by aaron morgan 2014/hashalom may 2014.pdf · in greece, and thereafter remained in athens as a...

Holocaust Menorahby Aaron Morgan www.aaronmorganart.com

2 HASHALOM █ May 2014 May 2014 █ HASHALOM 3

History provides few instances of individual Jewish businessmen exercising a decisive influence on diplomatic and political events. However, there was one mid-nineteenth century

occasion, now almost forgotten, when the private affairs of a Jewish merchant not only caused the near-downfall of a British cabinet, establishing the reputation of Lord Palmerston as one of the greatest parliamentary debaters of his time, but also generated a first class international rumpus that brought the major European powers to the brink of war. Yet the surprising thing about the person who started the whole affair is that he was hardly of the Rothschild calibre. In fact he was something of a charlatan and petty scallywag.

David (popularly known as Don) Pacifico was a Portuguese Jew who, because of the accident that he had been born in Gibraltar in 1784, was able to claim he was a British subject. From 1812 he carried on a merchandising business in the seaport of Lagos in South Portugal. He was appointed Portuguese consul in Morocco in 1835. Between 1837 and 1842 he served as Portuguese Consul-General in Greece, and thereafter remained in Athens as a merchant.

During the Easter of 1847 an Athenian mob set fire to Don Pacifico’s house. The Jewish merchant naturally demanded, and was fully entitled to, compensation. Pacifico, who by all reports had always lived in a modest fashion and was known to be in financial difficulties, assessed his claims on a fanciful scale. He argued that the mob had looted the rare coins he had had been painstakingly collecting over many years, and that valuable brocade furniture had been gutted. Also, his wife and daughters had lost jewellery worth two thousand pounds Sterling. But this bill for household and personal property was dwarfed by the value set on certain vouchers destroyed in the riot. He alleged these to have been evidence of outstanding debts owed him by the Portuguese government amounting to twenty six thousand pounds Sterling. When the Greek authorities refused to countenance these claims, Pacifico remembered the site of his birth and appealed to the Foreign Office at Whitehall on the grounds that he was a British subject.

For several years prior to this incident disappointment had been mounting in London at the behaviour of the Athenian administration. The property of other British subjects residing in Greece had been sequestrated, members of British crews had been maltreated in Greek ports and repayment of British loans had been arbitrarily suspended. Moreover, Lord Palmerston, the Foreign Minister, firmly believed that both France and Russia were tacitly supporting Greek recalcitrants in these matters.

The Pacifico Affair provided Palmerston with a welcome pretext to adopt a more forceful policy in Greek affairs. After nearly three years of futile palaver, in the course of which the Foreign Minister fully endorsed every one of the Jewish merchant’s exaggerated demands, Palmerston took the decisive step of instructing the Mediterranean fleet to proceed from the Dardanelles to Athens. Fifteen battleships anchored in Salamis Bay during mid-January 1850 and were ordered to seize sufficient Greek shipping to cover payment of Pacifico’s claims.

The intimidated and browbeaten Greeks thereupon offered to negotiate, but Palmerston was not prepared to discuss either the justice of the Jew’s demands, or to hassle over the amount. The Athenian authorities finally yielded to Palmerston’s steamroller tactics on April 26th. Don Pacifico was to receive an immediate payment of 120 000 Drachmas (about 4200 pounds) for his losses and as compensation for the personal injuries and suffering to himself and his family. Moreover a further sum of 150 000 Drachmas was to

be handed over as a security deposit while a mixed commission of British, French and Greek officials in Lisbon investigated the question of damage incurred through the destruction of the documents establishing Pacifico’s alleged claim against the Portuguese.

As diplomacy with the continental powers became more envenomed over the Pacifico incident, Palmerston began to lose the support of his cabinet colleagues. The Don Pacifico enquiry that followed (June 24-28) was one of the most sensational debates of the whole history of Parliament and included the greatest of all Palmerston’s speeches (“because a man is of the Jewish persuasion he is a fair mark for any outrage”) a vote of confidence in the government’s foreign policy was carried by 310 to 264. Even Palmerston’s bitterest adversaries admitted that his speech had been a masterpiece.

Long after the echoes of the statesmen in Westminster had died away ripples from the Don Pacifico affair continued to lap against the troubled shore of European diplomacy. There can be little doubt that relations with Russia festered slowly, erupting in the Crimean War. Moreover in many quarters of the continent Palmerston’s actions and speech seemed perfect expressions of arrogant British imperial pride. It is certain too that anti-Semitic elements in the Balkans (especially Bulgaria and Rumania) were emboldened by the whole business. On the other hand, in England, the public and parliamentary conversations and particularly Palmerston’s stout defence of Pacifico’s inherent rights, helped to create a favourable climate for the sweeping away of remaining Jewish civil disabilities.

And what of the principal figures in the affair, Palmerston and Pacifico? Queen Victoria sent Palmerston a memorandum soon after the parliamentary debate demanding that he cease acting on his own initiative in foreign affairs. Palmerston replied evasively and carried on as before. After a stint in the Home Office, Palmerstone became Prime Minister and it was during his period as Premier that the Jewish Disabilities Bill was passed (removing previous barriers to Jews entering Parliament) in July 1858.

Meanwhile the joint British/French/Greek commission working in Lisbon had found the originals of the Jewish merchant’s lost documents in the Portuguese archives. On this basis it assessed the amount still outstanding, together with the expenses incurred by him during the investigation to come to only a hundred and fifty pounds. That sum was paid by the Hellenic government to the British minister in Athens by June 1851. And thus ended a career, which for a brief moment, had been enmeshed in the web of great international events. All this is known of Pacifico’s later life is that he finally settled in London, where he died in April 1854 and was buried in the Spanish Jews cemetery.

BEARING WITNESSContents

E D I T O R I A L

In the few years since the establishment of the Durban Holocaust Centre it has become a significant force in the community’s cultural life. Indeed, across the globe interest is growing immensely as millions of

school children study the industrialized slaughter of Jews by the Nazis. In its immediate aftermath, the Holocaust went largely unacknowledged. Perpetrators and bystanders preferred to forget. Commemoration began in Israel, 5 years after the State was established. This is home now to many survivors. But even there it was done quietly. It was only after the Eichmann trial in 1961 that this changed. Today some 200 000 students annually tour Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

Unlike Yad Vashem, which portrays Jews as outsiders in Europe who find redemption in Israel, new Jewish museums in Austria and Poland present Jews as an intrinsic part of European heritage and culture. The exhibition at Yad Vashem ends with a display of Israel’s declaration of independence and the playing of Hatikvah, whereas European equivalents emphasize a Jewish rebirth in places where massacres happened.

America has the world’s second biggest Jewish population. But with no death camps to commemorate it follows a surprisingly universal path in Holocaust teaching. Museums focus on the dangers of racism, bigotry and intolerance. Discussing the Holocaust in the context of other human horror is popular in Africa, Latin America and Asia as well. South Africa uses the Nazi race laws to examine the apartheid regime. In Senegal the Holocaust is used as a way to develop remembrance about slaves. Argentinian pupils examine the Holocaust in the light of their dictatorship a generation ago.

In China, parallels are drawn between the Holocaust and the wartime atrocities of the Imperial Japanese army. The methods developed by Yad Vashem have become guidelines for memorials to the Asian tragedies in Cambodia and China. In India the Holocaust is seen as the core event of the 20th century in Europe. Last year some 46 500 South Koreans visited Auschwitz.

The main geographic exception to the growing global interest in the Holocaust is the Muslim world, where it is commonly viewed as a dramatisation meant to win sympathy for Jews bent on grabbing Arab land.

Treating the Holocaust as a neat moral issue could devalue its study regardless of its proliferation. As Emil Fackenheim argued in “To Mend the World” (Indiana University Press, 1994) the Shoah had distinguishing characteristics:

• The “Final Solution” was designed to exterminate every single Jewish man, woman and child.

• “Jewish Blood” was sufficient to warrant the punishment of death. Jews were the only people killed for the “crime” of existing.

• The extermination of the Jews had no political or economic justification. Resources that could have been used in the war were diverted to the program of extermination.

• The people who carried out the “Final Solution” were primarily average citizens.

There is the concern then that the Holocaust is losing its specificity. Perhaps the biggest threat to the remembrance of the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis is trivialisation. Jews do not need to compete in a morbid contest as to who has suffered the most in history. It is important however to explain why the Holocaust is a unique part of human history.

