The Union of Jewish Women (UJW) hosted its 92nd Annual General Meeting in late May, bringing together a vibrant gathering of Cape Town’s Jewish women – and a few supportive men – who are actively involved in the organisation’s many impactful projects. The event also welcomed representatives from partner organisations and funders, underlining the strong network that sustains the UJW’s work.
The Union of Jewish Women of South Africa is committed to:
- The needs and ideals of the Jewish Community
- The enrichment of the lives of all people of South Africa
- The promotion of the rights and status of women
- The strengthening of our links with Israel
- The maintenance of our affiliation to the International Council of Women
This year’s AGM was especially poignant, as tributes were paid to two remarkable women who passed away in recent months: Leaza Cowan z”l and former Cape Town Mayor, Patricia Fine z”l. Both left indelible marks on the UJW and the broader community.
In a heartfelt address, Daphne Miller spoke movingly about Patricia Fine’s passionate advocacy for women’s rights and her lifelong commitment to public service. Quoting MP Glynnis Breytenbach’s tribute in Parliament, she said, “Ms Fine was a mensch who deeply cared about her community, her country, and its people. She will be deeply missed.”
Leaza Cowan’s legacy was just as inspiring. Known for founding the powerful initiative These Shoes Are Made for Walking, she worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of Cape Town’s most vulnerable citizens. Her dedication to social justice and compassion continues to resonate throughout the organisation.
The keynote address was delivered by media personality Vanessa Raphaely, who spoke candidly about the evolution of The Village – the online parenting community she founded, which has grown into a vital space of support and shared wisdom. She also made a compelling case for why Cape Town remains an exciting, hopeful place for young Jewish adults to build their futures.
Chairperson Karen Kallman ended the proceedings with this comment: “I am incredibly proud of the work that our organisation does. I would like to say a huge thank you to our donors and partners, the organisations, trusts and foundations that believe in us and enable us to do the work we do, and our volunteers who are the hands, feet and hearts on the ground.”
The AGM reports reaffirmed the UJW’s vital role in the community – a role it is clearly poised to carry forward with strength, heart, and purpose.
JUST A FEW OF THE UJW CURRENT PROJECTS
The UJW is engaged in a wide range of projects, all geared to impact South African society in positive ways. These are some of the projects mentioned at the AGM:
- The Kensington Educare Centre – providing Early Childhood Education to 72 preschoolers
- Yad Sarah – A loan service for medical equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
- The Chai Kitchen – Volunteers preparing meals for clients of Jewish Community Services
- An adult education series – a new initiative geared to explore cutting-edge issues in contemporary society
- ‘Feeling Fragile’ – Sessions run by Debby Silver and Glenda Mark geared to provide a safe group space to offer comfort and insight to women during the recent trying times
- The Herzlia Matric Day project run by the Eliot Osrin Leadership Institute
- Collaboration with Mensch: this involves the donation of food for children supported by the UJW
- The Australian Books for Children of Africa initiative
- Tygerberg Hospital – support for new mothers
- Support for groups such as Mama Flo and The Giving Bag
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