FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday 13 October 2025

CAPE SAJBD STATEMENT ON THE RETURN OF THE HOSTAGES AND THE END OF THE WAR

The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies joins the global Jewish community in celebrating the homecoming of the final 20 living Israeli hostages from Gaza.

This moment hopefully marks the end of a devastating war which accounts for the tragic loss of life on both sides, and brings with it a long-awaited sense of relief, gratitude, and hope.

While we celebrate this long-awaited moment, we recognise that much healing and rebuilding still lies ahead. We look to the future with hope for lasting peace and regional normalisation.

We also hope this marks a turning point in the rhetoric that has fueled hostility toward Jewish communities everywhere, including here in Cape Town. It is time for a renewed commitment to dialogue, relationship-building, and mutual respect. Our doors remain open to all who engage in good faith and who recognise both Israel’s right to exist in peace and security as the Jewish homeland, and our right as South African Jews to identify with it.

As always, the Cape SAJBD remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of the Jewish community in the Western Cape – ensuring that Jewish life here not only endures but continues to thrive.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Statement made by:
Simone Sulcas
Chairperson

Adrienne Jacobson
Immediate Past Chair

Daniel Bloch
Executive Director

For media enquiries contact Sajbd2@ctjc.co.za