EditorialIn PerspectiveISRAELWhy the Peace Talks are CollapsingEurope’s Alarming Push to Isolate IsraelJEWISH WORLDGreece’s Romaniote Jews Remember a Catastrophe and Grapple with DisappearingPast Tense COMMUNITY NEWSBubkesDurban United Hebrew CongregationUmhlanga Jewish CentreTalmud Torah and Talmud Torah GenerationsJewish National Fund of South AfricaEden SchoolWotsup WizoCouncil of KwaZulu-Natal JewryHebrew Order of David DIVOTEKwaZulu Natal Zionist CouncilDurban Progressive Jewish Congregation NetzerDurban Holocaust CentreUnion of Jewish Women Beth ShalomLetter to the EditorAbove BoardCooking with Judy and LindaSocial and PersonalDiary of Events

On our cover: Holocaust Menorah by Aaron MorganCeramic on Base: 25” tall x 17” wide x 16” deep

“I dedicate this Menorah to those who died in the Holocaust and have no one to remember or say “Kaddish” for them. This work is a visual prayer for our martyred people that died during the Shoah. It is not about showing the horrors that occurred in the past; it is not just saying “Never Again”; it is not about my journey or my anger as a response to the Holocaust; it is about my responsibility to my people, my community, my family, my children and mostly to my grandchildren, to retell the story of the Holocaust.” Aaron Morgan

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Prof Antony Arkin

The views expressed in the pages of Hashalom are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board or any other organisation or religious body unless otherwise

individual.

Hashalom Editorial Board:Chairman: Prof Marcus Arkin Editor: Prof Antony ArkinDeputy Editor: Mrs Mikki Norton Commitee: Dr Issy Fisher, Ms Diane McColl, Mrs Lauren Shapiro

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Notice to Organisations/Contributors:All material to be submitted by email to [email protected] DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE ISSUE: 8 May 2014

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THE DON PACIFICO AFFAIR

I N P E R S P E C T I V E

Prof Marcus Arkin


I S R A E L

Our objective will be to achieve a final status agreement over the course of the next nine months... When somebody tells you that Israelis and Palestinians

cannot find common ground or address the issues that divide them, don’t believe them.” - US Secretary of State John Kerry.

For all of Secretary Kerry’s unfathomable optimism eight months ago, Israeli-Palestinian negotiations had been going nowhere for months before they crashed spectacularly this week.

The Palestinians halted direct talks with the Israelis back in November, in protest at ongoing Israeli settlement construction. (Israel would argue legalistically that, according to the understandings that governed the resumed peace effort, it was not required to limit West Bank building.) The Palestinians then torpedoed Kerry’s efforts to draft a document setting out the “principles of final status,” under which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was prepared to agree to continued negotiations on the basis of the pre-1967 lines. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas rejected the Palestinian quid pro quo, which specified the goal of two nation-states for two peoples - a Jewish nation-state and a Palestinian nation-state. All is nearly but not yet completely lost. As of Thursday afternoon, some of those in the know were describing the situation as “still fluid.” Tellingly, almost two days after Abbas dramatically signed up “Palestine” to 15 international treaties and conventions in an apparent screw-you gesture to the US and Israel, Netanyahu’s office was still batting away a deluge of requests for comment. The something-for-everybody deal - Israel releases the fourth and final batch of long-term terrorism convicts, including perhaps a dozen Arab-Israelis, as well as 400 security prisoners not involved in violent crimes; Israel halts new settlement housing tenders; the Palestinians come back to the table for at least nine more months and eschew the unilateral route to statehood; and the US releases Jonathan Pollard - could yet, just possibly, be revived. Netanyahu had been well on the way to mustering a cabinet majority for such an arrangement when Abbas got his pen out on Tuesday evening.

But in Jerusalem on Thursday there was a degree of bafflement as regards Palestinian intentions - today and looking back over the unhappy eight months since Kerry hosted Livni and Erekat in Washington. Netanyahu emphatically wants the talks to continue, even though there is no indication whatsoever that he and Abbas could ever find mutually acceptable positions on most of the core issues of a permanent accord. But does Abbas want the crisis resolved? Or was the entire Kerry-led negotiation exercise just a pretext, under which the PA would secure prisoner releases and then shift back to the unilateral route - bashing Israel in every possible forum, seeking international endorsement for statehood, while claiming to have negotiated in good faith? Kerry’s confident assertion that he could midwife peace in nine months was always unwarranted. But one of the sadder aspects of this deeply troubled pregnancy is his own flawed midwife role - the facilitator who sometimes became a complicator. For it was Kerry who inexplicably gave Abbas to understand that Israel would be prepared to free some of its own citizens in the course of the agreed, four-phase program of 104 terrorist releases - when Israel had made no such commitment. And it was then Kerry, flailing, who sought to sweeten that bitter pill, and wound up prompting a political uproar in the United States, by dragging Pollard into the equation. It’s not clear that Israel would have released the final batch of prisoners as scheduled last weekend without a promise by Abbas to continue the talks. But the dispute over the Arab-Israelis on the list certainly didn’t help. And it was that delay in the prisoner releases that prompted Abbas’s international treaties stunt - heralding the current crisis. There will be plenty of consequence, including the possibility of a lurch back into violent confrontation and an upsurge in terrorism, and plenty of blame to assign if this week does indeed mark the end of Kerry’s bid for a deal. The Palestinians have a weak president who, while no duplicitous, terror-fostering Arafat, never confronted the narrative bequeathed by his unlamented predecessor, to the effect that the Jews have no sovereign legitimacy in this part of the world. The Israelis have a prime minister who, facing a choice of confidence-building demands from the PA, opted not to take the pragmatic path of curbing settlement expansion and instead betrayed victims’ families, undermined the justice system, and encouraged future terrorists to believe they can get away with their crimes, by freeing dozens of vicious killers. At the heart of the impasse, however, lies a fundamental asymmetry: Israeli Jews have come to believe that their own best interests, and specifically the imperative to retain a Jewish and democratic Israel, require an accommodation with the Palestinians. There is no comparable imperative on the Palestinian side - not, that is, so long as much of the international community persists in indicating to the Palestinians that they will be able to achieve full independence and sovereignty without the inconvenience of coming to terms with Israel.

WHY THE PEACE TALKS ARE COLLAPSING Kerry’s well-intentioned but flawed oversight hasn’t helped, but it’s a deep asymmetry that is again dooming the negotiations

David Horovitz 3 April 2014

Source: Times of Israel Source: Newsmax

“

Secretary of State John Kerry stands with Justice Minister and negotiator Tzipi Livni, left, and Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, after the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks (photo credit: AP/Charles Dharapak).

Why are so many of the grandchildren of Nazis and Nazi collaborators who brought us the Holocaust once again declaring war on the Jews?

Why have we seen such an increase in anti-Semitism and irrationally virulent anti-Zionism in Western Europe?

To answer these questions, a myth must first be exposed. That myth is the one perpetrated by the French, the Dutch, the Norwegians, the Austrians, and many other western Europeans: namely that the Holocaust was solely the work of German Nazis aided perhaps by some Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian collaborators.

The Holocaust was perpetrated by Europeans - by Nazi sympathizers and collaborators among the French, Dutch, Austrians and other Europeans, both Western and Eastern.

If the French government had not deported to the death camps more Jews than their German occupiers asked for; if so many Dutch and Belgian citizens and government officials had not cooperated in the roundup of Jews; if Swiss officials and bankers had not exploited Jews; if Austria had not been more Nazi than the Nazis, the Holocaust would not have had so many Jewish victims.

In light of the widespread European complicity in the destruction of European Jewry, the pervasive anti-Semitism and irrationally hateful anti-Zionism that has recently surfaced throughout Western Europe toward Israel should surprise no one.

“Oh no,” we hear from European apologists. “This is different. We don’t hate the Jews. We only hate their nation-state. Moreover, the Nazis were right-wing. We’re left-wing, so we can’t be anti-Semites.”

The hard left has a history of anti-Semitism as deep and enduring as the hard right. The line from Voltaire, to Karl Marx, to Levrenti Beria, to Robert Faurisson, to today’s hard-left Israel bashers is as straight as the line from Wilhelm Mars to the persecutors of Alfred Dreyfus to Hitler.

“But some of the most strident anti-Zionists are Jews, such as Norman Finkelstein and even Israelis such as Gilad Atzmon. Surely they can’t be anti-Semites.”

Why not? Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas collaborated with the Gestapo. Atzmon, a hard leftist, describes himself as a proud self-hating Jew.

He denies that the Holocaust is historically proved but he believes that Jews may well have killed Christian children to use their blood to bake Passover matzah.

“But Israel is doing bad things to the Palestinians,” the European apologists insist, “and we are sensitive to the plight of the underdog.”

No, you’re not! Where are your demonstrations on behalf of the

oppressed Tibetans, Armenians, Kurds, or even Ukrainians? Where are your BDS movements against the Chinese, the Russians, the Cubans, or the Assad regime?

Only the Palestinians? Why? Not because the Palestinians are more oppressed than these and other groups. Would there be demonstrations on behalf of the Palestinians if they were oppressed by Jordan or Egypt?

The Palestinians were oppressed by Egypt and Jordan. Gaza was an open-air prison between 1948 and 1967, when Egypt was the occupying power. And remember Black September, when Jordan killed more Palestinians than Israel did in a century? I don’t remember any demonstration or campaigns - because there weren’t any.

When Arabs occupy or kill Arabs, Europeans go ho-hum. But when Israel opens a soda factory in Maale Adumim, which even the Palestinian leadership acknowledges will remain part of Israel in any peace deal, Oxfam parts ways with Scarlett Johansson for advertising a soda company that employs hundreds of Palestinians.

