Increase in fear

Martin Zagnoev, Johannesburg

This is especially the case among South African Jews. Many of us grew up under an anti-Semitic, right-wing apartheid government, which sent out mixed messages to the Jewish community.

Like other members of the National Party, Prime Minister John Vorster was a Nazi supporter. This was especially scary coming so soon after the Holocaust. The apartheid government was also in favour of all racial groups only mixing within their own communities. As a result, our people formed a very insular community. Jews form over 90 per cent of the white population in Glenhazel, making it one of the highest proportions of “Hebrews” in the Diaspora.

Coupled with an often difficult history, we have found comfort behind the walls of Greater Glenhazel. There are, however, advantages as well as disadvantages in such a set-up.

On the positive side, the traditional ways are thriving and there is a low level of assimilation. On the negative side, there is an increased sense of fear.

On the other hand in America, with the largest Jewish population in the Diaspora, our people are mostly viewed favourably by the greater gentile population. As a result, our American brothers do not experience the same levels of fear and panic when an isolated anti-Israel comment is made, as we do.

Over the past 2 000 years, the Church demonised our people and we were considered to be in league with the devil. Fortunately, that has now changed and there is no longer a need to carry so much fear.

Indeed, a recent study by the Kaplan Centre has found a low level of anti-Semitism among black South Africans; and even under the previous government we enjoyed full equality, religious freedom and a high standard of living, unlike other South Africans. In fact, Vorster even established friendly relations with Israel.