Pro-Israel church groups and activists rally outside Cape Union Mart

Pro-Israel activists gathered outside Cape Union Mart at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Saturday, 7 March, in response to weekly pro-Palestinian protests that have taken place at the store for more than two years. 

“This demonstration marked a significant turning point,” said Pastor Thierry Mufishi. 

He described the rally as an expression of unity among different communities. “For the first time, the presence of a diverse group of protesters reflected what felt like a victory of unity and resilience.” 

Mufishi, who represents the Grace for Grace Family Church, said the more than 60 participants included friends and supporters of Israel, church groups and expat Iranians “openly expressing support for the Israel Defense Forces”. 

The demonstrators said they were challenging allegations against Cape Union Mart, expressing support for Israel, and highlighting the evils in Iran. 

Some of their banners carried messages aimed at countering narratives misrepresenting Israel. 

“Many held posters conveying messages focused on truth, countering what they perceive as misinformation and propaganda from Hamas,” Mufishi said. 

The pro-Israel presence consisted of four groups, according to those involved: members of Simunye Israel led by Pastor Thom Thamaga, Concerned Clergy of South Africa, Christians United for Africa, and activists identifying themselves as Iranians for a Free Iran. 

They gathered against the backdrop of the ongoing dispute between Cape Union Mart and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC). 

Since November 2023, PSC supporters have staged regular protests outside the retailer’s stores, accusing the company’s executive chairperson, Philip Krawitz, of supporting Israel’s military. Krawitz and the company have denied the claims and taken legal action to try interdict activists from protesting and making the defamatory allegations. 

Participants in Saturday’s rally said their presence reflected growing frustration with the ongoing demonstrations. 

Mufishi said his participation was also informed by his faith. “From a Christian faith perspective, I believe there is an urgent need for more Christians to recognise the spiritual significance of Israel’s existence,” he said. “In my conviction, without Israel, the foundation of our faith and our understanding of G-d is deeply compromised.” 

Mufishi said the demonstration strengthened his commitment to speak publicly on the issue. “This experience strengthened my resolve to advocate for truth, peace, and moral clarity,” he said, adding that his hope remained “for peace in Israel and, ultimately, peace throughout the world”. 

A small group of Iranian activists also attended the rally. One, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said they primarily wanted to draw attention to political developments in Iran. 

“The main reason Iranians were present was not related to the Cape Union Mart case,” the participant said. “The purpose of being there was to show our support for the people in Iran and for the ongoing situation there.” 

The activist said the group wanted to make clear that they didn’t consider themselves enemies of Israel or the United States. 

They said participating in demonstrations can carry risks for people with ties to Iran. “The Islamic government has already announced that if we participate in any march supporting Israel, our assets in Iran could be confiscated, and we could face execution or be accused of treason.” 

Several attendees said they had taken part in previous counter-demonstrations at the V&A Waterfront and believed tensions between opposing groups had intensified over time. 

Adie Lee, a Sea Point resident, said she has participated in several pro-Israel demonstrations in Cape Town. “I have stood numerous times against the lying and libels that are being perpetrated against Israel and Jews.” 

Lee said some encounters had been confrontational. “I’ve experienced members of the anti-Israel group behaving in a most threatening way by photographing me, coming up and screaming right in my face, making gestures like they will slit our throats, shouting ‘Khaybar Khaybar’,” she said. 

The phrase refers to a historical battle involving Jewish communities, Lee said. “They use these intimidation tactics to try scare us.” 

Participants in the pro-Israel rally said their intention on Saturday was to demonstrate peacefully. They initially stood silently with banners and flags, later singing and chanting messages of support. 

The weekly demonstrations outside the store typically take place on Saturdays between 12:00 and 14:00. Those who oppose the protests say they have led to increased security at the V&A Waterfront during demonstration times and adjustments to the area’s layout to separate opposing groups. 

The outcome of the court case against the PSC is expected to shape how demonstrations outside Cape Union Mart stores may proceed in future. 

For those who gathered on Saturday, their message was solidarity with Israel. 

“The demonstration held on Saturday represented, for me personally, a moment of activation,” Mufishi said. “Unity, faith, and truth must prevail over hatred, misinformation, and intimidation.”