Zionist federation honours Benji Shulman as the ‘prime defender and promoter’ of Israel

One of the prime defenders and promoters of the State of Israel against increasing attempts to ‘demonise and delegitimise’has been bestowed with the highest Jewish award.

Benji Shulman was bestowed with the prestigious Herzl Award at the annual conference of the Jewish community organiSation, the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) held at The Galleria in Eastgate, Sandton.

He was said to be the winner of the award alongside Gusti Braveram from the World Zionist Organisation, which is given to a Jewish person under the age of 44 who has contributed significantly to the local Jewish community and has strengthened its connection with the State of Israel.

“For the past 13 years, Benji has been at the forefront of the war of promoting the State of Israel and defending it against attempts to demonise and delegitimise it,” said Nicci Raz, national executive director of the SAZF, as she presented the award alongside the outgoing chairperson of the SAZF, Ben Swartz.

Shulman started his community work and Zionist activism in his youth while serving as the national chairman of Raedene Estate-based South African Union of Jewish Students and since then he has been a key player in designing and implementing the Jewish community’s anti-BDS strategy on university campuses.

He also worked with the Jewish National Fund and was elected as the youngest-ever vice chairman of the SAZF, sitting on portfolio committees addressing civil society, public diplomacy, outreach, youth and media.

Shulman helped to conceive and implement the SA Friends of Israel initiative, the Fairplay Forum and often speaks on Jewish community platforms both in South Africa and abroad, including hosting a weekly show on ChaiFM.

“Benji is an integral part of our team and above all a real mensh. We thank you Benji for the multiple contributions you have made and continue to make,” said Raz.