• SAZF Memorial speech: Let Israel finish the job - the call from October 7
    Oct 10 2024

    In this speech the Chief Rabbi of South Africa delivers a powerful message of defiance, resilience, and hope. He reflects on the anniversary of the October 7th attack and emphasises how Israel’s battle is more than a struggle for survival - it’s a stand for global freedom and democracy. He also highlights the bravery of Israeli soldiers and civilians in the face of terrorism and oppression.

    As Israel confronts Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, it moves closer to securing a safer world for all, and the Chief Rabbi of South Africa calls for global recognition of Israel’s vital role in defending the very foundations of civilization and its total victory.

    What to expect:

    1/ Reflections on the October 7 attack and the resilience of the Israeli people.

    2/ The dismantling of Hamas and Hezbollah as a turning point for the Middle East.

    3/ A call for support from world leaders: why Israel’s victory is a victory for humanity.

    4/ The global implications of Israel's fight against terrorism, tyranny, and violent extremists.

    5/ The Chief Rabbi’s powerful reminder: Israel is not seeking sympathy, but action.

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    12 mins
  • October 7 One Year Later - Israel On Brink of Paradigm Shifting Victory
    Oct 7 2024

    Israel stands poised to shift the balance of power in the world towards the forces of freedom and democracy.

    In this episode, the Chief Rabbi of South Africa reflects on Israel's incredible resilience following the October 7th attack. He explores how Israel's fight is not only about its own survival but also about shaping a future for the free world. The video also dives deep into the unwavering courage of everyday Israelis, from soldiers on the frontlines to civilians risking everything for the cause of liberty.

    Highlights include:

    1/ Uplifting stories of Israeli bravery during and after the October 7th attack.

    2/ How Israel's tactics have crippled Iran's proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, marking a pivotal moment for the Middle East.

    3/ Israel’s unmatched commitment to ethical warfare, maintaining the highest civilian-to-combatant ratio.

    4/ Why Israel's victory matters for the global fight for freedom.

    5/ Israel’s enduring role as a “light unto the nations,” refusing to be seen as victims.

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    12 mins
  • Why Ceasefire is Not the Answer to Israel-Hamas War
    Sep 9 2024

    A ceasefire in the Hamas-Israel war is not just misguided, but a dangerous betrayal of justice. The international community’s calls for negotiation ignore the harsh reality of Hamas’ violent extremism and Israel’s right to defend itself. True justice demands not compromise, but the defeat of those who seek to destroy peace and freedom.

    The Chief Rabbi argues against the international push for a ceasefire, insisting that it not only legitimizes Hamas' violent actions but also abandons Israel at a critical moment. Instead, global institutions and governments should call for unconditional surrender and the release of all hostages, ensuring that Hamas is held accountable.

    Highlights include:

    1/ The dangers of treating Hamas and Israel as moral equals, and why the concept of a ceasefire undermines Israel's right to defend itself.

    2/ The Chief Rabbi's urgent call for the international community to demand Hamas' unconditional surrender, rejecting any compromises.

    3/ A critique of Western nations, including the US and UK, for limiting military support to Israel while pursuing misguided ceasefire negotiations.

    4/ A comparison between Hamas’ actions and historical examples of evil that demanded total defeat

    5/ A strong warning to the West: failing to support Israel unequivocally in this war could lead to dire consequences for the Western world itself.

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    8 mins
  • Are Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury disregarding the Bible?
    Aug 26 2024

    Now is the time for religious leaders to be bold - to come to the defence of society, to speak up for Western values and freedoms.

    The Chief Rabbi of South Africa critically discusses how Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury have responded—or failed to respond—to threats against Christianity and Western values, particularly in the context of their positions on Israel and the recent ICJ ruling that challenges Israel’s legitimacy.

    Highlights include:

    1/ The quiet response of Pope Francis and Archbishop Welby to the growing threats of radical ideologies and global unrest.

    2/ The Archbishop’s endorsement of the ICJ ruling against Israel and its contradiction with Biblical teachings.

    3/ The Chief Rabbi’s critique of religious leadership in the face of modern-day challenges, comparing current leaders with historical figures like Pope John Paul II.

    4/ The rising danger to Europe’s values due to the passive stance of its religious leaders, especially regarding Israel’s struggle for security.

    5/ A powerful call to action urging Pope Francis and Archbishop Welby to defend Christians, Israel, and Western civilization before it’s too late.

    #ChiefRabbiOfSouthAfrica #PopeFrancis #ArchbishopOfCanterbury #ChurchOfEngland #ICJRuling #IsraelAndBible #MiddleEastConflict #LandOfIsrael #UNAndIsrael

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    16 mins
  • Israel-Iran Conflict: Reaction to P.M. Netanyahu's speech to Congress
    Aug 1 2024

    Chief Rabbi of South Africa reacts to Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, speech to Congress on the Iran threat. The video covers Israeli military strategy, US Congress reaction, and the Iran-Israel conflict.

