By Adrienne Jacobson
I am currently reading Perspectives and Responses to 7 October, Studies in Contemporary Antisemitism. This three-volume anthology, edited by Rosa Freedman and David Hirsh, Senior Lecturer at Goldsmiths’, University of London and Academic Director of the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, on the study of contemporary antisemitism has captured my full attention. We are looking forward to hosting David in Cape Town to launch his book. He will also serve as the keynote speaker at the Cape SAJBD AGM on 15 September.
The anthology is a compilation of essays encompassing three themes: 1) Law and Society, 2) Universities, and 3) Antisemitic discourse. The contributors include a diverse spectrum of consequential thinkers and academics in the fields of law, sociology and politics. Their pieces are thoughtful, reflective, raw, and profound.
Many essays depict an increase in the othering of Jews since Oct 7th, which is a core component of antisemitism, treating Jews differently to other people, and treating the Jewish state differently to other countries. This seems to be a common experience by the contributors across the areas of law, politics and professional bodies. This can be seen as an increase in denying Jewish individuals, professionals, academics, or politicians, as well as the State of Israel, the same rights and expectations granted to others or other nations, while also holding Jews worldwide responsible for the actions of Israel or its government.
All three of the themes covered certainly correlate strongly with the spaces that we occupy at the SAJBD and the work that we are doing in South Africa, which relates to our relationship with our Government and constitutional democracy, and its legislative institutions such as the Equality Court where our legal cases currently sit. We work with universities, especially UCT, with student leadership, with academics and with university administration in the face of academic boycotts, navigating spaces on campus for our Jewish students to feel safe and free to express their Jewish identity. Antisemitic discourse is of course a common thread in our work as it plays out across all these areas and in the media in particular. We have just undergone intensive media and journalism training to counter it while conducting media interviews on TV and radio.
I think that the difference between this point in history as we understand contemporary antisemitism as opposed to that seen in pre-Nazi Germany, lies in the fierce and tireless work that we are all doing currently, as Jewish leadership, globally and in South Africa. We understand that antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue but that its tropes and narratives and othering are a threat to democracies and constitutional order across the world. That Jewish people and all people have every right to contribute to communities, societies and countries as citizens, not as ‘others’, and that hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric will not be tolerated.
After a long winter, September brings with it new leaves, blossoms and the promise of warmer weather and a new cycle of hope and renewal. We also usher in the month of Elul. I always find this auspicious time of introspection of cheshbon hanefesh, the most challenging, yet exciting, period of heightened awareness, personal growth and deeper connection.
This year we brace ourselves for a complex Simchat Torah where so many will be saying Kaddish for the rest of their lives – our hearts are
with them.
I wish everyone a mitzvah-filled Elul, full of growth and elevation. May you celebrate the High Holidays in good health and joy with loved ones and may we see peace and a return of the hostages.
Shana Tovah tikateivu veteichateimu and a Gmar Chatima Tovah.
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