I recently had the privilege of visiting Johannesburg, Nambiti, Durban, and Cape Town as part of a Jewish Agency delegation, continuing the Partnership2gether program, strengthening the Mateh Yehuda-Beit Shemesh-South Africa connection. We participated in Limmud conferences in the three major cities, events that showcased Judaism in its most beautiful colors, where everyone felt welcomed.
Upon returning to Israel, I was met with disbelief regarding South Africa due to our lack of knowledge of the country, its communities and its complexities, as coverage mainly focused on the ICJ bid by South Africa against the State of Israel. It must be noted: although we received thorough briefings prior to the visit, as a Jew I did not feel any animosity from anyone, anywhere: quite the opposite. We were received with open arms at all locations and met a strong, energetic, connected, proud, and warm community that embraced us from the moment we arrived.
Stark gap between South African government and people
In South Africa, there is a stark gap between the government’s stance on Israel and the people’s state of mind. Everyone we met, from different communities and backgrounds, expressed deep disappointment with the local government. Not only regarding its stance on Israel, but also in the ability of the African National Congress (ANC) to run the country, which in practice is largely sustained by entrepreneurs creating real, sustainable change on the ground.
We also saw unimaginable poverty in townships such as Soweto and decades-long stagnation among disadvantaged populations. Everyone expressed hope for change – and according to polls presented in one of the Limmud lectures, it may very well be on the horizon.
Being in this country, with its magnificent beauty and strong communities, strengthened my belief that Israel has the duty and responsibility to protect its citizens at all costs. That was the reasoning behind the preemptive strike against Iran, and it is what guides us as we navigate the jungle of the Middle East. We are determined and strong, relentless in our drive for survival, and we are not afraid of the challenges that lie ahead. And we are blessed to have a bustling Jewish community in South Africa at our side throughout this journey.
At this time, the Jewish community of South Africa is rather small, and questions about its sustainability due to economic instability and dysfunction of the government are often raised. Although there are challenges, there is no doubt in my mind that there is an optimistic future for this grand community, one that needs to be embraced by the Israeli government. The lack of a permanent ambassador and consul general creates technical difficulties and sends a negative message to a community that stands with Israel, even at personal cost.
Encouraging global cooperation
Israel has the obligation and duty to protect its people on all fronts and across all nations. This starts with small steps of support that will in turn create paths for global cooperation. We have wonderful friends in South Africa, and we must stand by them. During the short time span of the visit, we built long-term connections.
At Limmud, we found a true space for dialogue that is so lacking in Israel – and now it is our role to show that it is possible back home, too. Israel and South Africa can stand together. It is not just a dream, it is a reality. And this is only the beginning.
The writer is a media and foreign affairs adviser currently serving as spokesperson of the Gush Etzion Regional Council.