Cape Jewish Chronicle

Well, at last the April holidays are over! Not an easy period for monthly publications – not an easy period for any productive activity. Actually, we completed the edition at the office on PDF on about 23 April and could have got it online then. But that wouldn’t be fair to the ‘hard copy’ readers, who had to wait for the printing and distribution process, which was very much hampered by the holidays.

So there …or rather here … you have it.

Nor does it cover the events that took place well after deadline, like Yom Hashoa and Yom Ha’Atzmaut. For that you will have to wait till June.
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This year’s Limmud conference is for the whole family, no matter what age the children. Parents are invited to take their children on a dynamic Jewish journey at YOUNG LIMMUD (SA) Cape Town. A fun and stimulating line-up of Jewish themed activities specifically catering for children, from babies to teenagers, will be offered at this year’s Limmud Conference, which is being held at the refurbished Goudini Spa, from 31 July to 2 August.

The weekend getaway will be an opportunity for young children to experience the beauty of Jewish tradition and learning in the form of games, song and discussion. The high quality Young Limmud programming for children parallels their parents’ experience and ensures that everyone in the family can take one step further on their Jewish journey.
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Over 350 people got up close and personal with the famous Goldfish at this year’s Yad Launch on 18 March at the Hellenic Club. The venue looked slick but laid back, with its white couches, sequined cushions and orange lighting setting the scene for a night of fun and fundraising.

The evening commenced with a welcome cocktail, courtesy of Smirnoff Vodka Premium, and a decadent spread catered by Merle Rubin, for all to indulge in. The crowd was diverse, with everyone having the chance to mingle, network and catch up with friends. The atmosphere — buzzing with anticipation and excitement!
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Melvyn Gordon, Dan Gillerman, Irit Barash and Marco Van Embden.

The war in Gaza had sent out some very clear messages, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Dan Gillerman told community members at a luncheon organised by the United Jewish Campaign at the Albow Centre.

The first — “Don’t mess with us” — was received “very loud and clear”, he said, adding, “We’ll hit you so hard, you’ll think twice about ever doing it again.”
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Colonel Yair Ben Shalom with Lilian Sarembock, Helen Gordon, and Leone Lasker.

On Monday evening 6 April members of the Cape Town community were deeply moved at a gathering hosted by the WPZC to meet Colonel Yair Ben- Shalom.

Colonel Ben-Shalom works in an exceptional unit of the Israeli Defence Forces, of which few have heard. This specific unit — the Department of Casualties — is committed to taking care of families whose children have been killed, taken prisoner or have gone missing in action while in the army.

Since 1947, Israel has lost 18 022 soldiers. One of the obligations of the IDF is ‘never abandon servicemen’, and thus the people of this unit establish a lifelong relationship with the families of lost, injured or missing soldiers. They are the ‘voice of the army’, giving a human face to the values the IDF hold in such high esteem.
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