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SABJE in hot seat over student’s ‘Palestinian scarf’
GEOFF SIFRIN
It did so in response to the wave of vitriolic petitions and social media comments coming from various directions, some calling for the learner, Josh Broomberg, to be punished by stripping him of his position and honours, others defending him and his right to freedom of thought and expression.
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The SABJE has determined that no action will be taken against Broomberg. Its statement articulates its philosophy as an educational institution, which “has always encouraged and celebrated our diverse student population and its varying attitudes and opinions.
“As an educational institution, we have a long established heritage of encouraging debate, freedom of thought and expression. We are proud of this ethos and the framework it has created for young people to grow and learn from their mistakes as much as their successes.
“The South African Board of Jewish Education does not support censorship; rather we encourage our students to participate amongst the diverse voices that make up the South African Jewish community.”
The statement says, however, that in the prevailing atmosphere, “the picture posted was insensitive and hurtful and was seen as such in the community”, and that Broomberg has learnt from the experience and “has both explained his stance in a later posting and genuinely apologised for the hurt it produced”.
The statement articulates the “responsibility of the South African Board of Jewish Education to educate and nurture young minds in an environment which is safe, yet where students are held accountable. We also understand our task, as a school community, is to find ways to turn these kinds of experiences into learning opportunities, and to work to ensure unity in our schools and the broader community, despite the inevitability of divergent views.”
The general director of the SABJE, Rabbi Craig Kacev (pictured), told the Jewish Report that the SABJE would “not make a decision or take a stand based on online petitions. How many people have signed this or that petition, is not the issue”, he stressed, but rather the solid educational principles which the SABJE believed in.
“The emotional reaction in the community has gone completely out of proportion with these petitions,” he said. “Regarding Israel, the policy of the King David schools is that they support the existence of the State of Israel, but they do not take specific political positions. Furthermore, the King David schools support diversity of thinking and opinion among its students, who are encouraged to think for themselves and explore diverse ideas.”
This heated atmosphere has been accentuated by other Jewish petitions and statements in newspapers about Gaza, all of which add up to a highly charged emotional mood among South African Jews about Israel. In the Sunday Times last weekend, a large advert appeared with a statement by a group calling themselves “500 Jewish South Africans for peace, democracy and human rights in Israel and Palestine”. The headline said: “We, as South African Jews, are appalled and devastated by Israel’s assault on Gaza”. The names included well-known Jews active in numerous areas of South African society.
Broomberg, who is currently in Thailand as part of the SA National Debating Team, provoked anger from parents, fellow students and others, after his photograph appeared on Facebook with two other learners – Sam and Saul Musker – also wearing Palestinian scarves. He later posted an apology on Facebook, saying he did not intend to cause the offence and uproar that resulted from the picture, but wanted to promote discussion about the issue of Israel and Gaza.
He said: “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 rights. To improve, we must criticise.”
King David Victory Park and the SABJE have been plunged into the hot seat, as demands are made by petitioners from both sides for them to respond formally and take a stand.
The first petition, signed by over 1 200, called for Broombeerg to “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.”
This was followed by a counter-petition, also claiming more than 1 000 signatories, from numerous former head boys, head girls and others, defending Broomberg’s right to freedom of expression, emphasising that they did not necessarily agree with his point of view, but opposed disciplinary action against him because if would violate his freedom of expression.
“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.”
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Julian Goldberg
Aug 11, 2014 at 5:48 pm
‘Freedom of expression is paramount’
John Scott
Aug 11, 2014 at 6:37 pm
‘This young lad has the right to freedom of speech but as well he should have understood that the scarf he wore is a symbol of evil.
The young lad should be mentored not marginalised however.’
gms
Aug 11, 2014 at 6:45 pm
‘This student is a real debater.He can even provoke debates thousand of kilometers away. ‘
Jonathan Segal
Aug 12, 2014 at 3:13 am
‘I think that this lad made a mistake as a callow youth,but he is entitled to his opinion and should not be marginalised.
Judaism has always encouraged debate as epitomised in The Gemorah’
Steve
Aug 12, 2014 at 10:50 am
‘At this point Josh Broomberg is not the issue. Rabbi Kacev should enforce the school rules or step down.’
Lisa
Aug 12, 2014 at 10:53 am
‘This statement did not acknowledge a well known fact and that is that this boy was already forced to apologise for similar poor behaviour in another public conxte 2 years ago. The accountability that is taught in King David, is apparently not working.
\nBTW wearing a politically charged symbol is not debating.’
zubeida
Aug 12, 2014 at 10:57 am
‘I love you Josh!!!
I see a great future for you!!
Keep it up,son!!’
