Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies

16/06/2026

Cape Union Mart is a proudly South African business with a long-standing record of local manufacturing, job creation, and investment in South African communities. It has been subjected to sustained defamation, intimidation, and economic pressure because of the lawful views and public positions of its leadership.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) stands firmly in support of Philip Krawitz and Cape Union Mart as the Western Cape High Court hears this matter on 15, 17 and 18 June 2026.

At its core, this matter engages an increasingly concerning phenomenon: the use of public pressure campaigns to isolate and penalise individuals and businesses because their views differ from those of their critics. This is not legitimate democratic engagement. It is an attempt to cancel or exclude people from economic and public life because of their opinions.

The impact of this case goes beyond a single company. It reflects a growing concern within the South African Jewish community regarding the targeting and defamation of Jewish businesses, resulting in exclusion, stigma, and economic coercion.

Furthermore, we reject the inclusion in these protests of clearly antisemitic imagery and rhetoric, including the display of sw****kas outside Cape Union Mart stores. The sw****ka is widely recognised as a symbol of antisemitic hatred and persecution. South African jurisprudence, including the matter of SAHRC obo SAJBD v Masuku and Others, has affirmed that such expressions can constitute hate speech.

No person should be made to feel unsafe in their workplace or business because of who they are or what they believe. Upholding that principle strengthens not only Cape Union Mart, but also the constitutional values that protect all South Africans and underpin our democracy.

16/06/2026

🗳️ Local Elections 2026: Check Your Status & Register! 🗳️

Don't assume you are automatically ready to vote. Even if you are already registered, it is essential to double-check that your address and designated voting station are up to date.

Shape your community and make your voice heard!

How to check or update your details:

💻 Online: Quick and easy anytime (takes 2 minutes!): https://www.elections.org.za/pw/Voter/Voter-Information
📱 SMS: Send your ID number to 32810.
📍 In-Person: Registration weekend is happening next weekend, on 20 & 21 June 2026.

16/06/2026

Today marks Youth Day in South Africa, honouring the courage and legacy of young people who helped shape our democracy.

We celebrate the youth who continue to be the bright foundation of our country – full of hope, resilience and possibility.

At the Cape SAJBD, we recognise and uplift the vital role young people play in building South Africa’s future.

15/06/2026

Outside the High Court in Cape Town supporting Cape Union Mart and Philip Krawitz.

Incredible support from our Jewish and non- Jewish community members. Inside court we are waiting to kick things off.

Wishing the entire Cape Union Mart team the best of luck. We are all behind you.

13/06/2026

The Cape SAJBD issues a statement before the pending High Court case between Cape Union Mart and the Palestinian solidarity campaign.

We are firmly in support of Cape Union Mart and Philip Krawitz and will be with them in court next week.

Board hopes Court's decision will reinforce the principle that public discourse must remain grounded in fact and conducted within bounds of the law

12/06/2026

"One message emerged clearly from the three days of engagement: while combatting antisemitism remains an essential priority, it’s equally important to celebrate and strengthen the positive aspects of Jewish communal life. "

This week's edition of the South African Jewish Report Newspaper features an article written by our Executive Director about the recent South African delegation to the AJC - American Jewish Committee Global Forum which was held in Washington DC earlier this month.

The delegation was led by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies included the chair and director of the Cape SAJBD as well as members of SAUJS - South African Union of Jewish Students

The delegation engaged with many Jewish and non-Jewish leaders, attended very high level meetings and discussed several important topics pertaining to the Jewish community.

A strong South African delegation, including the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) and the South African Union of Jewish

11/06/2026

Last night, our Chairperson, Simone Sulcas, Executive Director, Daniel Bloch and Board member, David King, attended the farewell function for Tanja Werheit, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, in Cape Town. For the past five years, Tanja has been a true friend and a supporter of our community. Whether it be in the form of offering comfort and solace following the traumatic events of October 7th, attending countless Jewish community events, supporting various initiatives or sharing resources and ideas – and if she could not attend, she ensured that a representative of the German Consulate/government would be there.

In her speech last night, she acknowledged and thanked various government and business representatives and mentioned several important organizations and partners by name. She then paused to make a special thank you to the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, specifically acknowledging both our Director and Chair whilst also thanking the Holocaust and Genocide Centre, for the friendship and the way in which we welcomed her and her family into our community.

It was a truly special moment and a testament to the work we do as the Board in forming meaningful, respectful and close relationships with our partners and supporters. This is part of our important advocacy work in representing the Jewish community in the Western Cape.

We wish Tanja and her family all the best in their new journey – you will always have a home here in Cape Town.

10/06/2026

🎬ED TALKS – ED in Washington – AJC Global Forum Part 1 of 3

ED travels to Washington DC for the AJC - American Jewish Committee Global Forum. An event attended by more than 2000 Jewish leaders from around the globe.

Follow ED as he speaks to various Jewish leaders, young students and African businessmen about the challenges facing diaspora Jewry and the opportunities to combat antisemitism, promote positive Jewish way of life, doing business in Africa and Israel and more.

Be on the look out for "Fun Facts with ED" as ED and Ed-wina (Simone) share some interesting facts about some of the sites in DC. There were so many interviews and a plethora or content that the AJC - ED Talks has 3x episodes.

👉 Watch Episode 21 part 1 now
https://youtu.be/w3AHYV-Kl10
Disclaimer: Daniel is not a professional videographer.

ED attended the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum 2026 i...

09/06/2026

"The past month has been an extremely emotional rollercoaster for me personally. It has certainly made me reflect on what is truly important in life and just how fortunate I am to have the life I do.
My son and I were recently involved in a serious car accident. While we both walked away with little more than a scratch and a bruise, my car was not as fortunate."

Our Executive Director reflects on his personal and professional experiences over the past month and why we should all be grateful for what we have and appreciate things more. Read the June edition of Cape Jewish Chronicle

The past month has been an extremely emotional rollercoaster for me personally. It has certainly made me reflect on what is truly important in life and just how fortunate I […]