About Us
What We do.
Advocacy. Education. Community.
The voice for Zionist values in South Africa.
The South African Zionist Federation serves as a coordinated voice for Zionist values in South Africa, engaging decision-makers, supporting the community, and building lasting connections between South Africa and Israel.
The formation of the South African Zionist Federation precedes the establishment of the State of Israel, itself. Founded in 1898, the SAZF enabled South Africa’s Jewish community to assemble over its shared love for the piece of land that is no bigger than our famed Kruger National Park. More than a century later, however, South Africa has become regarded as “Ground Zero” for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS) that was modelled on the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
As such, the image of Israel in the media, political sphere, and society has often been misconstrued and vilified. Yet, the global campaign against Israel – particularly in South Africa – has emboldened the SAZF to remain even more committed to defending Israel and preserving her relationship with the people of Africa.
Our 5 pillars
Leadership development
and programmes
Photo: AFP/Marco LongariMedia
Advocay
Flagship events
Education and
Education and youth development
We educate and inspire the next generation through various initiatives, fostering informed leadership and connection to Israel.
Diller
Diller Teen Fellows is a year-long global Jewish leadership programme that develops young leaders through Jewish identity, community involvement and connections with Israel, with Johannesburg partnered with Beit Shemesh.We engage with key decision-makers on Israel’s relationship with South Africa at the highest levels. Conferences - We attend educaitonal and zionist conferences with other zionist leaders from around the world.
Visit website
ZYC
The Zionist Youth Council (ZYC) comprises representatives from each of Johannesburg’s six Zionist youth organisations: Bnei Akiva, Habonim Dror, BBYO, Camp Kesher, Netzer and Maccabi.We promote travel to Israel, deepening personal connection to the land and showcasing the best of Israeli society, culture and innovation.
Ulpan
The SAZF and Israel Centre Ulpan is a six-month online Hebrew course using the Ulpan-Or method, designed to build practical conversational Hebrew quickly for beginners through to advanced speakers.We contribute to outreach initiatives that reach out and grow support for Israel across South African communities.
Israel Is
ISRAEL-is is an Israel advocacy organisation that trains and empowers young Israelis to share their personal stories and experiences, helping shape a more authentic understanding of Israel around the world.
Israel Quiz
The Israel Quiz is an educational competition for high school students that encourages them to learn about Israel and test their knowledge, with the winner receiving two tickets to Israel.
Leadership development and programmes
A significant component of the Federation’s activity includes structured campus engagement, advocacy and public policy, and leadership development:
Campus Engagement
Structured student outreach supporting Jewish students and strengthening pro-Israel presence at universities. This work is done in partnership with the South African Zionist Federation.
Media
We convey Israel-related information and news on major events to the community through all media platforms.
Advocacy
We engage in legal and advocacy work to protect the rights of South African Zionists, challenge discrimination and misinformation, and ensure fair treatment in public and institutional spaces.
Flagship events
We host a diverse range of events throughout the year, including educational, family-friendly, community and advocacy-focused events. Our annual flagship events are the Yom Hazikaron commemoration and Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration.
We do more...
Our connection to Israel
The SAZF actively promotes understanding of Israel within the broader South African community, strengthening relationships and expanding support through engagement with communal organisations representing diverse constituencies.
We create and convey content for all forms of media, helping shape public opinion based on facts. Cultural and academic events hosted by SAZF impact thousands of South Africans, bringing Israeli creativity and innovation to life.
We introduce South Africans to Israeli experts in five key fields, the Israeli Big 5:
Water
Agriculture
Healthcare
Innovation
Entrepreneurship
Our fact-finding trips to Israel provide influential decision-makers with a first-hand experience of the country, creating important networking opportunities with our community and growing grassroots support for Israel.