The South African Jewish community is disillusioned by its government’s actions post-October 7, 2023. Despite South Africa being a safe place for Jews, the ANC has launched The Hague Group, an anti-Israel initiative that features a biased agenda, neglecting other global human rights violations. This has raised concerns about the government’s alignment with nations that undermine democratic ideals.
The disappointment among the Jewish community in South Africa has significantly intensified following the events of October 7, 2023. Despite this sentiment, Johannesburg remains a relatively safe environment for Jewish individuals. However, the actions and rhetoric of the government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC), have raised serious concerns regarding their fidelity to the post-Apartheid ideals originally established by Nelson Mandela’s leadership.
In the aftermath of Hamas’s violent assault on Israel, the ANC’s international relations minister, Naledi Pandor, contacted Hamas to express support. Furthermore, South Africa has pursued legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide under dubious pretenses. Initiating a new anti-Israel campaign known as The Hague Group, South Africa has aligned itself with several nations reputed for their poor human rights records, raising doubts about the group’s intentions being genuinely about human rights.
The Hague Group, now including countries such as Malaysia, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, and Namibia, exhibits a strikingly biased focus. It neglects to address other global human rights violations, such as the plight of the Uyghurs in China or the impact of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Instead, the group has stripped its mission to a singular focus on condemning Israel while ignoring the complex underlying issues, including the actions taken by Hamas and its affiliates.
President Ramaphosa, while announcing The Hague Group’s formation, attributed the ongoing conflict primarily to Israel’s policies. This narrative is consistent with the broader ANC stance, which has historically welcomed figures from Hamas and other controversial regimes. The participation of anti-Israel organizations and extreme far-left groups in the launch of The Hague Group further underscores its agenda, which disregards the realities faced by Palestinians.
Despite government actions, South Africa continues to be a favorable place for Jews. Nevertheless, the political leadership’s tendencies towards corruption and incompetence lead them to squander goodwill among the Jewish community. The emergence of alliances reminiscent of outdated Soviet-era politics represents a significant divergence from the country’s foundational liberal-democratic values enshrined in its constitution, betraying the legacy of those South African Jews who fought against Apartheid while failing to tangibly aid the Palestinians in their struggles.
The South African Jewish community has expressed profound disappointment in its government, particularly regarding the ANC’s anti-Israel stance following the October 7 attacks. The formation of The Hague Group epitomizes a one-sided approach to international relations that overlooks significant global human rights issues. As South Africa continues to foster alliances with nations of questionable ethical standing, it raises concerns about its commitment to liberal-democratic principles. Ultimately, the actions of the ANC serve to alienate the Jewish community while leaving the Palestinian people without meaningful support.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
