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A man who touched countless lives 

While the name Cyril Karabus is for many of us associated with the horrific story of a man unexpectedly arrested and imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates more than a decade ago, Professor Cyril Karabus should not be defined by the bizarre events of 2012. He was, in fact, an “extraordinary and somewhat unique” individual, a man who touched many lives.  

His daughter, Sarah, described him in this way while giving a eulogy at his funeral recently, after he passed away at the age of 91.  As she said, “To many, he was a respected paediatrician, a brilliant physician, a pioneering oncologist, teacher, mentor, advocate for children. and a man whose intellect touched countless lives, To me, he was simply Dad, or sometimes CDK.” 

His impact on others is perhaps best summed up by the comment made by a former colleague, “Another great tree has fallen and the earth is reverberating.” 

As a paediatric oncologist passionate about medicine, Karabus was well-recognised in South Africa for his work for all children suffering from cancers and other blood disorders such as haemophilia. The founder of the paediatric oncology unit at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, he was also a key figure in the training of doctors at the University of Cape Town.  

Born in Beaufort West to Lithuanian refugee parents, Professor Karabus’s family moved to Cape Town when he was 15, and he attended Wynberg Boys’ High School. Already at that stage, his intellectual brilliance was clear, and he skipped two school grades and started medical school at just 16. 

Known both for his great intellect and his humility, Cyril Karabus never tried to talk over anyone or to draw attention to himself. In fact, Sarah recalls, “On his arrival back to Cape Town after his 10-month ordeal in the UAE, he was met at the airport by thousands of well-wishers. He turned to me and asked, ‘What’s all this fuss about?’ He just couldn’t comprehend that people had actually thought he was important enough to celebrate.” 

During her eulogy, Sarah recalled with fondness the many life lessons her father instilled in her, attributes we can all benefit from: critical thinking; intellectual curiosity; perseverance.  

Sarah commented, “While we will miss him deeply, we take comfort in the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind – not only in his professional achievements, but in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, humanity, unique sense of humour and unwavering dedication.”  


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Leading with purpose 

Grace Harding’s journey to the top of the business world has been anything but conventional. 

Today, as Global CEO of Ocean Basket, she is taking one of South Africa’s best-known restaurant brands into new international markets. But her rise was not built on prestigious qualifications or a carefully mapped-out career plan. 

Instead, Harding describes a path marked by uncertainty, setbacks, and determination. Speaking at the UJC’s Business Breakfast in late June, she explained how growing up with a parent living with bipolar depression shaped the people-centred approach she brings to leadership. 

“Being exposed to people’s suffering early in my life made me far more sensitive to the need for care for others. That has translated into deep empathy for those I interact with,” she says. 

“The uncertainty and lack of a sense of safety I experienced as a child motivated me to want to change that – both for myself and for others.” She believes the impact leaders have on others is determined by the way they behave. 

That drive, together with a willingness to keep learning, has defined her career. Harding credits mentors including Spur CEO Val Nichas, Ocean Basket founder Fats Lazarides, and business coach Gaby Rajak with helping her along the way. 

“I have no ego, and will not accept defeat,” she says. “I am one of those crazy ones who believes I can make some positive dents in the world.” 

Unlike many corporate leaders, Harding did not follow the traditional route of obtaining a university degree before climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, she worked her way up, developing skills she believes will become increasingly valuable. 

“The world of work has changed,” she says. “We’ve moved from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age, and many of the things we studied for will no longer be done by humans. Work will be defined less by job titles and technical knowledge, and more by human skills such as self-awareness, critical thinking, deep listening, and the ability to simplify complexity.” 

She also stresses the importance of collaboration – not only within organisations but with competitors, suppliers, regulators, and other stakeholders. 

Before joining Ocean Basket, Harding spent more than a decade running an internal communications consultancy that helped organisations connect business strategy with employees. The experience taught her the importance of partnerships, confidence, and understanding every aspect of a business rather than focusing on a single area of expertise. 

Harding believes effective leaders must combine compassion with high standards. She describes her leadership style as “kind and tenacious”, expecting people to take ownership of their work while providing support when needed. “Adults are responsible for themselves, so the business leader should give them the space to take ownership of their own work.” 

