In May 2025, I will celebrate four years as Executive Director of the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies.
When I joined in 2021, I had a general sense of who the Board was and what it did – protecting my right to be Jewish and fighting antisemitism. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say the Board does so much more.
Over the past eighteen months, our community has seen firsthand who we are, what we do, and how vital our work is. We are committed to protecting the Jewish way of life, defending our right to be Jewish, fighting antisemitism, and ensuring that South Africa—and Cape Town in particular—remains one of the safest places in the world for Jewish people.
As Executive Director, I’ve been at the coalface, supported by an outstanding professional team. But our success is not achieved in isolation. We are backed by a dedicated group of 19 lay leaders who invest countless hours into serving our community, often at the expense of their personal and professional lives. These individuals are the true heroes of our community and deserve our recognition, gratitude and yichus.
They are, in many ways, ordinary community members. For some, the Board was their first experience of communal involvement. They bring with them expertise from politics, business, law, marketing, and public relations—but, most importantly, they bring passion. Passion for their Judaism, for civil rights, and for building a strong, vibrant future for their families and our community.
Though my face may appear in the media and my name might be signed on letters and articles, none of this work would be possible without the unwavering support and wisdom of our Chairperson, Executive Committee, and the entire Cape Council. Without our communal lay leaders, not only would the Cape SAJBD struggle, but so would many other communal organisations.
In September, the Cape SAJBD will hold its elections. Five members of our community will have the opportunity to stand up and be counted. Five committed South African Jews will be given the chance of a lifetime: to represent our community and protect the rights of future generations to live proudly and freely as Jews in the Western Cape.
The question is: Will you be one of them? Are you ready to step up, lead, and guide our community through these challenging and uncertain times? Are you willing to embrace the diverse and complex makeup of our community and create opportunities for it to grow and thrive?
To those who claim our community is dwindling and that we should leave – frankly, it’s time they take their complaints elsewhere. At the Board, we actively promote our community and our way of life. We encourage civic engagement, leadership, and a belief in a flourishing Jewish future in South Africa.
As long as there is a Jewish community here, the Cape SAJBD will be here to defend it. I invite you to join me in this vital mission. ●
#STANDUP #REPRESENT #MAKEYOURVOICECOUNT
DANIEL BLOCH Exec. Director Cape SAJBD
Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies | www.capesajbd.org | Instagram | Facebook
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