Board steps into consular services void

In a concerted effort, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), in close collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIFA), facilitated the safe repatriation of South Africans stranded in Israel due to the conflict with Iran and the resultant closure of Israeli airspace. A huge debt of gratitude should go to National Director Wendy Kahn and her team, and Ingrid Zahavi, the world’s best travel agent. They took up the mammoth task of locating stranded passengers; collaborating with Ethiopian Airlines; interfaced with MIFA; and ultimately were able to see to it that every South African, Jew and non-Jew alike, was taken care of through this harrowing period.

It must, however, be said again that this task was necessitated by the void created by the lack of consular support provided to South African citizens in Israel. It’s so regrettable that the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and President Cyril Ramaphosa bear responsibility for this gap, having ignored the SAJBD’s explicit warning to them. In a letter that the Board sent to Ramaphosa following the “temporary” closure of the South African embassy in Tel Aviv, the Board cautioned, “It’s possible that the current situation in Israel could worsen significantly and lead to a need to evacuate South African citizens from Israel. If that were to occur, it may also be that flights out of Israel are significantly reduced or stopped altogether. It’s thus essential that in Israel – an area which is presently a destination engaged in conflict – there be consular services and diplomatic assistance provided to those South African citizens who require it.” I wish that these words hadn’t proven so prophetic.

We are heartened that all 260-plus stranded individuals have been safely accounted for, and that the conflict with Iran has concluded. We further pray that the conclusion of this conflict will be the catalyst for an end to the Gaza conflict, and that it may herald a period of peace and security for Israel and for Jews worldwide.

In the coming months, a significant legal battle will unfold in the Western Cape, one that carries profound implications for our community. At its heart is the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) controversial boycott resolution, now under scrutiny through a courageous challenge brought by Professor Adam Mendelsohn, the director of the Kaplan Centre at UCT. His case seeks to expose the procedural irregularities that enabled this resolution to pass.

The SAJBD has applied to serve as amicus curiae (a friend of the court) in this case. Our involvement stems from the deep and troubling issues that have surfaced at UCT over recent months and years. These include a persistent lack of understanding about antisemitism, coupled with tangible hostility experienced by Jewish students and academics on campus. It’s our concern that such incidents could continue and intensify if left unaddressed.

The SAJBD’s application reflects our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our community, particularly in Cape Town, where these developments hit closest to home. We will share key details of our submission as the case progresses, and keep the community informed. This case represents a stand for fairness, inclusion, academic freedom, and the right of Jewish students and staff to thrive in an environment free from prejudice.