israel, Jewish groups seek to discredit
a new UN report on the Gaza war
RON KAMPEAS
WASHINGTON
ISRAEL’S GOVERNMENT and its supporters are promoting a one-sentence
strategy to counter a 574-page UN report
on last winter’s Israel-Hamas war in
Gaza: Consider the source.
“The same UN that allows the president of a country to announce on a podium its aspiration to destroy the State of
Israel has no right to teach us about
morality,” Knesset Speaker Reuven
Rivlin said, referring to Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
“This is a report born of bias,”
Abraham Foxman, the national director
of the Anti-Defamation League, said in
describing the report released on
Tuesday by the UN Human Rights
Council. “What do you do with an initiative born of bigotry?”
The report, written by a fact-finding
mission headed by Richard Goldstone, a
respected war crimes judge from South
Africa who is Jewish, urges Israel to set
up independent investigations into what
it calls Israel’s war crimes and crimes
against humanity.
Calling for the probes to be set up
within three months, the report also recommends that international bodies
launch prosecutions if Israel does not do
so within six months. It makes similar
recommendations about Hamas.
The timing of the report is not propitious for Israel, as it sparks a public relations problem ahead of a planned summit to reconvene Israeli-Palestinian
talks and open talks with Iran aimed at
getting the Islamic Republic to shut
down its suspected nuclear weapons
programme.
A battery of Israeli officials are touring Washington and the United States in
an attempt to convey the impression
that Israel is more open to negotiations
than the Palestinians and that the principal threat in the region is Iran. The
report gives Palestinians and Arab
nations an opportunity to complicate
that effort.
Jewish groups said the strategy now
should be to get the United States to
dismiss the report as hopelessly
biased. Statements on Tuesday by
Israel’s Foreign Ministry, as well as by
Jewish groups that maintain UN
bureaus such as the American Jewish
Committee and B’nai B’rith International, adopted that strategy.
“Israel does not require any external
reminder to probe its just actions,
especially from a radical body which is
comprised from ‘moral’ nations the
likes of Malaysia, Syria, Pakistan and
Somalia,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry
said.
“Let us not forget that this commission was a creation of the Human
Rights Council, arguably the UN’s
most flawed body,” David Harris,
AJC’s executive director, said in a
statement. “The Council has consistently demonized Israel, while giving a
free pass to some of the world’s worst
tyrants, from Sudan to Iran.”
Daniel Mariaschin, B’nai B’rith’s
executive vice president, told JTA that
the report was a case of “There you go
again.” He said his group would intensify outreach to member nations to
mitigate the report’s damage.
Left-leaning Israeli and pro-Israel
groups said such an approach misses
the broader point: Israel must account
for its actions beyond the internal
Israeli army reviews under way.
“The obstacle to peace is the festering anger” in Gaza, said Mitchell
Plitnick, a spokesman for B’Tselem, an
Israeli human rights group.
Concerns about the report’s bias date
back to the Human Rights Council’s
mandate last February when it created
the fact-finding mission and asked it to
probe “grave” Israeli “violations of
human rights” during the war,
launched by Israel on December 27
after Hamas-sponsored rocket fire from
Gaza had intensified significantly.
Israel and Jewish groups slammed
the council for pre-emptive conclusions and for not accounting for the
intensification of rocket fire under the
rule of Hamas.
Goldstone obtained the council’s permission to broaden his mandate and
consider Hamas war crimes. The report
released on Tuesday considers the
years of rocket attacks on Israel that
preceded the war and concludes that
Hamas committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity.
Nonetheless, Israel refused to deal
with Goldstone or the council, despite
Goldstone’s Jewish credentials and
longstanding ties to Israel - he’s a
trustee of
Jerusalem’s Hebrew
University, among other things.
Foxman suggested that the United
Nations was using Goldstone’s credibility to disguise an inherently biased
report.
None of the charges in the report’s
executive summary are new; the summary appears to compile and replicate
many of the charges that were made by
some international and Israeli human
rights groups.
Among other allegations, the report
accuses Israel of having created an
“emergency situation” in Gaza through
its blockade prior, during and after the
war; describes as excessive Israel’s use
of white phosphorous, a chemical irritant used as an obscurant during the
war; dismisses as unfounded Israel’s
claims that all of the approximately 240
policemen slain during the war were
combatants; and chronicles about a
dozen allegations of Israel shooting
unarmed Palestinians without provocation.
Eli
Ovits,
a
Jerusalem-based
spokesman for The Israel Project, suggested an on-the-ground approach to
countering whatever deleterious effects
the report may have on Israel’s efforts
to shape the conversation on talks with
Palestinians and Iran.
Ovits said his advocacy group would
continue to highlight the post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by Israelis
within range of Hamas rockets and also
would note that in the aftermath of the
war, Palestinian moderates have grown
in popularity at the expense of Hamas.
(JTA)
SA JEWISH REPORT
OPINION AND ANALYSIS
Israel govt’s comments on Gaza investigation report
General:
• Israel is appalled and disappointed by the Report published on
September 15 2009 by the Gaza Fact
Finding Mission. The Report effectively ignores Israel’s right of self
defence, makes unsubstantiated
claims about its intent and challenges Israel’s democratic values
and rule of law.
• At the same time the Report all
but ignores the deliberate strategy
of Hamas of operating within and
behind the civilian population and
turning densely populated areas
into an arena of battle. By turning
a blind eye to such tactics it effectively rewards them.
The Report barely disguises its
goal of instigating a political campaign against Israel, and in its recommendations seeks to involve the
Security Council, the General
Assembly
the
International
Criminal Court, the Human Rights
Council, and the entire international community in such a campaign.
The mandate of the Mission:
• The one-sided mandate of the
Gaza Fact Finding Mission, and
the resolution established it, gave
serious reasons for concern both to
Israel and to the many states on
the Council which refused to support it - including the member
states of the European Union,
Switzerland, Canada, Korea and
Japan.
• It also troubled many distinguished individuals, including former High Commissioner for
Human Rights Mary Robinson,
who refused invitations to head the
Mission and admitted that it was
“guided not by human rights but by
politics”.
The conduct of the Mission:
• These concerns were exacerbated
by the conduct of the Mission itself,
including reports in the Palestinian
media that, throughout its visits to
Gaza, it was continuously accompanied by Hamas officials and its
refusal to recuse members of the
mission with clear political views
on the issues under investigation.
One mission member signed a
letter to the Sunday Times saying
that Israel’s actions against Hamas
attacks were acts of “aggression
not self-defence”, prejudging the
investigation before it had even
begun.
• The unprecedented holding of
telecast hearings also gave cause
for concern. The fact that all the
witnesses were prescreened and
selected, and none were asked
questions
relating
to
any
Palestinian terrorist activity or the
location of weaponry and terrorists
in civilian areas, only supports concerns that they were part of an
orchestrated political campaign.
A ‘non-judicial’ document
• Justice Goldstone as head of the
Mission, repeatedly insisted that
the Mission was not a judicial
inquiry and so “could not reach
judicial conclusions”. On this basis
that he justified the inclusion of
partisan mission members, admitting that their involvement “would
not be appropriate for a judicial
inquiry”.
The Report, however, is highly
judicial in nature, reaching conclusive judicial determinations of
guilt, and including “detailed legal
findings” even in the absence of the
sensitive intelligence information
which Israel did not feel able to provide. These determinations are
made notwithstanding the Report’s
admission that it does “pretend to
reach the standard of proof applicable in criminal trials”.
Elements ignored by the Report:
• The Report all but ignores the
deliberate terrorist strategy of
operating in the heart of densely
populated civilian areas which dictated the arena of battle. Even
when the Hamas terrorists mixed
among civilians, the Report rejects
the notion that there was an intention to put the civilian population at
risk.
• Astonishingly, despite the many
widely reported instances in the
international press of the abuse of
civilian facilities by terrorist
groups, and the statements of
Hamas’ own leaders praising
women and children who acted as
human shields, the Report repeatedly stated that it could find no evidence of such activities.
This, even despite its admission
that those interviewed were “reluctant to speak about the presence or
conduct of hostilities by the
Palestinian armed groups”.
• The Report also ignores Israel’s
extensive efforts, even in the midst
of fighting, to maintain humanitarian standards. While it does, reluc-
tantly, acknowledge Israel’s “significant efforts” to issue warnings
before attacks, it does not find any
of these efforts to be effective
• While the Report passes judgement against Israel in respect of
almost any allegation, it seeks to
absolve the Hamas of almost any
wrongdoing. The word “terrorist”
is almost entirely absent.
Soldier Gilad Shalit, now held
incommunicado in captivity for
over three years, was “captured
during an enemy incursion” and
the Hamas members that the
Mission met with in Gaza are
thanked as the “Gaza authorities”
for extending their full co-operation and support to the Mission.
• Even the thousands of rocket
attacks against Israelis which
necessitated the Gaza Operation
are given the most cursory treatment, and indeed the Report indirectly blames Israel even for these
by terming them “reprisals”.
Rejection of democratic values:
• In a Report which relies so heavily on Israeli human rights organisations and which also petitions on
sensitive security issues to Israel’s
Supreme Court the Report devotes
considerable attention to “repression of dissent in Israel”.
It bases this assertion in large
part on the widespread support for
the military operation in the Israeli
public, assuming that Israel has
“created a political climate in
which dissent is not tolerated. The
notion that the majority of Israelis
genuinely supported action to
bring years of continuous rocket
and missile attacks against Israeli
civilians to an end, does not appear
to have occurred to the members of
the Mission.
• The Report is also critical of
Israel internal investigations even
though these compare favourably
to investigations of allegations in
military matters in most Western
countries, and have regularly
resulted in criminal investigations
and convictions.
Recommendations:
• The Report’s recommendations
are as one-sided as its findings. It
seeks to harness the Human Rights
Council, the Security Council, the
General Assembly, the Office of
the High Commissioner of Human
Rights and the International
Criminal Court and the international community, as parts of its
hostile political campaign.
• Despite token recommendations in respect of the Palestinian
side, all the international pressure
is directed solely against Israel.
• The true test of such a Report
can only be whether in future conflicts it will have the effect of
increasing or decreasing respect
for the rule of law. Regrettably a
one-sided report of this nature,
claiming to represent international law, can only weaken the standing of law in future conflicts. At
the same time, it will broadcast a
deeply troubling message to terrorist groups wherever they are
that the cynical tactics of seeking
to exploit civilian suffering for
political ends actually pays dividends.
9
10
SA JEWISH REPORT
TAPESTRY
ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE
ARTS MATTERS
COMPILED BY
ROBYN SASSEN
Call 084-319-7844 or
info@frodo.co.za at
least one week prior to
publication
House of Nsako, Brixton:
“Chicken Feet and Jazz”, every
Saturday in September, featuring MnandiBlu, with Arran
Valkin (piano) and Nandie
Afrika Mnyani (vocals), 072-2232648.
Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein: In the Mandela, SABT’s
“Giselle”, until September 20.
In
the
Fringe,
Matthew
Ribnick’s “Chilli Boy”, until
September 27, (011) 877-6800. In
the People’s Theatre, “Peter
Rabbit”, until October 11, (011)
403-1563.
