State of Mind; State of Nation
The Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies gathered with South African thought leaders and the Cape Jewish community for their bi-annual conference at Herzlia Middle School on Sunday, 6 August. More than 170 community members attended the conference that drives unity and brings our diverse community together.
Traditional formalities were observed as Eric Marx, the outgoing Chairman, reflected on the successes and challenges faced by the Board in the past year; highlighting the various community building activities as well as the important role the Board plays in the prevention of hate crimes and the protection of minority groups. Various community affiliate groups were also in attendance with their representatives taking part in the final phase of the voting process for the incoming, new board members.
Event highlights included the notable dialogues that took place between the guest panellists with veteran media personality Jeremy Maggs, who moderated the discussions of the day.
The conversation at this years’ conference focused on topics that directly impact our daily lives. With keen insights and informed opinions around the issues of law, higher education and the state of our nation, our experts shared their lived experiences, and at times, bold thoughts but overall astute knowledge on these subjects. The prevailing message of the day through these panel discussions was that as the Jewish community we need to perpetuate outreach with other communities to create the greatest possible impact on both the Jewish community and the community at large.
Ending the programme for the day, two exceptional women of the Cape Jewish Community were acknowledged for creating impact and social change;
So, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nation building and transformation in the broader South African community, The Eliot & Myra Osrin Transformation Award 2017, was awarded to Helen Lieberman honouring her for setting up Ikamva Labantu, an organisation recognised internationally for its work. Ikamva Labantu runs 19 seniors’ clubs across the Cape Flats, over 400 pre-schools receive assistance, 150 children between the ages of 6 and 18 benefit daily from a child and youth enrichment programme and 1000 house-bound seniors receive home- based assistance.
Vivienne Anstey was presented with The Eliot & Myra Osrin Jewish Vision Award 2017 in recognition of her outstanding impact on the Jewish community of Cape Town and for a legacy of leadership that has enriched the community.
