Jewish News
Jewish school uproar over dep head boy’s Palestinian scarf
Published
10 years agoon
By
adminGEOFF SIFRIN
The first petition, which was reported by website change.org to have garnered over 1 200 signatories, was started by a “Concerned Zionist” and says Broomberg must be removed from his post as deputy head boy for “bringing the school into disrepute”. It has been signed by former KDVP graduates from all over the world, parents and learners currently at the school, and others.
Aside from the school principal, Gavin Budd, and the head of the SA Board of Jewish Education, Rabbi Craig Kacev, the petition was also forwarded to the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Dr Warren Goldstein. It states:
“We insist that both KDVP and the South African Jewish Board of Education (“SABJE”) take immediate disciplinary action with regard to the incident that will be cited in the body of this letter.
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“Broomberg was seen on a public forum, namely Facebook, draped in a Palestinian scarf (“keffiyeh”) as well as a Palestinian flag in the form of a badge, with the caption being: “Team South Africa wearing Palestinian badges and keffiyehs to show our opposition to the human rights violations carried out against the people of Palestine.”
“Broomberg currently holds the portfolio of deputy head boy at KDVP. For the sake of good record, it must be stated that a deputy head boy forms part of the executive committee of the School’s Representative Council (“SRC”).
“All members of the school’s SRC is obliged to sign a mandatory contract (“The contract”) with the school in which they are required to comply with certain school procedures as well as the ethos and heritage of the school.
“In summary, certain obligations of the contract that are pertinent to this matter are as follows:
“The respective SRC member agrees to uphold all the core Jewish values of KDVP and all the traditions that accompany it and to support the school in all its Zionistic and Judaic activities such as school prayers and chagim.
“I understand that should I bring the school into disrepute by any actions or omissions of mine and notwithstanding the usual disciplinary procedures, my student leadership appointment may be suspended or revoked.
“Further to this, and as revised in the year of 2014, according to the school’s disciplinary procedure, any student that brings the school’s name into disrepute will no longer be regarded as eligible for the Honours award (“Honours”) at KDVP.
“Being part of the SRC is both a great privilege and responsibility as stated in the above-mentioned contract, which also requires their careful consideration before undertaking the responsibilities as cited in the contract.
“As illustrated by the reaction to the above-mentioned online by community members, there is absolutely no doubt that Broomberg has brought the school of which he holds office, into disrepute.
“We therefore as a joint entity, humbly request, firstly that in accordance with the contract, Broomberg be removed from his position in office as deputy head boy and further be removed from the SRC. We secondly, humbly request, that in accordance with KDVP’s revised disciplinary procedure, Broomberg has his Honours revoked.”
Broomberg has since apologised in the form of a letter on Facebook which has been shared widely, in which he states that he had not intended to cause the uproar the picture has caused, and had not intended to “offend or upset”. He goes on to say:
“I am proud to be a South African Jew, and I am proud to attend a Jewish day school. I am also a Zionist. I believe in Israel’s right to exist, and her right to defend herself from the threat presented by those seeking to hurt her citizens. All citizens of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza have the absolute right to live in peace and security.
“It was with this in mind that I, and my team The debating team at present in Thailand), chose to take the stand we did. It was not about politics, or about states. It was about humanity. We stand with the thousands of civilians who have lost their lives in the conflict. We stand with a people who do not yet have a state to protect themselves. We stand with the innocents. We stand for two states. We do not stand against Israel. All of this applies to me personally as well.
“While I apologise for the hurt we seem to have caused, I do not apologise for standing with Palestine on this issue. This is not because I do not believe in Israel or its people. I do believe in Israel, and I take this stand because I can love and support the state of Israel but still reject and criticise some of its actions. In fact, I consider it my duty to contribute to the growing worldwide discussion surrounding the desperate need for a quick end and lasting solution to this pernicious conflict.
“In my eyes, this criticism is not a betrayal, but actually the only honest and true way to show my patriotism and commitment to Israel, as well as my belief in human rights and the entitlement of all citizens of all countries to those right. To improve, we must criticise.
“I will note, explicitly, that our support and sympathy also lies with the innocent Israelis exposed to threat at the hands of terrorists. The conflict is a tragedy for all, and once again, all innocent life is equally valuable.
“We took a stand for the thousands and for those without a voice but we do not for a second condone any violence whatsoever. We stand for peace.
“Most importantly, the issues are complex but we can never let go of the ability to talk and engage with the other side. If we lose this ability we lose our claim to be an enlightened community. We lose what it means to be human.
