From June 13th to 15th 2022, Association Mimouna and the American Sephardi Federation held a 3-day Conference on African Judaism (JAC). The conference, considered first of its kind, featured a multitude of entrepreneurs, scholars, diplomats, rabbis and community leaders from around the world for a discussion about the past, present, and future of Africa’s incredibly diverse array of Jewish experiences.
About the 3rd Edition
Join us and participate in the third edition
The Context
Since Biblical times, from Abrahams journey to Egypt and the later Israelite captivity under the Pharaohs, the Jewish People have had close ties with Africa. Some Jewish communities in Africa are amongst the oldest in the world, dating back more than 2,700 years. Today, Judaism in Africa shows an ethnic and religious diversity almost unparalleled on any other continent.
The Concept
Our Conference will bring together a circle of emerging African leaders and researchers who will analyze a broad spectrum of issues pertaining to the history and contemporary situation of Jewish Africa, including the role of Jews and the need for Jewish voices in African civil society, the development of Jewish space, and perspectives on old and new African Jewish identities.
The Speakers
This summit will convene during its third edition many renown leaders of several Jewish African communities across the continent as well as Jewish African studies specialists and Academic researchers to speak about the Jewish life in Africa, the history of the Jewish African tribes and the contemporary situation of these minorities.
The Venue
Cape Town, often referred to as the “Mother City,” is a testament to cultural resilience in Africa. Bringing Jewish African communities to Cape Town not only reinforces ties between Jewish communities across the continent but also showcases the country’s continued dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion and interfaith collaboration.
Why in South Africa ?
Hub of Jewish Heritage and Unity
South Africa holds a unique place in Jewish history on the African continent, with a rich heritage that dates back to the early 19th century. Cape Town, home to South Africa’s first Jewish congregation established in 1841, became a vital center for Jewish life, culture, and faith. The city’s synagogues, Jewish museums, and educational institutions stand as living monuments to a thriving community that played a key role in the country’s development.
South African Jews have historically contributed to the struggle for justice and equality, with prominent Jewish figures actively participating in the fight against apartheid and advocating for human rights. The Jewish cultural imprint can also be found in Cape Town’s vibrant neighborhoods, where Jewish-owned businesses, kosher establishments, and communal organizations foster a sense of belonging and continuity.
Cape Town’s unique position at the crossroads of global Jewish connections—bridging African, European, and Middle Eastern influences—makes it a fitting host for the third edition of the Jewish Africa Summit. The city embodies resilience, diversity, and the enduring spirit of Jewish life on the African continent. By choosing Cape Town, the summit aims to honor this profound heritage while strengthening bonds between Jewish communities across Africa and beyond, promoting cultural preservation, education, and interfaith dialogue for future generations.
Event Organizers
Discover the summit organizers.
September 8, 2020
November 23, 2019
December 12, 2002