World Jewish Congress reaction to death of Nelson Mandela

South Africa (Photo credit: United Nations Photo)

NEW YORK – The president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) has called Nelson Mandela, the former South African president and campaigner against the apartheid regime who passed away Thursday at the age of 94, “unquestionably the most inspiring human rights advocate of our times”. Ronald S. Lauder declared: “Nelson Mandela was one of those very rare leaders who were revered not just by their own people but universally, across all political and communal divides. As a builder of bridges, he was second to none, and with his huge charisma, wisdom, democratic convictions and tremendous determination he ensured that the transition of his country from an apartheid state into a free and democratic nation was successful.”Lauder added: “Whilst he will be greatly missed, Nelson Mandela will continue to serve as an inspiration for countless people around the word, including many Jews. He will always be remembered as one of the world’s foremost political leaders of the past century, not least because he managed to bring together the various ethnic and religious communities of his home country. South Africans have every reason to be proud of this great son their country.”In Cape Town, WJC Policy Council Co-Chairman Mervyn Smith, who also serves as head of the African Jewish Congress and is a past president of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, said: “Nelson Mandela, from his young days as a lawyers’ clerk in Johannesburg, had a close relationship with South African Jews. During his trial from 1956 to 1961 and thereafter, he was defended by many Jewish lawyers and advocates. After his release from prison, he met with the leadership of the Jewish community frequently and counted many South African Jews as his personal friends.“On the day after he was elected president of South Africa in 1994, he attended Shabbat services at a synagogue in Cape Town. He was admired, revered and respected by the Jewish community and by all South Africans,” Smith added.