News24 | OPINION | David Saks: SAJFP cannot recreate Judaism to suit political beliefs

A giant Israeli flag held by Jews and Christians in support of Israel at Lagoon Beach in Cape Town on 16 December 2023. (Stringer/AFP)

Professor Verne Harris from the Nelson Mandela Foundation invoked a false dichotomy when he referred to “one dominant institutional Jewish voice” on the one hand and the “many Jewish voices” beyond that, writes David Saks.

Speaking at a “Shabbat against genocide” event at the Nelson Mandela Foundation earlier this month, acting chief executive Professor Verne Harris had this to say about co-hosts South African Jews for a Free Palestine (SAJFP):

Professor Harris is, of course, correct that there are “many Jewish voices”. Like any other community, SA Jewry is not homogenous, and when it comes to the issues of the day, its members hold views and beliefs spanning the full range of the spectrum.

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