MARY KLUK
In stark contrast to other demonstrations that have taken place around the country, where the dominant mood was one of hatred and blind anger, the theme stressed time and again was the need for Israelis and Palestinians to co-exist in peace. We can be proud that despite the tremendous hostility, intimidation and inflammatory invective to which we, as Jews, have been subjected to over the past few weeks, this was the message that we and our many non-Jewish friends chose to convey.
​
The rally also provided a much-needed outlet for our community to demonstrate its support for the Jewish state and its people during these difficult times. Not only has Israel been engaged in a bloody conflict against an enemy that was far-better armed and prepared than originally thought, but it has been demonised the world over in a manner that bears little or no relationship to what it is actually happening.
The rally enabled people to publicly take a stand against these libellous accusations and to assert the right of Israel to defend itself against those seeking to cause it harm. All in all, it was the day for Israel’s supporters to stand tall and assert their right, no less than all other South African citizens, to stand up for what they believed in.
Putting together this event involved considerable planning, including ensuring that proper security was in place. That all went off so smoothly, is a credit to the SAZF, and especially to its chairman, Avrom Krengel, its vice-chairman, Ben Swartz and its director, Isla Feldman.
Special praise is due to Ben for all he has achieved in forging links between South African Jewry and Christian supporters of Israel. Thanks also to the CSO, which was as professional as ever in ensuring that participants felt completely safe, not just at the venue itself, but in the street outside, despite the presence of protesters in passing vehicles trying to bait and intimidate them.
The South African government and the Middle East
Last week, the Board met with the ANC leadership and the following day with Minister of International Relationsand Co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. The purpose of the ANC meeting was to discuss instances of anti-Semitic hate speech purportedly coming from within the ranks of the party.
Secretary General Gwede Mantashe stated categorically that the individuals who had made the offensive comments were in no way associated with the ANC and stressed that irrespective of the party’s stance on Israel, it maintained its zero tolerance for any form of anti-Semitism or hate speech.
A statement by the ANC Youth League distancing itself from comments made by one of its supposed members, was also issued.
In our meeting with Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, we inter alia discussed ways in which South Africa might contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East. In this regard, we were most encouraged by the balanced and constructive statement issued by her department on the recent visit of a government delegation to Israel and Palestine.
- Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00-13:00.
