Programme

Introduction

JDI chairperson Irwin Manoim welcomes delegates and briefly explains the proceedings.

Avrum Burg speaks on Mandela's birthday

Once one of Israel's most powerful politicians, now the eloquent, outspoken conscience of his people, Avrum Burg will join us in South Africa on Mandela's birthday. In this session, he speaks from Johannesburg.

Arab Barghouti talks to Azhar Cachalia

The voice of the Free Marwan Barghouti campaign in dialogue for the first time with one of the founding members of the Free Mandela Campaign.

Film and group discussion: Scenes from the Divide

A short film about Jewish divisions over New York mayor Zohran Mamdani. To be followed by discussion of how its themes match our personal experiences here.

The Bad Jews Podcast visits JDI

The Bad Jews Podcast featuring Anthony Fish Hodgkins and Caitlin Le Roith will record live at our Cape Town venue. Anthony and Caitlin don't agree with Liberal Zionism … and we've invited them to tell us why. Our audience are welcome to argue back ... or agree with them. Also Zoomed to Joburg.

Mo Husseini, filmmaker and activist

Palestinian film-maker whose viral movies have made him one of the most distinctive and original voices in Israeli-Palestinian discourse. He will also show some film clips.

Jonathan Shapiro (Zapiro)

The silencing of images. South Africa's most famous cartoonist on how Israel-Palestine has become a "no-go" area for many international cartoonists as newspaper editors come under pressure from Israel's lobbyists.

Sally Abed of Standing Together

The Palestinian joint director of Israel's largest grassroots movement, Standing Together, which recently took the bold step of launching a political party for both Jews and Palestinians calling for partnership rather than division.

Rabbi Arik Ascherman, peace activist

The former head of Rabbis for Human Rights has been beaten, stabbed and arrested for his work in shielding Palestinian farmers from settler vigilantes.

The youth talk back to us

What are the concerns and aspirations of Jewish youth at this divided and troubled time for our community? A panel of youngsters talk to each other and also to the bobbas and zeiders.

Listen From the Heart

Personal narratives from bereaved Israelis and Palestinians who have lost family in the conflicts, designed to challenge communities to engage in meaningful dialogue, exploring pathways toward greater understanding and connection. Presented by Cape Town educator Jocelyn Horwitz.

Samer Sinijlawi on a shared society

A fiercely independent voice within Palestinian politics, challenging both the Palestinian authorities and Hamas, urging democratic reforms within Palestinian politics. A regular and eloquent speaker at JDI events.

Molly Crabapple on the Jewish Bund

The author of the New York Times best-seller about the Yiddishist mass movement with roots in Lithuania, which campaigned for a Jewish life within the diaspora rather than nationalism and statehood.

Closing address from Avrum Burg

Speaking from Cape Town this time, Avrum Burg addresses themes raised at the conference.

Thank You and Good Night

Closing remarks from JDI veteran and former chair Basil Dubb.