While the South African Jewish community has hailed the recent granting of African Union (AU) observer status to Israel as “bold and far sighted”, an Islamic organisation has called for its immediate reversal. Israeli flag. Picture: JACK GUEZ / AFP
DURBAN - WHILE the South African Jewish community has hailed the recent granting of African Union (AU) observer status to Israel as “bold and far sighted”, an Islamic organisation has called for its immediate reversal.
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) said it lauded the AU Commission’s decision to grant the Jewish state observer status.
In a letter to the commission’s chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the SAJBD said the move demonstrated the commission’s commitment to dialogue and bridge-building between Israel and Africa.
Shaun Zagnoev, the chairperson for the largest Jewish community body in Africa, added: “The SAJBD is disappointed by the negative reaction by the South Africa government, which we would have hoped would have embraced this as an opportunity for constructive engagement and dialogue.”
Zagnoev hoped South Africa would review its negative position in light of the commission’s move and rally behind the positive new changes.
“The SAJBD is committed to a two-state solution with a viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside the Jewish state of Israel, in line with both the commission and the South African government. We reiterate our commitment to working with the commission in furthering the interests and well-being of Africa and its people,” said Wendy Kahn, the organisation’s national director.
Iqbal Jassat, an executive member of the Media Review Network, said:“We agree with the strong statement of condemnation by SA’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), and call on you to rescind the decision without delay.”
The organisation, which describes itself as “an advocacy NGO for human rights, (to fight against) Islamophobia, Africa’s socio-economic and political issues, in addition to our special interest in the function, responsibility and effectiveness of the AU”.
In his letter to Mahamat, Jassat said: “As you are aware, the decision to allow Israel ‘observer status’ has resulted in widespread outrage. Dismay, resentment and dissatisfaction against allowing the Zionist colonial regime access to the AU, is shared by us.
“Our opposition to this misguided (and) unilateral decision is further informed by our belief that the AU’s historical support and solidarity of Palestine's freedom struggle has been severely affected and compromised,” the letter read.
“We cannot countenance an AU which ostensibly positions itself on the right side of justice, yet undermines it by actions which legitimise Israel's illegal settlements, military occupation and the daily slaughter of Palestinians.”
THE MERCURY