Growing Antisemitism in South Africa: Activists Target Jewish Community with Wanted Posters

In Cape Town, anti-Israel activists protested with wanted posters of local Jews, calling for their arrest or deportation. Many individuals on these posters denied wrongdoing and condemned the targeting of Jews. A notable increase in antisemitism has been reported since recent Hamas attacks, raising concerns over violent incidents and incitement associated with such protests.

A recent protest in Cape Town organized by anti-Israel activists featured wanted posters displaying the names and images of members of South Africa’s Jewish community, calling for their arrest or deportation. This event has drawn significant attention, as individuals on the posters have denied any wrongdoing, claiming they have no connections to Israel.

One Jewish educator from Johannesburg expressed pride in her identity despite being featured on the posters, stating, “The most important thing is that when I saw it, I felt proud to be Jewish, and I will always fight for Israel’s right to exist. Doing this won’t change who I am.” In contrast, another individual emphasized his innocence, lamenting the stigmatization of Jewish people as “guilty” merely for their faith.

According to the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, antisemitism has surged in South Africa following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. The protests, held frequently in solidarity with Palestinians, have exhibited increasing hostility, with reports of material escalation such as physical assault and the display of swastikas.

Daniel Bloch, Executive Director of the Cape SAJBD, noted a disturbing trend of violence, including a recent incident where protesters assaulted a pedestrian. Videos of the incident suggest a calculated campaign against those perceived as supportive of Israel. The slogans used during these protests, which promote liberation rather than peace, further exacerbate concerns related to violent incitement.

Adrienne Jacobson, Chairperson of the Cape SAJBD, condemned the protests as “a thinly disguised antisemitism and intimidation.” She highlighted the alarming tendency toward violence among demonstrators, particularly those idolizing Hamas, especially following tragic events such as the murder of Israeli children in recent attacks.

The situation in South Africa surrounding the recent protests reveals deepening divides and rising antisemitism, particularly targeting the Jewish community. The individuals featured on the wanted posters assert their rights to identity and safety, while community leaders stress the urgent need to address and combat instances of violence and intimidation linked to these protest actions.

Original Source: www.jpost.com