Keep in mind that Oxfam has provided “aid and material support” to two anti-Israel terrorist groups, according to the Tel Aviv-based Israeli Law Group.

Even England, which was on the right side of the war against Nazism, has a long history of anti-Semitism, beginning with the expulsion of the Jews in 1290 to the notorious White Paper of 1939, which prevented the Jews of Europe

for seeking asylum from the Nazis in British-mandated Palestine. And Ireland, which vacillated in the war against Hitler, boasts anti-Israel rhetoric.

The simple reality is that one cannot understand the current western European left-wing war against the nation-state of the Jewish people without first acknowledging the long-term European war against the Jewish people themselves. None of this is to deny Israel’s imperfections or the criticism it justly deserves for some of its policies. But these imperfections and deserved criticism cannot begin to explain, the disproportionate hatred directed against the nation-state of the Jewish people and the disproportionate silence regarding the far greater imperfections and deserved criticism of other nations - including the Palestinians.

Nor is this to deny that many western European individuals and some western European countries have refused to succumb to the hatred against the Jews or their state. The Czech Republic comes to mind. But far too many western Europeans are as irrational in their hatred toward Israel as their forbearers were in their hatred toward their Jewish neighbours.

As author Amos Oz once aptly observed: the walls of his grandparents’ Europe were covered with graffiti saying, “Jews, go to Palestine.” Now they say, “Jews, get out of Palestine” - by which is meant Israel.

I S R A E L

EUROPE’S ALARMING PUSH TO ISOLATE ISRAELAlan Dershowitz

11 March 2014


IOANNINA, Greece (JTA) - When the Jews of Ioannina gathered in their whitewashed-stone synagogue, it was to commemorate 70 years since the Nazis destroyed their community.

But the March 30th gathering also served to highlight a source of present-day sadness: the withering of the unique 2,300 year-old Romaniote Jewish tradition.

Ioannina, a postcard-pretty town in northwestern Greece with a medieval fortress perched by a bright blue lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, once was the centre of Romaniote Jewish life. Today the community numbers fewer than 50 members, most of them elderly. The last time the community celebrated a bar mitzvah was in 2000.

“We try to do our best to keep the traditions, but the numbers are very hard.”

“It is very difficult,” said Moses Elisaf, the community’s president. “We try to do our best to keep the traditions, but the numbers are very hard.” he said, standing on the peaceful lakefront Mavili Square, where the Nazis loaded the town’s Jews onto trucks to be shipped to Auschwitz.

The Romaniote Jews, neither Ashkenazi nor Sephardic, emerged from the first Jewish communities of Europe. Records indicate the first Jewish presence in Greece dating back to 300 BCE. A ruined second-century BCE synagogue on the Aegean island of Delos is believed to be the oldest discovered in the Diaspora.

These Jews became known as the Romaniotes, speaking their own language, Yevanic a version of Greek infused with Hebrew and written with the Hebrew script. Romaniote synagogues are unique. They have their own religious traditions and prayer book, the Mahzor Romania. Much of the worship is in Yevanic, and the tunes, including for reading the Torah, are influenced by Byzantine music.

“The Romaniote tradition is hugely important. It is a pre-Diasporic tradition based on the Talmud Yerushalmi,” said Zanet Battinou, the director of the Jewish Museum of Greece and herself a Romaniote who grew up in Ioannina.

But it is a community and a tradition that has long been in decline.Following the expulsion of the Jews of Spain in 1492, many Sephardic Jews found refuge in the Ottoman Empire that then ruled Greece. Soon, major Sephardic communities sprang up, most notably in Thessaloniki, known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans.

The pre-existing Romaniote communities often were absorbed into the larger, wealthier Sephardic Ladino-speaking ones that eventually became largely synonymous with Greek Jewry.

“People don’t know about the Romaniote ancient Jewish community,” Battinou said. “Thessaloniki was so massive and successful, it overshadowed everything.”

It was only on isolated islands and in the rugged mountains of western

J E W I S H W O R L D J E W I S H W O R L D

GREECE’S ROMANIOTE JEWS REMEMBER A CATASTROPHE AND GRAPPLE WITH DISAPPEARING

Gavin Rabinowitz 1 April 2014

Members of the Ioannina Jewish community, foreign diplomats and lo-cal dignitaries take part in a memorial service inside Ioannina’s Kahal Kadosh Yashan synagogue to mark 70 years since the Nazi deporta-tions. (Gavin Rabinowitz)

Auschwitz survivor Zanet Nahmia-Sevi (center) lights a candle in memory of the residents of Ioannina who were killed in the Holocaust. (Gavin Rabinowitz)

Youth from Ioannina’s Greek community, in traditional dress, hold candles to be lit in memory of the more than 500 children who were deported to Auschwitz. (Gavin Rabinowitz)

Greece that the Romaniotes remained the dominant tradition, and Ioannina was the largest of these communities.

By the start of the 20th century, some 4,000 Romaniote Jews lived in Ioannina. But, amid the turmoill that accompanied the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, many emigrated.

Most went to the United States and Palestine, setting up Romaniote synagogues in New York City and Jerusalem. Later, a third was established in Tel Aviv. At the start of World War II, about 2,000 Jews remained in Ioannina.

On March 25, 1944, the German Nazi occupiers rounded up the Jews of Ioannina. As snow fell, they were put into open trucks and taken to a nearby city. From there, a nine-day rail journey took them to Auschwitz.

The names of Ioannina’s 1,832 Jews who were murdered are carved on marble tablets on the walls of the synagogue. Among the dead were more than 500 children under the age of 13.

Only 112 Ioannina Jews survived the death camps. Another 69 escaped the roundup, hiding with Christian families or fleeing into the mountains, where some fought with the Greek resistance. When they returned to Ioannina, many found their properties looted and homes occupied.

But it was not just the people who were wiped out. Centuries of tradition disappeared, too.

“Oral tradition is very dependent on the third generation”

“Oral tradition is very dependent on the third generation - most of the grandfathers and grandmothers were murdered.” Battinou said. Among the few survivors was her grandmother Zanet, after whom she is named. “The youth who survived only perpetuated what parts they remembered,” she said.

While Ioannina was the largest and the most iconic Romaniote community, several other small communities that identify with the Romaniote tradition continue to exist in places like Chalkida and Volos. But today, most of the remaining Romaniote Jews, like their Sephardic compatriots, live in Athens, Greece’s largest Jewish community. Athens has one Romaniote synagogue, built in 1906, but it is used only on the High Holidays.

Meanwhile, the Romaniote Jews who moved to the United States and Israel have intermingled with the larger Jewish communities.

Several Israeli Romaniotes attended the anniversary commemorations, drawn by family ties.

Yosef Baruch came with his brother and his uncle at the behest of his 90-year-old grandmother who survived the Nazis and moved to Israel after the war. Baruch says he has never prayed at the Romaniote synagogue in Jerusalem.

“It’s a tradition that was destroyed in the Holocaust,” he said.None of the American Romaniotes attended the memorial ceremony.

In Greece, with the Jewish community so devastated after the war, there was no place for separate communities. Most religious

services are now held according to Sephardic rites.

Today, only Cantor Haim Ischakis, who led the memorial prayer service, knows how to chant the Torah in the Romaniote tradition - something he learned from his father, also a cantor, who survived the camps.

“I am the only one left,” Ischakis said. He is teaching his two sons, but if they don’t take up his profession, the only examples left will be recordings on YouTube.

In fact, the Internet is emerging as the most likely tool for preserving Romaniote tradition. And the impetus for this online push has come from an unlikely source.

The Canadian ambassador to Greece, Robert Peck, who was instrumental in helping organize the commemorations, with Canada heading the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, noted the lack of available information about the Jews of Ioannina.

At his behest, the New Media Lab at Vancouver’s Simon Fraser University designed a website detailing Ioannina’s Jewish history, and a soon-to-be-launched app will let people explore Jewish sites in the town and listen to survivor testimonies.

“I came to Ioannina and visited the synagogue, and I felt it was very important to carry beyond the borders of Greece what Ioannina represents, the legacy of the Jewish community here,” Peck said.Still, the Romaniote Jews hope that through their efforts and dedication, something of their legacy, their community, will survive in the real world.

“It is very precious to me, and I try to pass it on to my children and hope they appreciate that from their mothers’ side, they inherit such a unique tradition,” Battinou said. “It is still alive; it is not extinct, yet.”

www.djc.co.za

Troy Schonken

Source: JTA


Mr. J Goldman on the death of his sister; Mrs. R. H. L. Brook on the loss of her brother.

HASHALOM - MAY 1964 - EXTRACTS:

A full two-page spread under the heading “Official Opening of Natal’s First Jewish High School” celebrated the opening, on 30 April 1964, of Carmel College. The article gave full coverage to the proceedings of the opening and was accompanied by photographs of Mr Lionel Abrams (Chairman of the Board of Governors), Mr Sam Ernst, Natal Regional Director of Hebrew Education, and Mr Alf Stiller, Chairman of the School’s Building Fund Committee. Then followed a transcript of the Address by the first Principle of Carmel College, Mr Isidore Kahanowitz, also accompanied by a photograph of the author.

