My name is Dani Sack, and I am privileged to serve the South African Jewish community through multiple roles: Programme Coordinator for Diller Teen Fellows Johannesburg, madricha at Bnei Akiva, National Marketing Manager for SAUJS, and volunteer for Hatzolah Connect’s OurSpace initiative. Across all these spaces, my work is deeply rooted in my love for community development, informal Jewish education, and the empowerment of South African and Jewish youth. My primary role as Diller Coordinator is focused on leadership development, strengthening Jewish identity, and driving a passion for Tikkun Olam for a select group of 20 Jewish teenagers.

This programme is incredibly rewarding to facilitate, as I witness teenagers grow from eager participants into confident leaders with a global perspective and a strong sense of responsibility to both the Jewish and broader South African communities.

I model resilience, teamwork, and pride in Jewish identity, helping to instill lifelong values at a critical stage in their journeys.

I believe that at only 22 years old, I bring a unique advantage to this work, as I can meet these teenagers where they are, and approach informal education with empathy, understanding, and confidence. As a madricha at Bnei Akiva, where I have also previously held more formal leadership roles, I work to inspire Jewish youth through camps and Shabbatonim to develop a love for Torah, Am Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael.

I am able to have an impact on a large group of young Jews, instilling a sense of Jewish pride, love for community, and passion for the continuity of the Jewish people and traditions. My involvement with SAUJS, as National Marketing Manager, has given me the opportunity to expand my impact to Jewish university students countrywide. By creating campaigns that advocate for Jewish interests, strengthen Jewish student voices, and provide space for all types of young South African Jews, I ensure that students feel supported, proud, and connected, even in challenging campus environments.

I believe I was nominated for this award because my passion for Jewish life is evident in every sphere of my work. I have built strong connections with young Jewish leaders both locally and internationally, and I am dedicated to ensuring that the next generation feels empowered, proud, and equipped to lead. At the heart of everything I do is the upliftment of Jewish youth, specifically in the South African context. Through Diller, Bnei Akiva, SAUJS, and OurSpace, I play a small part in building South Africa, strengthening Jewish identity, and creating spaces of belonging and growth.

What makes me a worthy winner is not only my achievements to date, but the vision I carry forward. My age allows me to act as both mentor and peer, bridging the gap between generations and inspiring young people to lead with courage and compassion. Winning this award would not only honour me, but would also shine a spotlight on the importance of investing in young Jewish leaders – the foundation of a strong, resilient, and hopeful community for generations to come.

My vision for the future is rooted in a thriving South African Jewish community, one that is strengthened by confident, resilient, and passionate young leaders.

I believe deeply in the power of young people, especially young Jews who are equipped with so many diverse opportunities, to create tangible change, and I see my role as empowering and equipping them to take ownership of that future.

For myself, I hope to continue building long-lasting connections with the next generation of Jewish leaders, inspiring them to lead with courage, compassion, and pride. Even if my impact is small, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to my community and my country, helping to shape a South Africa where Jewish identity flourishes and youth leadership drives positive transformation, not only in the Jewish community, but in the country as a whole.