Milton Shain

LETTER: Veil off anti-Israel lobby


One must applaud Mzoxolo Mpolase for lifting the veil off the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement and its subversive actions (Israel boycott lobby has captured foreign policy of ANC and state, January 12).


Those ANC cadres obsessed with the Israel-Palestine question ignore religious and gender apartheid in Islam and turn a blind eye to past atrocities and, lately, the Syrian atrocities.
Only Israel is in the dock.
These self-proclaimed moral guardians play down the intensity of antisemitism in the Arab world and annihilation threats against Israel, and have nothing to say of Israeli victims of suicide bombers, not to mention the popularity of Mein Kampf in Arab-owned book shops. They join the fascist right in their myopic and one-sided critique of a complex problem. Anyone familiar with the history of antisemitism will know that Jews have served as a barometer for the sickness or health of society. Today it is Israel that plays the role.


As King Goodwill Zwelithini recently advised Cyril Ramaphosa: "Do not enmesh SA in wars we know nothing of."


Milton ShainEmeritus professor of historical studies, UCT

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Two years ago, on the morning of the festival Simchat Torah, the Jewish world was shattered by a brutal attack. Today, as we stand on the cusp of Simchat Torah once more, our spirits lifted by the long-awaited release of those held captive. We extend our heartfelt thanks to America and the Arab nations, including our fellow African nation- Egypt, who have brought about this historical moment.

Our hearts will be forever scarred by the knowledge that not all of the hostages are returning alive. And our sympathies and unwavering love go out to the families of those hostages who will return only as mortal remains.