The euphoria of the organisers of arguably the biggest pro-Israel rally ever in Africa, which last Sunday attracted some 10 per cent of South Africa’s Jewish population to Huddle Park, should not be allowed to conceal the reality on the ground: that in the broad context, Israel’s name is still pretty bleak. The rally won’t change that.
The attendance of non-Jewish figures like ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe, the Inkatha Freedom Party contingent, Cope, the Shembe Church and the Impact of Christ Ministries is welcomed and celebrated. But it also highlighted the absence of others of heavier political weight.
Maybe it was too much to expect the ANC to be represented - it was, after all, a “solidarity” rally. Nevertheless, the absence of real decision-makers was obvious.
The DA too - the inheritor of the old Progressive Party, with its strong Jewish representation - could not be there because of political pragmatism, though they have publicly called for balance towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
We shouldn’t read too much into who did and didn’t attend, however. This is not where decisions about Israel policy are made. The rally was more a morale-booster for SA Jews and a reaffirmation of their passion for Israel. Its enormous success, especially given the postponement, which gave the feeling it might be a damp squib, did exactly this. And the willingness of the ACDP, et al, to stand up and be counted among Israel’s friends, added impetus.
It was obvious the organisers felt heavy security was needed, whereas anti-Israel demonstrators feel safe without it. The BDS rally outside the Israel trade office in Sandton recently had no more than a couple of bored policemen on duty. That was enough.
But perforce because of the highly charged negative emotions about Israel and Gaza, the Huddle Park event was held in near-fortress conditions. To get in, one went through rows of security - often being asked to produce an ID document - then drove to parking areas controlled by marshals, then entered the actual rally area through closely guarded entrances.
Highly visible security personnel were posted along the venue’s perimeter and among the crowd. Sad as it is, it was a correct, necessary response by the organisers.
Jews’ passion for Israel sometimes evokes the perennial accusation of “dual loyalty” - as if it makes them less South African. This is obviously nonsense. One doesn’t criticise Greeks, Portuguese, Indians, Chinese or others, for their love for and ties with their countries of origin. Why should Jews be singled out - unless something more sinister is at play?
Also outside the rally was a numerically small, but symbolically obvious group of “dissident” Jews, who lined the pavement outside the entrance with banners slamming Israel’s Gaza action. They clearly identified as Jews and, by coming, expressed their desire to be part of the “Jewish conversation”, but had differing views about Israel and Gaza. They felt safe enough to be there, and were not threatened in any way, although some reported receiving nasty phone calls from relatives.
Tolerance towards them from rally-goers lent more credence to the rally itself, accepting that there are differing views on the complex situation. Jews do not march in lockstep, as if we all think alike. It is part of our tradition to be diverse, and always query. Dissenters give everyone the impetus to interrogate their own views, something which is healthy.
Will this rally have any long-term outcome in the country, or is it merely a feel-good blip on the screen for South African Jews?
We must understand clearly, so as not to be disappointed, that this was by definition a “solidarity rally” with participants including views from left to right, not a political gathering. To expect a concrete political outcome is over-optimistic. Political objectives are not pursued in this way.
Despite the event’s limitations, the SAZF must be warmly congratulated for giving the pro-Israel voice such a strong boost.