We dive into many of the issue facing the South African Jewish Community today, including many that we know of in theory, and even more that we have experience first hand. We cover everything from the infamous Durban Conference, to BDS, and more!
Mary Kluk is an incredibly accomplished, inspiring woman. To give a very brief summary of all of her accomplishments, Mary is the Director of the Durban Holocaust Centre, which she founded in 2008. She has served two terms as Chairperson and three as President of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, and is now their National VP. She has served as an executive member and Head of the Security Committee of the World Jewish Congress, and is the President of the Africa and Australia Region of the WJC.
In this episode, we discuss Jewish life in South Africa, and many of the common challenges that we have in common. Mary tells us what it was like growing up as a Jewish girl in apartheid South Africa, and how she came to be so accomplished in her communal work.
We then discuss the establishment of the Durban Holocaust Centre and the role it serves in the community, as well as the Jewish community in the rest of the African continent.
Finally, we discuss the many challenges faced by Jewish students on campuses across the world, including BDS, anti-Israeli sentiments and antisemitism, and Mary lends her expert advice to student leaders tackling these issues.
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Our offices are on the lands of the Kulin Nation and the Eora Nation. AUJS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Elders both past and present.