Jewish Life Digital Edition November 2014 | Page 15

unity on an unprecedented scale,” says
Rabbi Goldstein, here and with Jews across
the globe. And this was the might of the
Jews in action if ever there was anything.
We also felt it at the 12 000-strong rally
for Israel, organised by the Zionist Federation. “It not only showed our strong support for Israel, but also, it gave us a platform to show the world that we are strong,
and that we will still stand together for
who we are and what we believe in, even in
the face of the incredible anxiety caused by
the spate of anti-Semitism worldwide,” explains vice-chairman Ben Swartz. And
none can tell us otherwise.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH
The history of South African Jews dates
back to the early part of the 19th century,

and we are among the most fortunate in
the world. We live in a dynamic, free society in which we are able to observe our religion openly with pride and conviction, says
Romy Friedmann from the CSO. This is
something that is unique in most parts of
the Diaspora. “But, as in many other parts
of the world, we continue to be the target
of the tenacious and hostile prejudice, antiSemitism. Despite this threat that persists
in its attempt to eradicate us, Jewish life
continues unabated. We do not allow the
bigotry or the constant threats to overwhelm us.” However, she says, many in the
community are unaware of the threats we
face and of the actual workings of the CSO.
“The CSO provides us with the physical
means to cope with the constant threats.
They ensure the continuation of Jewish life

as we know it, and allow the community to
practise its activities in a safe and secure
environment.” It is with the CSO’s help and
constant presence that Jewish life in South
Africa continues; and the best way of opposing anti-Semitism is for Jewish life itself to thrive.
Jewish life thrives because of our connection to Hashem.
Because, says the enlightening Linda
Levy, during her new course, Hashem created us to bestow His goodness on us, but
we have to be worthy of those blessings.
Hashem wants us to bring morality, decency, kindness and generosity back into this
world, and that starts in our own lives. This
is where our spiritual might as Jews can
help us. Hashem believed in us and assigned us to be a light unto the nations,