This issue contains a learned dissertation on the character of Shylock in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”. The author was Heinrich Heine, another famous convert from Judaism, whose dates Hashalom gave as 1747-1856. This struck Pundit as strange, because though his conversion was notorious, Heine was not famous as a centenarian. Google reveals Hashalom’s half-century error. Heine was born in 1797 and not 1747. Still it must be a long time indeed, perhaps 50 years, since Hashalom utilised its space by using a complete article by a classic author.

And of course all the sporting sections reported on the Maccabi Festival held in Durban.

HASHOLOM - MAY 1939 - EXTRACTS:

The editorial, under the heading, “The White Paper” stated unequivocally that the Balfour Declaration of 1917 envisaged that Palestine on both sides of the Jordan would constitute the Jewish National Home and that the White Paper “recently issued has ignored Jewish rights in a fashion as amazing as it is incomprehensible.” Its last sentence reads boldly: “We emphatically reject the White Paper.”

Immediately opposite the Editorial was a column-long letter from the Chairman of the Club, Mr Louis Ditz, appealing to the members of the Club to rouse themselves from their apathy and make good use of the Club’s extensive facilities.

SOUTH AFRICAN STAGE (political rather than thespian) praised a speech of Mr Abe Goldberg (MP for Umlazi) who had forcefully explained to “the Nationalists” how contradictory were their arguments that “the Jews” were communists while at the same time they accused “the Jewish capitalists” of profiteering at the expense of the poor. It was recorded that the notorious anti-Semite, Eric Louw M.P., had congratulated Mr Goldberg on a fine speech.

A lengthy article by Mr Arthur Barlow in “Everybody’s” on the “Future of the Jews in South Africa” was reported. Mr Barlow expressed the view that anti-Semitism as a force dated only from the rise of Nazism, that “the destiny of the Jews will be decided in Europe… (but) his future is secure.”

“A FIGHTER IN ZION” headlined a review of the career of Lieutenant-Colonel F. H. Kisch C.B.E.,D.S.O. in which he was described as “among the most distinguished of living Jewish soldiers, a man of the stamp of the late Sir John Monash”.He had been a member of the World Zionist Executive from 1923 until 1931 and was, at the time the article was written, a member of the Palestine Road Board, Chairman of the Palestine British Trade Association, member of the Governing Board of the Haifa Technical Institute, Honorary Treasurer of the Palestine Orchestra Trust and a director of several Palestinian companies.

“IN TOWN AND OUT”

• Congratulated: Miss Gertie Abrahams and Mr Willie Berman on their marriage; Mr and Mrs Sid Cohen (Sarah Moshal) on the birth of a son; Miss Sybil Jacobson and Mr Lionel Abrahams on their forthcoming marriage; Miss Zelda Rosenbach and Mr Max Muravitz on their engagement; Mr and Mrs Jack Fisher on the birth of a son; Miss Julia Levinsohn and Mr Ben Geshen on their recent marriage; Mr. Alf Levy on winning the snooker championship of the Club;

• Wished an early recovery from illness to Neville, son of Mr. and Mrs Leslie Rubin; to Mrs. E. Magid and to Mr. W. Smith• Consoled with

J E W I S H W O R L D

PAST TENSEPundit

DON’T LET THE BEDBUGS BITE

B U B K E S

Bedtime is an important ritual in our house. From the days when I followed the baby books to the letter, we start with a soothing bath. Well, a bath, anyway. Over the years it has become less and

less tranquil. The drops of lavender essential oil have been replaced by bomb-drops from the rim of the bath when I turn my head to get the soap (“mind your little sister!”). The gentle baby massage has given way to chasing them around the house with a hairbrush (to tame their wet and wild locks, no reason more sinister than that!). The little sister escapes this step as she still has no hair.

After bath, the older kids put on their pyjamas, and have a milky drink and a bedtime story. Then comes the pinnacle of the routine: bedtime prayers.

As a prelude to the actual liturgy, we do what has become known as “grateful things”, where each child gets to list the things for which he’s thankful that day. Sometimes these are exceedingly sweet and mature, and other times we get random inventories like: “I’m grateful for my toys and my nightlight and all my friends and Shai and the beanbags and Mommy and Daddy.”

Then I sing Hamapil (the bedtime prayer), and we all do the Shma together. The boys still mispronounce half the Hebrew words, and there’s always much mirth expressed at the line “ve’dibartah bam” (“Bum! Hahahaha!”), but they’re getting the idea.

Funnily enough, for me that line is the most significant of all. It translates to “and you shall speak of them” - them being these matters discussed in the Shma, of loving Hashem with all your heart and all your soul and all your might. The verse goes on to say “ve’shinantam le’vanecha” - “And you shall teach them to your children”. It gives me immense warm fuzzies to note that that’s exactly what I’m doing. Through our little nightly ritual, I’m teaching them the basic tenets of our faith: the oneness of Hashem; to love Hashem; to speak of Him often; to use tephillin and mezuzot as constant reminders of His presence.

They may not realize it yet - to be honest I think they consider it more a sort of lullaby - but I’m ingraining this seminal prayer in their minds and hearts. I’m passing on not just words but an entire heritage. It’s more than a tune - it’s a tradition that links generation upon generation. Should they choose to, they will always be able to access its wisdom.

But after dark wisdom often seems the furthest thing from my mind. (My kids know their stories - Cinderella loses her slipper on the stroke of midnight; Mommy loses her sense of humour when the clock strikes seven.) So after prayers it’s a goodnight kiss (for the younger son; the older one “does not do” kisses but will accept from me a manly-ish attempt at a hug), and we end with a nauseating ceremony of “I love you”; “I love you more”; “I love you more more”; “I love you more more more”… which I only win by backing out and closing the door. At this point I lean on the darkened passage wall and sigh a sigh of deep gratitude, listening to the giggles slowly subsiding behind the door.

Bedtime is such a special time. It’s a time of infinite vulnerability. Without the comfort of the day’s distractions, we feel the darkness of night, the closeness of sleep - death’s distant cousin. There’s a reason that kids are only frightened of the Boogeyman at night-time. They need protection from the terrifying harshness of the

world, and my maternal urge to protect them is strongest at night.

But then I think we all harbour fears of the great darkness, literally and figuratively. Even grownups need protection, and we get it from above. To quote Psalm 91, traditionally included in the bedtime prayers: “Who dwells in the refuge of the Lord, in the shade of the Almighty he shall dwell.” It’s a clumsy locution (probably sounds better in the original Hebrew), but the gist is that if we stick by God, He’ll be there to protect us. After all, we’re all Hashem’s children, and we’re all given a clean slate every night, as innocent as these little guys in their Smurfs PJs, clutching their stuffed animals to their chests. Perhaps Hashem looks down on us like I look down at my sleeping babies, their cheeks soft and pale in the glow of the nightlight. Perhaps He gets a lump in His throat too.

I don’t say my own prayers every night. Well, not officially from the book, anyway. So often there are competing priorities - lunchboxes

that need packing, telephone books that need sewing into bunting (true story, don’t ask), laundry that needs hanging, deadlines that need to be met (ahem, ahem, she says, glancing at the clock) - that I just collapse into bed, half-asleep before my head hits the pillow.

Besides, I figure I’ve done the service twice already by then - once with the boys, and once with their little sister, who is still too small to take part in this bedtime ritual, so I whisper the prayers in her ear as she has her evening feed in my arms.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t pray. I thank Hashem for protecting me and my little munchkins. I pray for the safety of my family and friends, for our health, success and happiness. And I ask Hashem to give me the strength and direction to be the best parent I can be, to protect my children from so much more than just bedbugs. Prayer is connecting to Hashem, and I can think of no time more opportune nor appropriate than bedtime. Our little ritual is part of a heritage I feel blessed to have inherited, and grateful to pass onto another generation. And with that thought, it’s time for bed. Goodnight, sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite. Until next time.

Lauren Shapiro

www.macsteel.co.za

Africa’s LeadingSteel Supplier


A chag Purim sameach at IzingaIzinga was a far out place to be this Purim, man! Their psychedelic theme brought out the groove in the guests, with colourful costumes and a chilled breakfast on the deck after the megillah reading. It did look a little, er, unique to see hippies doing the hora, but everyone had a great time and that’s what’s important.

Umhlanga Jewish Day School also completely immersed students in the chag, revolving every subject around it. In Geography, students studied a map of the ancient Persian Empire. In Maths, they calculated how long it took Haman’s messengers to deliver his evil decree to all 127 provinces in the land (6.8 days, in case you were wondering). Art students painted still life watercolours of foods that can be used for a seudah (Purim feast). Afrikaans lessons were spent creating instructions for making Purim masks, and in English classes, children completed Purim crosswords and wrote newspaper articles depicting the events of the megillah.

