Cape Jewish Chronicle

A definite surge has shown a rise in our barometer this month — erev Rosh Hashanah — and as at time of writing, 4 August, we assess the increase as about 6%.This means that we are now approximately 27% of the way to our target.

Thank you, readers, for that ongoing support.

A target of 100%, we all know is absolutely unthinkable and definitely not envisaged (though not entirely impossible, perhaps!). But
50% would be really fantastic and we will continue reminding — or nagging if you prefer — to that end!

Some very generous readers have presented us with over and above the suggested R200, for which we are even more grateful.

Then too there was a generous ‘subscription’ from an overseas reader — which caused us all to gush with delight. Writing in very warm tones, he said that he had just received his July copy and noted that we were apparently facing a ‘financial crunch’.

“What a tragedy if they close,” he adds. “It will certainly impact on my life. I look forward to receiving my monthly uplifting tonic from ‘de heim’. The closely knit Jewish community of Cape Town is acknowledged in the Jewish world as quite unique …. ”

An even warmer thanks to that supportive reader.

Julie Berman reads a meaningful message to the crowd.

“Today is not about politics. Today is not about the complicated and complex situation in the Middle East. Today is not about who’s right and who’s wrong. Today is about one young man who has spent over four years without access to any international human rights organisation or any contact with his family.”

With those words Julie Berman, executive director of the SAZF (Cape Council), addressed a large and growing crowd outside parliament on Friday 16 July.

The vigil was organised by the SAZF in order to stand in solidarity with captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. To that date Shalit had been in captivity for 1482 days (35,568 hours).
(more…)

This year’s big walk was held in Newlands forest.

After a long “soccer fever” holiday where Phyllis Jowell held a very succesful camp which was open to children from all over Cape Town, we arrived back, ready to tackle a very busy term. We are only in our third week and already we have done so much. Our Cultural Extravaganza has been the highlight, with our Big Walk and General Knowledge Quiz adding to the excitement.

A recent Capetonian from the USA, and thus first time subscriber, Andy Goldman, the new director of the SA Jewish Museum, popped across to our office to pay his respects — and his voluntary subscription — to a delighted CJC secretary, Tessa Epstein.

“I am sure that I am up to date with my annual subscription. I would think it a very sad day if the Cape Jewish Chronicle should cease to be published. Please find attached donation to use as you see fit.”

The above message came attached to a cheque for R1000, which was received in our office with ‘high fives’ and smiles.

Without the permission of this generous supporter, we cannot divulge his identity. Suffice to say … our public thank you to ‘J’.
(more…)

On 14 June the Board hosted an interesting Editors Lunch, with the editors of our top two English medium daily newspapers, the Cape Times and Cape Argus.

Alide Dasnois, the first female executive editor of the Cape Times, and Gasant Abarder, the youngest ever executive editor of the Cape Argus, both gave outlines of the history of their publications, the challenges they face and the demographics of their target markets.

Argus Editor, Gasant Abarder, BOD Director, David Jacobson, Cape Times Editor, Alide Dasnois and BOD Chairman, Li Boiskin

(more…)