The Jaffa Gate – Restored with the generous help of SA Jewry 1969

Jaffa Gate

By: David Kaplan – Editor and Chief Correspondent to the TELFED English magazines and previous chairman of TELFED

The impact of South African Jewry is felt throughout Israel.

Like so many spots all over the country – from kindergartens, schools, dams, libraries, parks, botanical gardens, hospital wings and wards – the plaques tell the story of the South African contribution. The Jaffa Gate is another example of South African philanthropy dating back to the late 1960s, celebrating the return of Jewish life to the Old City, in the post Six Day War period. 

Another example is the Old Yeshiva Court Museum in the Jewish Quarter, Mendel Kaplan’s first philanthropic project in Israel. It shows Jewish life in the Old City during the 18th and 19th century. South African Jewish philanthropy of the sixties and seventies was inspired by the desire to make a mark on the revival of Jewish Jerusalem.

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• Published in the April 2024 issue – Click here to start reading.

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