Daniel
Aug 12, 2014 at 10:59 am
‘What do you expect from the poor kid?
Thats what happens when you’re brought up in a school like KDVP, where you are never exposed to authentic Judaism.
‘
Joseph
Aug 12, 2014 at 11:36 am
‘The Idea of supporting freedom of speech is totally bogus. I doubt the Board or school would be defending the rights of freedom of speech and take no action if he hard chosen to wear an old SA flag’
Gary Selikow
Aug 12, 2014 at 12:48 pm
‘Freedom of speech cannot extend to a demonstrationof support for terror and murder of your own people in war the Jewish state is embroiled in fighting for it’s existence ‘
BA
Aug 12, 2014 at 2:21 pm
‘
DOES THEIR RICH KID TURNED BRAT BEAT OURS??????
Jihadi hipster’ – the young, charismatic and cruel face of Islamic State.
Islam Yaken, rich kid turned fanatical warrior, tweets to the world from Syria for murderous movement.Islam Yaken was raised in a prosperous Cairo neighborhood, where he attended an exclusive French school, got a degree from a prestigious law school and became a narcissistic body builder. Today he’s a marauder in Syria with Islamic State, and the tweets of his rasta-haired, bespectacled, good-looking self in warrior poses has earned him the nickname \”jihadi hipster,\”
‘
Gary Selikow
Aug 12, 2014 at 4:08 pm
‘My question is if a deputy head boy of a muslim school had worn an Israeli badge what would have happened to him?’
Gideon Hack
Aug 12, 2014 at 5:40 pm
‘An open letter to Josh Broomberg
We weep. You celebrate.
We sit glued to the TV, watching as our precious young men are rushed to hospital after combat in Gaza.
We see their families praying, pleading to see their sons back home, alive, healthy, whole.
And you Josh Broomberg, you drape yourself in the colors of those who would murder and destroy our people.
We anxiously watch for the \”code red\” alarms in the area where our daughter is working at a school. After each rocket attack, we thankfully receive an SMS from her: \”Don’t worry. I’m still alive\”.
And you Josh Broomberg, you arrogantly and ignorantly state that your stand shows that you love and support the State of Israel.
We attend a funeral for a lone soldier who sacrificed his life to protect Israel and honor the past and future of the Jews. Twenty thousand people stand silently shoulder-to-shoulder at midnight, and the only sound is the desperate sobbing of his family.
And you Josh Broomberg, you stand there beaming as your father pats you on the back. Well done my boy!
We see a mother of a young soldier who has been serving in Gaza. The boy was in my daughter’s graduation class at school only a year ago. We ask his mother, \”how is your son\”. She looks at us, exhausted, teary eyed and whispers \”not OK\”.
We weep, we struggle, we desperately hang on to our
existence. And you Josh Broomberg, you celebrate your status as the new rock star of free speech.
‘
Herman Schvarcz
Aug 12, 2014 at 6:17 pm
‘I disagree as a lone individual he can offer whatever opinion he wants, but as the deputy leader of an institution that represents a diametrically opposing position he should not be in a leadership position.
‘
Some One
Aug 13, 2014 at 12:28 am
‘I am confused.
SABJE says it \”support[s ]the existence of the State of Israel\”.
Then a representative of the SABJE – if you appear in a KDVP uniform and identify yourself as representing the school you are also representing the SABJE – proudly wears what has become the symbol of those who wish to eradicate Zionism and slaughter Jews.
And the SABJE says that is okay, we want him to think.
So… does the SABJE support Israel’s right to exist, or does it support those who want to wipe Israel off the map?
And how does praising someone who merely parrots what every other antisemite in the world is saying, without considering the other side, constitute teaching people to think for themselves?’
Jonathan Bloom
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:38 am
‘Josh, you poor idiot. Instead of using your position of influence to protect and support your own people, you chose to strengthen the people trying to kill us. Where’s your Syrian flag or Iraqi flag or Nigerian flag to protest the tens of thousands of innocents being murdered there?
It’s got nothing to do with feeling sorry for the downtrodden, it’s the sickness of a self-hating Jew. If you really cared about human rights you would cry out for the most abused and tortured, yet you choose to back a people who voted for a government whose stated aim is destroy Israel.
Your apology is pathetic \”I do not apologise for standing with Palestine on this issue\” is what you said. There is no such place. You cannot stand with Israel AND with our enemy.
Just 6 weeks ago Israel was devastated by the death of 3 innocent teenagers just a bit younger than you. What did you do to protest that Josh? The only thing we’ve seen is support for the side that celebrated their murder with singing and dancing in the street.
