By Amanda Watson

There is no doubt that South African Jewry has played an enormous part in the tumultuous history of this country.

If you were in the dark as much as I was, then a gem of a book entitled Jewish Memories of Mandela sheds some light. It's safe to say the book is home to an incredible collection of rarely seen photographs of Nelson Mandela, Ruth First, Eli Weinberg and many others. Let no name mentioned here stand above any others not mentioned, because as the book makes clearm even those on the periphery of the fight for equality had significant impact on our history.

Researched and written by South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) associate director David Saks, the tome can claim its place as an historical source. The SAJBD hasn't glossed over the fact that Jews were split over the apartheid years which led to conflict within the community. But the book is about celebrating the Jewish contribution to modern South Africa and there is no shame in celebrating one while acknowledging the other.

Nat Bregman, Rabbi Cyril Harris, Tony Leon, Arthur Chaskalson, Arthur Goldreich and Ben Turok offer some personal insights into the lives of political activists, from an activists' point of view, and the book makes for riveting reading.

Brought to life by the Umoja Foundation founder and philanthropist Ivor Itchikowitz, the book provides an unparalleled glimpse into life under apartheid without being tedious or overly sentimental. Undoubtedly, the African National Congress enjoyed, and perhaps still does, close ties with South African Jews. But as a fully fledged democracy there will come a time when there will be a difference of opinion. A second book in about 50 years should make a fascinating comparison.

This review first appeared in the North Eastern Tribune, week ending 21 October 2011

Amandaw@caxton.co.za

To order the book, contact beagle@beyachad.co.za or call 011 645-2547