“I am proud to bear the responsibility of continuing the discussion.”
The furore at KDVP comes in a context in which public petitions and statements are emanating from SA Jews from different directions in response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Lef-wing Jews have formed an organisation called Jewish Voices for a Just Peace, which last Sunday demonstrated outside a solidarity rally for Israel – which drew some 10 000 people – slamming what it called “Israel’s war against civilians”.
And on Sunday, a new petition initiated by former head boys, head girls and leaders at King David Victory Park, called for the protection of freedom of expression, defending Josh Broomberg’s right to speak out, even if some people didn’t agree with his views. The petition, hosted by Avaaz.org, which had garnered 1 029 signatories by 16:00 Sunday afternoon , said as follows:
“We, the undersigned members of the South African Jewish community, are deeply saddened by the exaggerated attacks on King David Victory Park (KDVP) Deputy-Head Boy Joshua Broomberg. Josh has been vilified for his position on the recent conflict in Israel and calls have been made for him to be removed from his position and stripped of his Honours.
“We believe that he is entitled to his views, even if we don’t agree with them. We believe that silencing people, especially young people, is not in the spirit of our community. Freedom of conscience and freedom of expression are values we treasure. We call for the attacks on Josh to stop.
“Josh is captaining South Africa at the World Schools Debating Championships in Thailand. On August 6, the Team posted a picture on Facebook with them wearing keffiyehs indicating sympathy with the civilians who have died recently in Gaza. There has been understandable surprise at seeing three young Jewish people taking such a stand. What we can’t accept is the vicious tone of some of the responses, and the desire to shut down debate on a question that concerns us all…
“We don’t need to agree with Josh’s views to respect his right to hold and express them. This is about more than just one particular person. It is about guarding against the development of a culture of victimisation and censorship. Increasingly students have felt ostracised for expressing opinions which are different within their school environment.
“We believe that all schools, including Jewish schools and our communities at large need to be safe spaces which prioritise tolerance, value debate and promote freedom of expression. The alternative is for passionate young people, of which Josh is undoubtedly one, to be alienated from the Jewish community.
“As Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein recently wrote in The Star and other papers:’To vilify or denigrate anyone who dares to express an opposing view is undemocratic, and is to desecrate the sanctity of free speech’.
“Defend freedom of expression in our Jewish community.”
The spate of such petitions and statements is indicative of a growing rift in the SA Jewish community over attitudes to the Israel-Gaza situation, which is causing great unease among community members and leaders.
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Choni
Aug 9, 2014 at 5:32 pm
‘Why all the fuss over this young man.
His sentiments and arguments are not that far removed from those of the SAJBD. I have read similar comments from Mary Kluk.’
Sandra grey
Aug 9, 2014 at 8:32 pm
‘I say that Joshua Broomberg she be removed from the SRC immediately and NOT be eligible for any honours or recognition from the school or the Jewish community.’
barry bass
Aug 10, 2014 at 2:17 am
‘what a load of crap. Too late for damage control
​’
Nadia da Costa
Aug 10, 2014 at 7:19 am
‘Your Parents have raised you well Josh. Respect.’
Louis de Limos
Aug 10, 2014 at 9:06 am
‘Disgusting conduct by a person that younger students look up to!!!’
Gary Selikow
Aug 10, 2014 at 10:59 am
‘the Palestinian flag and the keffiyah are symbols of hate and terror and a drive for second holocaust, Anyone wearing this is identifying with these things.
‘
Kim day
Aug 10, 2014 at 12:04 pm
‘An example needs to be made before this becomes the norm, and that goes for the other 2 as well ‘
Gideon Hack
Aug 10, 2014 at 12:08 pm
‘Josh,
I was most disturbed and saddened when I read about how you and the other delegates in the SA Debating Team had shown support for and aligned yourself with those who are openly trying to murder Jews and to destroy the State of Israel. But I was absolutely horrified when I read the statement that you posted on Facebook in an attempt to explain your behavior.
For sure, I am not going to debate you about your opinions, conduct and actions in this forum, but it suffices to say that with your naïveté and arrogance, you have chosen to embrace brutal terrorists and others who enthusiastically and openly seek Israel’s annihilation.
For Israelis, every day in this precious country is a struggle and we are facing many existential threats from our enemies. We certainly do not need you standing behind us, keen to plunge a knife into our backs. And I can only hope that your own community in South Africa deals with you appropriately and harshly, treating you as a threat to the Jewish people and a pariah.
