South Africa

Information

Demography

South Africa has the largest Jewish population in Africa - approximately 80,000 - 0.2% of the whole population.

This is the 12th largest Jewish population in the world.

The community is predominantly Ashkenazi. They are affluent and well educated.

Johannesberg and Cape Town have the largest communities, whilst Durban, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth have smaller ones.

History

The first congregation was established in Cape Town in 1841, as Jews and non-Jews arrived during the diamond and gold mining rush.

Eastern European migration, especially Lithuanians, continued into the 1880s, bringing with it a strong sense of Zionism.

Between 1933-36, 3,615 German Jewish refugees arrived, fleeing Nazism, but resulting in a rise in antisemitism. Refugee immigration continued until just before the Holocaust, when quotas were put in place. 

Public Life

The first Jewish Attorney General was Percy Yutar, son of Lithuanian immigrants. He secured Nelson Mandela's life sentence, although the Jewish community is opposed to apartheid.

Community Life

85% of the Jewish population are Orthodox, the rest being Progressive or Masorti.

There are several synagogues throughout South Africa offering regular services and activities.

Warren Goldstein, is the first South African born and trained rabbi to hold the position of Chief Rabbi.

There are several Jewish charities including Chevra Kadisha (welfare), Union of Jewish Women (empowering disadvantaged people - Jewish/non-Jewish), Israel United Appeal.

The SAJBD lobbies on behalf of South African Jewry, promoting its safety and wellbeing and combatting antisemitism. It nutures a relationship with the rest of the South African population.

The South African Zionist Federation is affiliated to the World Zionist Organisation, supporting Israel and advocating against any anti-Israel behaviour.

Kashrut

Kosher food is readily available in all the communities, large and small. 

South Africa is home to several kosher restaurants and hotels.

Zaandwijk Winery is a kosher vintner.

Education

85% of Jewish children are in Jewish day schools.

There is a yeshivah in Johannesberg.

Jewish Studies is taught in high schools and major universities.

The Union of Jewish Students represents Jewish college and university students.

Limmud South Africa is an annual education festival.

Youth

South Africa affiliates with a number of international youth groups: BBYO, B'nei Akiva, Habonim Dror, Netzer.

Media

South Africa Jewish Report - weekly newspaper

Jewish Affairs - journal every 4 months

Affiliations

African Jewish Congress

Commonwealth Jewish Council

World Jewish Congress

World Zionist Organisation