Market Theatre, Newtown: In
the Main Theatre, Mark Lottering’s “Naughty Forty” until
September 20; in the Laager, Paul
Grootboom’s “Foreplay” until
October 4; in the Barney Simon,
Mike van Graan’s “Bafana
Republic 3: Penalty Shootout”,
until November 1, (011) 832-1641.
Montecasino Theatre Complex,
Fourways: In the
Studio, Alan Swerdlow directs
“Travels with my Aunt”, until
November 1; in the Pieter
Toerien, Andre Swartz’s “Love?
Liefde?”, until September 27; in
Teatro, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s
Broadway smash hit musical
“Cats”, opens September 26
(011) 511-1988.
National Children’s Theatre,
Parktown: “Puss in Boots”,
until October 17, (011) 484-1584,
Ninth Street, Parkhurst: A
film evening with Stanley
Peskin, featuring “Belle de
Jour, with Catherine Deneuve,
directed by Luis Buñuel,
September 20, 072-240-2997.
Old Mutual Theatre on the
Square, Sandton: “Defending
the Cavewoman”, with Vanessa
Frost, until September 26, (011)
883-8606.
Standard
Bank
Gallery,
Central Johannesburg: “25
Standard Bank Young Artists”,
until September 19, (011)
631-1889.
The
Thompson
Gallery,
Melville: “The Jo’burg Gini”,
an exhibition of photographs
by Sally Gaule, until October
10, (011) 482-2039.
Wits University Complex,
Braamfontein: The 969 Festival
includes “Wages of Sin” in the
Nunnery, September 22 - 26;
“Woza Joshua”, directed by
Warren Nebe, also in the
Nunnery, September 22 - 26; and
“Wit” in the Theatre, with Clare
Mortimer directed by Steven
Stead, September 23 - 26; in the
downstairs theatre on September
23, a Poetry Slam Session, a literary
boxing
match,
with
Veronique Tadjo (Ivory Coast),
Comrade Fatso (Zimbabwe),
Johannes van Jerusalem (SA),
Lesego Rampolokeng (SA), Ike
Mboneni Muila (SA) and Gail
Dendy (SA), (011) 717-1380.
A play rich in ideas and
creating a sense of wonder
Show: “Puss in Boots and Other Tails”
(National Children’s Theatre, Parktown,
(011) 484-1584)
Cast: Dominion Adams, Francois
Theron, Trix Vivier, Donnagh Roberts
Director: Joyce Levinsohn
Musical director: Kevin Feather
Until: October 17
REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD grade ones from
Glenview Primary in Alberton, Amber
Carlin, Liam Sharnik, Sanele Mokoetsi
and Tyron Sithole, were not foxed by the
multiple characters that Puss in Boots’
cast of four played, but they were somewhat bamboozled by the quantity of
never-before-heard words in the show,
and were aided in their conversation
with the Jewish Report by Francois
Theron’s helpful voice from behind the
curtains.
Revealing a shaved head and a cheerful face, Theron, who multiply plays the
ogre; the king; Vuka-Vuka the sangoma;
the sun; the wind; a cloud; and a wall in
Japan; Raphael Zabaglio, a poor
Moroccan peasant; and a mother ostrich
in Australia; conceded that this rich
melee could well be baffling.
But the children soldiered on bravely.
Liam was confident that an ogre was a
purple monster, but Amber felt that a
marquis, the status that Jack, played
with delightful freshness by Dominion
Adams, aspired to, was in actual fact a kind of
magic key. While Liam remembered accurately
that a joey is a baby kangaroo, none of them
could pinpoint what couscous was, but they did
know that it came from Morocco.
You might believe that the 17th century
Charles Perrault tale has been unrecognisably corrupted with all these different references to local and overseas contemporary
idiosyncrasies, but no, Levinsohn has crafted
a series of tales within the tale that demonstrate the lengths to which clever Puss in
Boots, played by Donnagh Roberts, goes to
make her master’s dream girl his bride - and
his dream lifestyle feasible too.
None of these boys and girls had attended a
play in a real theatre before and they were
utterly taken aback at the sense of magic
evoked on stage and in the imagination.
They were called upon, collectively, to perform wonderful tricks, from making it thunder and lightning to developing a magic castle
in the sky, and were swept away by the story
and the magic of being in its presence.
Lucky individuals were called out of the
audience to perform acts of mercy or bravery
and Liam was called in to save the day. VukaVuka, the scary, evil sangoma was the keeper
of a magic whistle.
Liam’s task was to extract the whistle from
Vuka-Vuka during his midday snooze without awakening him, something which the cast
themselves were too afraid to attempt. He
achieved this with aplomb, but told me afterwards that he was very scared at the time.
“Puss in Boots”, punctuated with stories,
travel, song and magic, is about suspension
of your logical beliefs, fears and understandings, if only for an hour. It’s a play rich in
Triumphant Puss in Boots (Donnagh Roberts), Jack
ideas and might mystify your little ones a
(Dominion Adams) is going to marry the princess (Trix
tad; then again, it might develop their sense
Vivier). I always cry at weddings says the king (Francois
of wonder and possibility in the world out
Theron). (PHOTOGRAPH: GREG DA SILVA)
there.
Gueller’s immaculate Tchaikovsky
made up for some other flaws
Concert: Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (Linder)
Conductor: Bernhard Gueller
Soloists: Jan Hugo ( piano)
Programme: Music by Debussy,
Chopin and Tchaikovsky
bals were replaced with something sounding penetratingly
louder.
The JPO could be the only
orchestra worldwide who
might artistically dare to do
this, but it boils down to the
REVIEWED BY PAUL BOEKKOOI
fact that the complete musical
picture Debussy painted, had
STEPHEN JURISICH, the Johholes in it. To use another
annesburg Philharmonic Orchesmetaphor: it’s like the restorer
tra Board’s deputy chairman, forof a famous painting who
mally
welcomed
maestro
either uses a different shade of
Bernhard Gueller as the orchescolour or no colour at all in the
Jan Hugo.
tra’s principal guest conductor
process. It leaves a false sound
(PHOTObefore the concert commenced.
picture of the composer’s
GRAPH
The relationship between this
intentions.
SUPPLIED)
musical entity (the JPO) with an
If the University of Pretoria
enlightened and experienced
Symphony Orchestra can have
orchestral taskmaster (Gueller)
six harps on stage for their
has grown over many years. It solidified in past forthcoming performance of Gounod’s Santa
seasons to a level where some form of perma- Cecilia Mass, the JPO could certainly have rentnence just had to be put in place.
ed a second one?
Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a
Apart from this, one could not tire of the barFaun” opened the concert. Although he scored to-bar revelations of impecably rehearsed texit for, among others, two harps and specified ture, sonority, as well as the flow and conthat antique (tuned finger) cymbals should be traflow: crucial ingredients of Debussy’s
used, there was only one harp, while the cym- mature compositions. Helen Vosloo set the tone
FELDMAN
ON FILM
Peter Feldman
Pick of the Week
Adoration
Cast: Arsinee Khanjian, Scott Speedman,
Rachel Blanchard, and Devon Bostick
Director: Atom Egoyam
THE RESPECTED Canadian director and
writer Atom Egoyam has woven an immaculate story in this, his 12th feature film, which
questions appearances and reality and the
subjective nature of truth. It is a probing work
that engages one on an intellectual level as
well as being an emotionally moving enterprise with a fluid build-up of tension.
Egoyan has long been fascinated by the concept of how people communicate with one
another and the role technology plays in one’s
daily life.
In “Adoration” he successfully marries the
various elements in making a cogent statement
that may elicit some debate long after the
images have dimmed from the screen.
A high school French teacher, Sabine,
(Arsinee Khanjian) gives her class an exercise
in translation based on a real news story about
a terrorist who plants a bomb in the airline luggage of his pregnant girlfriend.
The assignment has a profound effect on one
student, Simon (Devon Bostick), who lives with
his uncle (Scott Speedman). In the course of
translating the piece, Simon re-imagines that
the news item is his own family’s story, with the
terrorist standing in for his father.
Years before, Simon’s father (Noam Jenkins)
crashed the family car, killing both himself and
his wife, making Simon an orphan. Simon has
always feared that the accident was an inten-
with her opening solo.
Her miraculous lift up to the flute’s top G
sharp in the third bar (later repeated), alerted us
to the erotic currents ahead. They were well controlled and especially atmospheric.
Jan Hugo was the young soloist in the Chopin
Piano Concerto no 1 in E minor - a daring
prospect for someone all of 18 years. With technically a lot going for him, his pianism at times
sounded less refined than it should have been.
His often bland fingerwork makes too little distiction between Chopin’s melodic foreground
and decorative background.
Harmonic masterstrokes should have benefited from more pointed inflections. What was missing is a combination of singing ardour and playful scintillation.
One’s ear didn’t adapt to Hugo’s clipped phrasing and a lack of real resonance when it really
should count - elements which also cropped up in
his encore: Chopin’s “Winter Wind Etude”. My
gut feeling is that Hugo is not exposed to the best
teaching methods or an ideal pianistic environment.
The evening was crowned by Gueller’s aweinspiring account of Tchaikovsky’s Second
Symphony, the “Little Russian”. Felicitous
detail, with individually pointed phrasing and
rhythm. Clarity of the orchestral textures sounded peerless, while the lightness of the Finale’s
second subject brought out cross-rhythms
strongly suggesting those found in Cubaninspired jazz. Organically built climaxes added to
the excitement.
tional act. Simon reads his version to the class
and then posts it on the Internet where a vast
audience devours the details and a healthy
debate ensues.
What he has done is to forge a false identity
for himself which allows him to probe his own
family secret. As Simon uses his new persona to
journey deeper into his past, the public reaction
is swift and strong. Then an exotic woman
reveals her true identity and the truth about
Simon’s family finally emerges.
Its an engrossing piece of work, made more
powerful by the commanding performances of
its key players; young Devon Bostick as Simon
who brings an innocence and playfulness to the
part, Arsinee Khanjian as Sabine, a woman
who undergoes a huge emotional shift and Scott
Speedman showing a different facet to his acting make-up.
The film heralds a welcome return to the
Egoyan of old, a man who is capable of taking
disassembled parts to create a seductive mystery.
SA JEWISH REPORT
11
TAPESTRY
ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE
Hill and Buchan: Common theme, different approaches
The Man in the Picture by
Susan Hill (Profile, R130)
REVIEWED BY
GWEN PODBREY
BY AND LARGE, ghost stories rely on three unchanging, and indispensable, elements: fear, surprise, resolution. The trick to writing
a really good one, though as demonstrated in WW
Jacobs' 1902 masterpiece,
"The Monkey's Paw" - lies in
avoiding the shlock-horror
beloved of Stephen King
and MGM, and allowing the
reader's imagination to fill
in the gaps.
Susan Hill knows this,
and has succeeded in balancing subtlety with suspense in a chilling little
novella about a painting of
a Venetian carnival scene.
Half the story is narrated
by its rueful owner, Theo Parmitter, an
ailing Cambridge don, who is visited by a
friend at his college lodgings.
Parmitter, long an art aficionado, had
been struck by the painting's detailed
portraiture, and bought it at an auction only to be accosted immediately afterwards by a mysterious stranger, who
begged to buy it at double, or even triple,
its bidding price. Parmitter refused.
Soon afterwards, having hung it on his
wall, he began seeing strange, unwonted
changes in it.
Some years later, Parmitter was invited to a magnificent, remote country residence whose elderly chatelaine desperately wanted to acquire the work.