    During his speech to Congress, Netanyahu highlighted the pressing concerns regarding Iran and stressed Israel's imperative to take action. The Chief Rabbi delves into an analysis of Netanyahu's address discussing its impact on military tactics and the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

    Highlights include:

    1/ The impact of Netanyahu's address on the Iran Israel conflict

    2/ Insights from the Chief Rabbi on Israeli military strategy

    3/ Reactions from the US Congress and their effect on Israel

    4/ Contextual analysis of past Israeli prime minister speeches

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    11 mins
  • SA's historic turning point - support the GNU (Dated June 16, 2024)
    Jul 4 2024

    There are moments in the history of nations which are not merely events – they are historic turning points. The announcement of a government of national unity anchored by the two largest parties in South Africa – the ANC and the DA – has the potential to be such a moment.

    After 15 years of progress in repairing the ravages of apartheid post-1994, followed by 15 years of corruption and incompetence that have caused untold human suffering – the country is at a pivotal point.

    The South African electorate have sent a clear message – that things cannot continue as they have, that we need a new beginning. To their great credit, the country’s political leaders have heard this message, and responded accordingly.

    Cynics who claimed that our democracy would not survive an election that dethroned the ruling party were proved wrong. Things did not fall apart. The constitution held. Democracy held. The center holds - and now we have a government of national unity that has within its grasp the power and promise to usher in an era of national renewal and healing.

    Now we must help them succeed.

    The South African people must come together to support the government of national unity and hold them accountable, to ensure this turns out to be not simply a fleeting moment of hope, but an historic turning point that puts our country on a path of prosperity and peace.

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    4 mins
  • Post-election future - SA demands leadership (Dated June 4, 2024)
    Jul 4 2024

    This new world of power-sharing can be the dawn of an era of great prosperity and success and happiness for South Africa – provided our politicians show true, principled leadership.

    Post-elections South Africa is a completely different country. For the first time since the advent of democracy, voters have decided not to give one party – the ANC – an absolute majority. The South African people have said that it is enough of one party exercising absolute power. The corruption must end. It’s time to share the power.

    The place to begin is for the country’s two biggest parties – the DA and the ANC – to form a government of national unity, with other smaller parties with shared values joining the coalition. Together, the ANC and DA represent over 60% of South Africans, and SRF opinion polls show that the majority of the voters of both parties want this coalition.

    But it's more than just the numbers – the ANC and DA also represent the widest diversity of South Africans, across all the so-called barriers of race, culture, language, ethnicity and economic status. And so, if this coalition is established, it will be a true expression of the South African dream of unity in diversity.

    The coalition-building process will not be easy. For the partnership to work, the ANC will have to repent for its moral failings, set aside its obsessive anti-Israel politics that cost it many votes and focus wholly on improving the lives of the people of our country.

    The suffering and humiliation of unemployment and poverty is a moral affront, and must be addressed with judicious policies that will set us on a path to economic growth. Service delivery must be in the hands of those who are most competent, not those with the best political connections. Above all, the leadership of the ANC and the DA are going to have to exhibit the highest form of leadership.

    The Talmud’s vision of leadership is captured by this teaching: "I give you not power, but service." Service is the essence of great leadership. Political power must not be for self-enrichment or party patronage, but for serving the people.

    The Talmud also teaches: “Any community dedicated to Heaven will endure, and one which is not dedicated to Heaven will not endure.” This means, for a society to be successful, its leaders must act not out of self-interest, but “for the sake of Heaven”, for a higher cause, for the greater good. If our politicians work together, setting aside self-interest and party interests, acting for the sake of Heaven, it can be a new beginning for South Africa – a chance to build a true rainbow nation, unified in all our diversity.

    Through our votes we have spoken.

    Now it’s the task of our political leaders to rise to the occasion.

    And make history.

    May God bless South Africa. Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika.

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    6 mins
  • Never again? Biden's betrayal (Dated May 12, 2024)
    Jul 4 2024

    In expressing commitment to “never again”, Western leaders contradict themselves. The only thing that stands between Jews in Israel and another Holocaust is the immense strength of the IDF.

    By seeking to weaken the IDF, those leaders are placing the Jewish people in mortal danger. In their relentless pressure on the IDF, and in withholding the weaponry Israel needs to fight the genocidal forces that pledge its destruction, Western governments are repeating their sins during the Holocaust, when they stood by as six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis.

    President Biden halted a shipment of weapons to Israel. This follows his regular sanctions waivers for Iran releasing billions of dollars to that genocidal regime.

    Let’s be clear. The war in Gaza is not one of retribution for October 7. It is to prevent the next October 7. And it's part of a regional war with Iran to prevent the next holocaust. Iran and its proxies have made their intentions clear. The only thing that stands between Jews in Israel and another Holocaust is the immense strength of the IDF.

    Those that seek to neutralize or weaken the IDF are placing the Jewish people in mortal danger. The days of Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut are bound together in a covenant of blood.

    On Yom Hazikaron we remember the sacrifice and bravery of IDF soldiers who have given their lives defending the Jewish people. On Yom Ha’atzmaut, we give thanks to God for the blessing of a sovereign Jewish State.

    And together, with God’s help, they ensure we will not have another Yom HaShoah.

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    9 mins