My SAJAC journey started 35 years ago when SAJAC was first established and it has been a significant part of my life since then.
Initially I volunteered to interview newcomers for our quarterly magazine. Fast forward 10 years later, I took on the role of president and I’ve have held that position intermittently from then on for 25 years.
Our name, South African Jewish American Community, truly embraces all that we represent – our South African roots, our Jewish heritage and our choice to live in America. And it’s this community that really matters to me.
Since our emigration, we have, and continue to, contribute enormously to San Diego and other cities throughout the USA in so many ways – be it the schools, the shuls, Jewish organizations, community service and more. Without a doubt, you can be sure to find an expat as a significant donor or serving on the board or committee.
The question as to whether SAJAC is relevant has come up many times over the years. And more recently, it’s become very obvious that we are! We were the first organization to air expat, Michael Kretzmer’s ‘J’Accuse’ in 2022. It’s now being accepted by 90+ film festivals globally. Our series of free medical symposiums that we offered on line during Covid have received countless accolades. (There will be more!)
And now, I am so excited to tell you, that with the redesign of our website, we’ve introduced a sophisticated genealogy module. This will allow each of our members to record their own family trees and it will enable
our unique & meaningful history to be available to our future generations when we’re long gone.
Yes, it’s true that I have been the proud face of SAJAC for many years, however, you must all know and also take credit for the fact that SAJAC wouldn’t have survived without all of you, our devoted volunteers &
members, over such a long period of time. I appreciate each and every one of you and thank you from
the bottom of my heart for your continued support. Here’s to the next 35 years!
With love & gratitude,
Pamela Nathan
Pamela Nathan