While many business leaders focus on South Africa’s economic challenges, Harding believes mindset plays a critical role in success. Rather than dwelling on factors beyond their control, she argues businesses should focus on what they can influence. She notes that although the economy is tougher than it was a few years ago, Ocean Basket is stronger than it was before the pandemic. 

“It’s all about how you frame things,” she says. “The negative stuff will burn you to the ground.” 

Despite leading a major international company, Harding recently began a Global MBA through Henley Business School. She says the programme has strengthened her existing capabilities while exposing her to new ideas and perspectives. 

“The value is also about the people I am with. Young, dynamic South Africans from all kinds of industries, challenging my thinking and teaching me new dances.” 

For Harding, leadership is a continuous journey of growth, curiosity, and service. Her story suggests that success is shaped not by where someone starts, but by a willingness to keep learning, adapting, and moving forward.


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If a tour of the Anne Frank house is on your bucket list… 

Anne Frank House was established in 1957 – a collaborative effort led by Otto Frank, Anne’s father. An independent non-profit organization, the House runs a museum in the house where Anne Frank went into hiding. On a recent visit to Cape Town, Aaron Peterer, who works at the House, demonstrated a new offering from the Museum: a virtual reality (VR) tour of the section of the property where the Frank family hid. 

What this VR tour means is that you do not have to travel to Amsterdam to see where the Frank family were in hiding during World War II – no tickets to be purchased, no long queues to wait in, and no cost involved.  

One is able to ‘visit’ the House from the comfort of your own lounge, your desk – in fact, from anywhere – using a computer or your phone. It creates the ability to explore the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family, and gives a special view into the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and the seven other people hid during WWII. 

In the VR app, all of the rooms in the Secret Annex are furnished to reflect exactly what the interior looked like when occupied by the group in hiding, between 1942 and 1944. Everything was carefully built and modelled in 3D by the creators of the VR app. 

In the actual museum, however, the Secret Annex is empty. After the eight people hiding in the house were found and arrested in 1944, the furniture was removed. Leaving the rooms of the Secret Annex empty was Otto Frank’s wish. 

To explore this virtual tour, click on the link here.

Anne Frank's house, with the secret annex highlighted
Anne Frank’s house, with the secret annex highlighted
Anne Frank's writing desk
Anne Frank’s writing desk
The bookcase concealing the entrance to the annex.
The bookcase concealing the entrance to the annex.

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Remembering a community connector 

The Cape Town Jewish community has lost one of its great connectors and cultural entrepreneurs with the passing of Avron Kaplan z”l in early June. 

For decades, Avron was a familiar figure through The Living Newspaper, the platform he founded in 1987 to bring prominent local and international speakers to Cape Town audiences. Through these events, he raised funds for the Camps Bay Congregation, while enriching community life with thought-provoking discussions and remarkable personalities. 

As the Cape Jewish Chronicle noted in 2009, Avron “single-mindedly, passionately and doggedly” brought an impressive array of speakers to Cape Town. Among them were Indian diplomat and author Vikas Swarup, whose novel Q&A became the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire; Booker Prize-winning author Bernice Rubens; Jewish astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman; Rabbi and author Shmuley Boteach; former Australian judge Marcus Einfeld; Alan Committee; Nik Rabinowitz; Mira Nair, the Indian filmmaker, who is the mother of the controversial New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani; Alan Dershowitz; Helen Suzman; Chris Barnard; Marius Barnard; and Michael Friedman, head of Frankfurt’s Jewish community. 

Beyond his speaker events, Avron ran a popular film club that introduced Cape Town audiences to movies otherwise unavailable in South Africa. In some cases, he successfully challenged apartheid-era censorship restrictions to secure screenings for private audiences. 

A past Chairman of Camps Bay Shul (1970-72), Avron also served for many years on the committee of the Jacob Gitlin Library. 

Many older Capetonians will remember his enthusiasm, determination and ability to bring people together around ideas, culture and conversation. Through the speakers he hosted, the films he screened, and the institutions he supported, Avron left a lasting mark on community life. 


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Beyond the bakery: a Nazi past and a complicated legacy  

Scans of the original handwritten statement that Andre Poulart gave to the German authorities in 1942.

