Limmud Cape Town 2022

The controversial River Club redevelopment has focused attention on the role of civic activism as an antidote to misinformed government decision-making. This session outlines how the sale of public land in 2015 to private developers triggered a process where development approvals were achieved despite massive public opposition and evidence-based objections. The session highlights the relevance of adopting a critical perspective on how power is exercised in our administrative processes. This includes: an exploration of social justice and Jewish identity; links between the marginalisation and attempted genocide of indigenous people by early colonists; and how Jewish social activists seek to frame social justice work.