De-escalate and disengage for your own safety

As you prepare for your holiday, CSO has provided some vital security precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your loved ones. 

Travelling to Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and other holiday destinations can be the highlight of a long and demanding year, but it remains essential to stay mindful, informed, and aware of your surroundings. 

Over the past two years, Cape Town in particular has experienced an increase in visible pro-Palestinian activism, including marches, demonstrations, and public displays of support. 

Though many of these gatherings are peaceful, they can create an emotionally charged environment in which interactions may feel uncomfortable or confrontational. This applies particularly to visitors who may not be familiar with the local dynamics. In some instances, individuals have attempted to draw community members into debate or tense exchanges that can be recorded or shared online, often without context and with the goal of reflecting poorly on our community. 

To help ensure your personal safety and peace of mind, we recommend: 

1. Staying calm and composed 

If approached in a provocative or confrontational manner, remain calm and avoid emotional or defensive engagement. De-escalation is your strongest and safest response;

2. De-escalate and disengage

If a conversation or situation feels uncomfortable, politely step away. Avoid raising your voice or responding in a manner that could be misinterpreted or used out of context; 

3. Stay alert in unfamiliar environments 

Be aware of your surroundings, especially large gatherings or areas where political activity is taking place. Travelling in groups can also offer additional reassurance; 

4. Avoid being drawn into arguments 

Even when provoked, refrain from engaging in debate or confrontational discussions. A neutral, composed response, or no engagement at all, is often the most effective approach. 

5. Know when and where to seek help 

If a situation escalates or you feel unsafe, contact the local authorities or the CSO, numbers below. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. 

As visitors, we may not always have the historical context of local interactions or the intentions of individuals we encounter. As a community, we should always engage in a manner that reflects our values rather than in an emotional and reactive manner that can be used out of context later. 

Remaining cautious, respectful, and aware helps protect both your safety and your peace of mind throughout the holiday season. 

We wish you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday. 

CSO national leadership 

In an emergency or in the case of suspicious activity or potential threat specifically related to the Jewish community or Jewish installations, contact the CSO in Johannesburg and Pretoria: 086 18 000 18; Cape Town 086 18 911 18; and Durban 086 18 000 18/082 855 1818.