The DA undermines South Africans solidarity with Palestinians with its increased support of apartheid Israel

The Young Communist League of South Africa (uFasimba) condemns the attempts by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to cosy up to the apartheid state of Israel. DA Member of Parliament Dean Macpherson tweeted a picture of himself yesterday with Israeli ambassador to South Africa Arthur Lenk and Israeli MP Rabbi Dov Lipman. He captioned the picture: "Great meeting with @ambassadorlenk and Rabbi Dov Lipman where I discussed the need to increase trade with Israel."

Great meeting with @ambassadorlenk and Rabbi Dov Lipman where I discussed the need to increase trade with Israel. pic.twitter.com/m3QsCiJxr7

— Dean Macpherson (@DeanMacpherson) September 16, 2014

This move by the DA's shadow deputy minister of Trade and Industry undermines the global movement for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against the apartheid state of Israel. In 2005, Palestinian civil society made a call for an economic, cultural and academic boycott of apartheid Israel. This movement aims to isolate Israel like apartheid South Africa was isolated by the international community. The BDS movement has grown exponentially in recent years with numerous universities, corporations, governments and individuals boycotting Israel.

As victims of apartheid, justice loving South Africans stand in solidarity with the oppressed people of the world including the Palestinians. The DA must tell South Africans where it stands on this issue. From its elected representatives, it's clear the party of white privilege and racism stands against the majority of South Africans by supporting apartheid Israel and wants to increase trade with the state.

The YCLSA welcomes the statement by the ANC led alliance earlier this month which pledged solidarity to the Palestinians: "As the Alliance we are now heightening our campaign aimed at boycotting and isolating Israel as a state founded on the basis of apartheid, which according to international law and several UN conventions is a crime against humanity."

More than 200 000 people marched in Cape Town last month, demanding our government hold Israel accountable for the war crimes it has committed. A successful day of action was held against Woolworths last month and YCLSA will continue to mobilise and demand that Woolworths end ties with Israel. Unlike the DA, we will never forget our historic responsibility in fighting apartheid and injustice anywhere.

Statement issued by the YCLSA Head Office, September 17 2014

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