SAJBD condemns antisemitic statements

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies is appalled by the unambiguously antisemitic statements made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday. In a chilling revival of classic expressions of anti-Jewish hatred, Abbas sought to justify the historical persecution of Jews by claiming that Jews had brought this upon themselves by their alleged immoral and harmful actions.

Even the Nazi Holocaust, in which one-third of World Jewry were systematically murdered, was portrayed as being the result of supposed Jewish criminality. President Abbas has previously referred to the Holocaust as a 'myth' and a 'fantastic lie'. Now he has apparently changed tack by saying instead that while it did happen, the Jews deserved it. Such comments are an unforgivable slur again the innumerable victims of antisemitic persecution throughout history. They further defame the Jewish people today by depicting then as manipulative, greedy, untrustworthy and selfishly bent on advancing their own interests to the detriment of whatever society they belong to. Such repugnant sentiments are always a cause for concern, but the gravity of the offence is greatly magnified when they come from an internationally recognised political leader.

In addition to trying to justify antisemitism and distorting the record of the Holocaust, President Abbas once again also sought to deny Jewish history by declaring, in brazen defiance of the evidence, that Jews have no roots in the Land of Israel.

It is deeply regrettable that Mahmoud Abbas has resorted to propagating blatant antisemitism as a political weapon.

Recent Articles

SAUJS Western Cape aimed to speak honestly about the Israeli experience on Oct 7th

From the 18 – 20 March SAUJS Western Cape made its intentions clear: to engage in a meaningful dialogue about a way forward for both Jews and Palestinians in Israel and Gaza.

They aimed to speak honestly about the Israeli experience on Oct 7th,and create a safe space for the Jewish students on campus. Instead they were met with shouting, anger, vile rhetoric, hate and antisemitism.

SAJBD response to SABC’s decision to cancel an interview on Metro FM

SAJBD response to SABC’s decision to cancel an interview on Metro FM

Last week Thursday (21 March 2024), the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) found itself at the centre of a maelstrom of public discourse following the announcement of an interview with Millet Ben Haim, a survivor of the harrowing Nova Festival massacre. This interview, intended for SABC's Metro FM, was poised to offer listeners a poignant insight into the devastating impact of conflict on the lives of ordinary citizens in Israel and Palestine, underscoring the critical need for solidarity with all affected civilians.

Surviving Nova video

For those of you that missed our event on Thursday where Millet and Mazal, two survivors of The Nova Festival, shared their story of survival post October 7th, you can watch the full talk on Youtube here: