On Thursday, 28th December guests gathered from around the globe for a celebration at the Friends of the UJC Cape Town year-end summer event.
The event, which has become a highlight of the festive season in Cape Town, was held at the newly built Investec offices in the V&A Waterfront. Investec has been our sponsor for 15 years and it was a privilege to host our event at their new home. A lovely evening was enjoyed by all and the feedback we received after the event was heartwarming.
Guests mingled with Friends from far and wide and enjoyed the magnificent views of this unique location. They were treated to a wonderful musical performance by duo Dani Bitton and Elanit Judes and to gourmet food of the highest calibre, catered by Stanley Norrie and Jacques Erasmus of Hemelhuijs.
Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec Bank PLC, spoke on behalf of the Bank, whereafter Michael Kovensky introduced our Guest Speaker, the Mayor of Cape Town, Mr Geordin Hill-Lewis. Geordin was elected to Parliament in 2011 at the age of 24, at the time the youngest MP to be elected. He served as the DA’s shadow minister for Finance and shadow minister for Trade and Industry. He served for five years as chief of staff to the then Leader of the Democratic Alliance and Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille. He has a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of London. The Mayor spoke well and left all feeling inspired and hopeful.
Marco Van Embden, Chairman of the Friends and the David Susman Community Foundation addressed the guests and shared with them the Friends successful 15 year journey. The main focus of the annual Friends event is to ensure support for the sustainable future of the Cape Town Jewish community and to celebrate Jewish Life in the Mother City. The proceeds of the Friends event support the Community Foundation. These funds have grown significantly since inception, with dedicated oversight by a Board of Trustees. A number of important bequests and legacies have added to the financial strength of the Foundation. The Foundation is crucial to the Cape Town Jewish community, as it serves as a protection mechanism against any future adversity which may befall it.
The Community Foundation also supports strategic and impactful initiatives which will ensure the vibrancy, strength and longevity of the Cape Town Jewish community. Important projects are provided with seed funding in order to ensure the community continues
to evolve and prosper.
We thank our Patrons, Friends, Donors and loyal supporters, and believe that the Friends as well as the Community Foundation will continue to grow from strength to strength.
We would like to thank our generous sponsor Investec Bank.
For more information on the Friends of the UJC Cape Town contact friends@ctjc.co.za or call +27 21 464 6700.
• Published in the March 2024 issue – Click here to start reading.
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