Anti-Israel activists in South Africa have displayed wanted posters featuring local Jews, demanding their arrest or deportation. Many individuals named deny any wrongdoing, asserting their Jewish identity. Escalating antisemitism has been noted following the Hamas attacks, raising serious concerns about safety and respect for the Jewish community.
A group of anti-Israel demonstrators displayed wanted posters featuring the names and photos of members from South Africa’s Jewish community during a pro-Palestinian protest at Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade. This protest demanded the arrest or deportation of these individuals, as reported by the South African Jewish Report. Many of those named refuted any allegations of wrongdoing, with some indicating they have never lived or worked in Israel.
One individual, a remedial educator from Johannesburg, expressed her dismay at being featured on a poster, emphasizing her pride in her Jewish identity and her commitment to Israel’s existence. “The most important thing is that when I saw it, I felt proud to be Jewish, and I will always fight for Israel’s right to exist,” she stated. Another community member commented that the posters suggest guilt simply due to Jewish identity, calling the situation disturbing.
Daniel Bloch, Executive Director of the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, noted a significant increase in antisemitism in South Africa since the recent events involving Hamas. He highlighted the rise in aggression at protests, including the use of swastikas and violent rhetoric against supporters of Israel. Bloch mentioned an incident in which protesters assaulted an individual with flag poles, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Protest posters reportedly contained alarming slogans inciting violence and promoting resistance against perceived oppression. Adrienne Jacobson, Chairperson of the Cape SAJBD, condemned these protests as harassment masked as activism. She stated, “This isn’t protest, this is targeted harassment,” expressing concern over the glorification of Hamas and the implication of future violence.
The recent pro-Palestinian protest in Cape Town has prompted serious concerns regarding the rise of antisemitism in South Africa. Jewish community members have expressed feelings of vulnerability and intimidation following the display of wanted posters calling for their arrest or deportation. The escalation in aggressive sentiments and violence at these protests indicates a troubling trend that warrants careful scrutiny and intervention from community leaders and authorities.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