A story recently resurfaced in the South African Jewish press – the story of C’est Si Bon, a celebrated bakery that once operated in Bellville. 

The story was researched by Gail Lustig (née Loon), a retired doctor living in Israel who grew up in Bellville and studied at the University of Cape Town. 

“Growing up in Bellville, we heard rumours of an incident at C’est Si Bon, our favourite bakery in the area,” Gail recalls. “The pastries were simply outstanding – aesthetically and taste-wise. We loved going there to stock up on treats that were exceptional in every way. None of our mothers could come near the standard of C’est Si Bon.” 

The “incident” she refers to involved a Holocaust survivor named Issy (a pseudonym) and the bakery’s owner, André Pouliart. 

“It was probably sometime in the 1960s,” Gail says. “A customer in his late 40s walked into the shop with his wife. It was their first visit. Within minutes of entering the store, Issy felt the ground shaking under his feet. His head throbbed with the sudden realisation of what he saw behind the counter.” 

According to the account, Issy pointed at the owner and cried out, “You, you killed my family, you Nazi! It’s you! I remember you from the camps!” 

The bakery fell silent. Pouliart reportedly continued working at the till without responding. The survivor left immediately, supported by his wife. 

The story spread through the local Jewish community, and many people subsequently boycotted the bakery. Despite the allegation, there appears to have been no official investigation by the police or other South African authorities. 

Although Gail never heard any further developments, the incident remained in her memory. Decades later, as a member of the Bellville Memorabilia Facebook group, she noticed frequent posts reminiscing about C’est Si Bon. Through discussions with former residents of Bellville, she learned the names of the owners: André and Wanda Pouliart. 

As she began researching further, Gail discovered documentation confirming – through his own admission –  that André Pouliart had served in the Waffen SS during World War II. A Belgian national, he volunteered for the Waffen SS in 1942 and was deployed to the Eastern Front. After being wounded in 1943, he was transferred to Berlin. 

“I wrote to the German Bundesarchiv, and they sent me various documents,” Gail says, including a statement Pouliart made to German authorities during the War. In the translated document, he wrote: ‘And I was a member of the national socialist Flemish party.’ He went on to say, “On the 01/08/1941 I volunteered to join the Waffen SS. I felt it was my duty as a Germane to join the rows of German soldiers.” (Note that the meaning of ‘Germane’ in the statement is ‘one belonging to the German nations’.) 

“I found it shocking to read Pouliart’s text about himself, with the words ‘Heil Hitler’ in his own handwriting at the bottom,” Gail says. “Apparently, the Belgian soldiers who joined the SS did so voluntarily.” 

The archival evidence leaves little doubt about his wartime allegiance. In addition, Gail has found evidence relating to the area in which Pouliart served between 1941 and 1942, as the German army pushed towards Leningrad. “The area had many Jewish shtetlach,” Gail explains, “and there is evidence of mass pogroms and brutal killing of Jews there, so it’s quite possible that Pouliart was involved in this.” 

Pouliart had learned the pastry trade from his father, a pastry chef in Brussels. He and his family arrived in South Africa in 1960 – Gail has not yet been able to determine where they lived between the end of the War and their arrival here. 

After leaving Bellville in the wake of Issy’s allegation, the family moved to the Strand, where Pouliart opened another successful business, the Ultra Bakery. Following his death, his wife and son relocated to Palma de Mallorca in Spain – a destination that became home to many former Nazis and Nazi collaborators after the war.  

Gail’s research raises broader questions about the concern that many former Nazi soldiers and collaborators may have settled in South Africa after World War II, in particular since many National Party members – the National Party being the ruling party in South Africa at the time – had been Nazi sympathisers. Many Waffen SS volunteers were prosecuted after the War, while others escaped and rebuilt their lives elsewhere in Europe, South America and beyond.


The Cape Jewish Chronicle tried to ascertain whether any research has been done regarding whether the South African authorities vetted applicants for citizenship after the War. It appears that little research has been done on the topic but, says Professor Milton Shain, “I have no doubt that many Nazi sympathisers settled here. The story of the Bellville man comes as no surprise.”


