​Adv Geoff Budlender SC made submissions for South African Jews for Free Palestine

Adv Geoff Budlender SC made submissions for South African Jews for Free Palestine.

He questioned whether it was necessary to consult the Jewish community on how to define Antisemitism on campus stating that SAJBD and Mendelsohn are merely using this as a tactic to stop criticism of Israel on UCT. He argued against the need to engage with those impacted by Antisemitism ie Jewish staff and students saying that it was as important to also consult non-Jewish people on Antisemitism. In that he ridiculously argued that “those who are going to be accused of antisemitism should be consulted” when adopting a definition of Antisemitism.

He attempted to discredit the SAJBD as the representative body of the Jewish community. However, he failed to consider the UCT Kaplan Centre academic study on SA Jewry that SAJBD submitted in our evidence which categorically shows that 3 out 4 Jewish community members “were satisfied by the positions taken on the communities behalf by the SAJBD”. The UCT academic study further found that over 90% of the Jewish community feel an attachment to Israel with 4 % having a weak attachment and only 1% having no attachment at all.

As we enter into Shabbat, we feel extremely privileged as the SAJBD that we got this opportunity to represent our Jewish community in this groundbreaking case. We are extremely proud that the other universities in South Africa on the whole provide safe and welcoming spaces for our Jewish academics and students. We truly hope that this review process will result in UCT returning to its days were our community feels comfortable again.

The matter will resume from 10h00 to 13h00 on Thursday 30 October