SAJBD protest over what they believe to be govt's dismissal of anti-Semitic incidents
The board’s Charisse Zeifert said Justice Minister Ronald Lamola had on more than one occasion downplayed the hostility and discrimination reported by the Jewish community.
Members of the Jewish community protest outside the outside the Ministry of Justice offices in Pretoria on 12 February 2024. Picture: @SAJBD/X
JOHANNESBURG - Members of the Jewish community in South Africa are protesting outside the Ministry of Justice offices in Pretoria on Monday over what they perceive as the government's dismissal of anti-Semitism.
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies said anti-Semitic incidents in the country had surged.
It said it has commissioned a report which shows that there were more than 139 incidents between October and December 2023.
It's a stark contrast to the 19 incidents reported during the same period in 2022.
The board’s Charisse Zeifert said Justice Minister Ronald Lamola had on more than one occasion downplayed the hostility and discrimination reported by the Jewish community.
"It is unconscionable that Minister Lamola would ignore the fact that a group of people, citizens in South Africa, are experiencing hate to this level and either choose to see them as liars or to simply ignore the facts before him."
Zeifert said that the board intends to submit a letter to Lamola, requesting a meeting to address their concerns.
"Today, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies presents a memorandum to Minister Lamola at his offices so that he has the opportunity to see them directly and to respond appropriately."