30 dedicated Fellows from around the Jewish world gathered to learn, reflect, and explore their Jewish identity and leadership in relation to the core values of the program: Authenticity, Courage, and Belonging. Led by a diverse and outstanding international and local faculty, the Fellows engaged with the transformations taking place within Jewish life personally, locally and globally. 

A particularly moving part of the program included visits to the South African Jewish Museum and the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre which deepened our collective understanding of resilience and memory.

Amidst the profound conversations, there was also great joy—exploring the beauty of South Africa, experiencing local wineries, enjoying an evening of drumming, an unparalleled Fellow-led Shabbat experience that was both spiritually uplifting and filled with community, and a Saturday night Havdalah followed by impressive talent and trivia.

A significant portion of the conversations focused on the evolving relationship these Jewish leaders have with Israel, especially in light of the harrowing events of October 7. The Fellows engaged in deep reflection on how these events have affected their communities and their personal connection to Israel, grappling with feelings of pain, solidarity, and hope that are shared across the Jewish world despite deep ideological differences.

The Fellowship concluded on a somber note, learning on the final morning of the death of six hostages in Hamas captivity. As the Fellows left Stellenbosch, they carried with them not just the experiences of the week, but also a shared commitment to continue supporting one another and the broader Jewish community through these challenging times.