Board determined to expose Hamas for what it is

MARY KLUK

This period encompassed the difficult years following the collapse of the Oslo peace process and ensuing period of extended terrorist violence against Israel. Throughout this time Russell, as the representative spokesman for the community, was unyielding in his staunch, unequivocal support for Israel in an increasingly hostile environment. We extend our sincerest condolences to his wife, Battie, and the extended Gaddin family during this sad time. 

• Earlier this week, along with National Director Wendy Kahn, I was in Cape Town for the SAJBD Cape Council Conference. Once again, this was characterised by a well-thought out programme, enthusiastic participation from the floor and a standard of debate, all showing how the SAJBD in Cape Town continues to play a pivotal role in terms of uniting the Jewish community and safeguarding its interests.

  Kudos to all involved in putting together the event and in particular congratulations to Chairman Eric Marx. He stepped in as chairman at short notice and through his dedication and hard work successfully guided the Cape Board through a difficult transition phase.

  I further congratulate the newly-elected members of the Cape Council and wish them all success in their forthcoming term of office.

The dominant story this week has been the visit of a delegation of the Hamas Central Committee, which is in the country at the invitation of the ANC and is meeting with a wide range of important leaders and organisations, from President Jacob Zuma downwards. Our community is rightly outraged and concerned by the visit.

Hamas, in addition to be unambiguously committed to pursuing Israel’s destruction through methods of violence and terrorism, espouses a rabid anti-Semitic ideology that differs little, if at all, from that of the Nazis.

Theirs is a warped and evil world view that depicts Jews everywhere in the world as being an intrinsically malevolent people who seek through treacherous plotting and behind-the-scenes manipulation of events, to undermine the wellbeing of the rest of humanity.

The SAJBD will be engaging closely with President Zuma and the ANC to expose the true face of Hamas, beyond the standard liberationist rhetoric its employs to dupe people into thinking that their struggle is the same as that conducted by the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

In this regard, we will focus on showing how in its aims, ideology and tactics, Hamas is in every way the mirror image of the ANC and the democratic, non-racial and multi-cultural values that it has always espoused.

 In addressing the destructive role Hamas plays in undermining any efforts towards peace in the region, we will make sure to detail how during these past few weeks of deadly violence in Israel, it has brazenly incited and endorsed the murderous attacks that have been carried out against Israeli citizens. 

• Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00 – 13:00