The SAJBD has issued a statement calling for even-handedness in the government’s approach to the situation in Israel, following reports of rockets being fired from Gaza to various Israeli towns.
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) released a statement on Tuesday, 11 May 2021, questioning the South African Government’s approach to the crisis in Israel. Specifically, the statement referenced the recent and ongoing rockets being fired at various Israeli towns, with Jerusalem said to be the most recent target.
Detailing the alleged double standards exhibited by the government, the statement read, “Despite this, the South African Government has chosen to single out Israel for exclusive condemnation, disregarding completely the over three hundred deadly rockets fired thus far against Israeli civilians.” Additionally, “Whereas, countries throughout the world sent condolences to Israel following the tragic loss of 45 lives in Meron, South Africa has yet to follow suit even two weeks later. However, within 24 hours it was able to issue a statement condemning Israel.”
The SAJBD and the South African Zionist Federation are thus calling for an unbiased condemnation of the ongoing violence. Moreover, the two entities are calling for the state to acknowledge the complexities of the situation and respond to the wrongdoings accordingly.
Sabelo Makhubo
s.makhubo@politicalanalysis.co.za
