POLITICS

Criticism of Israel should never degenerate into anti-Semitism - ANC

Gwede Mantashe reaffirms his party's condemnation of hate speech following meeting with SAJBD and SAZF

ANC STATEMENT ON MEETING WITH SAJBD & SAZF

The African National Congress met with the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) and South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) yesterday, 30 July 2014. The meeting was called to discuss, amongst others, concerns that the SAJBD and SAZF had regarding what they perceived as anti-Semitic statements attributed to persons purported to be representing the ANC or ANC Youth League, as well as the very real, senseless and continuing calamity in Gaza.

The ANC has reaffirmed its unequivocal condemnation of any form of hate speech including antisemitism and has on a number of occasions distanced itself from the offensive statements reported. Strong and legitimate criticism of the Israeli government for their policies and actions, including their ongoing slaughter of the Palestinian people, should never degenerate to antisemitism. 

We maintain our position, as adopted at the 53rd National Conference of the ANC, on the Israeli/Palestinian question. The Palestinian people are the victims of the conflict. The ANC will continue to call for the withdrawal of Israeli troops in Gaza and the urgent resumption of negotiations to find a lasting solution to the occupation of Palestine by Israel. 

Statement issued by Gwede Mantashe, ANC Secretary General, July 31 2014

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