On October 20th, the SAZF Cape Council, together with our partners – The Jewish Agency for Israel, The Israel Centre, The Base, JNFSA, Cape SAJBD, Elevate, the Wilfred & Fay Back Charitable Trust, and Shelley Trope Friedman – hosted A New Day Will Rise | An October 7th Commemoration, featuring returned hostage Agam Berger.
The event sought to strike a delicate balance between commemorating the tragedy and loss of October 7th, and celebrating the profound joy of seeing all the living hostages reunited with their loved ones. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, expressed it perfectly when she said:
“There is a time to sob and a time to dance, and we have to do both now.”
Her words beautifully encapsulated the essence of our gathering.
Our Cape Town community came together in great numbers, hearts filled with joy for those who have returned, and longing for those still waiting to come home.
We came to remember those taken so cruelly on that terrible day; to honour the hostage families who have carried their pain with courage; and to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the IDF who continue to defend our people and our homeland.
We came to celebrate our resilience and enduring connection to Israel, standing in solidarity as one steadfast and united Cape Town Jewish community.
We came to bear witness to the strength of the human spirit through the presence of hostage survivor Agam Berger, her family, and her deeply moving performance that touched
every heart.
We came to appreciate that we are not alone, that we are blessed with support from our Christian friends. Chris Eden, National Director of Bridges for Peace, and Vivienne Myburgh, National Director of International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, shared inspiring stories about the incredible work they are doing on the ground in Israel.
The programme included members from all our youth movements, schools, organisations, and shuls, who brought beautiful messages of hope and resilience. Cantor Ivor Joffe, together with members of the Marais Road Shul Choir and the Herzlia Vocal Ensemble, led us in prayer and concluded the evening in joyful celebration.
The community stood together as Am Yisrael – one people bound by memory, faith, and hope.
תודה רבה לכם
Toda raba lachem – Thank you to every one of you. ●
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