Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies

3 days ago

"I love our community, and I want to see it flourish from within and in the broader context. I undertake to do all I can to contribute meaningfully and purposefully, always guided by our Jewish values with a healthy dose of Ubuntu. “I am because we are” interconnected by a golden thread that deeply values the concept of community."

Our new chairperson, Simone Sulcas, shares her thoughts on taking the reigns and how she plans on continuing the work of the Board and taking us forward into the next chapter.

Read her November Cape Jewish Chronicle article now.
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Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies

1 week ago

"While Simchat Torah 2023 and even 2024 will be remembered as among the least celebrated Yom Tovim in recent memory, Simchat Torah 2025 will go down as one of the most joyous. I was fortunate to spend this Yom Tov with my family in shul. The evening and morning of Simchat Torah were absolutely incredible – the vibe, the energy, the party atmosphere as we celebrated both the joy of the festival and the joy of our brothers and sisters finally coming home."

Our Executive Director (ED) talks about his experience over the High Holidays and how we should all continue living our best Jewish lives.
Cape Jewish Chronicle
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Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies

2 weeks ago

People ask why we go to the Equality Court for hate speech and antisemitism related incidents - here is the answer.

In April this year, Thomas Torr was found guilty of Hate Speech and Antisemitism in the Equality Court - a victory for the Cape SAJBD and the Jewish community.

Six months later and the former Mayor of Johannesburg is found guilty of "a clear potential to incite harm and promote hatred" by the SA Human Rights Commission.

And in their findings, they use the Cape SAJBD vs Torr Equality Court case as precedence. Our Equality Court Action has far reaching consequences for anyone wishing to promote hatred and incite violence.

"When analysed through the lens of Qwelane, the statement demonstrates a clear potential to incite harm and promote hatred, particularly in a society still marked by racial tension and inequality. The Court in Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies v Torr emphasised the danger of historical allusions when they are weaponised in digital spaces, highlighting that symbolic harm can be as constitutionally significant as physical harm. Therefore, in view of both statutory and constitutional standards, the tweet image in question constitutes unlawful expression. It serves as a compelling example of how harmful digital speech must be curtailed in a democratic society committed to dignity, equality, and the rule of law."

We will be back in the Equality Court in early 2026 - watch this space.
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