The Disappointment of South Africa’s Jewish Community Amidst Government Actions

The South African Jewish community expresses significant disappointment with President Ramaphosa and the ANC for their support of Hamas and the formation of The Hague Group, an anti-Israel initiative. This group, composed of countries with poor human rights records, focuses solely on criticizing Israel, neglecting global human rights issues. Despite living in a safe environment, the actions of South Africa’s government threaten the good will once shared with its Jewish citizens.

The South African Jewish community is experiencing deep disappointment with their government’s actions since October 7, 2023. Despite residing in one of the safest places for Jews, the conduct of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) suggests a departure from post-Apartheid principles, which were established under Nelson Mandela’s guidance.

In the wake of the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, Minister Naledi Pandor expressed support for Hamas and South Africa filed false charges of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Furthermore, the ANC has initiated a new anti-Israel campaign called The Hague Group, drawing support from nations with poor human rights records.

The Hague Group’s initiative now includes Malaysia, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, and Namibia, which raises concerns about its ulterior motives as many of these countries wrestle with issues of corruption and violence. The group’s apparent focus on targeting Israel, while ignoring other global human rights crises, suggests profoundly biased intentions, undermining the pretense of advocating for justice.

Notably absent from The Hague Group’s discourse are any references to Hamas or the October 7 attacks, and it neglects to consider the implications of Iranian influence or the plight of Palestinian civilians manipulated in conflicts. President Ramaphosa’s announcement of the group’s formation unequivocally blamed Israel for the ongoing conflict, ignoring previous overtures to Hamas and continued engagements with known war criminals.

The launching of The Hague Group attracted numerous anti-Israel individuals and organizations, including those with connections to radical movements. Various NGOs involved, such as Al-Haq and Al-Mezan, alongside organizations like Progressive International, exhibit a track record of hostility toward Israel.

Despite these troubling political developments, South Africa remains a relatively safe haven for Jews. However, the ruling ANC appears intent on damaging relations with a community that once fought against Apartheid. Their current alignment with authoritarian regimes starkly contradicts the democratic values held in the South African Constitution, raising questions about their true motives in the political landscape, especially considering the Palestinian cause remains untouched by their actions.

In summary, the actions of the South African government, particularly under President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC, have greatly disappointed the Jewish community. The establishment of The Hague Group serves more as a means to criticize Israel rather than to defend human rights globally. As this initiative gains momentum, it highlights a troubling realignment with oppressive regimes, distancing South Africa from the very principles that once guided its post-Apartheid governance.

Original Source: www.algemeiner.com