SABJE – you have made a big mistake. Josh should be punished not as an act of revenge, but as a lesson in right and wrong so he can learn from his mistake and become a better person. He got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Giving him a \”smack\” on the hand will make sure he thinks hard about a decision to do it again.
Leaving him be and defending him will ensure that he will just do it again and again taking more and more each time.
‘
m101
Aug 13, 2014 at 4:38 pm
‘I think the fact that this boy has escaped without punishment is completely ridiculous. I say this not due to his political stance, but because of his irresponsible actions whereby he has taken a stance in an extremely sensitive conflict all while holding a prestigious position of leadership. Someone in his position should remain neutral or at least not make their feelings known, as this leads to incapacitation in terms of fulfilling their duties. Some of these duties include carrying out actions and making decisions in a fair and just way, which cannot be done when allowing oneself to be inflenced by bias, especially of such a large proportion (whereby he condemns his own nation who has been constantly bombarded with rockets by Hamas before this Operation even began). I’m not saying that he should receive harsh treatment; I am merely stating that he should perhaps receive a short term punishment in order to learn from his mistakes. There is nothing more important at this time then for us to all stick together as a nation, but actions like this are an obstacle in achieving this desired unity. Am Yisrael Chai’
Dr doom
Aug 13, 2014 at 5:16 pm
‘This is an article by an ex South African living in Israel – I agree fully with him about a rich spoilt uneducated brat. I have been following the unfortunate events surrounding your appearance in public with a Palestinian scarf around your neck. I have also read your statement following these events. In my view, your statement serves to confuse your position rather than clarify it. You have managed to get yourself into a very unfortunate set of circumstances.
How can you honestly state that you did not intend to create an uproar or to offend or upset? How can you say that “it was not about politics, or about states”? Your apology, based as it is on this absurd statement, is extremely difficult to accept. What did you think could be interpreted from a boy posing as a representative of KDVP, with a Palestinian scarf draped around his neck? If you are sincere about standing with humanity, you have numerous other ways to do so. By choosing this particular “humanitarian” gesture, you are clearly making a statement which is highly charged and highly political. Perhaps it would be more honest for you to acknowledge that taking a political stand of this nature was a big mistake on your part.
As a former South African living in Israel for the past 16 years, I believe that there are a few important points that you may wish to consider about the conflict between Israel and the Arabs who now call themselves Palestinians. It may surprise you to learn that most Israelis have a great deal of sympathy for the innocent Palestinian civilians, who are probably the greatest victims of this conflict. Despite this fact, you will not find them parading with Palestinian scarves around their necks. Doing so demonstrates support for the political cause and for the Palestinian leadership, rather than for the humanitarian difficulties experienced by innocent civilians. Support for the politicians and their cause is the position that you are clearly taking by your actions. We pity the Palestinians because of the way in which their own leadership treats them. Whereas the Israeli civilians under fire have a government and an army that make every effort to protect them wherever possible, the Palestinians do not. Not only does their leadership not take any action to protect them at all, their leadership actually uses them against Israel. This is because they know that Israelis care more about the Palestinian children than they do. They know that Israeli pilots will rather not release a bomb from their plane if they know that it risks injuring innocent people. The fact that this decision could cost Israeli lives in the future due to the rocket launch site being used again to launch further missiles, does not enter into their immediate consideration. Where is your protest against the lack of humanity shown by the Palestinian leaders against their own people? Where is your acknowledgement of the IDF field hospital that has been set up on the Gaza border to treat Palestinians injured in the conflict? Where is your protest against the fact that their leaders are preventing them from taking advantage of this treatment, but also not offering alternative methods of treatment?
Although we have infinite sympathy for the innocent civilians, we do not feel the same for their leadership. These are individuals who feel no qualms about allowing their own children to be strapped with explosives in the name of being martyred. If this is how they treat their own children, how can we expect them to respond to ours? Whereas they rejoice in the fact that their children have been martyred for the cause, we grieve for each and every Jewish life lost. Whereas they spend all their foreign aid on building an infrastructure to attack and destroy Israel, even if this means that their children go hungry, we spend our money on building bomb shelters and developing the Iron Dome so that our children will be safe and sound. Whereas we think twice and three times before taking action that could hurt their innocent civilians, they throw their children in the path of our bombs to gain world sympathy and PR advantage. And they fire their missiles aimlessly into the centres of Israel’s most densely populated civilian areas. These are facts that have been proven on more than one occasion. Whereas we are prepared to take a risk in order to allow them the opportunity to prove that they are sincere about the “two states for two peoples” concept, they use every opportunity to destroy us so that they can have all the land, Jew-free, for themselves.
