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Christians march to Union Buildings, shouting “Viva Israel!”

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NICOLA MILTZ

Their message to the government was loud and clear: No Israel, no vote.

“Enough is enough. The government has pushed us too far.” These are the words of Masindi Mmbengwa, leader of the Unity Fellowship Church, who expressed his Christian movement’s support for Israel. He said millions of South African Christians were opposed to the government’s continued plans to sever ties with Israel, adding that it was time the government “took notice”.

“We are going to retaliate… this march is the beginning of the real war and we are going to say NO!” he said.

A petition with over 40 500 signatures was handed to a government official at the Union Buildings, calling for the government to cease efforts to sever ties with the State of Israel and to reinstate South Africa’s ambassador to Israel.

Signatories to the petition included members of civil society, political parties, religious institutions, schools and student groups from across South Africa, who declared their support for continued relations between Israel and South Africa.

The event was almost called off following the late-notice and unexpected cancellation of the venue hire by Freedom Park, where the rally was scheduled to take place (see page 2).

The singing, chanting and toyi-toying crowds made their way slowly to the Union Buildings carrying placards with slogans saying: “No Cutting Ties”, “Send back the SA Ambassador to Israel”, “No to Downgrade” and ”I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.”

Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, roused the crowds with messages to the ANC, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority (PA), Iran, the people of Israel and fellow South Africans.

He said the ANC had allowed Hamas to inform them and influence them. “This was a mistake. Instead of listening to Hamas, listen to us Christians. We are here representing millions of South Africans and we want the relationship with Israel to be strengthened.”

He reminded the government that Hamas was not going to be here to vote for them at next year’s elections.

His message to Hamas was simple: “We regard Israel as our friend; don’t come here and mess up that relationship.”

His message to the PA was to teach children to love instead of hate. “You teach your children to hate Israelis. It is wrong… Israelis teach their children to love, to be innovative.”

He challenged the PA to encourage the use of iPads and computers instead of knives and guns.

To fellow Israelis he said: “In spite of how the rest of the world treats you, there are millions in South Africa who love you.”

Speaking to journalists earlier, Meshoe praised Israel for the assistance it provided around the world, including Syria.

He said government had double standards when it came to Israel. “The loss of life is always regrettable, but where is South Africa’s voice when thousands of Christians are being killed by Islamist militants? They are silent.”

Mosiuoa Lekota, president of the Congress of the People, urged those present at the rally not to take sides in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but instead, to listen to both sides and encourage everybody to come together.

“Some organisations are determined to use our country as a platform to attack Israel, he said. “We are not here to tell Israel what to do. We are friends of Israel.

“There are many faiths in South Africa. We took the decision in South Africa not to adopt one faith. Therefore, we must respect each other’s beliefs and faith. We want peace in South Africa and in the whole world; therefore, we must respect each other.”

In thanking all who came in support of Israel, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein moved the crowd with a blessing for peace. “From the depth of my heart to all of you gathered here, thank you so much, we love you,” he said.

“As we see the Union Buildings, we say to government on behalf of millions of South Africans, the majority of whom love Israel; we say this is a democracy – the government must listen to the people. We want the bond of love between South Africa and Israel to be close. For South Africa to love Israel and for Israel to love South Africa.”

Nkosi Bishop Phakama Shembe, head of the Shembe Church, said the government was arrogant and when it started to listen to the people, the people would vote for it.

According to The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), the group that organised the peaceful rally, the event on Wednesday was supported by the Nazareth Baptist Church, the Council of Churches South Africa International (COCSAI), the Christian Ministers Council of Southern Africa (CMCSA), the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), Reconciliation in Christ Ministries, City of Mercy Tabernacle, and the Naturena Baptist Church.

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4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Gregory Nurok

    Jul 26, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    ‘The ANC government is against Israel who is the only Democratic Country in the Middle East.The ANC support Hamas who refuses to recognise Israel. The ANC is quick to critise Israel but has never said a word about Syria where almost 400000 people have been killed.

    Just like the ANC are scared of the EFF so are they scared of the Islamic  fundementalists’

    • Skally

      Oct 24, 2023 at 10:02 pm

      I would like to pass my gratitude to all people who joined the march and may God Lord keep on blessing you all
      For standing for truth because surely this war I’m middle east is about good and evil …. so my fellow South Africans thanks very much for standing with Israel because surely ANC and EFF are dictatorship parties that’s why they don’t condemn Hamas( violence) terrorist but they are quick to judge Israel.God said it I will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel… let’s show ANC and EFF next year on votes that they can’t allow evil to prevail in our country and yet to win our votes … really Mr Moshoe enough is enough with people acting as if they are diplomatic but knowingly they are dictatorship such as ANC and EFF parties

  2. Devora Even-Tov

    Jul 27, 2018 at 10:24 am

    ‘Had tears in my eyes watching such beautiful people  marching and singing. A wonderful sight compared to the normal  brutality of throwing rocks, hurling trash bins, looting shops and burning everything in sight. 

    This is how peaceful loving people march and object to something. Proud to associate myself with them.

    Thank you’

  3. Dr Christo Boshoff

    Jul 29, 2018 at 6:29 am

    ‘Shalom Alcheim  I was there and also made a speech in which I pleaded with the South African Government and the ANC political party to step up and not neglect there Scriptural duties . Just as Ezekiel 37 Restoration vision is to bring Judah and Ephraim together, so must our government bring back and reunite South Africa with Yisra’ĕl 

    Mr President it is not time to recall, it is not time to back down, but it is now the time to send, it is now the time to face your challenges, please I as the leader of Ezekiel 37 Restoration South Africa plead  please reunite and send back our Ambassador of Yisra’ĕl and be the Leader that leads by example….G-d bless South Africa  G-d bless Yisra’ĕl.. Dr Christo Boshoff Ezekiel 37 Restoration. 

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