The picture, she said, had once
belonged to her fiancé. However, after
their marriage, while honeymooning in
Venice, a former, deeply embittered
lover of his had also arrived in the city.
During the local traditional carnival, he
had inexplicably vanished, and had
never been seen again.
At that point, the widow had noticed
an ominous alteration in the picture, and
- terrified - had locked it away. It had lain
forgotten for decades, and then erroneously been put up for auction - where
Parmitter had bought it. Could she now
repurchase it? Again, Parmitter refused.
At this point in the narrative,
Parmitter suddenly dies - leaving his
friend with both the painting in question, and the knowledge of its disagreeable past.
And at this point, too, Hill's story
becomes sadly predictable, ending - like
most spooky sagas - with the consequences which befall those who ignore
their own good sense and follow a perverse, reckless course of action. Nevertheless, the book's eerie atmosphere is
well-controlled, and it makes macabre
enough reading for a stormy, solitary
night.
The Gate of Air by James Buchan
(Quercus, R195)
This is a ghost story with far more substance (to use an oxymoron), drawing on
Victorian sentimentality and English
Harp contest memorialised
in Israeli stamp
THE 50th anniversary of
the International Harp
Contest, which takes place
in October, is being commemorated in Israel with a
new postage stamp according to information supplied
by
the
Israel
Philatelic Service.
The “double action concert harp” which has been
in use since the beginning
of the 19th century, is a
plucked instrument with
47 strings and seven pedals. The unique timbre of
the harp’s sound makes it
a most significant instrument in orchestras, chamber music, solo recitals,
light music and even jazz.
The origins of this string
instrument come from the
ancient Middle East. In the Baghdad
National Museum, we find the oldest harp
from the site of Ur of the Chaldees, dating
back to 3 000 BCE and in the Louvre in
Paris, there is an Egyptian harp from
approximately the same time.
At the Israel Museum in Jerusalem,
there is an ivory engraving, found in
Megiddo, showing harpists and a coin
from Bar-Kochba’s era also features a
harp. The harp is mentioned numerous
times in the Bible, being used by priests
and prophets in services
and ceremonies in the
Temple in Jerusalem.
The harp has inspired
many artists. The most
famous painting featuring
a harp is Rembrandt’s King
David playing the instrument, while Marc Chagall’s
tapestry in the Knesset
shows the king playing the
harp on his way to
Jerusalem.
Chagall also designed a
golden
coin
for
the
International Harp Contest.
The ancient instrument
played by King David has
changed
considerably
through the ages, but
thanks to the Contest, the
harp remains centre-stage
in Israel’s musical life.
Other items on offer this month feature
a stamp for the 18th Maccabiah Games, a
new definitive on love, a colourful row of
three unusual stamps highlighting the
threat of global warming and a single
issue depicting the Dead Sea - the lowest
place on earth, being 422 metres below sea
level.
• All these new issues are available from
East Rand Stamps, official sales agent for
Israel Post Ltd. Telephone (011) 914-5535 or
fax (011) 914-1793 for further details.
class barriers - both supposedly ghosts in themselves, but with lingering
effects still potent enough
to vitiate contemporary
British society.
It is also a tour de force
from one of the UK's most
accomplished
writers,
though Buchan's writing is
by no means easily accessible, since he approaches
his subjects from several
perspectives simultaneously.
His characters are at
once role-players in the
narrative and half-prophetic, inturned figures, able to
see far beyond the temporal constraints of their literary setting, and reflect
on the tragedy they are
helping to enact.
This gives the reader
something of a jerky ride,
though the rewards are
rich and rare.
Jim Smith, a failed London businessman, buys an old house in a remote farming county in the West of England. Despite
knowing little about agriculture, he sets
about restoring his property, introducing
livestock and experiencing a rural indeed, near-isolated - lifestyle.
But all is not well. Smith is plagued by
visitations from a succubus which nightly
arouses long-dormant sexuality in him. By
day, he must deal with tensions emanating
from histories he can only guess at: first in
his choice of labourer, John Walker, whose
surly, independent manner and unpopularity among the locals are bewildering.
Then there are the immensely wealthy
Lampards, in whose home Smith encounters the icy hostility shown by landed gentry to parvenus like himself.
Amid the tedium of their small, coded
dinner-table talk, and its spiteful subtexts,
Smith realises that his hostess, Marina
Lampard, is living in the grip of some
unnamed fear.
Then - unseen by anyone but himself an apparition of a beautiful, whiteswathed woman enters the room. And,
writes Buchan, surrounded by the
hypocrisy in the living, and the elusiveness of the dead, "Jim thought: There are
no laws to science, nor to good behaviour,
merely gestures in the dark, ghosts, arbitrary essences, inane customs. Truth and
falsity are just names, for something can
be turned into its reverse by some fancy or
caprice of the dark.
"Nothing we do or say has the remotest
value or makes the smallest sense or
extends beyond the instant of its action or
sayings."
Not quite the expected reaction of one
who has seen a ghost. Yet Buchan's perceptions are riveting, for all that they occur at
awkward, unlikely moments in the text.
As Jim Smith pursues the phantoms
who haunt his new environment, he must
reconsider the pastoral ideal which drove
him there in the first place. It is a most
unsettling, brilliantly realised novel,
uncovering shrouded alcoves of modern
life - and modern thinking - that demand
truthful confrontation.
But, then, isn't that precisely what
ghosts are meant to do?
12
SA JEWISH REPORT
LETTERS
The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: carro@global.co.za
Disclaimer
Guidelines for letters
The letters page is intended to provide opportunity for a range of views on any given topic to be
expressed. Opinions articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the editor, staff or directors of the Jewish Report
Letters up to 400 words will get preference. Please provide your full first name and surname, place of
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GUIDELINES ON ‘COMPETITION’ IN COMMUNITY IS LONG OVERDUE
I NOTED in the article on the Rabbinical
Conference in last week’s edition that
one of the issues under discussion was
the problem of intense competition within the community that was making people spend far more than they could afford
on their weddings and their bar- and batmitzvahs; and that the rabbis were contemplating guidelines to which the community could adhere which would thus
eliminate the competition.
This is long overdue; but it must go
hand in hand with the vast amounts of
money parents are forced to spend on
matric dance dresses, suits, limousines
and catering.
Matric dances are a necessary and
lovely celebration, a marvellous way for
pupils to bid farewell to 12 years of
school, before entering a new and exciting future.
But the costs to parents are exorbitant,
and the values these young people are
picking up are totally distorted. For
instance, R5 000 for a dress? R10 000? And
even in some cases more than that?
And all the accompanying expenses of
hairdressers, cosmetic artists, tanning
salons and professional photographers?
Before I am accused of sounding like a
Mother Grundy, let me reiterate that I
totally support the idea of these dances,
but in proportion. In this community
there is great wealth; there is also great
poverty; and we are in the middle of a
disastrous economic depression.
Wouldn’t it be a worthwhile move for
the schools themselves to set limits visà-vis the expenses, and assist especially
those parents who, understandably
wanting their children to fit in, are then
forced to spend money they can ill
afford, or worse, borrow from family
and friends?
Are we not teaching our children the
incorrect values - that money and bling
are king?
Perhaps there should be a community
debate on this issue, and if so, I look forward eagerly to being present and to
hearing the outcome.
Bev Goldman
Johannesburg
‘KOSHER LAND’ STATE OF THE NATION REPORT 2
7. Any other kosher butchery owners
THIS IS an open letter addressed to the
that I have not named.
following persons.
1. Mr Raymond Ackerman - chairman,
Pick n Pay Stores.
2. Mr Whitey Basson - executive director, Shoprite-Checkers
3. Managing Member of Bolbrand
Poultry Shoppe CC.
4. Owner of Maxi Discount Kosher
Butchery.
5. Managing member of Trevor’s
Quality Kosher Meat CC.
6. Managing member of Wachenheimers Foods CC.
My challenge to the Beth Din, Chief
Rabbi Warren Goldstein, the Jewish
players in the kosher meat supply chain,
and the Union of Orthodox Synagogues,
appearing in The Jewish Report of
September 11, refers.
Gentlemen, I welcome you to publicly
respond to my letter referred to above.
Stanley Klompas
Highlands North
Johannesburg
KRENGEL’S STANCE AGAINST BRANDON HUNTLEY’S ‘ASYLUM’ QUERIED
I REFER to Zev Krengel’s article in
Jewish Report of September 11 in which
he finds it necessary - as chairman of the
Jewish Board of Deputies - to oppose the
idea of white South Africans seeking
refuge elsewhere, on racial grounds.
I find it somewhat disturbing, that an
organisation, which encourages Jews to
make aliyah, voices its opposition to nonJews (of any colour or race) who feel per-
secuted in South Africa and seek refuge
elsewhere.
After all, crime, hatred, xenophobic
attacks and other things of that kind, are
a serious problem in South Africa, and it
is not simple to say for certain that those
hostile acts are “not racially motivated”.
Avner Eliyahu Romm
Sea Point, Cape Town
GLOWING TRIBUTE TO COMMUNAL LEADER MICHAEL BAGRAIM
IN THESE difficult times for Jewry worldwide and for the State of Israel, it is comforting to know that our people have outstanding leadership to guide us through
the pitfalls and vagaries of fate.
In Israel it is Benjamin Netanyahu,
Tzipi Livni and Ehud Barak; in the US it is
Alan Dershowitz and Ronald Lauder; in
the UK it is Sir Jonathan Sacks; in South
Africa it is Philip Krawitz, Michael
Bagraim, Avrom Krengel, Chief Rabbi
Warren Goldstein and others.
It is unfortunate, therefore, that one of
our local leaders, Michael Bagraim - a
labour lawyer and also president of the
SA Jewish Board of Deputies - currently
finds himself embroided in the unpleasant Garb/El Al dispute.
All who know him can only believe that
Michael will have acted only in the best
interests of his client, Israel and the
Jewish community as a whole.
I have personal knowledge of the many
fine contributions he made while national chairman of the SAJBD - including
effective representations to Government,
the private sector and the media.
In fact, he initiated a new era of directly and proudly engaging with the authorities while, at the same time, keeping in
mind the bigger picture of Jewish national interest.
In these days of increasing pressure
against all who defend Jewry and Israel’s
right to exist, we cannot afford to lose the
involvement of someone with the mindset, experience and wisdom of Michael
Bagraim because of the messy El Al/
Garb affair which spiralled out of control
in a lose-lose situation.
David Abel
Support Association for Zionism
George
LOOKING FOR...
INFORMATION WANTED ON LOTA EDYTA WEINGRUN
HANNAH KARPES received an e-mail
from Mark Hoëllger - mark@hoellger.de
looking for information on Lota Edyta
Weingrun. Can any of our readers help?
Hˆllger is looking for a trace to a living family member or at least a friend of
the family.
Lota Edyta Weingrun (nee Grunfeld)
born September 30 1910 and passed
away ± September 1990. In 1982 she
lived at Waymouth House Nr 1, Upper
Orange Street, Belvedere Avenue,
Oranjezicht, Cape Town.
Her brother was Dr Walter Grunfeld
born October 2 1908, who died in 1988
and is buried in Switzerland. In 1970
he lived at 94 Lancaster Ave, Craighall
Park, Johannesburg and in 1982 he
lived at 21 Smits Road, Johannesburg.
