The Jewish community in South Africa expresses disappointment toward the ANC government following supportive actions toward Hamas and anti-Israel initiatives like The Hague Group. Critics highlight the irony of focusing solely on Israel while ignoring other pressing global human rights issues, revealing a politically motivated agenda. Ramaphosa’s administration’s alignment with questionable regimes raises concerns about its adherence to democratic ideals.
Since October 7, 2023, the Jewish community in South Africa has expressed significant disappointment towards the elected government, especially in Johannesburg, which is perceived as one of the safest places for Jews. This sentiment contrasts sharply with the actions and statements made by leaders, particularly those from the African National Congress (ANC) and President Cyril Ramaphosa, which are viewed as betrayals of the community and the ideals promoted by Nelson Mandela during post-Apartheid South Africa’s formation.
In the wake of Hamas’ violent attacks on Israel, Naledi Pandor, the ANC’s minister of international relations, demonstrated support for Hamas and proceeded to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice on allegations of genocide. South Africa’s latest initiative, The Hague Group, aims to drive a new anti-Israel agenda, joining forces with nations known for their human rights violations and corruption, raising questions about the intentions behind this coalition.
Critics argue that The Hague Group’s focus on Israel is overly simplistic and fails to address broader global human rights issues. If it were indeed established to uphold international law universally, it would address conflicts involving the Uyghurs in China, the situation in Ukraine, and the rights of women in Iran, alongside advocating for Palestinian rights. However, there’s a pervasive sentiment that its true goal is the vilification and undermining of Israel.
Notably absent are any mentions in The Hague Group’s communications regarding the events following October 7 or actions by Hamas, the Iranian influence, or the ongoing violence from Hezbollah and Houthi militants. President Ramaphosa’s announcement of the group reflects a commitment to blaming Israel for the current conflict without acknowledgment of factors such as Hamas’ actions or Iran’s role.
The ANC’s history of welcoming figures from Hamas, Iran, and other questionable regimes undermines any efforts to position The Hague Group as a fair mediator. The launch was attended by prominent anti-Israel groups, including NGOs with suspected ties to radical Islamic organizations, further demonstrating a skewed agenda that prioritizes political aims over humanitarian concerns.
While South Africa remains a good place for Jews to live, the government’s actions expose a tendency to squander goodwill through incompetence and corruption. The ANC’s alignment with oppressive regimes contradicts the liberal democratic ideals foundational to their constitution, raising concerns for many South Africans, including those who fought against Apartheid. Ultimately, it appears that the leadership’s motivations are disconnected from the actual needs of Palestinians and reflect a regressive alignment with historical political alliances.
The ongoing actions of the South African government, particularly the ANC, reflect a troubling alignment with anti-Israel narratives and repressive regimes. Despite the nation’s history of progressive ideals, these developments seem rooted in political opportunism rather than genuine human rights advocacy. The formation of The Hague Group illustrates a singular focus on vilifying Israel while neglecting broader humanitarian issues. This misalignment raises significant concerns for South African citizens, especially the Jewish community.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