Please do not be fooled into believing that this is about the “occupation”. This is about the future existence of a Jewish homeland. The words in the charter of the PLO and in the Hamas charter, stating that their objective is to completely destroy the State of Israel seem blatant enough. If they are not, the events in Gaza over the past 9 years should be clear enough for those who are interested to listen. We all know that the Palestinians only arose and claimed the West Bank and Gaza as a Palestinian homeland after Israel captured these territories in the Six Day War of 1967. Until Israel had possession of this land, there was never a reason for them to lay claim to it. When the Israeli government turned Gaza over to them on a silver platter in 2005, we all hoped that times had changed and that they would use the opportunity to build on the two states for two peoples. Instead of grabbing the chance to really build a state and a future for their people, they have spent millions of dollars and 9 years to build an infrastructure that is designed to attack and destroy Israel.
In wars and conflicts, you cannot support both sides. You cannot bat for both teams. At best, you can be a disinterested, objective bystander that takes neither one side nor the other. More likely, you will take the side of one of the parties in the conflict. When taking a stand, you are by definition in opposition to the second party to the conflict. Despite your nice words about believing in Israel’s right to exist and her right to defend herself, you chose to don a Palestinian scarf at a time of war in Gaza. You cannot sympathise with Israel, and appear with a Palestinian scarf around your neck at the same time. Your actions speak much louder than your words. When it came to making a public statement, you chose the Palestinians at the expense of Israel. Why do you feel that it is acceptable to say that your “sympathy also lies with innocent Israelis exposed to threat at the hands of terrorists”? Why does your sympathy not lie primarily with innocent Israelis, who have taken the risk time after time to search for the elusive path to peace in our land? After all, these are your people. These are the people who will look after you in the event that you may, G-d forbid, find yourself in serious trouble. When you turn up at Ben-Gurion airport with your parents’ ketuba in your hand asking for citizenship of the Jewish homeland, they will not remember that you appeared in public with a Palestinian scarf. You will be welcomed home to your ancestral homeland like all other Jews. The Palestinians, for whom you stood up so brazenly in public, will also conveniently forget your scarf when they are searching for Jews to annihilate in the search for their version of the “final solution”. Remember that, like you, the vast majority of Israelis seek peace and not war. Unfortunately, this is a war that we are forced to fight, rather than doing so by choice. Even when forced into something against our will, our new type of Jew does not shy away from this challenge. We are brave and willing to do all that is needed to protect ourselves. We are determined to succeed. Your actions insult thousands of young men and women of the IDF (including my own sons) who go out of their way to fight a war in the most humane and humanitarian way possible, and whose actions give you the freedom to be a Jew representing your country in debating competitions in safety around the world.
You are most fortunate to have been born into a world that has a Jewish homeland. I feel sure that your grandparents and great-grandparents would have wished to do all that they can to make you understand what it was like to live in world without one. This privilege that you have, is also the one that allows you to live in relative safety and security as a Jew in your bubble in Victory Park. It allows you to have a comfortable life in the knowledge that you have somewhere to fall back to in the event of any emergency. Beware of taking this for granted. Anti-Semitism is ever prevalent around the world. The only force that prevents anti-Semites from destroying the Jews as they tried to do during the Shoah, is the State of Israel. My recommendation to you is to appreciate, value and protect this huge asset. Be grateful to those who are prepared to risk and to give their lives in the interests of ensuring that our Jewish homeland continues to exist, and continues to strengthen. Do not be misled and misguided by those in the international press who confuse you into protecting our enemies at the expense of our Jewish state. Her actions are not always perfect, and there is a great deal that you can criticise. But nobody is perfect and no country is perfect. If you search for faults, you will surely find them. But be grateful and proud for the wonderful things that have been achieved, and for the way in which Israel gives all Jews around the world the backing to live as proud Jews wherever they are. Israel will always protect you, and will give you much to be proud about.
Try to envisage for a moment what would happen if Israel unilaterally laid down its arms today, and refused to fire another bullet or missile. Now try to envisage what would happen if the Palestinians did the same thing. Which situation do you think is most likely to lead to peaceful coexistence between the parties?
I cannot hide the shame and anger that I felt in seeing you grab your five minutes of fame with that scarf around your neck. You have shamed yourself, your family, your school and your community in my eyes, and in the eyes of many others. You have misused your position in an unforgivable way. I hope that, one day, you will have the huge honour to experience life as Jew in Israel, and will be able to understand the error of your ways. Only when living here can you really understand the significance of what you have done. I never wish you to lose your sympathy and support for the weak. This is a characteristic that Jews have, and should be proud of. But this should not be confused with the insult that you have dished out to Israel and her people by your actions at this time. Shame on you.’