It’s party time at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre!Private smachot also continue to prove that the Umhlanga Jewish Centre (UJC) is the place to be if you’re celebrating.

Over the long weekend in March, Tae and Darren Smith celebrated their wedding with sundowners and scrumptious snacks on the expansive balcony overlooking the sugar cane fields of Izinga (fast becoming one of the signature features of the function venue). “We chose the UJC because of its magnificent landscape backdrop,” enthuses newlywed Tae. “It’s spacious, modern, and served as a perfect location for our dream cocktail-themed reception. We are delighted and had an amazing simcha with friends and family.”

“The venue is the best in KZN,” agrees Morry Sacher, who hosted a Hollywood-style gala dinner in honour of his 70th birthday. The function hall easily accommodated a red carpet, whiskey bar, dinner buffet, dance floor, comfy couches for lounging, and formal seating for 120 guests (with a capacity for 320). What made this function so particularly special is that Morry has been involved with the Umhlanga Jewish Centre since its inception, and is one of the munificent benefactors who made the project possible.

For more information about Umhlanga Jewish Day School, contact:Karen Plen 031 566 3593 or [email protected]

For more information about the Umhlanga Jewish Centre’s world-class function facilities, call 031 201 5177.

C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

Purim Celebrations Purim began this year on Motzei Shabbat at Maariv with the first reading by Rev. Brian Lurie of Megillat Esther, the inspirational story of the heroic deeds of Esther and Mordechai to save the Jews in Persia. At the conclusion of the first lively and noisy reading of the Megillah, the traditional mohn, chocolate and apple Hamantashen were served in the Perling Hall.

On ‘Purim day” in the afternoon, families and friends gathered at the Great Synagogue to exchange gifts (mishloach manot) and enjoy the “Superhero Purim” celebration followed by the Purim Seudah meal. With many wearing colourful masks and costumes, congregants and children celebrated the festival with both the kids and adults dressed in imaginative costumes as “Superhero” comic-book characters, Queen Esthers and many other amusing dress combinations. The youth programme was arranged by Orli-Shein Essers who entertained the children with activities such as the fun photo-booth and games. After the children’s activities, everyone enjoyed the Purim Seudah and enthusiastically sang and danced along with the musical entertainment organized by Igal. There were special Purim songs and Israeli music which gave much ruach to the evening. Finally, prizes for the best costumes were awarded, and we thank Nadine Gering and Solly Berchowitz for their generous donations of the prizes.

Rabbi Zekry thanked those who arranged the evening, especially Aubrey and Michelle Nathan for all their original ideas and contributions to communal events throughout the year. We also thank Selma Lurie and her team who provided the delicious “Pizza and Pasta” dinner in the Perling Hall for the dinner.

Friday Night Live: “Scotch and Snax”, and a Simcha for Maurice Sacher!Congregants were delighted to celebrate a simcha at a special “Friday Night Live”. Sponsored by the Sacher family this was an occasion to celebrate Maurice Sacher’s 70th birthday. It was a memorable evening with over 200 people attending the Shabbat evening service. To add to the joy of the Maurice’s simcha, he invited, from Johannesburg, the acclaimed Waverley Shul Choir. The Choir has received many honours under the leadership of Maurice and Rhoda’s son, Joel Sacher, who is Choir Master and Musical Director, and with the exceptional Waverly Shul Chazzan, Elton Krawitz. The Choir created a wonderful festive atmosphere in the Great Synagogue with their strong voices, beautiful harmonies and musical arrangements at both Shabbat Maariv and morning Shacharit services. After the evening service, the Kiddush L’Chaim was held in the outdoor Sharona area where guests enjoyed “Scotch and Snax” in the garden which had been superbly illuminated and decorated by Michelle Nathan.

To celebrate Shabbat day with the congregation, a splendid Brocha lunch was sponsored in Maurice’s honour by the Sacher family which included Maurice’s children, grandchildren, siblings and friends from across South Africa and abroad. Rabbi Zekry wished Maurice Mazaltov on this special day and praised him and his much-accomplished wife, Rhoda, for raising a magnificent Torah-observant family. He commended Maurice for his many years on the DUHC Council as Chairman, Treasurer, President and Vice-President as well as his exceptional fund-raising abilities and generosity. Rabbi Zekry said Maurice’s Hebrew names, Avraham Moshe Ben Baruch Yehudah, show his character and personality: like Avraham’s chesed, kindness, Maurice has the attribute of being kind and generous; like our leader Moshe Rabbeinu, he is an outstanding leader in the Jewish community while Yehudah is a symbol of the appreciation and gratitude felt by the community for Maurice’s selfless service over nearly 30 years. The DUHC thanks the Sacher family for sponsoring this unforgettable Shabbat and simcha with the community and wish Maurice Mazaltov on this milestone birthday.

Michael Greenbaum

Jack Bronzin and Emma van de Weg Creative fun at Moriah to teach the children about Pesach

CELEBRATIONS ALL ROUND AT UMHLANGA JEWISH CENTRE


Lauren Shapiro

Shelli Strous

Our second term has commenced and the Moriah learners are enjoying the traditional Pesach songs, creative art activities which reinforce our theme and the wonderful Pesach stories. With the use of three dimensional props, we have enacted the 10 Plagues, to their great delight.

They also enjoy rolling and flattening dough to make matza and singing Dayenu with such great enthusiasm. We take this opportunity to wish the community Chag Sameach.


Our first session of Young generations proved to be so popular that we decided to move it to a bigger venue. It will now be held on the last Sunday of every month at 4.00pm at the Holocaust centre. The new, exciting pamphlet, devised by Rabbi Vegoda, is full of interesting and educational material. It includes information about famous Jewish personalities, mitzvoth pertaining to everyday life, like showing empathy and avoiding lashon hara, as well as an explanation of prayers. It is very age-appropriate and the children can really relate to the characters in the stories.


The first term is always a busy one. The community project, created by Rabbi Vegoda, has been very successful. Each child is busy building his or her own Jewish community, and in the process learning about all the different components that make up the community. Thus far, we have studied the role and significance of the Shul as not only a place of prayer, but as an intrinsic part of the community, providing important social, educational and supportive functions. The outing to the Chabad Shul was very well attended and we are so grateful to Shlomo for having us there and, as always, teaching the children in such a fun and interactive way.

The children then built the kosher butchery, learning, amongst other things, about the two signs required for meat to be kosher, Shechita and the kashering process. We will continue with this project next term and our focus will then shift to the chagim.

The children studied the story of Purim and the themes of persecution and survival were highlighted. They also created their own megillot. We are now learning about Pesach. The children will be making their own Seder plates and will be given special Haggadot which explain the significance of each part of the Seder.

Crawford Preparatory were very fortunate to be visited by Rabbi Peres who kept them enthralled as he discussed how incredibly successful Jewish people have been throughout history as a nation, especially when one considers how small a community they

are relative to other religions and countries. The message was clear; no matter how small we are as a people, we should never under-estimate the impact we can have, whether it is on our school, on our country or on the world.

March at the Young Israel Centre has been festive with much happening.

On Sunday 9 March Bnei Akiva held a pre-Purim function to pack mishloach manot and make hamentaschen with Ben Sapo and Orli Essers. Orli, in the kitchen, following a recipe like a crazed scientist had us all on the edge of our seats to see the outcome. Kol hakavod to Orli for not only making them edible but for allowing the children to get involved and choose their own fillings. They were Yummy!

On Saturday the 16th of March the Young Israel Centre committee held a Shabbat lunch for all the committee members. It was a way overdue occasion and held to recognise its members who work relentlessly to ensure the smooth running of the Young Israel Centre.

The Waverly Shul choir stayed at the YIC over the last weekend in March. Much of the time was spent with community engagements but we did manage to squeeze in a Saturday night braai for the choir members.

On Sunday 30th of March the dedicated volunteers of the CSO were treated to a delicious braai at the Young Israel Centre.

On Sunday 5th April Kendyll and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Zionist Council held a Pesach activity day and, as usual, it was a great success.

The Sunday Cheder and Batmitvah lessons continue as usual throughout the month and have been very well attended.

Rabbi Perez with some of the Crawford Primary School students in the Hebrew classroom at Crawford.

Helene Cohen Jessica Stout

Talmud Torah

Talmud Torah Generations

The Shiddleville story at the end has the children sitting on the edges of their seats and they can’t wait for the next session to hear the next part of the exciting adventure.

Some of the children making hamentaschen with Orli at Bnei Akiva

Learning about Pesach with Kendyll

Young Israel Centre

On Purim day the school was abuzz with activity, excitement and loads of fun, As the Jewish children related the story of Esther, Mordechai and the evil Haman.A “visit to the palace” was the chosen theme for our annual Carnival day, Queens, kings and court jesters were some of the fancy dress costumes on displace.Awarding prizes for the best dressed was one of the most difficult tasks, As each class paraded past the judges adorned with crowns, tiaras and colourful masks.Delicious hamentaschen baked by Mrs. Jacobson were enjoyed by one and all, As the school playground was transformed into a market with many a different stall.A mobile putt-putt course and jumping castles were there for one and all to enjoy, The success of the day was agreed upon by each Eden teacher, girl and boy.To the resident old age home “Beth Shalom” the Jewish pupils were then escorted, Where all the gifts that had been donated for Mishloach manot were transported.The joy this beautiful mitzvah brought to the residents was a joy to behold.And on that note we conclude this Purim rhyme as all has been related and told.

