The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Sunday issued a travel advisory urging South African citizens in Iran to exercise caution and register with the South African Embassy in Tehran. It is outrageous that DIRCO did not offer similar assistance or services to its citizens in Israel. With the Advisory the Government and DIRCO have clearly shown disinterest and abandoned the many South Africans, be they Christian, Jewish or Muslim who are stranded in Israel. The Government's stance on this current situation confirms once again its lack of concern for not only the citizens of Israel, but its own citizens in Israel.
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies condemned our Government's hypocrisy in a letter to President Ramaphosa.
At this time, there are no flights leaving Israel, and the Government of Israel has warned against seeking routes leaving from neighbouring countries due to security concerns.
Should South Africans in Israel have specific concerns or issues that require consular attention, please email sajbd@sajbd.org and we will make every effort to assist in connecting with the relevant Government representatives.
Further if there are any Israelis who are stuck in South Africa and are unable to return home, please let us know if you need any assistance.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this conflict, and we hope to see a swift and decisive end to this war.