Becoming More Emotionally Invested

By Dan Brotman

Since I became the Cape Board’s Media & Diplomatic Liaison this past May, I have had the opportunity to talk about the South African Jewish community with over 50 influential stakeholders throughout the province. Our conversation generally includes some background on the Jewish community, as well as an explanation of the role the Board of Deputies plays as the umbrella body empowered to speak on behalf of the country’s Jews.

My role at times can be challenging, as I have to balance being both reactive and proactive on issues of importance to the community. My “reactive” role includes monitoring the media for issues which relate directly or indirectly to our mandate, and then making sure that our official position is disseminated.

I admit that the most meaningful part of my job is the “proactive” role. This includes creating strategic partnerships with a wide range of Jewish and non-Jewish stakeholders who have a shared vision (as per our mandate) “to work for the betterment of human relations between Jews and all other peoples of South Africa, based on mutual respect, understanding and goodwill” and who are “committed to a South Africa where everyone will enjoy freedom from the evils of prejudice, intolerance and discrimination.”

As expressed at our recent “TransformNation” Conference, many in our community believe that due to South Africa’s unique history of separateness and fear, the Jewish community’s establishment has for far too long avoided directly engaging with contentious national issues.

Let us be honest - South Africa is not an easy country to live in. The high levels of crime, inequality, government corruption, threats to democracy, unsatisfactory service delivery and legislated social engineering to right the wrongs of the past have caused almost half of our community to depart for more stable shores. If we as a Jewish community do not feel emotionally, intellectually and morally invested in South Africa, then the conviction to stay here (considering that we are an overwhelmingly educated, professional and mobile community) becomes weaker.

The Cape Board believes that it is vital that we become more involved in the South African conversation. We do this not only because it is the right thing to do as citizens of this country, but also because it helps secure our future here as Jews.

Unless we show an active interest in the issues facing our country, we merely remain passive bystanders. We have therefore begun partnering with other organisations to start addressing obstacles which are holding our country back from achieving greatness. One such initiative is a pilot peer mentorship programme soon to be launched at the University of Cape Town in conjunction with SAUJS, the HCI Foundation and the Black Management Forum. Another is our recent participation in the Reconciliation Day March between St. George’s Cathedral, the Gardens Synagogue and the Palm Tree Mosque.

When we realise how much of a difference we as a Jewish community can make (even in the smallest of ways) to transforming this country, we become more emotionally invested in staying. The decision to join the South African conversation will ultimately determine the size and character of the community in the next 20 years. If you have an idea as to how the Cape Board can insert itself further into the South African conversation, please e-mail me at DanB@ctjc.co.za.