ANC STATEMENT ON THE ATTACK AGAINST JOSHUA BROOMBERG

12 AUGUST 2014

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees to every citizen freedom of religion, belief and opinion. It further bestows to all South Africa the liberty that comes with freedom of expression. The actions of Josh Broomberg and his SA National Debate team mates to symbolically support the Palestinian people by wearing Palestinian scarves, are an embodiment of these principles that many South Africans and peoples of the world died for (see Daily Maverick report).

The African National Congress applauds the principled stance taken by these students to voice their opposition to the injustice of the Israeli aggression against the defenceless people of Palestine. It is with pride that we commend their actions as it is our belief that in the interests of entrenching democracy and promoting a just world order, as a nation we must produce conscious and activist young people determined to contribute to a more humane world

The African National Congress calls upon all progessive and peace loving South Africans, including people of the Jewish faith, to support the actions of Joshua Broomberg and others like him who are prepared to stand up for a better world. We commend the stance taken by former leaders of King David Victory Park who have come out against the condemnation of attempted censure and silencing of the voice of young people. We have already seen a number of Jews taking a stand against the Israeli attack on the Palestinian people. There is no greater ideal as that captured by Joshua Broomberg in his own words.

"We stand with the thousands of civilians who have lost their lives in the conflict. We stand with a people who do not yet have a state to protect themselves. We stand with the innocents. We stand for two states. We do not stand against Israel."

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, August 12 2014

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