Lota Edyta Weingrun had a daughter, Nina, who was born on August 8
1935.
Please contact Hannah Karpes,
Consecration Administrator, tel: (011)
532-9625, fax: (011) 532-9655, e-mail:
hannah@jhbchev.co.za
INSTEAD OF HAVING 20/20 VISION, DR USDIN IS BLINKERED
YESHER KOACH to David Saks for his article
“The ‘weakest side’ is not always right”
(Jewish Report September 11). The article
should be compulsory reading for all the
Jewish day schools (grades 7 to 12). If only the
daily press in South Africa would print it too!
Which brings me to the letter by Dr Shereen
Usdin. (“Maybe Ilan Solomons ‘hears what he
chooses to hear’,” Jewish Report of the same
date). One person who definitely should read
Saks’ article is Dr Usdin, as well as the letter
by David Abel (IDF has developed an exemplary code of conduct).
I hope she will persuade her fellow travellers
on the PSC to read them too. I have news for
you, Dr Usdin. Your fellow travellers on the
PSC, together with their counterparts in Gaza,
and the so-called “occupied “ West Bank, DO
want to “drive all the Jews into the sea” (your
words).
Because the IDF will not allow them to, they
now support a “one secular democratic state
solution where all religions are able to operate
freely and where the rights of all groups who
live therein are respected and protected”.
Dr Usdin, as a doctor I expect that you will
have common sense and a sense of history.
You know as well as I do that one secular democratic state is a pipedream.
Examples abound today and down history.
Need I mention some? India and Pakistan,
Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic,
Sunni and Shi’ites (still suicide bombing each
other) and yes, Jews and Arabs.
With regard to Israel’s apartheid-like policies (“yes they are” to again quote you) I have
had personal experience of a huge hospital
(and still expanding) in Israel by the name of
Meir Hospital. What I saw and experienced
there is anything but apartheid.
There are literally thousands of Arabs being
treated there daily. The nursing staff has
numerous Arabs working there, and many,
many Arab doctors, courteous and efficient.
Compare the above to when I was living in
Wellington (Cape ) in the ‘60s and ‘70s. There
was true apartheid, the local so-called
Coloured doctor was prohibited from seeing
white patients; he could only attend to
Coloured and black patients at Paarl Hospital,
and he had to live in a Coloured area. He subsequently emigrated to Canada, where he was
a great success.
Of course, I can keep on giving examples of
apartheid at that time. Here in Israel I see
Arabs as shop assistants, eating in restaurants, living a normal life compared to the
Coloureds and blacks and Indians of apartheid
South Africa.
So, Dr Usdin, despite your claim of having
20/20 vision, I think you are blinkered.
Bennie Katzman
Telmond, Israel
STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND PROFESSOR NEVE GORDON
WE, THE undersigned staff at the University
of Cape Town (UCT), endorse the following
statement concerning the situation of
Professor Neve Gordon of Ben-Gurion
University, Israel, in defence of academic
freedom:
South Africans of all walks have struggled
for freedoms, freedoms encapsulated in our
Constitution and which form the basis for a
democracy feted around the world. Included
in those freedoms is the right to academic
freedom, constrained only if such expression
is an incitement to violence, war or harm
(paragraph 16 of the Bill of Rights).
We write as UCT staff concerned about
attacks on academic freedom, not only in our
country but around the world.
Israeli academic and peace activist Neve
Gordon has recently been excoriated and
threatened by his university for publicly
aligning
himself
with
the
Boycott,
Disinvestment and Sanctions movement
against the Israeli government’s policy on
Palestine.
As he points out (in his article “Save Israel
from itself ” published first in the Los
Angeles Times on August 20), his decision to
support sanctions was taken precisely
because he saw it as the only alternative to
violence, rather than any incitement to violence.
It was taken after thoughtful and painful
reflection, borne out of years of peaceful
activism against the Israeli occupation of
Palestinian land. His actions have been
labelled as “repugnant and deplorable” and
criminally disloyal to the Israeli state. His
position at the university is under threat.
The president of Ben-Gurion University has
said that “academics who feel this way about
their country are welcome to search for a
personal and professional home elsewhere”.
South Africa is no stranger to debates
about academic freedom and sanctions.
External trade and other embargoes played a
key role in bringing an end to apartheid and
the verbal attacks being made on Gordon are
reminiscent of the discourse in apartheid
South Africa.
UCT was deeply involved in such debates
and, while opinions on academic sanctions
were divided, the university never sought to
suppress different views regarding an academic boycott, nor victimise students or staff
who supported such a boycott.
We believe that an attack on Neve Gordon
for speaking publicly in support of sanctions
and non-violence is an attack on the fundamental principles that underpin democracy,
not only in South Africa, but globally.
To call for Neve Gordon’s right to freedom
of speech and to academic freedom is not to
take a position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or even on the merits of sanctions. It is
simply to defend his right and the rights of
other academics, whether in Israel,
Palestine, South Africa or any other country, to express views that may not be comfortable for the authorities.
We therefore (a) express our solidarity
with Professor Gordon; (b) confirm our
belief that he, like academics around the
world, should enjoy the freedom to engage
as a public intellectual on matters affecting
the public interest; (c) call on the senior
management of Ben-Gurion University to
refrain from any acts of victimisation of
Professor Gordon and to reaffirm their university’s commitment to academic freedom;
(d) urge academics around the world to support Professor Gordon and other academics,
no matter where they may live, who are
under threat for exercising the right to academic freedom.
- Leslie London, School of Public Health
and Family Medicine
- Linda Cooper, Centre for Higher
Education Development
- Judy Favish, Institutional Planning
Department
- Andrew Nash, Department of Political
Studies
- Crick Lund, Department of Psychiatry
and Mental Health
- Anna Grimsrud, School of Public
Health and Family Medicine
- Anwar Suleman Mall, Department of
Surgery
- Gregory Hussey, Institute of Infectious
Diseases and Molecular Medicine
- Janice McMillan, Centre for Higher
- Jeff
Jawitz, Centre for Higher
- Prof Jennifer Jelsma, School of Health
and Rehab Sciences
- Dr Lillian Artz, director Gender,
Health and Justice Research Unit
- Salma Ismail, Centre for Higher
- Prof Lungisile Ntseba, Land Reform
and Democracy in South Africa
- Prof Del Kahn, Department of Surgery
- Mohamed Jeebhay, School of Public
Health and Family Medicine
- Morna Cornell, Infectious Disease
Epidemiology Unit, School of Public
Health & Family Medicine
- Associate Professor Andrew D Spiegel,
Department of Social Anthropology
- Dr Sa’diyya Shaikh, Department of
Religious Studies
- Theresa Lorenzo, School of Health and
Rehabilitation Science
- Zephne van der Spuy, Department of
Obstetrica and Gynaecology
- Prof David Cooper, Sociology
- Phyliss
Orner,
Women’s
Health
Research Unit, School of Public Health
SA JEWISH REPORT
COMMUNITY COLUMNS
ABOVE
BOARD
Zev Krengel,
National Chairman
A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies
Wits University and
the Limmud enquiry
FOLLOWING REPORTS of sundry untoward events,
including allegations of racial profiling and abusive
behaviour, Wits University instituted an investigation into what took place on campus during last
month's Limmud seminar.
Advocate Geoff Budlender was appointed to head up
the enquiry, and submissions from all concerned
parties were invited.
As reported in a previous column, the Board was
very much involved in this affair, both prior to and
during the actual seminar. We worked closely with
the university in ensuring that proper security was
in place and members of our staff were witness to
what actually happened on the day. Our National
Director Wendy Kahn was one of these, and she has
made a full and detailed submission of her involvement in what transpired.
Inter alia, this recorded the relevant details of
what was decided upon with the university itself,
described the offensive nature of the behaviour of
some of the protesters and dismissed the "racial profiling" allegation as being little more than a propaganda stunt by those seeking to discredit Limmud
and the Jewish community as a whole.
We are keeping a close watch on how this sensitive
matter develops. It has to be said that we are far from
happy over some of the statements on this matter
that to date have emanated from the ViceChancellor's Office. It goes without saying that we
will take matters further should we not be satisfied
that the issue was not dealt with, with due fairness
and objectivity.
The El Al employment
controversy in perspective
What should have been a straightforward labour dispute between El Al and one of its former employees,
unfortunately developed into a highly damaging public controversy in which various damaging allegations
were made against the airline, particularly with
regard to its security practices.
Most of the damage in this regard was done through
a programme on Carte Blanche. Barring cases where
there are clear grounds to suspect that anti-Semitism
is involved, the Board does not involve itself in labour
disputes, nor is it obliged to defend the policies of private companies even if they do happen to be Jewish or
Israeli-owned.
Regrettably, we have become associated with this
matter because the employee in question was represented by our National President Michael Bagraim.
Michael is an eminent labour lawyer of many years'
experience, and it was entirely in this capacity that he
took on the case (he has since resigned from it, for reasons unconnected with the Board).
Where he erred - something he has readily acknowledged and apologised for - was in agreeing to be interviewed for the Carte Blanche programme. Because of
this (and despite the uncontentious nature of what he
actually said) the impression was created among some
viewers that the Board itself was associated with the
views expressed. The Board can and will get involved
in a mediating capacity if asked to do so.
AROUND THE WORLD
NEWS IN BRIEF
MITCHELL, NETANYAHU CAN'T REACH COMPROMISE ON CONSTRUCTION
JERUSALEM - A meeting between
Benjamin Netanyahu and George
Mitchell on Tuesday, ended without a compromise on construction
in the West Bank.
The Israeli prime minister and
the US Middle East envoy met for
more than two hours on Tuesday
in Jerusalem. They are scheduled
to meet again later in the week.
Mitchell hopes to strike a deal
with Israel on freezing construction in the settlements before the
United Nations General Assembly
meeting on September 23.
A deal would allow the United
States to arrange a meeting with
Obama, Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the
General Assembly. Abbas has said
he will not meet with Netanyahu
until construction is halted.
"We are practiced hands, and we
extend our hands to the United
States and to the Palestinians in
the quest for advancing peace,
prosperity and security in our
region," Netanyahu said at the
start of the meeting.
"We hope to bring this phase of
our discussions to early conclusion and move forward in our common search for a comprehensive
peace in the region," Mitchell
responded.
Mitchell was scheduled to meet
later in the day with Abbas in
Ramallah. (JTA)
KIEV HIAS VANDALISED WITH NAZI SYMBOLS
NEW YORK - Vandals defaced the
front door of The Hebrew
Immigrant Aid Society in the
Ukrainian capital of Kiev with Nazi
symbols.
A HIAS guard reported that
three vandals, aged 17 and 18,
spray-painted a Nazi eagle on the
door with a stencil on Sunday
morning. Also, a swastika on the
front door was made with masking
tape.
HIAS filed a formal complaint
with the Ukrainian police. The use
of Nazi symbols, although banned
in Germany and other European
countries, has not been banned in
Ukraine. (JTA)
THE RIGHT NAME IS SONIA SUTTON
Sonia Sutton was incorrectly captioned as Sybil Abelson on Page 71 of the September 11 issue of the SA
Jewish Report. The picture accompanying the article on the Jewish Women's Benevolent Society is the centre
one. We regret the error.
