In attendance in person and via Zoom were members of the Maccabi SA Board of Directors (BoD); representatives of Maccabi Western Province Executive and the KZN Zionist Council; and Honorary Life Member Abe ‘Butch’ Blacher and past President Mervyn Tankelowitz. Thanks to Wendy Kahn (SABJD) and Stacey Dembo (SAZF) for their attendance.

Clifford Garrun, Chairman of Maccabi SA BoD, presented his Chairman’s Report, which included a review of the 2022 calendar year and a preview of upcoming plans:

• The main focus of 2022 was the Maccabiah in Israel where Team SA excelled, coming 7^th out of 59 countries.
• The key role players in organising the Games were acknowledged and thanked.
• Maccabi SA raised R4.8 million through events, donations and sponsorships, of which R3.6 million went towards the Maccabi SA Bursary Fund to assist those in financial need.
• The Games finances were professionally managed and Maccabi SA made a small profit.
• Thanks to a recent generous donation from a historic supporter, the organisation is stable for the coming months.
• At the upcoming Maccabi World Union (MWU) Congress in Israel, a change to the constitution will be voted on which will see Maccabi SA renamed the Maccabi Africa Confederation (MAC). This aligns with plans to expand Maccabi SA’s outreach and services into the rest of Africa.

Nominations were received for the Board of Directors, and the following eight persons were elected, in alphabetical order by surname:

1. Chanan Emdin
2. Clifford Garrun
3. Rosalynne Goldin
4. Desmond Hyman
5. Gina Isserow (Maccabi WP)
6. Brad Kaftel
7. Ashley Kotzin
8. Lawrence Sacke

Office bearers will be elected at the first BoD, where strategic plans taking the organisation through to the 2025 Games will be finalised.

Garrun paid tribute to Maccabi SA’s late Honorary Life President George Mendelsohn, who passed away in March 2023 at 92 years of age. George was a stalwart of the Maccabi family and made a significant impact on the growth and success of the organisation. As is custom, a new Honorary Life President was announced. Maccabi SA is delighted to bestow this title on Mervyn Tankelowitz, who has served Maccabi SA in various capacities for over 50 years, including as President, Chairman, Head of Delegation and Team Manager. Like Mendelsohn, Tankelowitz is a winner of the coveted international Yakir Award for services to Maccabi. Mervyn was very honoured to receive this recognition and was especially thrilled to congratulate his grandson Chanan Emdin on his election to the BoD, thus continuing the Maccabian family legacy.

General items were discussed and the AGM was concluded.

Back to News