I am sure that your forefathers had previously looked down upon you with great love and admiration for your many achievements. But now they have turned away in repulsion at the sight of a smug young man who has shown the utmost disdain and contempt for his history, his people and his future.
‘
Sassy
Nov 1, 2023 at 11:59 am
All the excuses in the world will not make up for the the wearing of keffiyehs and silence about our precious babies burned alive, women raped and babies burned and stabbed. He is a foolish boy whose parents have made him feel so smart. Let him go stand with his Palestinian brothers. Let’s watch what they do to him. Eventually a pro Hamas terror supporter will show him gratitude.
Harold Taback
Aug 10, 2014 at 1:51 pm
‘With Quisling Jews like this, who needs enemies?
And what does it say for his parents.
‘
Sara
Aug 10, 2014 at 4:08 pm
‘I don’t buy this argument for a minute. Obviously an intellegent person, he knew the uproar that he would cause by doing this. He did not do it in his personal capacity but representing a school that he KNEW did not support his view. I think he should have his esteemed position taken away from him.
‘
Stan Luntz
Aug 10, 2014 at 6:16 pm
‘Said it before, say it again: By all means express concern about casualties in Gaza – BUT NOT BY DONNING THE ARAFAT SCARF. ‘
Bennie Katzman
Aug 10, 2014 at 8:09 pm
‘The usual left wing mantra \”freedom of speech \” freedom of expression \” and so on ad nauseam. His views are an insult to the Blessed Memory of the 3 Yeshiva students murdered by Hamas,and the 64 Isreali soldiers who died to protect him.’
Adilah Samie
Aug 10, 2014 at 11:46 pm
‘Well done Josh. #FreePalestine’
Saliegh
Aug 11, 2014 at 6:11 am
‘The world needs more jews like this young man. If his humanitarian view is in contradiction with the school ethos, I wonder who needs some self-reflection? ‘
Fazil
Aug 11, 2014 at 7:15 am
‘Joz, you make the Jews the Jewish faith and Humanity proud!’
Prof Mervyn Skuy
Aug 11, 2014 at 7:32 am
‘I disagree with the content and particularly the manner of Joshua Broomberg’s words and public display. However, we educators should not dictate to people WHAT to think; we can only teach them HOW.
‘
Lynne
Aug 11, 2014 at 8:29 am
‘It is a most disgusting act. You are a member of a Jewish Day school and in a leadership position, you should know better how to conduct yourself. ‘
Gary Selikow
Aug 11, 2014 at 8:38 am
‘What would have happened if the deputy head boy of a muslim school wore an Israeli flag ‘
Jono Franks
Aug 11, 2014 at 9:24 am
‘Hi Josh. As a Jewish South African I support your stance. I too love Israel but cannot condone the killing of innocent people by anyone. Hamas are the problem not the innocent civilians.
Jonathan
Cape Town’
Nico de Jager
Aug 11, 2014 at 9:31 am
‘I respect you for taking a strong stand against something that you believe is wrong.
Right or wrong, it shows character!’
Charmaine
Aug 11, 2014 at 10:11 am
‘I am not a Jew, I am not a Christian, I am not a Palestinian, I am not a Jedi, I am not Muslim.
I am not white, I am not black, I am not green, pink or blue.
I am MORAL.
I am TOLERANT.
I am HUMAN.
I do not hurt, kill or destroy that which I do not understand or agree with.
I do not denounce the opinion of others and I do not expect my own opinion to be commended.
I will speak not only when I am spoken to, I will speak when the voice of reason must be heard.
Israelis are not killing Palestinians, Palestinians are not killing Israelis…
HUMANS are killing HUMANS.
There may be differences, but the blood that soaks the ground in Gaza is one colour…
And.
It.
Must.
STOP!!!
I am with you Joshua Broomberg!
I am with you!
I am with every person in opposition to the killing!
‘
Shaheen
Aug 11, 2014 at 10:49 am
‘Well done Josh! Don’t worry, the truth shall set your free. I commend you for your bravery. ‘
Julian Goldberg
Aug 11, 2014 at 11:51 am
‘We need to defend freedom of expression. It is a democratic right’
Daniel
Aug 11, 2014 at 12:10 pm
‘Thats what happens when you’re brought up in a school like KDVP, where you are never exposed to authentic Judaism.’
