ARIEL ZIV

Introduction by Mike Fisher:

As Chairman of the Likud Joburg Branch I would like to bring readers’ attention to an article published by an organisation called “Spotlighting SA.” This new organisation was recently established to counteract, pro-act and provide a rapid response to anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments in South Africa.

As an independent organisation devoid of the constraints of diplomacy and political correctness, Spotlighting is able to engage freely in previously inaccessible areas and more forcefully too. In the short time since its establishment, Spotlighting has attracted the attention of influential organisations, both pro and anti-Israel.

I strongly recommend lending a hand to Spotlighting’s exemplary work by following their social media accounts – MORE ON SPOTLIGHTING SA.

• Mike Fisher – chair: Likud-SA Johannesburg Branch

The Left’s Invisible Red Line – BDS

Since time immemorial, political environments have been essentially split into two camps – the left wing and the right wing. This division does not escape the Jews worldwide, neither does it surpass the Jews in Israel. Even when extremes on both sides are neutralised, a fairly clear-cut division exists.

The groups may sometimes resort to vicious tactics and antagonism towards the opposing party. As with any passionate ideal or dogma, this can become detrimental to the whole and start a process of self-destruction from within, but not limited to within. The Anti-Semitic and Anti-Israel crowds are none too happy to identify, reveal and flog in-house disputes. They not only enjoy taking credit for placing a wedge into Jewish or Israeli society, but also eagerly seek the token Jew or useful-idiot to showcase justifications for their cause.

When ‘the end justifies the means’, it is a small step towards harmful and even illegal activity. Illegal is far easier to counter than harmful since the blindfolds of dogma do not allow perpetrators to see the overall picture and erosion of our society, nor its short and long-term effects.

We witness discussion, debate and persuasion between the two parties, all falling within the framework of free speech. Free speech is the bastion of democracy as well as a right protected by law. However, with rights come responsibilities, and free speech and opinion are not without limits. Jews and Israelis welcome free speech and debate; however when it means “speaking out” the responsibilities are tenfold. Many advocates on the left, quickly find themselves prompted, encouraged and praised to “speak out” without having “spoken in” first. It is far easier to be well received, praised and funded from the outside than to engage in difficult discourse from within. There is a red line here, too frequently overstepped, innocently or not.

In an environment of ever increasing global Anti-Semitism, and in South Africa in particular, the red line has to be repainted, signposted and closely guarded. A number of controversial events have taken place in South Africa and in the South African Jewish communities during the past year. The most worrying, with the most dangerous consequences is the upsurge of the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement which has garnered the support of a number of vocal left wing Jews.

Whether BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanction) policy is legal, legitimate, not Anti-Semitic and non-violent is not within the scope of this article. This is not only because BDS is illegitimate, Anti-Semitic and violent and has nothing to do with human rights, it is due to the irrelevance of the theoretical debate. What is relevant and more telling, is a quick look at BDS activities in South Africa over the past year and half – theory and practice aside. 

The first most chilling initial BDS demonstration was the Kristallnacht-type demonstration which targeted and bullied Reggies Toy Stores for collecting money for the JNF (Jewish National Fund). BDS conveniently overlooked the exemplary undertakings by the JNF in South Africa which benefit the underprivileged. This demonstration turned violent. A few months later, in line with WITS University’s Student Representative Council’s 2012 blanket boycott of Israel, BDS supporters broke up a concert by Israeli born pianist Zamir. That demonstration also turned violent.

During Israel Independence Day celebrations in Gold Reef City, BDS supporters again violently demonstrated, the results of which saw mutual charges being laid by BDS supporters and Jewish organisations. Another violent demonstration for a ‘non-violent’ cause. At the WITS Reshef concert, BDS supporters sang “Shoot the Jew”, a clear expression of violence and racism. The BDS chairman, Muhammed Desai was subsequently strongly condemned for defending the singing but continues to lead BDS South Africa, despite the condemnations. Pro-Palestinian and BDS supporters washed the SA Foreign Minister with Anti-Israel propaganda, thereby causing her lack of sleep and a political backlash.

If BDS was an organisation devoid of Jewish activist support, it could be considered as another violent anti-Israel organisation intent on delegitimising Israel as the Jewish homeland. BDS employs a number of Jews to advocate its ‘human rights’ populist rhetoric. This is especially concerning since being Jewish is a cunning entrance key to approaching Jewish youth and youth movements. This is done under the guise of the generally positive value of safeguarding human rights, free speech and healthy debate. Internal debate is welcome and encouraged, but the import of nefarious anti-Israel activists must serve as a red line. Simple analysis of these activists’ history often reveals their total impotence at bringing about change from within, hence their logical and loyal allegiance to the “anti” crowds.

Are these supporters so blind as to see that engaging with Anti-Israel elements incites hate and ultimately, violence against Jews, as has already been illustrated? They do not and will not be held responsible for legitimizing mass calls for violence because there is no explicit call for violence. However with theory and practice aside, if the product of advocating for human rights turns violent, then it is just that – abhorrent violence laced with racism and Anti-Semitism. If endangering Jews is the product of even the purest values and incentives, then there is a clear red line. Rubbing shoulders with Anti-Israel organisations which in turn, rub shoulders and endorse even more aggressive elements which are also funded by dodgy organizations, is to be strongly condemned and uprooted. If free speech, in specific contexts and under certain banners, fans the flames of anti-Semitism, then it is anti-Semitism.

In recent talk about our youth, schools and youth movements we hear “right wing” and “left wing”, “BDS”, “Israeli Apartheid” and “anti-Zionist” used far too freely.

In the interests of ‘freedom of expression’ we also see BDS activists on debate panels and BDS articles vilifying Israel in the media with lies, bias and half-truths. The left needs to do some serious soul searching to redefine the red line which distinguishes between the legitimate and illegitimate and the harmless and harmful. Popular trends are not automatically legitimate and therefore demand extremely cautious assessment long before the red line is crossed. There is no place in our youth movements for BDS support regardless of political leanings.