I write this message with both a great heaviness in my heart and also with the most profound sense of gratitude. Nelson Mandela has passed away and the world has lost the rarest of individuals. We shall never again see the likes of Mandiba, as he is belovedly known in South Africa.
For me, although I never had the privilige of meeting the great man in person, I was residing in South Africa during the time that he was elected president and took office. Before that historic day, neither Mandiba nor any other black people in South Africa had ever cast a vote in any election. That day, which I will never forget, was the single most inspiring day of my life. Everywhere in South Africa, people of all colors stood in line for hours to cast their vote. The outcome was a forgone conclusion, and yet everyone wished to participate in the creation of the new South Africa. Although, as a foreigner, I could not vote myself, it was unbelievably inspiring to watch the long lines of people standing patiently for the privilege of being a participant in a truly historic event.
This great man assumed the mantle of leadership as if he had been born to it. Instantly he became Tata to the entire nation, to people of all colors and language groups. The seeming total absence of bitterness following 28 years of miserable imprisonment on Robben Island was an example for the entire nation, particularly the overwhelmingly black majority that had been so brutally oppressed for generations. It so easily could have turned out very differently. Were it not for the inspiration of Nelson Mandela, the country might well have descended into racial war, perhaps even the destruction of the while minority that had ruled with such brutality. Were it not for Nelson Mandela, revenge would have been the order of the day, rather than reconciliation.
The peaceful transition of South Africa must be rightfully attributed to a singular individual, Nelson Mandela. But even more than that, he has left behind a legacy of how things might be, when even the most bitter of enemies can be led to common ground, to seek peace and harmony rather than enmity and endless hatred.
I will forever be grateful to have been present at this incredible time and place in history, to have been in proximity to the greatest human being of our times. Our troubled world has much to learn from Mandiba. The best way we can honor his memory would be for the world’s leaders, even the most intractable of advisories, to follow his noble example, to be pursuers of peace and reconciliation.
Rabbi Michael P. Sternfield