On behalf of the CSO, we would like to wish you all the best for 2024.

Based on our assessment of the environment, both locally and globally, we believe that the year ahead is going to hold many challenges for our community and our country. It is common cause that while facing a trying 2024, we all need to play our part in doing what is responsible and necessary to ensure the safety and security of our loved ones. Working together, we are confident that Jewish life and the Jewish way of life can continue to thrive.

There is an abundance of daily communication on social media and elsewhere, both legitimate and otherwise, that can become overwhelming. We each require relevant, clear and accurate information to decide how best to deal with what is happening around us. Our choices should be made unemotionally, with cool heads, a clear understanding of consequences and real facts obtained from reliable and legitimate sources.

Going into 2024, there are a number of events unfolding around us that may have some sort of impact on the security of our community, the most notable being:

1. The alignment of the ANC/South African Government to Iran, Hamas and the numerous anti-Israel groups locally. The message this gives to the broader South African society is of concern and may embolden the more radical elements within our country. This increases the risk of a shift from rhetoric into physical actions against supporters of Israel or Zionism and Jews.
2. South Africa’s government instituting legal action against Israel through the ICJ with a charge of genocide. Accusations of such crimes legitimise – politically, legally and ideologically – actions against supporters of Israel and Jews. Unfortunately, the outcomes of this case in the ICJ are less consequential than the already emerging rhetoric and calls to action we are seeing in the “court of public opinion”.
3. The decision by CSA to strip the Jewish u-19 cricket team captain of his position is a notable and concerning development. This is indicative of the influence that anti-Zionists / Antisemites have over South African leadership in various spheres.
4. The uptick in violence, civil unrest and lawlessness ahead of the upcoming election is something that we are monitoring very carefully. This year’s elections are already being preceded by political violence and political acts designed to appeal to the various constituencies of the different political parties. Election years have typically been characterised by high emotion, increased levels of violence across society and across the country, and we assess that this year will be the same or worse.
5. With state resources diverted to managing the elections, we will likely find less resources available on the ground to address factors such as crime and terrorism.
6. Antisemitic rhetoric, often thinly disguised as anti-Zionism, continues to pervade both locally and globally. It is common cause that words do turn to actions.

In light of this, and learning the lessons from the horrors of the 7^th October 2023, it is essential that we are proactive in ensuring that the security of our community is front of mind and something that we all actively participate in.

Security Advice:

1. Be aware and implement basic, common sense security practices in your everyday life. Situational awareness is the foundation of security. Awareness reduces the chances of being targeted and creates the time and space needed to avoid or react to a threat.
2. Report any incidents, security concerns or suspicious activity to the CSO emergency control room on 086 18 000 18. Don’t hesitate, don’t think twice – just report.
3. Don’t assume it’ll never happen to you. Be prepared and have a plan.
4. Contact the CSO for training, guidance and support on all security-related matters.
5. Timeously inform us about any communal events, so we can assist with your security arrangements.
6. Volunteer for your Shul and/or child’s school’s security team.
7. Contact us about our security training programs and become empowered with skills and knowledge. These are designed for all ages, all fitness levels and all stages of life. The best antidote to fear and worry is positive action.
8. Regarding the numerous online surveys, petitions and lists that people are being asked to complete, it is important to understand that not all of these are what they seem and may well be attempts by anti-Zionist activists to gather information on the Jewish community for nefarious purposes. We strongly urge you not to respond to these unless you can confirm with absolute certainty that they come from a legitimate Jewish communal organisation.

The CSO remains on high alert and continues to monitor our environment and adapt our operational plans accordingly. We will provide more information or updates when relevant.

To find out more about the CSO, enquire about courses or volunteer, click here.

We pray that Hashem should keep each and every one of us safe and bring us peace, but in the meantime lets meet Him at the fence and play our part.

CSO Management

FOR ANY EMERGENCY, SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY OR POTENTIAL THREATS SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OR JEWISH INSTALLATIONS, CONTACT THE CSO ON 086 18 000 18