13
14
SA JEWISH REPORT
YOUTH TALK
Alison Goldberg youthsajr@global.co.za
If sharks and fish can become friends. . .
CRAIG NUDELMAN
ROSH KEN, CAPE TOWN
PHOTOGRAPHER: TZACHI LEVY
FOR THE PAST few weeks,
Habonim Dror madrichim, many
of whom are students, became
teachers as they educated their
potential channichim about the
captured Israeli soldier, Gilad
Shalit.
From grade 3 up to grade 5, we
gave the learners a taste of what it
means to be a Habonim channich,
and showed the teachers of King
David Victory Park and King
David Linksfield, as well as
Crawford, how informal education
can enrich a child's life, by using
games and creative tools to access
a child's mind and thoughts.
For the past month, Habonim
has been teaching these children
the story of Gilad Shalit, the cap-
tured Israeli soldier, as well as a
story he himself wrote when he
was 11 years old, called "When the
Shark and the Fish first met".
It is a story of mortal enemies, a
shark and a fish, and how they
befriend each other, much to the
anger of their respective parents,
who believe that their being enemies is more important than their
becoming friends. However, they
overcome barriers and become
friends for life.
It is an incredible metaphor for
the Arab-Israeli conflict, and
shows that children in Israel are
perceptive of the problems in their
society.
The madrichim wanted to give
the children a sense that if an 11
year old could be as insightful as
Shalit was, they too can be insightful with any issue in their lives.
We then gave the children lines
from the story, and as small
groups, asked them to draw what
they read in the line.
They then read the story back,
showing their amazing pictures to
the class, and demonstrating how
creative children can be.
However, we did not leave the
children empty handed. Using
Tzachi Levy, Habonim Dror's
national shaliach, and his technological prowess, every learner left
school that day with an Israeli ID.
These IDs, which were printed
on the spot thanks to modern technology, were to give the learners a
feeling of solidarity with Israel,
and that it is as much their country as South Africa is.
An activity was held later that
week at the Habonim bayit, where
our new channichim learned
about Israeli culture, food and
what Israel looks like on a map,
Bnei Akiva Greenside
kicks off year with a bang
with the use of play dough.
Thanks to the staff of the different schools, we created a different
learning experience for the learn-
ers, and we hope that they continue to tell other people about how
sharks and fish can become
friends.
Bnei Akiva's 'Horizons for
Greatness' barmitzvah programme
TERRI BENJAMIN
PHOTOGRAPH: TYNAN MCARTHUR
BNEI AKIVA Greenside started off
with a bang this year. Events were held
on Tu B'Shvat where channichim
learnt about the environment and
planted trees.
The grade 3 - 6s went ice skating and
the high school kids went go-karting.
We held our very own Purim carnival
at Greenside Shul, with activities like
fishpond and arm wrestling. A ball was
had by all.
On Sundays, the "barmi boys" have
had awesome activities, such as clay
pigeon shooting. Lag Ba'Omer was
enjoyed by all with a huge bonfire and
a delicious braai.
We have amazing Shabbatot at
Greenside Shul, with youth minyanim,
youth dinners, youth lunches, and of
cause our fantastic children services.
A huge thank you to Greenside Shul
and the incredible Greenside team for
all their hard work. There are so many
more awesome events planned for the
rest of the year, so don't miss out.
Eager barmitzvah
boys and parents are
introduced to the
Bnei Akiva "Horizons
for Greatness" barmitzvah programme.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH
BY SHIMON DAVIDOWITZ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BNEI AKIVA CENTRES
Learning about protecting the environment: Dalya Solomon with Greenside team
member Lauren Tuchten (background
channichim planting trees).
A RECENT STUDY in America showed an
alarming result, namely that a high percentage of adult men between the ages of 18
and 25 associated their barmitzvah day with
negative connotations.
They had to learn a portion they did not
understand, read it in front of a crowd they
did not know and listen to a rabbi they had
never met before as he rambled on about
how good a person they are.
This was topped off with a party they had
no say in organising. Is this truly how we
want our boys to remember their transition
into manhood?
The aim of the Bnei Akiva "Horizons for
Greatness" barmitzvah programme is to
provide a barmitzvah boy with so much
more.
At the annual launch held on Wednesday
September 9 at the Greenside Shul hall, parents and barmitzvah boys were introduced
to South Africa's premier barmitzvah programme - a programme that not only offers
top level educational material, dynamic
maddrichim and fun outings, but focuses on
the entire family and the role they play in
the barmitzvah.
During the year the participants will
attend alcohol awareness evenings, help in
chesed projects and have the opportunity to
meet barmi boys from all over Johannesburg. The ultimate aim is to show these
boys that "Greatness" for them is a horizon
within their grasp
Chess champions in the making
KDL Recorder Group achieves success
DARREN LEVY
PHOTOGRAPH: RABBI DAVID HURWITZ
JENETTE KUPER
THREE PUPILS from Sha'arei Torah
Primary School played in the Gauteng South
Chess Trials at Houghton Primary School at
the end of last month - and all emerged with
credit, with one the overall winner. All three
played in the under-12 section.
Yisroel David Mirkin (known as Dudi), like
the other two - Yaakov Carno and Shmuel
Dovid Goldberg - played in his first-ever
tournament.
Dudi played exceptionally well. He did not
lose a single game and only a single stalemate prevented his obtaining a perfect score.
He won the tournament with a score of 41/2
points out of 5. His brilliant performance
earned him a gold medal.
Additionally, he will be competing in further trials for Gauteng South in October.
Only a select few will be chosen to compete
in the national competition which will be
held in Cape Town in December. Every year,
the best players from all over the country
congregate at a previously decided location.
The players have the honour of representing their province as well as an opportunity
to make the South African team.
The other two boys also did themselves
and their school proud. Yaakov lost his first
three games and then displayed a tremendous "power of positive thinking" attitude to
THE KING David Linksfield Junior School
Recorder Group entered three talented
pupils in the recent Johannesburg Festival
for the Advancement of Music in June/July
of this year.
The three pupils trained and accompanied
on piano by their teacher Jenette Kuper,
were awarded silver diplomas for their solo
performances.
Kayla Burhalter, Maeghan Fisher, Jenette
Kuper and Daniella Bailey.
TA under-16 boys a soccer force of note
win his final two. He managed to finish in
12th place out of 20 players with his two
points out of five.
Shmuel Dovid also played some good chess
and despite playing some tough opponents
(including the tournament winner), won
three out of his five games. This placed him
in sixth position. Incidentally, his younger
brother Yehuda from Torah Academy also
played in the tournament, in the under-10
section.
Yehuda also scored three out of five, finishing in seventh place out of 25 in his age
group.
OWN CORRESPONDENT
PHOTO: RABBI MOTTI HADAR
ALL DECKED out in their new soccer
kits. Torah Academy Boys' High School
soccer team makes every effort to maintain the school's standards of modesty
with tracksuit pants and bandanas.
The school is having an exceptional
soccer season with the under-16 team
scoring a 6 - 1 victory against the
Greenside High team (in the picture
with them) last week, having earlier
notched up a 5 - 0 win over Hirsch Lyons.
SA JEWISH REPORT
YOUTH TALK
15
Alison Goldberg youthsajr@global.co.za
Author Chris van Wyk stresses the KDL kids get involved in
tzedakkah
importance to kids of reading
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY
AMANDA BLANKFIELD
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY JACKIE ANN BELLON
AUTHOR CHRIS van Wyk, who wrote Ouma Ruby's
Secret, visited King David Junior Primary, Linksfield
during the school's Book Week.
He spoke to the children about his writing and
about his childhood and he told the story of Ouma
Ruby, his grandmother, who, although illiterate, had
encouraged her grandson, Chris, to read, hoping that
he would have far more opportunities in life than she
had had.
Chris emphasised the importance of reading and
the children thoroughly enjoyed his talk.
The children also took part in a fancy dress parade,
dressed up as characters from their favourite books.
Dramatisation of extracts from books by the "Hooked
on Books" team and creative thinking and writing
were other activities which were offered during Book
Week.
OUTREACH ORGANISATION
MaAfrika Tikkun took King
David Linksfield Primary
grade 3 learners to one of its
sister community centres in
Alexandra township close to Sandton, last week. Pictured here are
Tarryn Forman and Doron Haberer who collected boxes of books
from their peers for donation to the library in the Phuthaditjaba
Community Centre.
MaAfrika Tikkun would like to encourage other children and
youths to get actively involved in tzedakkah and outreach work as
these learners have done. They so enjoyed interacting with the
Alexandra township children.
Chris van Wyk surrounded by learners at King
David Junior Primary, Linksfield.
Information communication
What a swell party the YC grade Rs threw! technology for Jewish day schools
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY OWN
CORRESPONDENT.
Rabbi Laurence Perez addresses the Yeshiva College learners and their guests.
ROSH CHODESH Elul no loshen hora tea
party was attended by the grade R children
of Yeshiva College in Johannesburg, their
moms and grandparents.
Rabbi Laurence Perez, the managing
director of the campus, spoke on the power
of the Shema, after which the children sang
a medley of songs from their morning davening. The children invited their visitors to
Israeli dancing after which they had tea,
coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.
The feedback from our visitors was most
encouraging.
ORT SA met with representatives
of the various Jewish day schools
recently, to introduce the World
ORT ICT (Information Communication Technology) Seminar
scheduled to take place in South
Africa in February 2010.
This seminar has produced
extremely successful results in
countries such as Argentina, Italy
and Russia, where the schools
have benefited remarkably, ORT
SA says in a media release.
The aim of the seminar is to
introduce multimedia tools and
online resources to enhance the
teaching of Jewish studies. These
will include, to name just a few,
Web 2.0, video conferencing, project-based learning and many
more.
The target audience will
include grade 1 - 6 Jewish studies
teachers from all Jewish schools
and communities from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban,
with reach to other countries in
Africa.
The main funders of the ICT
Seminars are Jean and Terry de
Ginsburg of World ORT and their
vision is to create a network of
professionals
to
strengthen
Jewish education in the Diaspora.
16
SA JEWISH REPORT
Kaylee
Hurwitz
(nee
Aronowitz)
Groom:
Anthony
Married:
January 20
2009
Chuppah:
SydenhamHighlands
North Shul
Photographer:
Toni-Jade
Efune
Jodi
Cannon (nee
Traub)
Groom:
Sean
Married:
December 3
2009
Chuppah:
Great Park
Photographer:
Bruno Gila
Lisa
ReichmanIsraelsohn
(nee Colman)
Groom:
Julian
Married:
April 30 2008
Chuppah:
SydenhamHighlands
North Shul
Photographer:
Mandelle
Bernstein
Hayley
Yudelowitz
(nee
Ostrofsky)
Groom:
Bradley
Married:
January 22
2009
Chuppah:
Sandton Shul
Photographer:
Mandelle
Bernstein
We are waiting for
all you lovely brides!
4. The winner must become an active member of WIZO for one year following the
competition.
5. No photographers are permitted to send in
photographs. The only photographs permitted for entry are those submitted by the
bride herself, or by her photographer with
her explicit permission. All entries MUST
be signed by the bride herself.
6. Photographs will be printed within the
time frame and discretion of the Jewish
Report.
7. All photographs submitted will be judged
with the original photograph, so no digital
images are permitted.
8. Brides must specify whether they would
like their photographs returned to them
after the competition. The photographs
will be available from the WIZO office at
Beyachad in Johannesburg after the culminating function.
