SAJBD’s statement on meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa 

14 December 2023

In the early weeks after the 7 October massacre of Israeli citizens by Hamas, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) requested a meeting with the President to discuss the Government’s worrying position on Hamas, the alarming increase in antisemitism in our country, the targeting of Jewish businesses for boycotts and to clarify the diplomatic relationship between South Africa and Israel.  

The meeting took place on Wednesday 13 December.  The SAJBD was joined by the SA Zionist Federation.   

During the meeting, National Director Wendy Kahn, shared a presentation on the documented threats and incidents against the Jewish community, including:

Calls to expel the Jewish representative bodies from the country

Incitement by a PAGAD leader to “decentralise the war. Let’s take the war to them right here”

Marches on Jewish areas on the Sabbath to `Shut down the Zionist enablers”

Assaults on Christian Zionists and Jews on the Sea Point promenade

Threats to close a Jewish School and threats to bomb that school.

Boycotts of Jewish businesses

The rise in antisemitism that has spiked from 9 incidents in the previous year to 125 incidents, during the same time period, including an increase in physical assaults. 

The nature of the diplomatic relationship was discussed. The delegation noted Dirco's inconsistency in its approach to Israel compared to how it has dealt with every other global conflict. It has singled out the Jewish state, removing its embassy from Tel Aviv while it retains its embassy in all other conflict-ridden areas, including Russia and Ukraine.  In so doing, it has compromised the religious rights of Jewish South Africans and compromised its ability to act as a trusted intermediary for brokering a peace deal.

The President did however agree that it was important to `leave the window open’ to engage.  He said the decision of the Israeli ambassador to return was the decision of the Israeli Government and not the South African Government. 

He re-iterated Dirco’s public position that there was no intention to sever diplomatic ties between Israel and South Africa. 

Regarding the South African Embassy in Israel, the President noted that the closure was only temporary and that it would not be opened for the duration of the war.  He assured the delegation that during this temporary closure, DIRCO would assist South Africans in Israel with consular support. 

The delegation acknowledged the work done by the security cluster in protecting the Jewish community.  

The delegation also acknowledged the President’s communication where he said that South Africans stand firm against all forms of prejudice, including antisemitism.  The President emphasised that, as per the Constitution of our country, they will ensure that the Jewish community are protected.   He committed himself to speak out against antisemitism and especially the attacks on Jewish business. The SAJBD trusts that this will be an ongoing initiative of the Government.

The delegation further acknowledged the President, the Government and the ANC for lowering the temperature in South Africa over this international conflict.

The President advised the delegation that there was no Hamas office in South Africa. 

The SAJBD expressed, as we have since the outbreak of the war, our deep regret and sadness of every innocent death.  Our end-goal is the same.  Both the SAJBD and the Government call for a two-state solution. 

Issued by Prof Karen Milner, National Chairperson, SAJBD, 14 December 2023