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Ageing in place 

For many families in the Jewish community, the family home is far more than just a place to live. It is where families gather around the Shabbat table, where grandchildren visit during Yom Tov and where years of memories are built, shared and passed from one generation to the next. 

As time goes on, however, many homeowners begin facing an emotional and practical question: can we continue living safely and comfortably in the home we love? 

For families living in double-storey homes, stairs can gradually become a daily challenge. Often, the first signs are small. A hesitation before going upstairs. Avoiding certain rooms. Leaving something behind because the climb feels like too much effort. For children and loved ones, there may also be a growing concern about safety, independence and what the future might hold. 

Yet the thought of leaving a cherished home, familiar surroundings, and a close-knit community can feel overwhelming. Many South Africans assume that growing older means eventually having to downsize or move into a retirement estate. More families, however, are discovering that there is another option. 

Ageing in place has become an increasingly important conversation for homeowners who want to maintain their independence, remain close to loved ones, and continue enjoying the comfort and familiarity of home for years to come. 

At Lifta SA, we believe growing older should never mean giving up the home, lifestyle and independence that matter most. A home should continue supporting you through every stage of life, which is why more homeowners are choosing to future-proof their properties with elegant and practical Home Lift solutions. 

A Home Lift is not simply about convenience. It is about preserving dignity, independence, safety and quality of life. For many families, it means remaining close to children, grandchildren, friends, places of worship, and the community connections that form such an important part of daily life. It also gives families peace of mind, knowing that movement between floors can remain safe and comfortable long into the future. 

Lifta SA specialises in beautifully designed European Home Lifts that combine style, safety and practicality with minimal building work. Unlike traditional lifts that often require major structural changes, our Home Lifts are designed for quick and efficient installation in new or existing homes. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that adding one is often far simpler and less disruptive than expected. 

The Duo is ideal for compact spaces and everyday convenience. Designed for two passengers, it travels smoothly between floors using slim support rails that guide the lift safely up and down. Its modern appearance blends beautifully into the home while maintaining a small footprint, making it a practical solution for homeowners who want greater accessibility without compromising on style. 

For homeowners looking for additional space and flexibility, the Trio offers even greater comfort and accessibility. Spacious enough for a wheelchair or multiple passengers, it is ideal for larger homes or families planning for future mobility needs. Whether carrying shopping, luggage or simply moving comfortably between levels, the Trio provides a safe and elegant solution that allows homeowners to continue enjoying every part of their home with confidence. 

Both models are designed with safety and ease of use as priorities. Features such as battery backup, smooth start and stop movement, and simple user-friendly controls help provide reassurance for homeowners and their families. Most importantly, they are designed to help people remain independent and comfortable in the homes they cherish most. 

When compared to the emotional and financial cost of moving, including transfer fees, estate agent commissions, moving expenses, and the stress of downsizing, many homeowners see a Home Lift as a valuable long-term investment. It not only improves accessibility and convenience but can also add future readiness to the property itself. 

At Lifta SA, we are proud to help South African families continue living independently, confidently and comfortably in the homes and communities they treasure most. 

Because sometimes the best move is staying exactly where you are. 

Website: http://www.lifta.co.za 
Email: info@lifta.co.za 
Contact number: 080 73 73 73 7


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Cape SAJBD and UJC bring Power Shabbos to Paarl  

Middle: SAJBD representatives David King, Simone Sulcas, Josh Friedman and Daniel Bloch. Right: Rabbi Bryan Opert and Chairman Selwyn Chatz

By JOSH FRIEDMAN, Programme & Development Manager, Cape SAJBD  

The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) engages regularly with our country communities. Following various visits around the Western Cape over the last few years – including Shabbat dinners, centenary celebrations and more – we visited Paarl on the weekend of the 26-27 June for a special Power Shabbos. 

The visit was warmly embraced by the Paarl Hebrew Congregation, under the leadership of Rabbi Bryan Opert and a dedicated committee headed by President Selwyn Chatz, and brought together community members for a memorable and uplifting Shabbat programme. 