9. Very importantly: Please note, all photographs MUST be submitted to WIZO and
NOT to the SA Jewish Report.
OWN CORRESPONDENT
WIZO AVIV SHAFFA, in conjunction with
the SA Jewish Report, is again this year running a Bride of the Year competition. From
the stunning photographs received so far,
this competition - like those in the past - is set
to be a stunning success.
It has become a highlight on the Jewish
social calendar and on top of it, there again
will be a host of mouth-watering prizes. And
the beauty of this competition is that each
and every bride entered, is a winner in her
own right. So, come on girls, we are waiting!
Rolene Marks and Sandy Kramer are the
WIZO contact persons They can be reached
at tel (011) 645-2522 or on wizopublicrelations@beyachad.co.za
Brides from April 2008 until early next
year, are invited to enter their photographs.
Entries are open until early next year.
The rules are as follows:
1. Entries close early in the new year - the
exact date will be announced later. All
brides married from April 1 2008 until
then, are eligible for entry.
2. Bride must be present in Johannesburg at
the time of judging.
3. The top 25 finalists must be in
Johannesburg for the final interview judging, at their own expense or they will be
disqualified.
Send the photos to:
Attention: Sandy or Rolene
WIZO/SAJR Bridal Competition
PO Box 29216, Sandringham
Johannesburg, 2131
or hand-deliver to:
(WIZO at) Beyachad
2 Elray Street, Raedene, Johannesburg, 2192
Please send in your photograph with:
Bride's first and maiden names
Groom's name
Place of chuppah
Date of wedding
Name of photographer
Hayley
Omsky (nee
Wulfson)
Groom:
Avrom
Married:
February 8
2009
Chuppah:
Waverley
Shul
Photographer:
Frank
Tapnack
Ortal Sharp
(nee Shklaz)
Groom:
Jason
Married:
August 28
2008
Chuppah:
Waverley
Shul
Photographer:
Tony-Jade
Efune
Contact telephone number
(bride)
Contact telephone number
(groom)
E-mail address
Postal address
Cell number
Signature, consenting to the printing of this photograph
Would you like to get your photographs back? YES / NO
Note: No entries will be accepted unless all the fields (name, telephone number, e-mail
address etc) are filled in correctly.
THE BRIDGE LOUNGE by Jeff Sapire
ONE ASPECT of card play is the ability to assess
one's opponents when it comes to choosing a line of
play or defence. The stronger the opponents, the
safer it is to draw inferences from their actions.
NS, who were a top class pair, were playing four
card majors - hence the 1NT response.
EW were an inexperienced pair, as shown by the
opening lead. Though some players consider the
lead of a doubleton as a poor choice, in general
there is nothing wrong in doing so, especially if it's
the unbid suit, or anything else looks too dangerous.
But leading suits that the opponents have bid is
one of the surest ways to do badly at bridge (and
maybe lose your partner too). East compounded the
folly by putting up the king of diamonds, taken by
the ace.
It is one thing to play 3rd hand high, but why put
up the honour when partner's lead is either a singleton or doubleton? If East plays low, declarer hasn't the entries to play trumps up and also repeat the
finesse in diamonds.
After winning the first trick, declarer crossed to
dummy with the ace of spades and played a small
heart. When East followed low he now had to decide
whether to play the ten or the king. On this hand,
the ten does the job. West takes the ace and continues diamonds, but declarer is in control. He cashes
the king of hearts, dropping the queen as a bonus,
and draws the last trump, making eleven tricks.
At the table, however, declarer put up the heart
king, which proved disastrous. West took the ace
and continued diamonds. Declarer played a second
trump, taken by East's queen, and now a third diamond gave West the ruff he had been planning from
the start, holding declarer to nine tricks.
South's decision to play the ten of hearts turned
out poorly, but it has my vote. When opponents lead
East dealer, EW vul
NORTH
A74
J64
8765
J52
WEST
J83
A93
92
K9873
SOUTH
KQ10
K10875
AQJ10
C4
South
1H
2D
All pass
postcode
CROSSWORD NO 134
BY LEAH SIMON
EAST
9652
Q2
K43
AQ108
North
1NT
2H
Opening lead: D9
a suit you have bid, it is far more likely to be a
singleton, so declarer's idea was to get the
trumps out as fast as possible - he was hoping
the king would win so he could play another
round.
Someone correctly pointed out that one does
not usually lead from shortage with a trump
holding like Qx or Qxx, because the queen will
often make naturally anyway. But when the
opposition is weak the inference is unclear.
Every Tuesday (semi-beginners) and
Wednesday (intermediate) at 10:00 I run bridge
workshops at the Great Park Shul, off
Glenhove Road. For more information, call me
on cell number 082-551-2526 or e-mail me at
jeffshirl@telkomsa.net
ACROSS:
1. Penny gets nothing, again, for extinct
bird (4)
3. Cheeky melody heard outside (5, 3)
8. Adore a part of Slovenia (4)
9. Dust, too, comes to nothing - but was
exceptional (5, 3)
11. A good grasp of what the layers yield
(6, 2, 4)
13. Trade leader upset steed, but tried (6)
14. American lass gets metal in plenty
(6)
17. How to make strikers increase - and
in crease (7, 5)
20. Race around land for year planner (8)
21. Is Al upset by the girl? (4)
22. Begs for a measure of indulgences (8)
23. Spot in headless python (4)
1
DOWN:
1. Day of the year in which parasites are disturbed - they’re
quite fragile (8)
2. Gobbles up Penny over us,
somehow (7)
4. Allotment in proportion to the
north (6)
5. Rock star? A well-built one! (5, 5)
6. Make man go awkwardly
between them (5)
7. Not quite the truth about
Biblical character (4)
10. Peace can’t surround 100willingness to take on (3, 7)
12. Fury about bare month (8)
15. Decrees for either district
attorney in south (7)
16. Can’t, if confused, actually (2, 4)
18. Everyone returns to share it out (5)
19. German dismay over east - what a
pain! (4)
SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 133
ACROSS: 1. Heal; 3. Undercut; 8. Gasp;
9. Hung jury; 11. Forty thieves; 13.
Venice; 14. Endure; 17. Frankenstein; 20.
Despairs; 21. Feng; 22. Monsters; 23.
User.
DOWN: 1. High five; 2. Also ran; 4.
Nought; 5. Eagle’s nest; 6. Crude; 7.
Toys; 10. Eye contact; 12. Teenager; 15.
Useless; 16. Terror; 18. Resin; 19. Adam.
2
3
5
4
6
7
9
8
10
11
12
15
14
13
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
SA JEWISH REPORT
WHAT’S ON
NOTE: Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday
prior to publication.
Key to organisations, venues, contact details
and cost:
• Beyachad Resource Centre/Library, 2 Elray St,
Raedene, 2192. Norma Shulman (011) 645-2567. email:library@beyachad.co.za
• Bikkur Cholim - Jewish Society for Visiting the Sick,
7A Chester Road, Greenside East, Johannesburg.
Joy Gafin (011) 447-6689.
• CAJE - College of Adult Jewish Education,
Sydenham Highlands North Shul (011)640-5021.
• CSO - Emergency phone number 086 18 000 18.
• FFHS - Friendship Forum for Holocaust Survivors,
Second Generation and Members of the Community
Affected by the Holocaust. Presentations held at the
Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres, 85 George
Ave, Sandringham
• HOD - Hebrew Order of David International. HOD
Centre Oaklands Road, Orchards. Office (011) 640
3017 - info@hodavid.org
• JAFFA - Jewish Accomodation for Fellow Aged.
(012) 346-2007/8.
• KDESF - King David Schools’ Foundation. King
David Alumni info@kdsf.org (011) 480-4723.
• Nechama Bereavement Counselling Centre - Room
A304, 3rd Floor, hospital wing, Sandringham
Gardens, 85 George Avenue, Sandringham, 2192.
Contact (011) 640-1322.
• New Friendship Ladies Group - A group for single
women - contact Lucille (011) 791-5226 or 082927-5786.
• ORT and ORTJET South Africa - 44 Central Street,
Cnr 10th Ave, Houghton. Contact (011) 728-7154.
• Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre (RCHCC) and
Great Park Shul, Johannesburg. Contact Hazel,
(011) 728-8088 or Rene Sidley (011) 728-8378.
Cost usually R50, including refreshments.
• SAIJE - Sandton Adult Institute of Jewish Education,
Sandton Shul (011) 883-4210. E-mail: saije@sandtonshul.co.za.
• Second Innings, Johannesburg - Jewish Community
Services - Donald Gordon Centre, 85 George Avenue
Sandringham. Their Tea ‘n Talk group meets at the
Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres, 85 George
Avenue Sandringham every Sunday morning for tea
at 10h00 followed by the meeting at 10h30. Contact
Grecia Gabriel (011) 532-9718 for information.
• Society of Israel Philately (SIP) - daniels@wbx.oc.za.
Contact Maurice (011) 485-2293.
• South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Jhb) Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene. Contact (011)
645-2500 or (011) 645-2523.
• South African Zionist Federation (SAZF),
Johannesburg - Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene.
Contact Froma, (011) 645-2505.
• The Israel Centre. Contact Debbie (011) 645-2560.
• The Jewish National Fund (JNF) Choir, Beyachad, 2
Elray St, Raedene. Contact Crystal Kaplan. 083-3765999.
• The Jewish Outlook Team. Contact Ryan Cane,
Support line: 27 76 215 8600; e-mail info@jewishoutlook.org.za; website http://www.jewishoutlook.org.za
• The Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society (JWBS) Sandringham Gardens, 85 George Avenue
Sandringham 2192. Contact Carolyn Sabbagh. (011)
485-5232.
• The Simcha Friendship and Cultural Circle (SFCC),
Johannesburg - Sandton Shul. Contact Sylvia Shull,
(011) 783-5600.
• The United Sisterhood, 38 Oxford Road Parktown.
Contact
Marian
(011)
646-2409.
website:http://www.unitedsisterhood.co.za
• Tiyulim (Jewish Outdoor Club) - Contact Martin 082965-7419 or Greg 082-959-9026
• Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Johannesburg - 1
Oak Street Houghton. Contact (011) 648-1053. Cost
R15 for the Friendship Luncheon Club.
• Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Cape Town - (021)
434-9555, e-mail: info@ujwcape.co.za
• United Zionist Luncheon Club (UZLC), Johannesburg
- Our Parents Home. Contact Gloria, (011) 485-4851
or 072-127-9421.
• UOS- Union of Orthodox Synagogues (011) 4854865. E-mail: info@uos.co.za. Fax 086-610-3442
• WIZO Johannesburg - Beyachad, 2 Elray Street
Raedene. Contact Joyce Chodos (011) 645-2548 or
Sandy Kramer (011) 645-2515.
Wednesday (September 23)
• SFCC is having an Israeli dancing lesson with Ora in
the games room at Sandton Shul at 10:00.
• UJW Cape Town Clara Gersholowitz will be talking
on Sholem Aleichem. Venue: Stonehaven. Time:
17
Barry Bilewitz carro@global.co.za
10:00 for 10:30 am. Entrance: R15.00 (incl
refreshments).
• WIZO Glenlinks branch present: “A Return of the
Yiddish Evening!” Rochelle Winer will entertain with
anecdotes, bobba meises and Yiddish folklore,
19:00 for 19:30 at the Capri Hotel. Cost R200.
