Bloch, Hyman Morris (Bobby)

BLOCH, The Hon. Mr. Justice Hyman Morris ("Bobby"). B.A., LL.B. Died 1963. Judge of the Supreme Court of South Africa, Born Klerksdorp, Tvl., son of Jacob Harry and Nechama Dvorah Bloch. Educated at Klerksdorp, Kimberley. Potchefstroom and the South African College School and Cape Town University, from which he graduated with honours in 1926, after a brilliant academic career. Called to the Bar in 1927, he appeared as Junior to the renowned Douglas Buchanan, K.C., in 1928, and rapidly rose to prominence as Counsel in a series of major cases. Appointed King's Counsel in 1944. Elevated to the Bench in 1958, after sitting as an Acting Judge for some months. Played a leading part in Jewish life from his student days, when he was Chairman of the Students' Jewish Association at Cape Town University. Became Chairman of the Dorshei Zion Association and one of the leaders of the Western Province Zionist Council and the Cape Council of the S.A. Jewish Board of Deputies. Leading figure for many years at Zionist and Board of Deputies National Conferences. Interrupted his legal work in 1948 to tour South Africa and Rhodesia as speaker in the Israel Emergency Appeal Campaign. Headed Keren Kayemeth, Keren Hayesod and Israeli United Appeal campaigns in Cape Town and Western Province. Promoted Jewish sports clubs in the Cape, including the King David Country Club, of which he was President. Married Leah Geffen, 1935, and is survived by his widow and two stepsons.