ANT KATZ
“We are two decades after our first democratic elections in 1994, when the euphoria accompanying that historical moment propelled South Africans to vote en masse as an act of ecstatic celebration, producing a huge majority for the ANC liberation movement-turned-political party. With elections coming up next April, Jews, as members of an ethnic minority, must make their crosses.”
These were the introductory words to an insightful and timely editorial leader last week headlined “JEWS SHOULD GET BACK INTO SA POLITICS” by Jewish Report editor Geoff Sifrin.
Why “insightful”? Because it is a wake-up call to all Jewish South Africans. A reminder of times gone by – underground during the Struggle and openly since democracy – when SA Jewry played a much more significant role in the politics of SA than we do today.
Why “timely”? Because just this week Israeli Ambassador HE Arthur Lenk reminded Jewish South Africans that his role is a diplomatic one – to look after the State-to-State interests between Israel and SA (and, one supposes, the interests of the many Israeli citizens in SA) – while it was the responsibility of SA Jewry to ensure it’s continuing and influential role within SA society.
So, Sifrin was in tune with Lenk on this.
“There are more parties today than ever, which is good for democracy. But it is unlikely that most Jews, aside from a handful, will vote for small niche parties rather than the major contenders, the ANC or the DA,” continued Geoff Sifrin.
Read all of Geoff’s JEWS SHOULD GET BACK INTO SA POLITICS
Read more of Geoff’s weekly editorial comments on-line CLICK HERE