RSVP Sheila on (011) 645-2517 or Alice on (011)
786-6529.
• JWBS presents an evening of spectacular entertainment with mentalist, Larry Soffer. Be amazed by his
repertoire of mind reading, metal bending and visual complexity. Venue: Crawford Prep, Benmore.
Time: 19:00 for 19:30. Cost: R120. Bookings: Leigh
083-441-7287; Glynne: 083-777-1621; Tracey:
082-880-6506.
• WIZO AVIV Reshet No limit Texas Hold’em Poker
Tournament at the Simon Kuper Hall at 17:30 for
18:00. R500 donation includes food and drinks.
RSVP Dina Diamond: dinakaps@yahoo.com
084-400-0745 or Ruth Shapiro-Lewis: ruth@
proteadiamonds.co.za 082-885-8423.
Tuesday (October 6)
• WIZO Ilanit and Camelot Beauty School present a
pamper day for teens, from 13:00 - 16:00, Cost R150.
To book contact Andrea on 083-677-8999 or Beulah
073-162-6999.
• World WIZO Bible Day. Honour the recipients of
the Rebecca Sieff Awards. Special guest Judy
Alter will speak on “The Value of a Friend”. Venue:
Oxford Shul succah at 09:30. Booking is essential.
Wednesday (October 7)
• SFCC is hosting Brian Altshuler, architect, sculptor,
painter, writer, researcher and lecturer on
“Landmarks of Johannesburg, Past and Present”.
Slide presentation. R20. Venue: Sandton Shul at
10:00.
• KDSF presents “KD’s Got Talent”. Finals at KDHSL
hall.
Thursday (September 24)
• UJW Cape Town - Rahla Xenopoulos will talk on her
latest book “A Memoir of Love and Madness”. Venue:
Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance: R15
(incl refreshments).
• KDSF presents the class of ‘69 reunion at 12:30 for
13:00 at the KDHSL pool. RSVP: Ronel on (011)
480-4710 or zeffr@kdsf.org
Tuesday (October 13)
Friday (September 25)
• Second Innings presents Justice Ralph Zulman - “Are
Judges Human?” at Our Parents Home at 14:30.
Contact Siggy Meinstein on 082-443 2711.
• UZLC presents Arthur Goldstuck on “Bobba Meises
& Urban Legends”.
Wednesday (September 30)
• KDSF presents “KD’s Got Talent”. Auditions:
September 30 at KD JAM (KD Linksfield campus) and KDHSVP Drama Centre from 16:00 19:00. Finals: October 7 at KDHSL hall. For
details contact Ronel on (011) 480-4710 or
zeffr@kdsf.org
• UJW Cape Town - Dr Moyra Stein will talk on
“Women - All you Want to Know”. Venue:
Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance: R15
(incl refreshments).
Wednesday (October 14)
• SFCC hosts Rabbi Michael Katz of Chabad who will
speak on a subject of topical interest at Sandton Shul
at 10:00.
Friday (October 16)
• UZLC presents Isla Feldman, on “Yesterday - today
and tomorrow - Israel Greening the World”.
Sunday (October 18)
• Tea ‘n Talk presents virtuoso pianist Tony Bentel Solo.
18
SA JEWISH REPORT
Sweet songs at Highlands House
MOIRA SCHNEIDER
PHOTOGRAPH: PETER HIRSCHSON
THE GREEN and SeaPoint
Hebrew Congregation Shul choir
entertained 80 residents at a preRosh Hashanah concert at
Highlands House, with Cantor
Ivor Joffe and choirmaster David
Gordon officiating.
The morning was sponsored by
the
shul’s
Ladies
Guild.
Presenting a Bnoth Zion certificate of appreciation to Joffe (far
right) is chairman Esther Bloch.
On her right (in pink top) is June
Hayman, Weekend Activities Coordinator at Highlands House.
David Gordon is on Hayman’s
right.
House and Garden Club hands
KMM a R25 000 cheque
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY
RITA LEWIS
HELEN SLAVIN, chairman of
the UJW House and Garden Club,
recently
presented
Kosher
Mobile Meals’ convener, Glenda
Goldberg with a cheque for
R25 000. Slavin said the group had
raised some R25 000 last year and
this year had been no different.
She told the gathering that
Goldberg’s organisation worked
day and night to put together
tasty and appetising kosher
meals for the Jewish indigent the numbers of which were growing exponentially.
Goldberg thanked the House
and Garden Circle for raising the
money for them. She explained
that all the food was made and
distributed from Sandringham
Gardens as logistically this was
most viable and convenient.
She said her organisation,
Kosher Mobile Meals was not to
be mixed up with Kosher Meals
on Wheels which is a totally separate entity.
During her address to the
House and Garden Circle at its
annual general meeting, Slavin
praised the members of the club
for their support and continued
attendance which allowed money
to be raised for Kosher Mobile
Meals.
She thanked the owners of the
many magnificent gardens who
had allowed the club to not only
hold their meetings in them, but
invited the members to walk
around, inspect and admire - and
of course ask questions on the
soil, planting, fertilising etc.
Many members had learnt a
great deal from such visits.
Owners - and their gardeners who had spoken about how they
had started up their gardens from
scratch, or added on to what had
been there when they had
acquired their property, inspired
many of the women to go home
and rethink their own layouts
and how they could revamp and
redesign their own gardens.
Slavin said they were always on
the look out for new gardens such as the one they were in
which belonged to mosaic expert
and ceramist Diane Levine in
Houghton.
During the morning Levine
gave an interesting talk on how
many different ways to use
mosaics today such as to cover
pots, as designs around mirrors,
in bathrooms, pools etc.
A large variety of colours now
on offer made it easier for craftsmen to follow current trends in
decorating.
She said the craft was relaxing
while being mentally stimulating
at the same time and it was very
easy to get hooked on to it as modern-day materials which were
very suitable for the craft, were
easily accessible.
On behalf of the House and Garden Club, their chairman, Helen
Slavin hands monies collected by the group to Glenda Goldberg,
convener of Kosher Mobile Meals.
One good example of an interesting modern mosaic piece is
Baldinelli’s work at Hyde Park
Shopping Centre (by the cinemas).
However, she said mosaic was
not just a modern-day occupation. She spoke of the many historical sites which existed where
it was possible to see proof of
how life was in those days.
Some of the oldest examples of
mosaics are from civilisations
which existed 5 000 years ago. In
many places, mosaics from
Mesopotamia, Alexandria and
Sumaria have been unearthed
and many exist showing leaders
such as Alexander the Great.
She said the level of skill and
talent existing then had not been
reached in today’s world.
Another successful ORT JET
BEST programme in CT
MICHELLE ALPERT
UJW CT honours
Georgina Solomon’s
long service
MOIRA SCHNEIDER
CAPE TOWN
PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED
A CELEBRATORY tea to mark the
30th anniversary of Georgina
Solomon’s employment by the
Union of Jewish Women (UJW),
Cape Town, was held at Coffee
Time on September 4.
Along with members attending
was Sybil Moses, who had
informed Solomon about the
available position all those years
ago. Also present was Solomon’s
son, Kyle, who was permitted by
his high school to write his examination paper earlier that morning in the principal’s office to
enable him to attend the occasion.
Pictured here with Solomon are
members of the Florentia group
of the UJW, Eda Belikoff (chairman, Florentia group), Georgina
Solomon, Elsa Smeyatzky and
Freda Farkas.
AFTER THE launch of a fantastic
BEST programme in Cape Town
2008, ORT JET, in partnership
with Chabad J-Biz and sponsored
by Macsteel, ran a second BEST
(Business Education and Skills
Training) series in the Cape,
which finished last week.
ORT JET (Jewish Entrepreneurial Training) was established over four years ago to support and grow Jewish businesses.
Business knowledge, resources,
skills and contacts are leveraged
through access to networks within the Jewish community.
Volunteer consultants provide
the necessary support for Jewish
businesses and entrepreneurs to
remain in business and become
self-sufficient.
In a media release ORT JET
said it once again presented a
series of lectures given by South
African leaders in business and
marketing. The BEST lectures
were open to ORT JET-assisted
businesses as well as any other
small businesses in the communi-
Delegates at the ORT BEST course, Nilly Baruch, Steve Armsdorf,
Rabbi Pini Hecht, Sylvia and Paul Friedman and David Hepple.
ty. The course topics covered
included: “Using ITC to keep your
business ahead” and “The attributes of an entrepreneur”. This is
run as a free service to the Jewish
community.
• For more information on
ORT JET, or if you have a busi-
ness or know of a business that
is in need of assistance, or would
like to become a consultant who
can assist a business in need,
please contact the ORT JET
Administrator, Cindy Silberg on
(011)
728-7154
or
e-mail
cindy@ortjet.org.za
ARI WAS YOUNGEST QUIZ CONTESTANT
IN THE article on the Israel Quiz in last week’s Jewish Report, Ari Chipkin who came 3rd was the youngest
contestant in last year’s quiz and not King David Victory Park learner Yehuda Rabinowitz, as stated.
SA JEWISH REPORT 19
To book your
classified
notice contact:
Tel (011) 886-0162
Fax (011) 886-4202
email:
brittl@global.co.za
GENERAL
SECURITY
HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT:
1. Only adverts sent via email to brittl@global.co.za will be accepted. 2. You will be advised on cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing.
4. DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT is Tuesday 12pm. If deadline is missed the advert will appear (when payment is received) in the next edition.
Our banking details: SA Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405
NOTICES
THE JEWISH REPORT
RUNS ADVERTS IN THE
CLASSIFIED SECTION IN
GOOD FAITH, HOWEVER
WE WOULD LIKE OUR
READERS TO KNOW WE
CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE QUALITY
OF SERVICES OFFERED
AND CLAIMS MADE.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
WIZO South Africa’s
“Progressive
Jackpot”
Competition
Winner of the 3RD
DRAW in the
was P. TUCKER,
ticket No. 55083.
Second prize went to
A. HIRSCHMAN, ticket
No. 55011.
The winner of the
4TH DRAW was
E. GOLDBLUM ticket
No. 55340.
Second prize went to
L. SILVER ticket No.
56364.
CONSECRATIONS
PERSONAL
Young bobba wishes to
meet young zaida
unattached.
Tel: (011) 788-3776
SOULMATES
WISHES YOU SHANA
TOVA AND WELL OVER
THE FAST!
COUNTRYWIDE - MANY
GAUTENG & CAPE MEMBERS! RESULTS 173 WED 261
MATCHES!
BEAUTIFUL/HANDSOME
SINGLES SEEK MATCHES
Beautiful blonde architect 27;
handsome CA 25; advocates
31, 45, 58; pretty blonde
receptionist 57; good looking
vet 29; handsome attorney 66;
pretty blonde attorney 24;
charismatic CA (own business);
40 yr beautiful pharmacist; 32 yr
good looking MD 65; beautiful
fashion designer 36; good looking engineer (own business) 45;
handsome exec 46; pretty grad
32; beautiful dancing teacher
37; charismatic handsome prof
man 68; stunnning doctors 28,
36, 43, 49, 58; handsome attorneys 29, 36, 46, 56 etc. etc.