Until next month.

The actors and actresses of Durban put their best skills on display at the Pesach activity held for them on Sunday April 6th at the Young Israel Centre.

The afternoon’s activities were different rounds of theatre sports but with a Pesach twist. This included Moshe’s staff, a pyramid and a frog for the prop game; the kids had to think of different uses for these props beside what they were. Needless to say, the creativity levels shot through the roof. Then we had stories narrated by one person and acted out by two or three others, but with their hands behind their backs and their partner making all the gestures. Sweets were enjoyed whilst a Pesach tale was told but using the alphabet letters in order. The result? A rather interesting, but semi-accurate, collection of information, derived from the Pesach story.

Finally, we had a brief presentation of our favourite Matzah recipes, some of which I cannot wait to try this Pesach!

Chag Pesach Sameach to all the children and their families.

PESACH ACTIVITY FOR THE KIDS

Kendyll Jacobson


Norma Bloch


“As South Africa’s young democracy moves from its adolescent years into early adulthood, it is crucial that each and every citizen takes an active and informed role in shaping a brighter future for our beloved country”. These closing remarks by Political and Media Liaison Alana Baranov not only captured the essence of the Council of KwaZulu-Natal’s ‘The Democracy Debate’ held on April 1st, but the mission behind the Jewish community’s ‘Make Us Count’ campaign.

As part of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies’ ‘Make Us Count’ election awareness, education and mobilization campaign, the CKNJ held a highly successful public election debate at the Durban Jewish Centre. With a packed audience of 200 people, the debate gave, not only the local Jewish community, but also members of the press, civil society and other religious leaders in attendance the opportunity to engage directly with political leaders.

Moderated by the charming and well-known journalist Greg Arde, Deputy Editor of the Sunday Tribune, the debate opened with a welcome by CKNJ President Linda Nathan and then kicked off with political parties summarizing their manifestos. From there, three rounds of questions were posed at each representative on the topics of skills development and unemployment, corruption, and foreign policy, and the evening ended with rapid fire questions from the floor.

The impressive panel of high-level speakers comprised both national and provincial leaders: Mr Narend Singh, Treasurer General of the IFP and a Member of Parliament; Ms Jo-Anne Downs, Chair of the National Executive Committee of the ACDP & a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Parliament; Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, President and Leader of the Congress of the People and a Member of Parliament; Dr Wilmot James, Acting Parliamentary Leader for the Democratic Alliance; and finally Mr Willies Mchunu, Provincial Deputy Chair of the African National Congress and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport.

The debate saw the panellists and audience interacting with each other in a lively but respectful atmosphere. All parties agreed on

the need to combat hate crimes and the need to protect the LGBTI and refugee communities in South Africa. They also reiterated their support of a two state solution to the Israel and Palestine conflict. The issue of government officials allocating themselves RDP houses was raised, as was the scandal around Nkandla.

The Democracy Debate is just one aspect of the ‘Make Us Count’ campaign, which is currently recruiting volunteers to join our IEC-accredited election observer team to monitor voting stations on Election Day.

For more information, and to join the observer team, please contact Alana Baranov on [email protected]

Alana Baranov

CKNJ Democracy Debate 01/04/2014

Council of KwaZulu-Natal Jewry

C O M M U N I T Y N E W SC O M M U N I T Y N E W S



Gary Budlender Cheryl Unterslak

It has been a difficult start to the year for Lodge Jaffa, with the passing of Basil Ostilly, a long-time member for 50 years, and the unfortunate resignations of a couple of well-liked and hardworking brethren owing to personal circumstances. On the positive side, we welcomed Bradley Vinik as a new member to the HOD at our last Open Lodge meeting on 17th March, and hope to see him regularly at meetings and involved with activities.

The HOD is a service organization primarily concerned with the welfare of the Jewish community: raising funds to support various organizations, and performing Mitzvot in the service of our local community.

Some of our more active members are now getting on in years, and the HOD is in need of an injection of new blood. The initiation of new members is fundamental to the long-term welfare of the organization. We appeal to young Jewish men to come forward and serve their community. The HOD is an ideal vehicle towards this end. If you are interested you are urged to call our Vice-President, Josh Oshry on 031 5647092. He would love to hear from you.

This year it has been decided to host a show at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre towards the end of the year as our major fundraiser. We can’t give details as yet, but have been assured that it will be a top class local production suitable for the entire family.

A braai for Lodge members and their families was held at the home of Barry and Val Alice on Sunday 6th April. This informal function was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all.Our grateful thanks go to Barry and Val who have been wonderful hosts for many such braais over the past few years.

We look forward to welcoming Fiona Klein as a guest speaker on her travels to Asia at our next Open Lodge meeting in April.

We take this opportunity to wish all members of the community Chag Sameach and a meaningful Pesach.

I am on the way to Israel to deliver an enormous number of gifts for brides, grooms, babies and children, all of whom have been affected by acts of terrorism in the last year. Many have been affected by stoning, sniper fire, acid being thrown, and shootings. On my return, I will report back.

We are also preparing to start the Yomtov clothing appeal. We have to start early so that we can collect, pack and have the gifts cleared through both South African and Israeli customs in time for Yom Tov. We collect brand new clothing for numerous Israeli children who are affected by strife and/or poverty. Please, if anyone would like to participate in this appeal, contact me and I will give you the name and age of a child for whom to purchase clothing.

This special mitzvah gives the children so much happiness and dignity. Each year Yomtov Appeal is a wonderful success and this is because of all your contributions.

Contact me: [email protected]


Grant Maserow

Under the SAFI banner, the KNZC has been working with Christian Zionists in Israel advocacy. On Sunday, afternoon (6 April), we screened the dvd “Israel Inside” as the second part to our series of documentaries to educate the broader public about Israel.

“Israel Inside” is a short documentary about an Israeli, who was living in America and the decision he made to return to Israel to raise his family. It touches on the personal, economic and social values that Israel holds dear. This is a side to this beautiful country that is so often neglected to be shown by the media and Israel detractors, today.

In the SAFI environment we are able to show what a thriving, contributing society Israel really is and the more people we reach,

the closer we get to others, to show the true face of Israel. Israel has many supporters around the country and throughout Africa and it is up to us to provide them with the correct narrative. Those who attended were so appreciative to see this aspect of Israel, to see that there is so much more to Israel than a war, to see the human side of Israel, a democratic country with so many advances and opportunities.

This is the Israel the world needs to see and accept and, as Jews, we need to make every effort to advocate for Israel and not just defend her. With all the support Israel gets from Christian Zionists, how much more so should we give Israel our support? We should be leading by example. How can we expect support from others if we are not willing to give it ourselves?

South African Friends of Israel (SAFI): Israel Advocacy

JNF will be continuing with Blue Box collections. Although a small contributor, it is the sentiquential symbol of JNF. If you would like a Blue Box to be placed in your home, business or community area, please contact [email protected].

Remember to buy your Tree certificates, they can even be used to thank someone for a good deed. Contact [email protected].

Look out for us at Yom Ha’atmaut Function on the 05 May, we will be selling Tree Certificates and Shopping bags to hold all your goodies.

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND OF SOUTH AFRICA



Rabbi Cherie Koller-Fox and her husband, Professor Everett Fox were the guests on Friday, 28 March at Temple David where they attended the Erev Shabbat service. Professor Fox gave a short lecture entitled, “Why translate the Bible anew?” in which he proposed that newer translations of the Bible were needed so that newly discovered knowledge of the Biblical World can inform translations of ancient texts. He stated that he seeks to follow the principles developed by Franz Rosenzweig and Martin Buber, and “to draw the reader into the world of the Hebrew Bible through the power of its language.” Professor Fox’s publication, a translation of The Five Books of Moses was published in 1995 followed in 1999 by Give Us a King!, a translation of the books of Samuel. His translation of the complete Early Prophets (the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings) will be published in November 2014.

The DPJC congregants had the opportunity to meet Rabbi Koller-Fox and Professor Fox after the service during a communal Brocha.

At the March Friendship Club Bingo morning three of our lovely ladies celebrated their birthdays in style:

The Purim Carnival at the Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation after the short Service was a jolly celebration. From a bright and colourful hall, with balloons on the tables, to extremely diverse fancy dress, imagination ran riot. Adults and children alike looked great in very original creations and the three judges had a hard time awarding prizes in each age category. Ultimately everyone was a winner and all present enjoyed the good ruach, delicious hamantaschen and other eats on offer.

DPJC had them all this Purim. From princess’ to Macbeth’s 3 witches; heroic turtles to terrifying pirates.

Avril Binks, Elaine Goldberg and Eve Blumburg.

