MARY KLUK

Safe spaces for debate

on university campuses

Much of the Board’s focus last year was on how to deal with various incidents of bullying and intimidation by anti-Israel activists on Wits campus. The worst of these was the disruption of a recital by an Israeli pianist, but there were other serious violations of our Jewish students’ rights, including cases of blatantly anti-Semitic verbal abuse, orchestrated disruptions of SAUJS events and the tearing down or destruction of SAUJS posters and other literature.

This took place in the context of “Israel Apartheid Week”, now an annual event ostensibly to show solidarity with the Palestinians but in reality aimed at defaming and demonising the State of Israel in every conceivable way.

We reject with well-founded disdain the Israel=Apartheid myth, but acknowledge the right of those who hold that view to express it. By the same token, however, we demand that same right for our Jewish students, and anyone else who wishes to express a dissenting opinion.

In the course of our recent meeting with the Wits leadership, we were much reassured that the university fully adheres to this principle and is committed to providing an environment in which a plurality of views can be expressed without fear of harassment.

A framework of engagement has been set in place whereby students, while being free to express their particular viewpoints, will not be permitted to do so at the expense of others wishing to exercise that same right.  

Connecting with our fellow South Africans

April 27 marks the 20^th anniversary of South Africa’s first fully-democratic non-racial elections. It was a watershed moment in our country’s history, one that marked the birth of a new, united nation and the beginning of a hopeful new era.

Those of us who were privileged to have been part of it, will never forget the extraordinary spirit of that day – the goodwill, optimism and camaraderie, and the sense, as for the first time South Africans of all races stood together to cast their votes, that we were at last one people.

As Jews, moreover, we had the experience of our own “season of liberation” largely coinciding with that of South Africa as well, the transition having taken place so close to Pesach.

One of the ways in which we can most appropriately celebrate 20 years of democracy, is through finding ways to rekindle that wonderful sense of unity, and this is very much the focus of the events being organised by the SAJBD.

Last Friday, the Gauteng Council partnered with the Union of Jewish Women in hosting an Interfaith Tea, where representatives of various faith groups discussed the role of faith in the upliftment, education and moral regeneration of society.

On Monday, we hosted an evening where Minister Fikile Mbalula addressed and engaged with young Jewish South Africans on his government’s policies and vision.

Coming up next Tuesday evening is a function at Beyachad to celebrate remarkable South African women, based on the Purim theme of the selfless heroism displayed by Queen Esther. One of those participating will be Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane. Those interested in attending or for more information, should contact Jenni at women.purim@gmail.com.