During the long weekend marking Youth Day, I found myself increasingly distracted as I attempted to write my July Chronicle article.
Let’s be clear, war itself is not a distraction.However, trying to keep up with the constant flood of updates certainly is. Like many of us here in Cape Town and around the world, my attention was pulled toward news channels like CNN and Sky News, as well as more biased media outlets like the BBC and Al Jazeera, to see how they were reporting on the Israel-Iran war. I was also following updates on various WhatsApp groups and across social media.
It was difficult to carry on with my daily routine or enjoy Father’s Day while worrying about the safety of my family and friends – many of whom were hiding in bomb shelters as the Iranian regime fired hundreds of ballistic missiles towards Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other civilian areas. Thankfully, I received positive news about my loved ones, but not all the messages I read had good outcomes.
As I mentioned, it was Father’s Day, and my family took me out for breakfast followed by a visit to the Museum of Illusions. It’s a wonderful place – a fun escape from reality for an hour or so. Still, I struggled to enjoy the full experience and be present with my family. I found myself glued to my phone, checking updates and messages. Even though the war is in Israel, our community here in Cape Town feels the ripple effects deeply. Everyone needs to know that we remain safe and there are no immediate threats or spillovers affecting us here.
Along with keeping an eye on the international developments, my colleagues and I had to stay alert and responsive at home. Reassuring our community and showing we are on top of things is part of our responsibility. This included sending a message to the community – yes, even while having breakfast with my family.
So how do we deal with these distractions without losing sight of what’s important, urgent, or critical?
The key is staying calm. That calmness allows you to process information logically and respond effectively. On that Sunday morning, I had to find a way to be present for my children – whose biggest concerns were whether to order a milkshake or French toast – while also communicating reassurance and confidence to our broader community, all while quietly worrying about loved ones thousands of kilometres away.
It’s not easy. I’m fortunate to have developed this skill set over time. When you’re the Executive Director of the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, staying calm under pressure is not optional – it’s essential. I’ve had to learn how to balance my work, my community, and my family. At least, I hope I have.
We all face distractions, and the current war is just one of many. Each of us has our own way of managing them, prioritising what matters, and giving each situation the attention and emotional energy it needs. In these challenging times, I urge our community to remain calm, show restraint, and focus on what truly matters – not just on the distractions. ●
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