Known for its vibrancy, the Cape Town Jewish community continues to thrive – actively supporting a wide range of causes and responding to diverse needs. That sense of energy appears as strong as ever, despite the emigration of recent years.
At the heart of this vitality lies work that is often unseen: strategic oversight, the careful management of funds raised for communal organisations, and strict adherence to regulatory frameworks. These responsibilities are largely carried by lay leaders who volunteer their time and expertise, working alongside professional staff across the community.
The UJC Board of Trustees exemplifies this partnership. As the community’s central fundraising body, the UJC relies on the Board to ensure sound governance, uphold fiduciary responsibility, and provide strategic direction.
For the past 17 years, Philip Krawitz has chaired the Board of Trustees, offering steady leadership through a series of challenges – including the Covid-19 pandemic, a renewed wave of antisemitism, and the aftermath of October 7. Now, he passes the reins to Lance Katz, who recently served as Chair of the UJC Board.
Reflecting on his decades of service, Philip recalls his first introduction to communal work. “In the early 1970s, a knock on my door brought two doyens of our community – the late Gerald Kleinman and Ivan Harris. They explained the needs of our community and asked for my commitment of R18 per month. Little did I know that this would mark the start of a communal journey spanning more than half a century, culminating in my role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UJC.”
From these early beginnings, Philip developed into a skilled fundraiser, learning from figures such as the late Eliot Osrin z”l. “Canvassing top donors became more of a pleasure than a chore,” he says. “Along the way, I made many wonderful friends and acquaintances.”
Welcoming his successor, Philip expresses strong confidence in Lance’s leadership. “Lance has added immense value in every sphere in which he has been involved. As a marathon runner, he brings endurance and discipline. As an actuary, he has the ability to analyse our community and quantify its future needs. He is a clear thinker with outstanding interpersonal skills.”
As a new generation of leaders steps forward, the community can feel assured that its future remains in capable and committed hands – guided by the same sense of purpose and dedication that has sustained it for decades.
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