News
Zionist Fed mourns death of Mandela
AVROM KRENGEL
The South African Zionist Federation mourns the death of Nelson Mandela.
The South African Zionist Federation, together with countless Jews in South Africa, Israel and the diaspora, mourns the death of Nelson Mandela, exceptional leader, icon, visionary and indefatigable fighter for human rights and against discrimination and racism.
He was the guiding light and force behind South Africa’s transition to a free and peaceful democratic country. The values of humility, negotiation, respect, understanding and a commitment to peace which he promoted and by which he lived resonate throughout the world and will do so far into the future.
We salute and revere Mandela and his family for the special relationship he nurtured with the Jewish community throughout his life, and his connection to and admiration of Israel which he visited and whose founding fathers inspired him. He will always have a very special meaning in our lives.
Although Madiba is no longer with us, his life and the values he espoused continue to be a guiding beacon for the entire world. May we all follow his example and create a world of peace, harmony and togetherness.
Avrom Krengel, Chairman: South African Zionist Federation
Annon
Dec 7, 2013 at 5:22 pm
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Ironic praise from Zionist Fed about the S.African leader who was clearly pro-Palestinian, pro-Arafat (the biggest Jew killer since Hitler), and clearly anti-Israel .
Mandela’s warm embrace of Arafat in Johannesburg will never fade from my memory.
‘
ANT KATZ
Dec 8, 2013 at 10:48 am
‘While I believe there is plenty of evidence that Madiba was sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, I have no recollection of him ever having been anti-Israel. In fact, my recollections, and, seemingly, from all the Israeli politicians’ statements on TV at the moment and from published material I have read, I believe the truth to be quite the opposite. Of course, if you know something I don’t, please feel free to correct me.
Being pro-Palestinian and being anti-Israel are two completely separate issues. They are mutually exclusive.
Feel free to disagree with me on this site or at online.editor@sajr.co.za if you would prefer to do so privately. -ANT KATZ
‘
Annon
Dec 8, 2013 at 11:33 am
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And, what Sir is the Palestinian cause but to establish another Arab state in the biblical heartland of the only Jewish state our people have. In addition the Palestinian cause is never to recognise a Jewish state in any part of \”Palestine\”. If this is not anti-Israel then what is?
As a S.African one can sympathise with Mandela’s legacy, but as a Zionist -which you all proclaim to be- never.
S.African Jews/Zionists cannot have it both ways.
One cannot be pro-Palestinian, and pro-Israel at the same time.
‘
Joshua Grigst
Dec 8, 2013 at 4:20 pm
‘Anon, firsly I dont know why u scared to give your naME. I think you missd Ants point entirely. he didn’t say you can be pro both (though I’m sure you can) but he said being one doesn’t necesarily make you the other. \”They are mutually exclusive\” is what he said. Like a tipical zealot of any cause, u twist his words to suit yourself.’