Viv Anstey (Director)

Viv can be described as a serial social entrepreneur, being the catalyst for numerous start-ups in the SA Jewish scene. She has had a hand in establishing Melton, Limmud SA, Jewish Literary Festival, PJ Library, Tikkun, the SA Jewish Museum and Jewish trauma network. From a Master’s in Social Work to a Master’s in Jewish Community Service and recipient of numerous local and international awards including the Eric Samson Mendel Kaplan Communal Service Award in 2021, Viv sees her role in this new EOLI initiative as an acknowledgement to her mentors as well as her personal investment in Jewish continuity.

Projects Co-ordinator:  Jade Wasserman

Jade is passionate about community and has a long track record of service, starting at The Great Park Synagogue, in Johannesburg, where she ran children services and served on the shul committee. Additional community experience includes her work with the Union for Jewish Women and volunteering for meals on wheels.

Jade’s interest in Jewish education escalated when working for the Division of Informal Jewish Education, and she spent time as a pre-school teacher in the United Herzlia schools. She is especially passionate about empowering women and teachers in the Early Childhood Development sector, with a focus on  growth and development of the South African underprivileged community. This drew her to the work of Ikamva Labantu and ORT SA Cape Education, training and developing teachers to become the best and next generation of educational practitioners and leaders in the country.

Jade is proud to be involved professionally with EOLI and playing a vital role as Projects Co-ordinator, ensuring strong leadership succession for the CT Jewish Community.

Chairman: Ronnie Stein

Ronnie Stein held the position of CFO at The Foschini Group for 19 years. He recently retired but remains on the supervisory board and is a member of the Risk, Nomination and Board Audit Committees. Ronnie holds the following positions in the Cape Town Jewish Community: Trustee of the UJC, Member of the Priorities Board, Chairman of the Allocations Committee, Trustee of the UHS (United Herzlia Schools), Trustee of the CSO, Chairman of the Eliot Osrin Leadership Institute, Chairman of the Herzlia Foundation Trust.

Natalie Barnett

Since she left the corporate world over twenty years ago, Natalie has been privileged to be able to contribute her skills in a number of NGO’s and community organisations as a volunteer. She has wide board and advisory committee experience (YAD, Ikamva Labantu, CT Holocaust and Genocide Centre, Midrasha Adult Education, United Herzlia Schools) and has mentored individuals in various roles. She is passionate about EQ, education and community, is able to see the bigger picture and identify how to integrate various aspects for the greater good.

Alison Berk Katzeff

Alison’s involvement with Community began 27 years ago. Her current position as Chairperson of United Jewish Campaign (Cape Town) has increased her involvement both locally and in Israel. Alison is excited about the Community – its challenges, successes, trials and tribulations. She keeps a strategic view with specific focus on the overall future of the community, the changing face of philanthropy and transition to future generations – locally and worldwide. Alison’s leadership roles include UHS, CT Jewish Community Priorities Board, Yeshiva of CT, CT Jewish Board of Deputies and Claremont Wynberg Hebrew Congregation.

Philip Krawitz

As Chairman of Cape Union Mart, Philip understands that the quality of a company can only be equal to the quality of its people. As a Communal Leader he realises that a Community can only be as strong as the quality of its leaders. Philip currently chairs the Boards of Trustees of both Herzlia and The United Jewish Campaign. He also serves as a trustee of many organisations such as the CSO and the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre. He hopes that graduates of the Eliot Osrin Leadership Institute will succeed him in many of the traditions he holds dear. He is therefore proud to be involved with The Eliot Osrin Leadership Institute aiming to future proof our Community by developing outstanding leaders.

Tamar Lazarus

Tamar Lazarus, born and raised in Israel, came to Durban South Africa after serving in the IDF, married Ronald and raised three children. She relocated to Cape Town in 2002. She is Honorary President of WIZO SA, Vice Chairman South African Zionist Federation and Treasurer of Bnoth Zion WIZO.

Adam Mendelsohn

Adam is an Associate Professor of Historical Studies and the Director of the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies at UCT. He holds a PhD in Modern Jewish History from Brandeis University. The Kaplan Centre, the only research institute in Africa focused on Jews, is currently conducting two intensive studies of the Cape Town and South African Jewish communities.

Bernard Osrin

Bernard works in the financial services industry. His community involvement includes Herzlia, Highlands House, United Jewish Campaign, Red Cross Children’s Hospital and the NSRI.

Myra Osrin

Past Chairman Bnoth Zion /Wizo (1980-81); Western Province Zionist Council (1984-1988); Cape Town Holocaust Memorial Council (1989-1999). Founder of Cape Jewish Chronicle (1984); Founder and Honorary Director of Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre (1999).