During a pro-Palestinian protest in Cape Town, activists displayed wanted posters of local Jews, demanding their arrest or deportation. Many individuals on the posters refute any accusations and express shock. The protest is viewed as part of a worrying increase in antisemitism in South Africa, particularly following recent global events.
On a recent pro-Palestinian demonstration in Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade, a group of activists displayed wanted posters featuring members of South Africa’s Jewish community, calling for their arrest or deportation. This incident was duly reported by the South African Jewish Report. Many individuals depicted on the posters contest any wrongdoing attributed to them, with some asserting they have never set foot in Israel.
A remedial educator from Johannesburg expressed her dismay upon seeing her image on a poster. She stated, “The most important thing is that when I saw it, I felt proud to be Jewish, and I will always fight for Israel’s right to exist. Doing this won’t change who I am.” Another individual lamented the implication of guilt suggested by the posters, asserting, “These posters make it clear that I’m ‘guilty’ because I’m a Jew.”
Daniel Bloch, Executive Director of the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, noted an alarming increase in antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel. Weekly protests supporting Palestinians, and at times Hamas, have contributed to a heightened environment of aggression. Anti-Jewish symbols and rhetoric have also emerged, amplifying societal tensions.
The protests have seen disturbing incidents, including a violent assault on a pedestrian by protesters, which was captured on video. Bloch stated, “We will be investigating this further and ensure action is taken against this clearly violent group.” Additionally, some protest slogans suggested an endorsement of violence, raising serious concerns among community leaders.
Adrienne Jacobson, Chairperson of the Cape SAJBD, characterized these actions as targeted harassment, asserting they reflect thinly veiled antisemitism and intimidation. She emphasized the danger posed by extremist rhetoric, particularly in light of the tragic murder of civilians, stating, “This isn’t protest, this is targeted harassment.”
The recent protests in Cape Town highlight a troubling trend of antisemitism, marked by targeted harassment against local Jews. Activists displayed wanted posters at a rally, demanding the arrest or deportation of community members. Community leaders express grave concern over rising violence and intimidation linked to these demonstrations, which they believe reflect a broader societal shift towards antisemitic ideologies.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
