Overcoming racism in our society requires legislation, including having in place effective vehicles through which to enforce it. However, while laws and penalties help to discourage the public expression of racist sentiment, they do little to eradicate the underlying prejudice that gives rise to such incidents. For this to begin to happen, there has to be a profound shift in the way people – as individuals - think about and treat each other. Last week, SAJBD National Vice-President Zev Krengel was centrally involved in the launch of an inspiring initiative by the organisation Active Citizens, the aim of which is to encourage people at all times to respect the dignity of their fellow citizens, even (and indeed, especially) when disagreeing with them. It is very much this culture of respect for those who differ that has been severely undermined of late in this country, and which it is incumbent on all of us to fully restore.
Recent Articles
SAJBD Responds to DIRCO's Abandonment of South Africans stuck in Israel
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.
DIRCO supports terror regime once again
DIRCO supports terror regime once again
South Africa’s expression of concern and condolences for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran serves once again to show their decision to always side with dictators, terror organisations and human-rights abusers. DIRCO supported the Assad regime in Syria, Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir in Sudan, Sadam Hussein in Iraq, Hamas in Gaza and now Ali Hosseini Khamenei in Iran. All these dictators have a strong history of oppressing their own people and exporting terror.
Comrades Marathon Association condemns abuse towards Israeli runners and issues an apology
Comrades Marathon Association condemns abuse towards Israeli runners