A delegation of Israeli Members of Parliament (Knesset) is currently on an official visit to South Africa. The delegation has met with leaders across the South African political spectrum, including with the ANC, DA, Cope, ACDP, IFP & FF+. The delegation also met with Jewish and Christian organisations, as well as the Business community.
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) and South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), representing the overwhelming majority of South African Jewry, have long maintained that the relationship between South Africa and Israel is to the benefit of both countries. South Africa, with its own history of successful conflict resolution, can play a unique role in helping bring about a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
To this end, the meetings with the Knesset delegation were open and frank. All The interactions have been positive, constructive and engaging. Israel has offered to share its expertise in agriculture, water, high-tech, cyber-security, health and education. The delegation in turn were inspired by the lessons from South Africa’s transformation and found the insights helpful.
This visit by the Members of the Knesset reaffirms the importance of dialogue. As the SAJBD and SAZF, we believe that the conversations held this week will undoubtedly result in strengthened relations between the two countries, and lead to further constructive engagement.