On Wednesday 26th march 2014, Brand South Africa in partnership with Hope Africa, the Social Development Programme of the Anglican Church of South Africa, held a workshop to discuss the National Development Plan. I was privileged to take part in this conference which brought together representatives from a diverse group of faith based organisations, the DPJC included.

The National Development Plan was introduced by Mr Sabelo Mashwama, a consultant with the Hope Africa Organisation. Mr Mashwama outlined the aims of THE BRAND AFRICA initiative and what it was undertaking in terms of global exposure of the South African brand and efforts to underscore positive information to attract foreign investment. Ms Mpumi Mabuza then explained the aims of HOPE AFRICA also working to raise awareness and create a positive image for the country.

After tea the delegates were split into Groups in order to discuss 3 commissions:1 Public Policy and Advocacy2 Building Social Capital through empowering communities3 Economic & Youth Empowerment

The morning ended on an upbeat note with a report-back promised in 6 to 8 months time.

Diane McColl Marion Arkin

Lorna Harris

Why Translate the Bible Anew

Purim Carnival at the DPJC

The Brand Africa

Purim at Temple David was nothing but a success once again. We even had special guest appearances from Elsa the snow princess, the three witches from Macbeth, the Wolf of Wall Street and the Mad Hatter. Some might say it was a star studded affair!

Amy Groer and I helped the cheder children act out the story of Esther and Purim after the Megillah reading, I think it is safe to say we have a few potential Academy Award winners in the making. After the affairs in the shul we all headed up to the hall for the best dressed competition, the great wining and dining and of course to get our hands on the delicious hamentashen. The three judges for the best dressed competition contemplated long and hard before choosing the winners, all of whom deserved nothing less. Everyone really out did themselves this year.

Finally after all the formalities, the fun could begin. This year Netzer decided to run a different type of carnival. We teamed up with a programme in Israel that sends Mishloach Manot to soldiers in the IDF along with cards and messages from people around the world. We had a station set up where the kids could write letters and learn about this programme; this was run by Amy Groer. Liam Shapira ran the more active station for the kids who were more energetic where they played KungFu Ninja. Upon being ‘out’ the kids came to my station where we played the delicious Spin Tasty game. Jordan Shapira helped me with this station as well as the apple bobbing station.

Everyone left with a full stomach, energy on a high all the while having made a difference in someone else’s life. I believe the mitzvot of Purim were wonderfully fulfilled and here is to next year having as much success!

Kendyll Jacobson

The National Sea Rescue Institute recently received another donation from the estate of the late Michael Lipschitz (a former Mayor of Durban).

This was presented by Stanley Lipschitz to Clifford Ireland, Station Commander of NSRI Durban at their annual awards evening.


Donation to The National Sea Rescue Institute



Alana Baranov

No place on earthA fantastic crowd came to the DHC on Wednesday April 2nd to watch the screening of the remarkable film, ‘No Place On Earth’.

In October 1942, five Jewish families seek asylum underground to evade being caught by pursuing Nazis. They remain hidden below for nearly a year and a half – the longest uninterrupted underground survival occurrence ever recorded. Their harrowing story is unearthed by accident when a cave explorer, Chris Nicola, stumbles upon remnants left behind by the cave dwellers. Through extensive research, Nicola locates some of the survivors and has them share their incredible story.

The screening was proceeded with a message from Janet Tobias, the film’s director, and also featured a video message from Zack Stermer, grandson of survivor Sam Sterner.

Ghosts of the Third ReichThursday April 10th saw the screening of the moving film “Ghosts of the Third Reich” at the DHC together with WIZO, a documentary that brings together the poignant and anguished stories of descendants of the Nazis, who confront their family’s past and communicate their most profound feelings of guilt by inheritance. These individuals share a common desire to distance themselves from Nazi ideology and the actions of their ancestors; and to liberate

themselves from the guilt, shame, and pain that continue to levy a heavy price seventy years later.

After the screening, the audience was privileged to share in a unique conversation facilitated by Thomas Hagspihl, whose father was a member of the Hitler Youth, and Tali Nates, whose father was rescued by Oskar Schindler.

The Circle CaféThe Circle café has recently received glowing reviews on the local food review Facebook page ‘Durban Restaurants - the good, the bad and the nasty’.

Just some of the wonderful comments:“Felt at peace sitting in the garden...I can’t rave more about it...what a gem I have found”“We had a lovely lunch there last week. Good variety from toasted sandwiches and chips for the kids, to that bagel, to delish fish cakes and salad. Unfortunately no room then for the legendary cheesecake. It’s also very moving to visit the well-presented exhibition in the Centre itself”“I take the cheesecake as a takeaway - it’s a MUST!”“Next time order cheese blinzes. Really special!”“what a GEM”

‘Like’ our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/circlecafedurban and follow us on twitter @CircleCafeDBN

COMING SOON - Harbour of Hope on June 1st On June 1st 2014, the DHC will be screening the film ‘Harbour of Hope’ - a powerful, character-driven documentary that charts the arrival in 1945 of a ship full of camp survivors at the peaceful harbour town of Mälmo, Sweden. Interspersing rich archive footage from the voyage with present-day interviews from the leading characters, director Magnus Gertten - whose father witnessed the historic docking as a boy - weaves a poignant, human story about how even the most savage cruelty can be redeemed by the overwhelming kindness of strangers.

‘Like’ the DHC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dbnholocent, follow us on Twitter @DbnHoloCent and check out our website at www.holocaust.org.za

SAPS UMBILO VICTIMS SUPPORT CENTRE has been receiving assistance from the Union for many years. At a recent Exec meeting, members of staff from the centre gave an update of their needs that will allow them to better assist trauma survivors, especially children. The statistics are shocking - 5 plus cases, of varying severity, every day! A collection of toys, crayons, colouring books was delivered to the centre.

Members of the UJW Durban committee have been busy visiting projects, whether longstanding or just beginning.

UMCEBO DESIGN co-operative craft workshop received much needed items for their imaginative creations. Members of the Ubunye project were busy putting the finishing touches to a piece depicting a tree in the garden of Eden entwined by the sssssssss.

The Ubunye team with their gifts of blankets

Members of the UJW with Nora and Adelaide in the Kitchen

Children in the playground at Clare Ellis Brown School

UJW members at Khulani

Members of the UJW at Umcebo

Goods being unpacked at Khulani Specials Needs School

UJW committee members with the VSCentre Members

CLARE ELLIS BROWN SCHOOL was a beneficiary of the 2nd Annual Card Morning in memory of Maureen Baitz z’l. Their renovated kitchen is “up and running” and the Union is proud to have been able to assist in providing this necessary upgrade for the school. Thank you to everyone who helped by supporting the card morning. We look forward to having you join us again for the card morning on 18th June this year.

KHULANI SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL has finally moved into their newly built premises. The staff and learners are all delighted with the improvement to their school. With the assistance a magnanimous overseas benefactor we were able to purchase much needed educational games and puzzles for the school. Our sincere thanks extends to the Council of KwaZulu-Natal Jewry which, on behalf of the Jewish Community, generously donated computers to Khulani.

A BUSY TIME WAS HAD...




Lee-Anne LipschitzDR MOVSON RETIRES…

TUNA BLINISCrepes: Process or blend: 1 cup flour, ¼ cup oil, 3 eggs and 1½ cups milk. Add a dash salt and pepper. Allow the batter to stand for at least 1 hour to settle, before making crepes.

Filling:

Combine filling ingredients and spoon into the crepes - fold up and place blinis in a greased baking dish.

Topping:

Mix the cream and tomato sauce and pour over blinis. Sprinkle with spring onion and paprika then bake, covered, 180 deg C for 25 minutes.

BAKED POTATOES WITH TUNA FILLING

Topping: 1 Cup fresh bread crumbs + ½ cup grated cheddar. Fry the breadcrumbs until light brown in some hot butter.

Bake potatoes until done then cool slightly. Slice lengthwise down the middle and scoop out the potato saving the skin shells. Melt a little butter and fry the onion till soft. Add the flaked tuna. Add the onion and tuna to the potato with the cream egg, paprika, parsley, Tabasco and seasoning. Fill the potato shells. Sprinkle the fried breadcrumbs then grated cheese over the stuffed potatoes and bake at 180 deg C for 15 - 20 minutes.

TUNA AND AVOCADO PATE2 Tablespoons gelatin soaked in ½ cup cold water. Dissolve by heating over gentle heat. Cool slightly.

While gelatin is cooling, place rest of the ingredients, except the spring onion, in a processor and blend until smooth. Add the gelatin mixture with some coarsely ground salt and black pepper and blend well. Fold in the sliced spring onion by hand. Pour this into a mold of your choice and chill until firm. Invert onto a plate and decorate with sliced avocado and sliced pimiento stuffed olives.

