During my time as Executive Director, I’ve been privileged to work alongside a truly remarkable professional team, an inspiring Executive Committee, and an exceptional Council.
I trust each of them implicitly and without reservation – and that kind of trust is something we all need if we’re to succeed,
not only in our work, but in life.
The first week of August was, quite frankly, the first time I’ve ever been completely out of commission. What started with an excruciating toothache turned into a serious gum infection, followed by a minor procedure that left me entirely incapacitated. It’s almost impossible to concentrate – let alone contribute meaningfully – when you’re in that kind of pain. Imagine the City of Cape Town working round-the-clock to repair a burst pipe. Now imagine all that drilling and hammering happening inside your head and in your mouth. That’s what it felt like! (I would have used the City of Johannesburg as an example, but that would imply silence and serenity… because nothing ever gets done there!)
I was on antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, probiotics, clove oil (a lifesaver for sore gums), and just about anything else to ease the pain. I was a wreck – unfocused, unavailable, and completely out of sorts.
Enter my incredible colleagues.
Despite my absence, everything continued as normal – no, better than normal. Meetings were held. Projects were advanced. Materials were designed. Events were planned. Important decisions were made. And everything moved forward. (I make it sound like things were so good that I may not be needed – incorrect. That is why I didn’t say everything was perfect). While I may be the voice and public face of the Board (alongside our Chairperson), none of the work happens in isolation. We have a gifted team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to protect our community, uphold our safety, and ensure we continue to live as proud Jews.
It would be remiss of me not to thank another key person in my life, my wife. That first week was one of the worst I’ve experienced in a long time. And despite running her own marketing consultancy, she still managed to keep the household running, fetch the kids and look after me. She’ll be the first to tell you this wasn’t just a case of ‘man flu’. She knows how much I hate taking medication. So, when I ask for it, she knows I’m in serious trouble. She’s another person I trust implicitly and without reservation… except when we play board or card games. Then she’s ruthless. We’re both highly competitive.
Over the past few months, the Board has received many questions about what’s happening in our community, why certain individuals or incidents go unchallenged, and why we don’t respond publicly to every hateful article, comment, or event. Some have asked why we remain silent when Jewish businesses or organisations are targeted.
This is where I ask you – our community – to trust us, implicitly and without reservation.
We are aware of everything that happens within and that affects our community. We are constantly engaging with the relevant stakeholders, leaders, and role players. You may not see our name in every press release or news article, but please know we are working around the clock, often behind the scenes, to protect our way of life. So, why not attend our AGM on 17th September? There, we will answer all the burning questions related to protests, legal action, boycotts of businesses, universities, and more. We need your trust. We need your support. That’s how we will continue to defend our community and preserve our right to live proudly as Jews and as South Africans.
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