Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 04-04-2018
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) says it deplores the African National Congress’ (ANC) call for a cultural boycott of Israel and the inconsistency of how South Africa conducts its foreign policy.
The ANC has called for a cultural boycott of Israel after expressing disappointment in the recent visit to the Jewish state by DJ Nkosinathi Maphumulo, popularly known as Black Coffee.
At its 54th National Conference in December last year, the ANC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the struggle of the Palestinian people and expressed its disappointment at the State of Israel’s lack of commitment towards a peaceful resolution.
The ANC at its conference resolved to immediately and unconditionally downgrade the South African Embassy in Israel to a liaison office.
In a statement the SAJBD says the ANC’s call for a cultural boycott of Israel is both immoral and inconsistent with how South Africa normally conducts its foreign policy.
“Prejudice rather than any genuine concern for human rights is what appears to be behind the ANC’s decision… Is the ANC allowing its foreign policy to be hijacked by radicals who are quite happy to compromise South Africa’s objective?”
In a statement the ANC says the position of the party has always been that of supporting the cause for the total emancipation of the Palestinian people.
“We have been witnessing unacceptable violations of children’s rights, human rights and international law by the Israeli government. Further, we have been witnessing increased Israeli racism against Africans. The cultural aspect of the boycott is critical in advancing the cause to ensure that we isolate what is clearly an apartheid government of Israel.”
The ANC says it is also deeply concerned about Black Coffee’s visit to Israel.
“We call on all artists to have an appreciation of the role played by the international anti-apartheid solidarity movement in the successful international isolation of apartheid South Africa.”
The SAJBD has pledged its full support for Black Coffee.
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