Friday night began with a well-attended service, led by the Cape SAJBD’s Josh Friedman, followed by a festive Power Brocha, at which approximately 70 people gathered for an evening of community, connection and engagement. Cape SAJBD Executive Director Daniel Bloch and Chairperson Simone Sulcas then tag-teamed an address titled Jewish Life in the Western Cape: A Global and Local Update, sharing insights into the local communal landscape as well as reflections from the recent AJC Global Forum in Washington DC. The gold standard shared is that, relative to many Jewish communities around the world who are experiencing shrinking spaces, increased violent antisemitism and who, at times, cannot visibly express their Judaism, here our civil rights as Jews are protected and, where infringed upon, challenged rigorously by the Cape SAJBD.  

The evening also featured an address by UJC Vice Chair Tamara Davidson, who highlighted the work of the United Jewish Campaign and the vital role it plays in sustaining and strengthening the network of Jewish organisations that serve the Western Cape Jewish community, making it one of the most desirable places for Jewish people not only to live, but to thrive. 
 
In a particularly meaningful development, the special Shabbat also made possible a Shabbat morning minyan — no small achievement for a congregation that does not ordinarily open every week for Saturday morning services. The opportunity to daven together again on Shabbat morning added an extra layer of significance to the weekend and reflected the growing energy within the Paarl Jewish community. 

The visit also offered an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of the Paarl Hebrew Congregation, one of the Western Cape’s historic Jewish communities. Established in 1893, the congregation traces its roots to the Jewish traders and settlers who helped shape life in the Boland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its synagogue in Breda Street remains a proud symbol of more than 130 years of Jewish life in Paarl and the surrounding district. Like many smaller South African Jewish communities, Paarl’s numbers declined over time as families moved to larger urban centres. Yet today, the congregation is experiencing a welcome revival. 

Paarl, like much of the Cape Winelands, is enjoying something of a renaissance, with semigrants from around South Africa increasingly making the Winelands area their home. Drawn by lifestyle, schools, natural beauty and the proximity to Cape Town, both young families and retirees are settling in the region  – and with them comes renewed interest in Jewish communal life. That shift is beginning to be felt in Paarl’s Jewish community too, where growing participation and a renewed sense of possibility are helping to breathe fresh life into this historic congregation. 

For the Cape SAJBD and UJC, the Paarl visit formed part of a broader effort to deepen ties with Jewish communities across the Western Cape, strengthen communal connection, and ensure that smaller centres feel part of the wider communal conversation. It was a Shabbat marked by warmth, hospitality and genuine enthusiasm, and the Board and UJC are deeply appreciative to Rabbi Opert, Selwyn Chatz and the Paarl congregation for hosting them so generously.

Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies | http://www.capesajbd.org | Instagram | Facebook


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A Jewish pioneer of Spanish dance 

The internationally acclaimed Spanish dancer Enrique Segovia, who passed away in late June, was born Geoffrey Neiman to Jewish parents in Johannesburg just days before the outbreak of World War II. 

Neiman began dancing as a teenager and devoted his career to Spanish dance. He worked for 20 years with the renowned Mercedes Molina, touring internationally with her company before later leading it. Together they choreographed the ballet Carmen, which was broadcast on the opening night of South African television. He retired in 1982 after a 28-year performing career. 

Neiman also compiled the complete male syllabus for the Spanish Dance Society, which he chaired for more than 20 years. Used worldwide, the syllabus remains a lasting legacy. In 2000, Spain honoured him with a knighthood – the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic. 


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When Abraham lost Israel 

In the previous edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, we shared information about The Boy in a Barrel, a novel based on a true story. In this edition, we share more of the true tale, as recalled by Guy Lieberman, a grandson of the main character.

When Guy Lieberman tells the story of his grandfather, Israel ‘Issy’ Lieberman, it sounds almost too extraordinary to be true. Yet it has become one of the defining stories of the Lieberman family – a tale of loss, survival, resilience and an unlikely reunion. 

In 1899, Guy’s great-grandfather, Abraham Lieberman, left a town in Eastern Europe in search of a safer future for his family. Pogroms were spreading through the region, and South Africa, with its gold rush and economic opportunities, seemed to offer hope. 

His wife, Rachel, pregnant at the time, encouraged him to take one of their children, seven-year-old Issy, along. “He’s the naughtiest,” she reportedly joked. 

