On Saturday night Iran launched hundreds of missiles against civilian and religious targets in a grotesque act of war against Israel. In an unprecedented act of solidarity, Arab states, the USA, Britain and France stood up against this attack on the Jewish state, and the attack failed to achieve its aim of death and destruction on all who live in Israel. We note that a young Bedouin girl was injured in the attack and our thoughts and prayers are with her. South Africa’s Minister of Foreign Affairs not only failed to condemn the Iranian attack and the escalation in hostilities it represents but bizarrely placed the blame for destabilising the region on Israel. We are disappointed but not surprised that the foreign ministry again has shown its extreme bias in favour of the autocratic Iranian regime and against the sovereign state of Israel. It only underscores the moral bankruptcy of this government’s foreign policy, where Iran and its proxies, Russia and other rogue actors on the international stage are consistently given a free pass to continue wreaking their lawless mayhem around the globe.
Recent Articles
SAJBD mourns the Untimely passing of Olga Meshoe Washington
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies is heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of Olga Meshoe Washington. A true friend of our community and Israel, we will forever remember Olga for her outstanding ability to communicate effectively even in the most challenging circumstances. Her hallmark was her intelligence, grace and poise.
SAJBD calls on President Ramaphosa to condemn hate crime against the Jewish community
SA Jewish Board of Deputies calls on President Ramaphosa to condemn hate crime against the Jewish community
Last Thursday, a suspected explosive device was thrown over the wall of the Jewish communal offices in Gardens, Cape Town. This was an act of antisemitism aimed at the Jewish community, whether intended to intimidate or to cause physical harm. It was an illegal act that constitutes a hate crime. This incident is concerning not only to SA Jewry, but also to the greater South African society and has garnered much global attention. Arson and bomb attacks against Jewish institutions have become sadly commonplace in other parts of the world, but this is the first time in many years that a Jewish communal facility in South Africa has been targeted.
SAJBD stands in solidarity with the Jewish community in Melbourne
We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Melbourne following the deplorable arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue.
Such acts of hatred and intimidation against Jewish communities, whether in Australia or globally, are utterly reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
We call on authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring those responsible to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured worshiper as well as the entire Australian Jewish community as they face this harrowing incident.