“As a Jewish community, we are in an intersection of unprecedented challenges, and the work of the Board at this time as we combat antisemitism and advocate for the civil rights of our community, its security and well-being has never been more critical,” said the Cape SAJBD Chairperson, Adrienne Jacobson, as she addressed our affiliates and community members at the Board’s annual AGM on Sunday, 15th September. The Cape SAJBD celebrated 120 years since inception in 1904.
The AGM allowed the Board to reflect on the year’s activities and address pressing issues affecting the Jewish community. The event began with opening remarks from Executive Director Daniel Bloch, followed by the Treasurer’s Report from Lester Hoffman and the Chairperson’s report from Adrienne Jacobson.
The keynote address was made by David Hirsh – a renowned antisemitism expert, academic and author. Hirsh, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London, has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary anti-Zionism discourse. In his address at the AGM, Hirsh examined the modern landscape of antisemitism, and ‘anti-Zionism’, tracing its historical roots and discussing its current manifestations. He emphasised how antisemitism continues to evolve, taking new forms across the globe, and spoke of its impact on communities, particularly within South Africa and the UK.
Antisemitism and anti-Zionism
Following the keynote, Hirsh conversed with Cape SAJBD Vice Chair, Simone Sulcas. Their discussion explored how antisemitism and anti-Zionism affect both the South African and British contexts, with particular focus on their presence on university campuses. This dialogue fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Jewish communities and highlighted strategies to combat this growing threat. Hirsh’s insights resonated with the conference attendees made up of the Board’s community affiliate organisations, offering thought-provoking perspectives on the global fight against antisemitism, while reinforcing the importance of continued vigilance and advocacy within the Jewish community of Cape Town.
Discussions at UCT
On 13 September, David Hirsh engaged with students and academics at the Kaplan Centre at the University of Cape Town in a compelling discussion about his personal experiences of antisemitism on campus. This session, part of his broader visit to Cape Town, provided a rare and insightful look into the challenges faced by Jewish academics in increasingly hostile environments. Hirsh began by sharing his own experiences of feeling ostracised as a sociologist on his university campus. Despite this, Hirsh recounted the steps he took to assert his position as a credible academic, which ultimately contributed to his recognition in the field of contemporary antisemitism studies. In the open discussion, Hirsh fielded questions from attendees about strategies for coping with antisemitism in academia. This session was particularly impactful as it provided not only a scholarly analysis of antisemitism but also practical advice for students who may face these issues in their academic journey. The conversation underscored the importance of standing firm in the face of opposition and working toward change, even in difficult circumstances.
Book launch
David Hirsh’s visit to South Africa was arranged by the Cape SAJBD in partnership with our National office. The trip coincided with events during mid-September in Cape Town and Johannesburg, including a book launch held on 12th September. This book launch was organised in conjunction with the Jacob Gitlin Library, Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre, and the SA Jewish Museum. The event involved a conversation between Hirsh and Daniel Bloch, and the discussion centred around Hirsh’s latest works, including the three-part anthology, “Responses to 7 October”, a collection of essays from various scholars reflecting on the recent escalation of antisemitism, and “The Rebirth
of Antisemitism in the 21st Century,” which offers an in-depth analysis of how antisemitism has evolved in recent decades.
These books are only available for purchase online; however, the Cape SAJBD and the SAJM have several copies for sale at a reduced rate.
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