Sharing the Lesson of PesachShortly before Yom Tov, the Gauteng Council of the SAJBD held a special ‘Freedom Seder’, bringing together a wide range of political and religious leaders, members of the media and civil society to celebrate twenty years of South African democracy in the context of the traditional Passover narrative. The event provided a distinctively Jewish vehicle through which we could participate with our fellow South Africans in celebrating this important milestone. Following my introductory remarks, presentations were given by Chief Rabbi Goldstein, SAJBD President Zev Krengel, anti-apartheid activist Mac Maharaj, former trade unionist Johnny Copelyn and CNN’s Robyn Curnow. All provided moving and thought-provoking insights on the legacy of our democrat struggle and the responsibilities that this attainment of freedom had brought with it.

One of today’s educational challenges today is to imbue our youth with an appreciation of what it is to live in a society where discrimination is illegal and all fundamental democratic freedoms are upheld. For that, they need to remember the circumstances that gave birth to a free South Africa, and realise that without the sacrifices made by previous generations, they would not be enjoying the basic democratic freedoms which are today all but taken for granted.

Election Fever - Making our Community Count There were excellent attendances at the Board’s pre-election inter-party debates in Durban and Johannesburg. The moderator at the CKNJ event held at the Durban Jewish Centre was Sunday Tribune Deputy Editor Greg Arde and the high-level line-up of political leaders included Mosioua Lekota (COPE), Willies Mchunu (ANC), Wilmot James (DA), Jo-Anne Downs (ACDP) and Narend Singh (IFP). Various members of the press, civil society and religious leaders attended. All present enjoyed the robust but always respectful exchanges as representatives of the competing parties gave their views on how to take South Africa forward.

Finality at Last in the Radio 786 CaseLast month, the SAJBD and Islamic Unity Convention (IUC) formally agreed to a settlement of the Board’s complaint of anti-Semitic hate speech against Radio 786. Both parties signed a joint statement in which inter alia Radio 786 conceded that parts of the offending programme had been nonsensical and anti-Semitic, and that this had caused offence and distress to members of our community. From our point of view, the settlement brought to a satisfactory conclusion what has been an extraordinarily complex and arduous process. Ultimately, we have achieved what we set out to achieve, namely to bring our grievances before the broadcasting regulatory body, to show why the programme was so defamatory and offensive and to ensure that there was some form of acknowledgment by the broadcaster that this was so. During this time, I was overseas attending the meeting of the World Jewish Congress executive committee. The discussions around the alarming rise of global anti-Semitism brought home once again how vital it is for us to be vigilant and to oppose without compromise all anti-Semitic acts. This is why the Board never wavered in pursuing the 786 matter, despite the many obstacles, delays and dead-ends that it involved.

2 Tins tuna ¾ Cup mayonnaise¼ Cup chopped spring onion 1 Tablespoon tomato sauce

12 Stuffed olives, chopped Salt and pepper1 Pickled cucumber, chopped Few drops of Tabasco

250ml Cream 2 Tablespoons tomato sauce

¼ Cup chopped spring onion Paprika

6 – 8 Potatoes 1 Onion, finely chopped½ Cup hot cream or milk Butter1 XL or jumbo egg, beaten

½ Teaspoon paprika2 Tins tuna, drained Salt and coarsely ground black pepper2 Tablespoons chopped parsley Few drops of Tabasco

2 Tins of tuna 1 Cup mashed avocado pear1 Teaspoon finely grated onion ¼ Cup good mayonnaise1 Cup sour cream

2 Teaspoons worchestershire sauceFew drops of Tabasco 1 - 2 Tablespoons finely sliced spring onion

GRAB A TIN OF TUNA...

Above BoardMary Kluk, National Chairman

A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies


I have just received my copy of the April 2014 issue of Hashalom and, as is my custom, I turned immediately to “PAST TENSE”, just to see what my deathless prose looked like in print.

Imagine my surprise when I found that I was responsible for creating a character who, to my knowledge, never existed - Mavis Schaffer. I know that my handwriting is not of the copperplate variety, but in 1964 Morris Schaffer was so well-known in both the DUHC and at Circle Country Club that nobody could conceivably have thought of Mavis Schaffer as a co-convener of a Maccabi Sports Festival.

There are, in fact, two other misprints that cannot by any stretch of the imagination be attributed to my bad handwriting, but rather to defective proof-reading.

Firstly the word “Bowls” in the context of a Sports Festival was spelt “Bowles”. It boggles the mind that the word might, with no more effort, have been spelt “Bowels”. Secondly, in the 1964-type joke, which I admit was not very good and certainly not politically-correct, the whole point is lost when it is said that the very rude allegedly religious couple “DO” rather than “DON’T” get on well together.

May I suggest that if a contributor to Hashalom submits his/her copy in manuscript, it should be transcribed and sent, say, by email to the contributor for approval, as he/she would then be responsible for the form in which it ultimately sees the light of day.

Kind regards,Pundit

Editor’s Reply

As always it is a pleasure to publish Pundit’s articles. They give a wonderful overview of Hashalom’s proud 90 year history. However, Pundit persists on submitting his articles in a scratchy hand written form. Not only does this make editing the article extremely time-consuming but it also leaves the text wide-open to misinterpretation. All other contributions to Hashalom are submitted by email.

Beth Shalom urgently requires ladies to assist us with the Craft Cabin and the Thrift Shop. If anyone interested please contact Frances Herr for the Craft Cabin and Gerselle for the Thrift Shop. I do look forward to a favourable response.

Thank you to the Community who still donate lovely clothing and good books which are all well utilized within the Home.

Our thanks go to the UJW who sponsored a beautiful braai on the 2nd April 2014 for our residents. This was a lovely treat and was thoroughly enjoyed by both guests and residents.

Our residents went to Circus Circus at North Beach for an outing and had a most wonderful morning. The weather was perfect, allowing many of our residents to take long leisurely strolls along the beach front.

Sylvia Collins

Dr “Issy” Movson (Specialist Radiologist) recently retired after working in the X-ray department at Addington Hospital since 1992.

His dedication, compassion, guidance, extensive knowledge and exemplary mammographic expertise endeared him to colleagues and patients alike.

During the years that he worked at this institution he was instrumental in building a comprehensive and detailed mammographic film museum which plays a huge part in the training of all radiology staff.

He commanded a high standard of work and his gentle and charming nature ensured an easy rapport with both staff and patients.

It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked with such a special person.

May he enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

24 HASHALOM █ May 2014

Hashalom is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please submit your information in writing to The Editor, PO Box 10797, Marine Parade 4056 or fax to (031) 3379600 or email [email protected].

May 2014BIRTHSMazeltov to Betty and Mendel Green on the birth of a great-grandson, born to Ishai and Gill Klawansky in Johannesburg; to Cecil & Kathy Sher on the birth of twin grandchildren born to Julian and Zoe in Cape Town and to Betzalel and Renana Rackovsky on the birth of a son in Israel.

BAR/BATMITZVAHMazeltov to Jenifer Kaplan on the forthcoming Barmitzvah of her grandson Grant Urdang in Johannesburg; to Wally and Vivienne Stiller on the barmitzvah for their grandson Adam in Los Angeles; to Norma Cowan on the barmitzvah for her grandson Adam in Los Angeles; to Solly & Beryl Goldman on the forthcoming Barmitzvah of their grandson Benjamin Marks in Johannesburg and to the Marks family on the barmitzvah of Gabriel.

MARRIAGESMazeltov to Renee and Gary Smith and to Jeanette Landy on the marriage of their son/grandson Darren to Taetim (Tamra-Noa) de Villiers.

ANNIVERSARYMazeltov to Stan and Bernice Hart on their 40th wedding anniversary and to Antony and Marion Arkin on celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.

BIRTHDAYMazeltov to Morry Sacher on his 70th birthday.

CONDOLENCESSincere condolences to Bryan and Neville Silbermann on the passing of their brother Michael and to Joy Strous on the passing of her mother Elfride Minchuk.


Date Time Event Venue

4 5:00 pm Yom HaZikaron DJC

5 5:30 pm Yom Ha’Ahatzmaut DJC

7 UJW Friendship Club Beth Shalom

12 7:00 pm Technikon talk YIC

13 7:30 pm WIZO talk: Turn a Life Around DJC

19 7:30 pm HOD Lodge jaffa DJC

21 9:00 am Sisterhood Friendship Club Beth Shalom

27 Yom Yerushalayim

25 4:00 pm Talmud Torah DHC

26 TBA UJW AGM DHC Media Room

All times and venues correct at time of going to press

These flags can be made as big or as small as you like. Use ice-cream sticks for the small flags and the children can wave them around. Make huge flags and let the children put the flag on their bedroom walls. This craft is perfect for kids ages 3 - 6.

MaterialsBlue construction paperWhite construction paper

DirectionsInstead of using scissors, have children tear blue paper strips.Paste the strips to the top and bottom of a sheet of white construction paper. Cut six smaller strips and set them up in the shape of a Magen David (Star of David) in the centre of the white paper. Glue them down. Use the glitter glue to enhance the flag by glittering the blue stripes and the Magen David.

CHILDREN’S CORNERYom Ha’aztmaut Craft

Glue stickGold glitter glue

by aaron morgan 2014/hashalom may 2014.pdf · in greece, and thereafter remained in athens as a...

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