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Newsmaker Q&A with Gabriel Zollmann
Gabriel Zollmann is the South African Union of Jewish Students national chairman. A fourth-year medical student, he was head boy at King David Victory Park during 2012/13 and is a former mayor of the Johannesburg Mini Council. He answered these questions in the run-up to IAW.
OWN CORRESPONDENT
What drew you to study medicine?
The factors that influenced my decision include: my fascination with medical science, my role models in life, my quest for knowledge and my passion for people. I’ve come to learn that in the medical world, there are no guarantees, and while we may think we know so much, in fact there is much that we still do not know. That is what excites me.
How does being Jewish and a Zionist feature in your life?
I am and always have been passionate about and proud of my Jewish and Zionist heritage. Both Judaism and Zionism are major parts of my identity and therefore inform many of my decisions and choices. While growing up, I was a channich and a madrich at Bnei Akiva South Africa, and I sat on the youth board of the JNF/KKL in South Africa. I take pride in both my Jewish and Zionist identities.
Why did you take on a leadership role in SAUJS?
I’ve been involved with SAUJS for a few years now, and I began to see how massive our potential as a union is. In the world we live in today, great leaders are far and few. We are dealing with a crisis of leadership everywhere: in the world, and in the country. SAUJS has the ability to inspire Jewish students to lead, and we can be the source of inspiration and motivation for young South African Jewish students. So, I took on this role in order to steer SAUJS in the direction of fulfilling its ultimate potential.
How does SAUJS view Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) in general and how do you view the 2017 IAW?
IAW is a challenging time for Jewish students on campus. This is a week where BDS and its affiliates distort what is a complex political and security situation, in order to portray Israel as an apartheid state as part of their greater efforts to demonise Israel. IAW is at the core of the global delegitimisation campaign against Israel. We believe that we have a duty to give voice to the hundreds of Jewish students on each campus, and we do not let the IAW campaign go unopposed.
What do you believe is behind this and who gains from its existence?
This week is a manifestation of larger efforts to delegitimise Israel. The existence of this campaign has not brought anything constructive to university campus or to South Africa.
What has gone into SAUJS preparation for this week?
An unimaginable amount of time and effort have been invested in preparing for our “See Israel For Yourself” campaign. SAUJS National Council has mounted a nationwide campaign. We have six guests from Israel, graffiti artists from Artists4Israel and Chloé Valdary, an African American freedom fighter and Zionist, joining us on campus. We’ve also received enormous support from the community that has allowed us to be as prepared as possible.
How do you think the university authorities should be dealing with IAW?
I think the universities management need to realise the real intentions behind the IAW campaign. We’ve seen universities in the UK cancel IAW events altogether because of its contravention of the definition of anti-Semitism. I don’t foresee that reality in South Africa, but I do hope that the universities management are more prepared going forward in ensuring negotiated terms and agreements are drawn up in advance. Campuses are spaces of free speech and expression, and both narratives need to be given the space to be heard equally and fairly.
What are the implications of IAW for Jewish students?
IAW is an uncomfortable time for Jewish students. But it’s also a time for Jewish students to stand up and be proud of their heritage, identity and beliefs. SAUJS offers that environment on campus during the week. Our hope is that Jewish students will not be the target of any abuse, and we do everything that we can to ensure the safety of our students both politically and physically, in a peaceful and engaging way.
While you are dealing with this on a national level, IAW is an international threat. How serious a threat do you think it is and what should we – as Jews – be doing about it?
We should continue to stand up for what is right and just, and we should continue to provide the space for discussions about Israel. If we continue to have open and honest conversations about Israel, we will win this battle. At the end of the day, we have the truth on our side.