The annual Friends of the UJC Cape Town year-end event once again proved to be a highlight on theCape Town Jewish community calendar, drawing a strong turnout from our many donors, and reinforcing the enduring bond among the community and its supporters, many of whom now live abroad. Held on 23 December at the newly restored Spes Bona building in Gardens, the evening brought together local leaders, visiting donors and long-standing friends of the community for a meaningful and celebratory gathering.
Guests were welcomed with music and refreshments on arrival, setting a warm and convivial tone for the evening. The choice of venue was particularly significant. The 110-year-old Spes Bona property has recently been purchased, upgraded and fully renovated, and now houses a pioneering Senior Assisted Living programme. Completed in under 20 months, the project stands as a remarkable achievement and reflects the compassion, responsiveness and vision that underpin the Cape Town Jewish community. The facility provides a safe, enriching environment where older members of the community can live with dignity, care and independence.
Proceedings opened with welcoming remarks by Paul Berman, Chair of Jewish Community Services, who greeted guests and reflected on the importance of maintaining strong connections across generations and borders. During the evening, guests enjoyed a deli meal and live music, adding to the sense of celebration and togetherness.
Investec’s Henry Blumenthal followed with a brief address, highlighting Investec’s ongoing partnership with the community and introducing the evening’s guest speaker, Adrian Gore, founder and CEO of Discovery. Gore’s address, titled A Case for Optimism, was one of the evening’s key moments.
In his speech, Gore spoke about the tendency towards pessimism, particularly in challenging environments such as South Africa, and argued that optimism is not naïve, but a disciplined and practical mindset. He pointed to encouraging developments that often go unnoticed, including stronger collaboration in South Africa between business and government and signs of institutional improvement. His message resonated strongly with the audience, particularly in the context of community-led initiatives like Spes Bona, which demonstrate what is possible when optimism is paired with action.
The evening concluded with remarks from Marco Van Embden, Chair of the Friends and David Susman Community Fund (DSCF), who thanked Adrian and the guests, and spoke about the vital role played by the Friends of the UJC Cape Town. Funds raised through the Friends initiative support the DSCF, which serves to sustain essential services and institutions in Cape Town’s Jewish community, in particular during times of unexpected financial need.
Well-attended and warmly received, the event was both a celebration of achievement and a reaffirmation of shared purpose – a reminder of the strength of connection, generosity and optimism at the heart of Cape Town’s Jewish community.
Arnie Witkin z’l
It is with sadness that we share the news that Arnie Witkin has passed away. Arnie and Roni have been valued and supportive members and Friends of the UJC in Cape Town since its inception. Arnie will be deeply missed by the community.
Executive of the Discovery Group
For more information on the Friends of the UJC Cape Town contact friends@ctjc.co.za or call +27 21 464 6700
- For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
- Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle: R450/year, or R38/month via debit order. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- The Cape Jewish Chronicle reaches over 6 000 readers monthly across print and digital platforms.
- To book advertising space or discuss a custom package contact Adéle Gradner Mobile: 083 321 5222 | Office: 021 464 6736 | Email advertising@ctjc.co.za
