By Daniel Bloch, Executive Director, Cape SAJBD
Has everyone gone mad? People seem to be losing the plot and running around like headless chickens. It doesn’t seem to matter what the topic is – elections, Israel-Gaza, American university campuses, who to invite to the next bar mitzvah, Mother’s Day presents, and even squabbling over whether you want Manchester City or Arsenal to win the English Premier League. I have the answers – vote for a non corrupt political party which serves all our interests. There will be peace in the Middle East tomorrow. Go to UCT or Stellies. Invite everyone to the brocha. Whatever you buy, your mother will love it, and Manchester United will win the League. If only all these answers were as simple as that – you know I am talking nonsense when I say Manchester United will win anything these days.
Some of these issues are really complicated and cannot be defined in one article. And what you may think are the simpler things like a Mother’s Day present, don’t kid yourself: it may be easier to solve the crisis in the Middle East! Regardless of any of these answers, it appears that everyone seems to be going nuts at the moment and I think it’s important for all of us to take our foot off the pedal, look around, and reassess things in a calm and measured manner.
The war in Israel has really changed everyone’s lives. There is literally nowhere we can go and nothing we can do without this coming up in conversation or even affecting any action we take. Naturally, we all get worked up when discussing Israel, so perhaps try to change up the conversation and you will quickly see how the mood changes and also how you may become slightly calmer.
University campuses in America are on tilt and parents in Cape Town are going crazy worrying about their kids at UCT and Stellies. Sure, we have an anti-Israel element at both these campuses; however, for now, our campus life continues as normal. It’s not to say that nothing can happen, but, for now we are monitoring the situation; the various universities are acutely aware of the situation and we will all manage whatever comes our way. In short, stop causing panic, let your kids go to class and allow them to focus on the upcoming exams. If any parent or student has any concerns, they are more than welcome to reach out to me.
I have people calling me about the National elections (which will be over by the time you read this). Who should they vote for? Who are these new parties? What does the future of the Western Cape look like? Now I cannot tell you who to vote for as every party certainly has different agendas and they have their own views on Israel as well. You see how Israel suddenly comes into play – why should Israel impact the work done by whomever runs the Western Cape? I know there will be one or two people stewing when reading these words and will probably send me a private WhatsApp sharing their discontent. The reality is that you should vote for someone who will improve your life and the lives of those around you. However, if they are anti-Israel, then of course stay clear.
Don’t be drawn into mad conversations with people who are negative and only want to complain. Whilst there may be loads of crazy things to discuss, try and focus on all the positives and, if you need to pray, please pray that Manchester United win the
FA Cup, or at the very least, don’t get thrashed by Manchester City.
Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies website: www.capesajbd.org, Instagram, and Facebook page.
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