Craig
Aug 11, 2014 at 12:23 pm
‘The demand for the censure of this young man for taking a stand for human rights is certainly exposing a lot of hypocrites. So many cries of how Jewish people are oppressed all over the world and how widespread and terrible anti-semitism is and here we see a lot of Jewish people very keen to oppress this young man for expressing a view with which they disagree and clearly demonstrating how little they care about monstrous actions unless they perceive them to be against themselves or the group with which they identify. It’s profoundly sad that they want to squash leadership and instil only mindless obedience.’
shmuel
Aug 11, 2014 at 12:48 pm
‘King David Victory Park High School has a SRC which determines the school’s protocol,so the Vice head student of the school betrayed these very protocols and should either resign or be relieved of his duties as vice head-student,no ifs.buts or any other excuses ,just tender your resignation Joshua Broomberg .’
Anonymous
Aug 11, 2014 at 1:16 pm
‘Religion has done nothing but create wars…everyone is entitled to their own opinion and with religion…being rational goes out the window. Josh has done nothing wrong so get off your high horses and if you need religion to tell you how to live a good life then you need help. Treating humans with love and care is human nature and requires nothing more than a conscious. Being spiritual is amazing but being a religious idiot makes you nothing more than ignorant! ‘
Saara Adams
Aug 11, 2014 at 1:39 pm
‘Good on you Josh! Don’t allow yourself to be bullied by them. Nothing will happen to you. Majority of this country stands with you. This guy has commented about 64 Israeli deaths (most of them soldiers in combat), what about the 1939 Palestinian lives taken (mostly innocent civilians of which just over 400 are children)? Listen to yourselves… have you no heart? Have you no humanity? No empathy?
Don’t dare try to make us believe that this is a JUST war. The world has awaken and we will not be made still! #freepalestine #equalrightsforall #apartheidisrael’
Zeitgeist
Aug 11, 2014 at 2:38 pm
‘The vitriol against a young boy is disgraceful – shame on the lot of you. If any group displays an immature and repugnantly infantile mindset it is the SA Jewry who are incapable of the smallest critique of Israel, no matter HOW warranted – and now you want to silence and destroy your own for having the courage to hold an alternative view point. Beggars belief’
Miriam
Aug 12, 2014 at 9:21 am
‘The picture of these three youths all togged up to go and state their \”case\” reminds me of an old song ….. \”In the morning, in the evening aint we got fun\” Makes me want to cry – this should never have happened while their young IDF counterparts in Gaza were being blown away.’
Steve
Aug 12, 2014 at 10:36 am
‘My Issue is at this point not with Josh, who is entitled to his opinion, but with the Jewish Board Of Education. When Josh accepted his position as Vice Head Boy of King David Victory Park, he signed a Leadership Agreement.
A clause in the agreement is:
\”I undertake to role
model pro-activity, community building and to actively look for ways to make
our school better, more functional, welcoming and engaging environment for all
who have their home in it.\”
The agreement also states
that the leadership position can be suspended or revoked.
Josh has clearly caused a rift in the community and therefore the board MUST take action.
To not take action is the best way to teach our kids about double standards and that there is no consequence to their actions.
‘
Lisa
Aug 12, 2014 at 10:44 am
‘The message: if you want your child to grow up not supporting Israel, sent he or she to King David, so that he or she can be influenced by deputy heads like Joshua.’
clauds021
Aug 12, 2014 at 2:18 pm
‘So sad to see learned adults be so ignorant to basic human rights violation and wanting to deny anyones freedom of thought and speach. Violence is violence… well done Joshua for taking a stand. #FreePalestine’
Some One
Aug 13, 2014 at 12:16 am
‘Gary Selikow asks: \”What would have happened if the deputy head boy of a muslim school wore an Israeli flag\”
His fellow Muslims would have excecuted him.
And while everyone vilifies Israel for casualties in Gaza, they conveniently forget that Israel agreed to a ceasfire and laid down arms, but Hamas insisted that the war continue.
Frankly, I expected more from the KDVP pupils. Years ago the Jewish day schools took pride in the fact that their students could think and analyse events without blindly following the majority. It seems that is no longer the case…’
Humanitarian
Aug 13, 2014 at 9:31 pm
‘For a clearer picture to the reality, Watch this video.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=Ch5XlEZoi1c‘
Beinash Spaack
Aug 20, 2014 at 7:31 pm
‘The SAJBE was never in essence Jewish execpt for it’s unholy name, so it really is no surprise that they have decide not to take the exxpected action against a wayward student; familiarity breed contempt, when your system fails who else is to blame!!!’
SPENCER
Aug 25, 2014 at 2:54 pm
‘Brromberg, SAJBD, rabid anti-Semites and KD school do not represent Torah values or any values. Only secularism. Contact a fully Orthodox Rabbi to inform you of what the true stance is.
‘