Rev. Kenneth Meshoe (ACDP), Ambassador Arthur Lenk, Cheryllyn Dudley (ACDP) and Steve Swart (ACDP)
On 13 June, the South African Zionist Federation (Cape Council), in partnership with the South African Board of Deputies Cape and the United Jewish Campaign hosted a farewell for the Ambassador, Arthur Lenk.
Eric Marx, Chairman of the SAJBD welcomed all and Phillip Krawitz spoke on behalf of the Cape Town Community when he praised the Ambassador for his outstanding achievements during his term. Ambassador Lenk began his assignment as Ambassador of Israel to South Africa, Lesotho, Mauritius and Swaziland in early August 2013. The Ambassador’s responsibility was to share Israel’s story, its achievements, aspirations and challenges to a variety of audiences in South Africa.
During his time in office, he promoted the global agendas of Israel, in policy and public affairs, and in business across southern Africa. He also promoted Israel as a brand, as an amazing tourist destination, as a business partner and as a liberal democracy.
Some of the things that the Ambassador has done to promote Israel include bringing Israeli musicians to perform at Joy of Jazz and Oppikoppi in 2015 and facilitating the contest for SA’s best start-up with Microsoft and the City of Tel Aviv, which is now held annually avelox cena.
In his address at the farewell, he said that there are many things in South Africa which the Israeli and Jewish communities have to offer and he believes that South Africa should take advantage of Israel’s strengths and widen the conversation and cooperation between the two countries.
