The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, in a format that broke with tradition and brought fresh energy to the proceedings. Hosted by prominent South African media personality Gareth Cliff, the evening combined formal reports with candid discussions and uplifting stories of Jewish life, outreach, and growth.
The meeting opened with words of welcome from Executive Director Daniel Bloch, followed by a message and blowing of the Shofar by Rabbi Greg Alexander of the Cape Town Progressive Jewish Congregation. Treasurer Lester Hoffman presented his financial report, affirming the Board’s strong governance and accountability. Chairperson Adrienne Jacobson then delivered her address, reflecting on challenges and achievements over the past year, and reaffirming the Board’s mission to protect Jewish life and values in the Western Cape.
The announcement of the new Cape SAJBD Council for the 2025-2027 term marked a key moment in the programme, formally recognising those stepping forward to lead the community in the coming years.
Straight talk: Facing the tough issues
One of the evening’s highlights was the panel ‘Straight Talk with the Board’, moderated by Gareth Cliff. Joined by Executive Director, Daniel Bloch; Chairperson, Adrienne Jacobson; and Vice Chair, Simone Sulcas, the discussion tackled pressing issues facing the community:
Media bias and how the Board works to counter Anti-Israel and Antisemitic narratives.
Protest action in Sea Point and across Cape Town, with questions raised about community safety.
Equality Court cases addressing online hate speech and antisemitism.
Campus climate at university, where the Board continues to monitor boycotts, protests, and legal disputes while supporting Jewish students and academics.
Audience questions (received in advance) deepened the conversation, creating a rare and important space for open dialogue about concerns affecting the Jewish community.
Sharing stories: #StrongerTogether
The second half of the programme shifted to inspiring narratives of growth and resilience. In a series of short panels, community leaders shared the vibrant work happening across Jewish Cape Town:
Karen Kallmann, Chair of the Union of Jewish Women, shared highlights from their impactful projects in education, social justice, and crisis relief.
Gina Flash, Executive Director of Mensch, described how the Mensch organisation, born out of the Board, has grown into a stand-alone force for social change.
Zeesy Deren (Director of Sinai Academy and Rebbetzin of Chabad West Coast) spoke of the exciting growth on the West Coast, where new families are building a vibrant Jewish hub with a school, a shul,
and a mikveh.
Bryan Opert & Robert Simon (Paarl Jewish Community) offered a glimpse into the growing Jewish life in Paarl and the Winelands, fuelled by semigration.
Rachel Segal (SAUJS WC Chair) and Ruby Kurgan (SAUJS Stellenbosch Chair) inspired with their stories of resilience on campus, from bridge-building with other student groups to launching an entirely new SAUJS branch.
Dawn Nathan-Jones (Chair of Entrepreneurs’ Network) described how EN has blossomed into a stand-alone platform empowering Jewish and non-Jewish entrepreneurs.
The evening closed with remarks from leadership, a short promotional trailer advertising a new podcast hosted by the Cape SAJBD Executive Director, entitled ED Talks, and a prayer led by Rabbi Osher Feldman of the Rabbinical Council of the Western Cape, and the singing
of anthems.
By blending honest discussion of serious challenges with moving stories of resilience and renewal, the 2025 AGM reflected the Cape SAJBD’s dual role: defending Jewish rights while nurturing Jewish life. The innovative format, under Gareth Cliff’s moderation, left the community energised, informed, and connected as it looks ahead to the next two years. ●
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