Celebrating 25 years of Chai South Africa
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of ChaiSouthAfrica (CSA), we are filled with gratitude for the tremendous impact you’ve helped us achieve over the years.
“It was not easy to leave our homes and community,” says Claire Ellman, one of the Founders of CSA. Along with David and Felicia Mandelbaum, and Charles Jaffe, Claire saw a deep need in their homeland. It was the year 2000 when CSA was born. After decades of emigration, the South Africa they once knew was experiencing a philanthropic drain, and the needs of the community were growing. “Our family and friends needed the Jewish infrastructure to be maintained even in our absence,” says Charles Jaffe.
For generations, Jews had thrived in South Africa, building a vibrant community filled with day schools, synagogues, community centers, and homes for the aging and disabled. However, political instability and civil unrest forced tens of thousands to leave, more than half of the Jewish population had left, leaving vital institutions in disrepair. Many people chose to settle in San Diego, where they rebuilt their lives and planted new roots. Despite the distance, they never forgot the loved ones and community members still in South Africa.
“As immigrants, we always feel a deep connection to our birthplace,” says David Mandelbaum. “No matter where we go, we remain linked to the community we left behind.”
“My family and many others had helped build these institutions,” recalls Claire. “We couldn’t stand by and let them fall apart.” Determined to help, the founders came together to form CSA, ensuring that these Jewish institutions could continue to support those most in need.
Today, CSA has raised almost $9M and supports over 1,000 individuals in 11 facilities across South Africa. This includes the most vulnerable of the population, the elderly, mentally and physical challenged, and children in need. “It’s a great success story,” says Felicia Mandelbaum. “When we started, we never imagined how many lives we would touch. It’s incredibly rewarding to give back to our birthplace in such a meaningful way.”
As we celebrate our Silver Jubilee year, we want to honor and appreciate the thousands of donors who have made this success possible. But the work is not over. We’re setting a goal of an additional $250,000 to ensure the future of these vital institutions. Every contribution counts — we are hopeful that you will consider supporting CSA with a gift in denominations of $25 in honor of CSA’s Silver Jubilee!
Please join us in marking this milestone by giving back in a way that makes a real difference. Together, we can continue to provide essential support for the Jewish community in South Africa, for today, tomorrow, and the future.
Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey. We look forward to celebrating this momentous year with you and continuing to make a lasting impact.
Warm regards,
The ChaiSouthAfrica Team
Your tax-deductible donations support homes for the Jewish elderly, physically and mentally challenged, and children in need.