School’s apology flags antizionist stand

Emmarentia Primary School’s apology for displaying the Israeli flag at a children’s concert has sparked outrage, exposing what critics describe as a troubling double standard at a Johannesburg public school repeatedly used for anti-Israel activities. 

The school issued an apology on 14 October describing the display as an “oversight” that didn’t reflect the school’s values or beliefs. 

In a letter signed by principal Nadia Variawa, the school apologised for the “hurt and concern” caused and reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause. 

“Emmarentia Primary School has always stood against the genocide and in support of the Palestinian cause,” the letter stated. “As a secular South African school, our country’s stance remains clear: we stand against apartheid and genocide.” 

The school confirmed it had “rectified our error”. 

The apology – subsequently removed from the school’s social media platform – has ignited fierce debate about political neutrality in public education. 

Danny Mofsowitz, chairperson of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) Gauteng Council, described both the decision to apologise and its contents as “deeply problematic”. 

“A government school should have no qualms about displaying any national flag and shouldn’t single out the flag of the only Jewish State,” she said. 

“A statement from a school, which should be apolitical and secular, shouldn’t include deeply divisive and contested terms such as ‘apartheid’ and ‘genocide’ in this context.” 

Mofsowitz said the SAJBD had repeatedly cautioned against importing the Middle East conflict into South African communities and schools. 

“We have dealt with similar issues at various schools in recent years. We are looking into the best way to address this matter at Emmarentia Primary School, a school that many in our community attended and loved.” 

However, a former Jewish teacher at the school has alleged that political activism extended beyond events held on the premises and into the school environment itself. 

The teacher, who requested anonymity, told the SA Jewish Report, “During my time at [Emmarentia Primary], I experienced many situations that I found deeply uncomfortable and, at times, antisemitic. These included repeated jokes about Jewish people made by the head of department in my phase. 

“When discussions about the Arab-Israeli conflict arose, some members of staff openly expressed their political positions through clothing and symbols, including keffiyehs and abayas bearing messages such as ‘Free Palestine’.” 

She said political discussions had also taken place in front of pupils. 

“On occasions, I felt I was being viewed through the lens of my religion and the political conflict, rather than simply as their colleague and teacher. 

“My concern is the apparent disconnect between the school’s public commitment to humanity, compassion, dignity, justice, and respect for all, and the experiences I had as a Jewish teacher within its walls,” she said. 

The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) said the flag apology was particularly disturbing given the school’s “troubling history of providing a platform for highly politicised anti-Israel activities”. It highlighted events organised by Social Intifada, whose social media profile declares, “By Any Means Necessary.” 

On 8 and 9 August this year, the third annual Palestine Youth and Family Market, organised by Social Intifada, took place on the school premises. It featured Palestine-themed children’s activities, political discussions, documentary screenings, and exhibitions. 

According to the SAZF, the exhibition included simulated Israeli checkpoints, displays depicting Palestinian prisoners, and bodies wrapped in burial shrouds. 

“These aren’t simply cultural celebrations. They are deeply political presentations of a complex conflict, taking place in an environment intended for primary school children,” the SAZF said. 

Photos taken by passersby in recent months and seen by the SA Jewish Report show anti-Israel posters on the school’s perimeter fence bearing slogans including “Zionism is racism” and “Resistance against occupation can never be condemned”. 

Earlier photos show cardboard cut-outs depicting deceased Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on the premises, as well as Hezbollah flags. 

A mass iftaar, the communal meal breaking the Ramadan fast, accompanied by Palestine-related exhibitions, took place on the school premises organised by the Palestine Solidarity Alliance. 

Former international relations minister Dr Naledi Pandor addressed the gathering, making allegations against South Africans allegedly serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). 

“Who are these 174? Can we get their names? Can we make their names public? Can we let South Africans know what they have done in our name, essentially, by being present in the IDF as the IDF massacres women, the aged, and children?” she said. 

Pandor also questioned why these alleged soldiers hadn’t been prosecuted. 

During one of these similar events, one display featured a makeshift graveyard of white sticks bearing the names of Palestinians described as martyrs killed in Gaza. 

The SAZF said, “That the mere display of Israel’s national flag should warrant an official apology, while such overtly political activities have repeatedly been accommodated on school grounds, speaks to a deeply concerning double standard. 

“Schools should be places where children learn, develop independent thinking, and feel safe, regardless of their background or beliefs. They shouldn’t become platforms for political activism or ideological agendas.” 

The controversy raises questions about the distinction between allowing outside organisations to use school facilities and a public school’s institutional endorsement of political positions. 

Emmarentia Primary is a fee-paying public school governed by the South African Schools Act and falling under the Gauteng Department of Education. Public schools may make facilities available for community activities, subject to applicable legislation and policies. 

The controversy carries historical significance in Emmarentia, once home to a substantial Jewish community. The neighbourhood has gradually evolved into a more religiously and culturally diverse area, including a growing Muslim community. 

A longtime Jewish resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the controversy reflected what she regarded as a longstanding pattern. 

“I’ve lived in Emmarentia for more than 20 years. In the past 15 years, the school has become notorious for taking an active anti-Israel stance, and this embarrassing incident is more of the same,” she said. “Why apologise for displaying the flag of a sovereign nation in the world of nations?” 

She questioned whether families holding different views on Israel felt comfortable expressing themselves. 

“It’s disappointing that the assumption is being made that the delegitimisation of Israel is mainstream, and everyone approves of it. How is any of this educational or inclusive?” 

Johannesburg resident Dianne Kendall expressed similar dismay. 

“As a past pupil, I am absolutely disgusted by what has happened,” she wrote on social media. “Children should be allowed to be children. They should be learning about compassion, kindness, critical thinking, and respect for people who may have different beliefs, backgrounds, or identities. 

“This is not the Emmarentia Primary I remember.” 

In a strongly worded public statement, Pastor Tumelo Thom asked, “Are our schools educational institutions or political campaign headquarters?” 

Questions were sent to both principal Variawa and the Gauteng Department of Education, with no responses received at the time of going to print.