Bennie Katzman
Aug 13, 2014 at 5:38 pm
‘I endorse everything that was said about the SABJE.
Do the entire Board agree with Rabbi Kacev? If not, he should fall on his sword.
As for those ex King David persons who support Broomberg,are any living in Israel, especially on the moshavim and kibbutzim next to Gaza?
If not, you are all cowards.’
Debra Pryor
Aug 14, 2014 at 8:05 am
‘Thank-you Josh and team <3
Long live empathy for one another.
Long live striving to see each of us extraordinary beings as ‘God’ carriers’, as suggested by Archbishop Desmond Tutu – How could we hurt another if we could see each other this way? we could rather then say… \”The God in me greets the God in you\”!
Long live not having to hate another in order to love or validate ourselves or our actions.
Long live choosing love over fear.
Long live wanting the best for all.
‘
Leon Chonin
Aug 14, 2014 at 6:37 pm
‘One only needs to read the postings from those living in Israel and faced with the danger posed by Hamas to realize how wrong this youngster is and how dare he and his other colleagues sit in judgment of the Israeli military. He has no idea whatsoever of the dangers that our Israeli soldiers face when confronted by Hammas terrorist who are willing to sacrifice their own people just to kill Jews. He and the SAJBE should be ashamed of themselves. He does not deserve to be in a leadership role and the Board has failed miserably to uphold our Jewish values to protect and defend our people especially in a time of crisis. His apology did not go far enough as he still insisted on sympathizing with the Arabs and the excuses offered by the Board in the name of free speech was a betrayal of the memory of those young Israeli soldiers who gave their lives so that the Jewish people could live in freedom.’
Choni
Aug 17, 2014 at 8:25 am
‘\n
Dr. Doom, Your comments (as well of those by Gideon Hack, and Leon Chonin) are brilliant and emphasise the degrading values of the Jewish leadership in South Africa.
\n
I thought that until now only the lay leadership would support the actions and stance of Broomberg, and his friends, and their right to free speech and opinions.
\n
Yestrday, however, when attending the Bar Mitzvah of a close relative in an orthodox Shul (Ohr Sameiach) in Savoy, the Rabbi [Hearsay removed -ED], spent a good part of his sermon urging the congregrants not to judge this young man too harshly, and to openly debate the matter. (in one instance the Rabbi indirectly supported some of his stance – the two state solution.)
\n
I find it very disturbing and hurtful that even the orthodox community in S.Africa is in some way siding with the sentiments and arguments of this [Unlawful allegation removed -ED] young man, who openly sides with the murderers of the Jewish people in Israel.
\n
An apology from Broomberg is meaningless, but I certainly feel an apology from the Orthodox Rabbinate in Johannesburg is essential.
\n
Dr. Doom. You mention \”innocent Palestinian civilians.\”
\n
To my mind there is [Unlawful statement removed -ED] \”innocent Palestinian civilian\” (Ant, please don’t censor my next remark, since it comes directly from the Torah, which in your own words no one may question).
\n
\”They (Benei-Yisrael) provoked me with a non-god, angered me with their vanities, so I will provoke them with a non-people (Loh-Am), with a vile nation shall I anger them. (Deut. 32; 21). Anyone with a brain [Unlawful statement removed -ED].
\n
So much for innocent civilians!
‘
Choni
Aug 17, 2014 at 12:12 pm
‘
It is NOT heresay. I have forwarded you the letter from chief Rabbi Goldstein urging all the Rabbis to bring up this matter in their Shabbat sermons.
\n
[Indeed, it seems you correct. To us, it was hearsay until now.
\nNow, that we have read this wonderful message, we shall publish
\nit on the website – thank you for bringing it to our attention -ED]
\n
‘
Colin
Aug 21, 2014 at 9:03 pm
‘I call on the SA Jewish Board of Education together with the Office of the Chief Rabbi as well as the Jewish Report to challenge Joshua Broomberg and the 2 Musker boys to a DEBATE with a suitable panel at a venue to raise funds for Israel. Its imperative such a debate be held ! We can not be silenced and its time to speak up!’
David
Aug 22, 2014 at 5:22 am
‘Broomberg is entitled to his opinion, whether or not we all agree with him. However his opinion is seen as the School’s opinion when he is officially representing the school, thereby muddying the water for the interpretation to be ambiguous, as far as the school is concerned. He should have known better, and more importantly Rabbi Kacev, should have sanctioned him for the time and place that he chose to make his feelings known.
It can never be acceptable for this student to use his position to publicise his disagreement with the official school line. Therefore he should lose his position.’