It is with great distress that SAUJS informs you of the passing of Mendel Kaplan at the relatively young age of 73. Mendel Kaplan has done more to ensure the continued growth of the world Jewish community, the South African Jewish Community and specifically the South African Jewish student community than almost any other individual in South African.  SAUJS has always has a very healthy relationship with Mr. Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan  was vital in the success of  the annual SAUJS-BirthRight programme. He also did much to support the Cape Town SAUJS as well as the creation of the Mendel Kaplan Centre at UCT which is the only Jewish Academic space in the country. It is vital facility for the Jewish students of UCT.

Mendel Kaplan is the perfect example for us young South African Jews to follow. He was successful financially and with that financial success he was able to fulfill the Jewish moral of Tikkun Alum to the fullest degree. Mendel Kaplan’s life should be celebrated and every South African Jew should give some charity in Mendel Kaplan’s name. We must honor his life by following his example.  SAUJS is going to remember Mendel Kaplan as a Jewish and Zionist leader who was always available to help the Jewish youth of this country both financially and morally.

SAUJS-Birth right has brought thousands of South African Jews back home. The impact that the SAUJS-Birthright programme continues to have on the South African Jewish community is incalculable. SAUJS –Birth Right is grateful for the support Mendel Kaplan showed over the years.

Our thoughts and prays go out to the Kaplan family.

May G-d bless his soul?