By Daniel Bloch
On 18 December 2022, the Hermanus Hebrew Congregation held a moving and special reconsecration service at the Hermanus Jewish Cemetery.
The ceremony was attended by more than 50 people from around the world, including Cape SAJBD Chair-person Adrienne Jacobson, Executive Director Daniel Bloch and Board member David King.
In 2021 the cemetery was vandalised, and the community came together with the support of Rav Moshe Silberhaft and the Cape SAJBD, to raise funds to restore the damaged tombstones and lay flat several others. During the ceremony, shul president Seymour Abrahams welcomed all the visitors, especially those who had travelled from Israel and Mauritius for the occasion. Seymour recalled the day he received the call informing him of the desecration. He remembered experiencing numerous emotions including anger and of course sadness. Who could do such a thing? and why target Hermanus?
The shul trustees immediately sprang into action and consulted with Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft regarding the restoration. The Cape SAJBD provided support through its social media platforms, highlighting what had happened in Hermanus. This exposure and awareness assisted the fundraising campaign with donations received from all over the world. The shortfall was made up by the shul.
Rabbi Silberhaft delivered a touching speech and then conducted the service. The group read aloud the names etched on each tombstone — a fitting tribute to loved ones who will always be remembered. The service concluded with a brocha at the shul, where stories were shared, memories relived and new friendships forged. Hermanus is a truly special community.
Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies website: www.capesajbd.org, Instagram, and Facebook page.
• Published in the February 2023 Digital Edition – Click here to read it.
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