South African Jews highlight gap between government’s anti-Zionism stance and community’s mixed views on Israel

South African Jews say anti-Zionism brings new pressures | The Jerusalem Post
As antisemitism surges globally, South Africa has become a focal point of international attention due to its government’s case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide and war crimes in Gaza. Despite this, many Jewish South Africans report that their daily lives are more affected by general crime than by antisemitism. Their attitudes toward Israel are often more nuanced and supportive than what outsiders might assume.
Josh Schewitz, executive director of the Cape Council of the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), emphasized that antisemitism in South Africa is often misunderstood and overstated. “South Africa, in terms of antisemitism, is actually quite a good place,” he said. Jewish life in the country remains largely ordinary, with people in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg going about their daily routines without significant challenges related to their identity.
Schewitz noted that while isolated antisemitic incidents do occur, they are not typical. He mentioned an instance of a pipe bomb, which failed to detonate, being thrown into the Jewish community center. However, he stressed that such events are rare and not representative of the broader experience of Jewish South Africans.
Wendy Kahn, national director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), echoed these sentiments. She stated that Jewish life in South Africa remains comfortable, with many feeling safe to identify publicly as Jewish. “We are not experiencing the same daily antisemitism that our fellow Diaspora communities are experiencing,” she said, noting that Jewish South Africans can wear kippot and Magen David necklaces without fear.
Kahn introduced the concept of the “kippah stadium test,” a way to measure comfort in public spaces. She explained that most Jewish South Africans feel at ease wearing visibly Jewish symbols in stadiums and other public venues, including in Pretoria and Soweto. However, she acknowledged that while physical safety is generally assured, verbal pressure and discomfort can still arise in certain contexts.
The South African Jewish community continues to navigate a complex landscape of global tensions and local realities. While the government’s stance on Israel has drawn international scrutiny, many within the community feel that their concerns are more closely tied to everyday challenges than to antisemitism. Their experiences reflect a broader truth about the interplay between global politics and local life, where the pursuit of justice and peace remains central to their identity and aspirations.

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