The benefits of the Li Boiskin Jewish Social Justice Fellowship, established two years ago, are being seen today.
At a recent event organised by Mensch, the results of the Mensch Jewish Social Changemakers Needs Analysis Survey were presented – a survey that would not have been carried out without the financial support of the Fellowship.
“The Li Boiskin Jewish Social Justice Fellowship was established to honour Li Boiskin’s commitment to Tikkun Olam, the Jewish obligation to take action to better our world.” Through the work that Li Boiskin carried out during her many years of communal work, various initiatives reflect this principle, including her contribution to the establishment of Mensch. As Dianna pointed out, “Li’s actions have been geared to encourage the Jewish community to enhance ways of positively contributing to our diverse communities in South Africa.” The Fellowship seeks to strengthen the Jewish community’s engagement with social justice and equity in South Africa.
Gina Flash, the Executive Director of Mensch, who worked with Li to create the organisation and who has seen it grow over the years, highlighted the warmth of Li’s friendship and guidance, and her commitment to social justice in our country.
In explaining what a true commitment to social justice entails, Dianna quoted Eli Wiesel, the legendary Holocaust survivor, who said, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor and never the victim.” She went on further to say that social justice activism “involves more than providing charity or being a compassionate and caring bystander. It requires honest acknowledgement of our relative power and privilege, becoming an active social change agent who is willing to stand up and be counted. It requires audacious moral courage in action.”
A summary of the results of the Changemakers Survey is published on page 34 of this publication. Take a look at the interesting findings.
Now that the first project of the Fellowship has been completed, UCT’s Kaplan Centre has put out a new call for applications for the Fellowship, which provides R100 000 for a one-year project. Applications should be made by 7 April to kc@uct.ac.za. ●
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