MANY OTHER
PRETTY/HANDSOME
PROF/EXEC/BUSINESS
SINGLES ARE WAITING
TO MEET YOU! SANDY
(011) 485-4034 /
082-357-3616
COMPUTERS
ROODMAN
COMPUTERS
Specialising in training of
basic software skills; software upgrading & computer maintenance.
We come to you!
Raymond Roodman:
082-528-7380
079-8999-386
Reliable,
Reasonable Rates!
Contact Arnold,
082-447-0185
011-454-1193
BUSINESS
BOOKKEEPING
& ACCOUNTING
OFFICER
Excel & Pastel
On / Off
Premises
JN ACCOUNTS
SERVICES
072-203-5305
(011) 882-9701
LIFTS
ALWYN - ZAIDA’S TAXI
SERVICE
We specialise in transport,
house-to-destination, school
service, old age homes
and airport trips.
Call Alwyn on
(011) 646-5265 or
083-541-7929
EX ISRAELI SERVICEMAN
Neil Zimerman wishes all his
loyal clients Le Shana Tova and
well over the fast
24 hr lifts available
Call Neil 072-050-9927
CASTLEMANIA
Jumping Castles for hire.
Weekend deliveries.
www.fantasiacastles.co.za
GLENDA: (011) 452-1958
LIFTS
A-TAXI SERVICE
Let Warren Pogorelsky chauffeur
you to your destination in
Jo’burg and back only R100
round trip.
Tel: 082-399-6187
AIRPORT SHUTTLE
* R150 *
from Glenhazel and neighbouring suburbs. Also available for
shopping, hospitals etc.
Safe and reliable.
SAM (011) 728-5219
083-627-8516
CAPE TOWN
HOWIE'S SHUTTLE
Airport transfers
General lifting
Scenic drives
Day trips
Driver for hire.
Full passenger liability cover.
Phone Howard
082-711-4616
CAPE TOWN
SHUTTLE
COMING TO
CAPE TOWN?
AFFORDABLE
RATES.
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
FROM R160
NEW
COMFORTABLE
VEHICLE
PHONE ANDY
082-336-9780
LIFTS AVAILABLE
For all age groups and to all
areas in JHB, Sandton and
Airport.
Contact Johnny
082-328-3070 or
082-876-9042
FOR SALE
CLOTHING
FOR SALE!
Customised hats
Hats under R230
Acrylic wigs
Pam (011) 485-3623
www.customisedhats.co.za
PROPERTY
HOME SERVICES
BATHROOMS
BATHROOMS
NEW OR RENOVATIONS.
WE SUPPLY DIRECT ON ALL
BRANDS-LOCAL &
IMPORTED.
FARREL LEVIN
082-577-9690.
ABSOLUTELY ALL
Home repairs,
General maintenance
and electrical,
24 hours
Call Mendel
084 559 7923
(011) 640-1429
Pensioners 10% discount
ACCOMMODATION
TO LET/SHARE
CLEANING
WAVERLEY, JHB
Professional to share with
2 women: R4 000 pm
Gorgeous, fully furnished cluster (near shul). 24-hr security
plus SWAP. RENT INCL:
elect+water, under floor heating,
gardener, pool guy, satellite.
For more info, contact:
Debbi 082-324-2090,
dmaranz@gmail.co.za
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
RAYMOND K'S LIFTS
A reliable lift service.
Specialising in lifts to & from airports, shops, appointments,
companion.
Call Raymond
076-481-1495
SMILE-LEE'S LIFTS
A reliable lift service.
Specialising in lifts to and from
airports, shops, appointments,
casinos and courier.
Call Charna 083-391-6612
TUITION & EDUCATION
AL’S LIFT SERVICE
Safe, Reliable, Reasonable
ANYWHERE – ANYTIME
To: Schools, Shops, Doctors,
Appointments, Airports etc.
Alan 082-879-8111 or
(011) 442-6404
TUITION & EDUCATION
Experienced, reliable
driver available to lift you
anywhere/anytime.
24 hrs.
Call Paul 083-542-6480
IRENE'S SCHLEP
SERVICE
I will take you anywhere:
School, Shops, Doctor, Friends
and Airport. Honest and
trustworthy. Schlepped by Irene
072-356-0282
Not on Shabbat
HIRE
SERVICES
AIRPORT SHUTTLE
JHB
LIFTS
EXTRA LESSONS
Qualified Teacher available for
2010 Primary & High School.
Atlantic Seaboard/ Newlands
Area
Contact Loren:
072-601-9026
GENERAL
WANT TO RENOVATE
YOUR HOME BUT AFRAID
OF COMPROMISING
SECURITY?
• Over 30 years of experience
• On site supervision
• Only reliable, skilled & trustworthy labour used
• Bathrooms, kitchens, lighting,
cupboards
• Renovations & additions
• General repairs undertaken
Call Max Swartz on
082-443-7310
SECURITY
COME TO
CAPE TOWN TO A
BEAUTIFUL
KOSHER FLAT
A 3-bedroom, ground floor
kosher flat, 250 m from the sea
and all shuls in Sea Point.
Available for chaggim and
December/Jan
Call 083-337-0263
for more details
WANTED
ACCOMODATION
REQUIRED
for respectable elderly domestic
maid in area convenient to
Inyoni Creek Retirement Village
(adjacent Elphin Lodge).
Phone Barry
082-344-4557
VEHICLES
WANTED
ARE YOU
IMMIGRATING
OVERSEAS AND
WANT TO SELL
YOUR VEHICLE?
Please Contact
Solly Kramer
082-922-3597
anytime
20
SA JEWISH REPORT
Israelis hopeful after Nadal pull-out
Maccabi Table Tennis
Club up and running
Maccabi Linksfield Table Tennis Club juniors: Chava Barit, Shai Feldman and Adam
Feldman with coach Chijoke Osuji.
JACK MILNER
THE MACCABI LINKSFIELD Table Tennis Club (MLTTC) had literally been in tatters a year ago but through hard work and
the sponsorship of Boston Campus, they
are back - and as strong as ever.
In fact, they were able to reclaim their
Central Gauteng League title, which they
lost last year - although they were the runners-up. But the club has dominated this
league and has now won it four times in
the last five years.
"We rebuilt the club this year and we
have currently 20 members playing in the
league,'' explained MLTTC stalwart Rainer
Sztab. Rainer, along with Alan Ginsberg
and Nigerian Chijoke Osuji, were the team
that captured the league.
"Chijoke is relatively new at the club.
He's ranked in the top 10 in the country
and he also coaches our juniors,''
explained Rainer.
Coming up later this month is the SA
Interprovincial tournament and the
MLTTC will be out in full force. Rainer,
Alan Ginsberg, and Simon Dimant will
represent Gauteng in the veterans section with Adrian Berkowitz in the
women's division. Chijoke is playing in
the seniors along with Gila Barit while
Chava Barit, Shai Feldman and his
younger brother Adam, will contest the
junior section.
"Gauteng Maccabi has been resurrected,'' said Rainer. "We represent all age
groups. It is the end of the season but we're
still having coaching.''
Anyone interested in being coached, or
wanting to play competitively or socially,
can contact Rainer on 082-440-2749, or
e-mail him at rainer@rainer.co.za
Sprint legend Carl Lewis
inspires Israeli audience
Carl Lewis.
FORMER 100M WORLD record-holder
Carl Lewis, used his wealth of competitive experience to try and inspire a group
of Israeli workers when he addressed the
Bezeq Expo in Tel Aviv this week.
The 48-year-old American, who won
nine Olympic gold medals and eight
World Championship golds in a career
spanning 18 years, had been hired by
Bezeq as a motivational speaker.
"People are always focused on being
number one in the world. I never wanted to
be number one. I wanted to be the best all
the time," the former athlete remembered.
"Before every race I would shake every
athlete's hand. I would say to the other
athletes good luck with my hand and
you've lost with my eyes."
One of Lewis' most prominent victories
came in the 1988 Olympic 100m final when
he came in second but was awarded the
gold after winner Ben Johnson tested positive for steroids.
Another standout performance was in
the 1991 World Championships final when
he reclaimed the world record with a time
of 9,86s.
During Monday's talk Lewis attempted
to explain what it feels like to run the
fastest any human has ever run.
"The best way to describe it is that the
faster you run the easier you feel. The
100m is the ultimate dichotomy," he said.
"You have to be explosive, powerful and
strong and at the same time be relaxed
and smooth."
ISRAEL'S DAVIS Cup players were cautiousincrease our chances of winning."
ly optimistic on Sunday ahead of this weekEven without Nadal (3) and Fernando
end's Davis Cup semifinal against Spain.
Verdasco (10), the Spanish team includes
Dudi Sela (35), Harel Levy (138), Andy
four players in the world's top-40: Tommy
Ram, Yoni Erlich, Noam Okun and captain
Robredo (15), David Ferrer (19), Juan Carlos
Eyal Ran, arrived in Murcia
Ferrero (25) and Feliciano
last Sunday, as they stepped
Lopez (37).
up their preparations for
"I'm happy Nadal isn't
the historic tie.
playing, but they still have
The team was welcomed
some of the best players in
by stormy weather in
the world," Sela said.
Murcia and had to settle for
"Spain is the best team in
a workout in the gym.
the world."
The news that Rafael
However, this is going to
Nadal will miss the best-ofbe a David v Goliath tie for
five series, gave the Israelis
Israel. Spain has won all
a small boost, even though
three of its previous meetall involved still believe
ings with Israel. The last
Spain is a massive favourite
time the two met was in
to advance to the final and
1996, when Israel took just
play the winner of the other
one match in a 4-1 defeat in
semi between Croatia and
Ramat Hasharon.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal.
the Czech Republic.
Defending champions
"Playing in the semis of the Davis Cup is a
Spain follow 2006 champion Russia in lookdream come true. This is an historic achieveing to reach the final on defence of their
ment for Israeli sports," Ram said on Sunday.
title (Russia lost the 2007 final to the US).
"The fact that Nadal isn't playing, gives
They have won their last 16 home ties and
us a bit of motivation that maybe we can do
last 18 ties on clay. Spain is bidding to reach
it. Had he played he would have certainly
its seventh Davis Cup final.
won both his matches. Nevertheless, every
Israel has already made history in this
one of their players is better than us on
year's Davis Cup and is competing in its
paper.
first-ever semifinal after defeating Sweden
"We are coming as an underdog and withand Russia so far this year.
out any pressure. That could be to our
Challenges for the Israelis include the
advantage and maybe we just might be able
facts that the Spanish fans are no less rauto steal a historic victory."
cous than Israel's and the tie will be played
Levy didn't fly with the rest of the team
on clay courts.
from Israel, coming directly from Genoa,
"It will be very difficult against Spain,"
Italy, where he played a Challenger event
Levy admits. "We don't deceive ourselves.
last week.
We'll prepare ourselves as much as possible,
The 31-year-old, who reached the quarterand we'll try to be the ones who finally
finals in Genoa, is hoping the clay courts of
break their crazy streak."
Italy will be a good preparation for Murcia's
Erlich added: "Everything is possible,
red surface.
everything starts at zero-zero. Obviously it
"I got used to playing on clay and feel ready
will be very difficult, especially playing
for the tie," Levy said. "I'm slightly disapthere on clay. We do our best, we give our
pointed Nadal will not play, although it does
hearts and more than that we cannot do."

- SA Jewish Report

Transcription

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