Father and son eventually arrived in Cape Town after a long journey by road, rail and sea. But shortly after landing, disaster struck. 

Abraham left Issy guarding their luggage while he searched for accommodation. “Don’t move from this place until I return,” he instructed the boy. 

He never came back. 

Unknown to Abraham, British soldiers, suspicious during the Anglo-Boer War, arrested the large, red-bearded immigrant, mistaking him for a Boer rebel. Unable to communicate in English, he spent three days in custody before being released. 

By the time he returned to the harbour, Issy had vanished. 

“Abraham searched Cape Town for three months,” Guy says. “Eventually he concluded there was no way the child could have survived.” 

He wrote to Rachel back home in Eastern Europe, informing her that their son was dead. 

Meanwhile, Issy was very much alive. 

Alone, hungry and unable to speak English, the seven-year-old survived by scavenging for food and sleeping in a discarded barrel. He learned to fend for himself, stole bottles of milk from doorsteps – and befriended a stray puppy. 

Eventually, a group of Coloured street children took him under their wing. Later, a Coloured family, recognising that something terrible had happened to the young immigrant, welcomed him into their home, despite their own poverty. 

“Even after losing his father in a foreign land and being absorbed into a completely different culture, Issy never forgot who he was,” says Guy. “He always remembered his name – Israel Lieberman.” 

Five years later, Abraham had earned enough to bring the rest of the family to Johannesburg. Rachel never accepted that her son had died. Armed with the only photograph she had of him, she began placing advertisements in the Rand Daily Mail. 

“Israel Lieberman, your family is looking for you. Come to this address.” 

She continued for years. 

Abraham thought it was hopeless. 

“‘Issy is dead,’ he insisted. But Rachel never stopped believing.” 

Eleven years after father and son had become separated, fate intervened. 

Now 18, Issy was working on a diamond diggings site when a friend showed him a newspaper carrying one of Rachel’s advertisements. 

“There is a family looking for someone with your name,” the friend told him. 

Issy immediately set off for Johannesburg. 

After a series of mishaps – including getting off at the wrong train station and walking for hours to Braamfontein – he finally arrived at the family home after dark. Nervous and curious, he peered through a window to look at the people searching for him. 

One of the older brothers spotted him outside and, assuming he was a thief, crept around the house and struck him on the head with a plank. 

When the unconscious stranger was carried into the kitchen, Rachel took one look at him and froze. 

“That’s Issy.” 

The reunion was emotional and overwhelming. Rachel immediately recognised the son she had never stopped searching for. The rest of the family welcomed him home. 

Only Abraham struggled to accept it. 

“‘This man is an impostor,’ he insisted,” Guy recounts. “He simply could not believe that a seven-year-old child could have survived alone for so long.” 

For Rachel and the rest of the family, however, there was no doubt. The boy they had lost had finally come home. 

Issy went on to build a successful life in Johannesburg, marrying and raising a family of his own. Yet he never forgot those who had helped him survive, maintaining a lifelong affection and gratitude towards the Coloured community that had cared for him as a child. 

For the Lieberman family, the story remains a reminder of both human vulnerability and remarkable resilience. 

“How Issy survived as a lost seven-year-old and then thrived is a staggering combination of will, resilience and sheer luck,” says Guy. “For us, it has become Lieberman lore.”


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Tikkun Olam: Get involved to help support those affected by xenophobia 

Our country has been ravaged yet again by horrific xenophobic hatred, leaving thousands of people displaced. Cape Town’s Jewish community has responded with a number of initiatives to assist these people, who are at serious risk. 

You can make a positive difference to their lives by getting involved in the various initiatives! Here are some ways you can help:  

  • Donate goods in kind. Food items, supplies for babies, blankets, and healthcare products are what is needed. Drop your donated items off at the Union of Jewish Women’s offices between 08h00 and 14h00.  
  • Donate funds that can be used to assist in a number of different ways. Use the Union of Jewish Women Snapscan facility to make a financial donation, or donate to the National SA Jewish Board of Deputies. 
  • Donate your time and energy. You can help make sandwiches and soup, and get involved in packing goods and delivering them. Join the Mensch WhatsApp group to find out more.

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