The South African Zionist Federation is deeply saddened at the passing of Eric Samson. Eric was one of South Africa’s greatest entrepreneurs and visionaries. He was a proud Jew and Zionist who supported innumerable and important projects in South Africa and Israel for the betterment of Am Yisrael. He was a legendary force both within South African and world Jewry, known for his remarkable generosity and kindness.
It is impossible to think of South African Jewry without Eric Samson. What would our community be without him and his vast contribution? His menschlichkeit is woven into the very fabric of who we are as Jews in this country, and will continue to bind us together for many years to come. We owe much of our communal continuity to him, and our sustainability will be his legacy.
Eric was also a great South African: a nation builder who was friends with Nelson Mandela and supported flagship projects of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, amongst numerous other charitable endeavours. He invested in the future of this country, and we can all be proud of his achievements and national contribution.
On behalf of the SAZF National, SAZF Cape Council, and the Kwazulu Natal Zionist Council, we wish Eric’s wife, daughters, son, grandchildren and family long life, and are thinking of them during this difficult period. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.May Eric Samson’s memory truly be blessed.
