Jewish students protest recall

Jewish Students to hand over memorandum to Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim over decision to recall Ambassador to Israel at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

Meeting convenes at 13:00



The recent activities regarding the Flotilla from Turkey that attempted to breach the Israeli blockade on Gaza have caused worldwide condemnation and criticism directed at the State of Israel. The ramifications of this incident for Israel have been dire and cannot be underestimated. The situation was made worse by the recent decision of the South African government, in a form of protest, to recall our ambassador to the State of Israel – the only country to do so since Turkey.



While we regret the deplorable loss of life that occurred during the incident – we fully recognise Israel’s right to defend her borders and citizens. Much debate has arisen surrounding Israel’s decision to intercept the ship, however we feel that the decision made by our government to recall Ambassador Ismail Coovadia is of an extreme nature, premature and biased.

We hereby call on the South African government to retract its decision and to respect Israel’s right to defend herself and treat any decisions towards the State with the same fairness and judgment that is awarded to any other country.



It is in light of the above that we, the South African Union of Jewish Students, cannot remain silent in the face of such severe hypocrisy and injustice. We call on the South African Jewish community as well as all concerned citizens who disagree with the actions taken by our government to join us in protest outside the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Tuesday 8 June at 13:00, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria.



Joining us in solidarity will be members of the following groups:

African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) represented by MP Steve Swart

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)

Congo For Peace

Christian Friends For Israel

Rabbis of various congregations

The Biafran National Congress

Bridges for Peace

The Rwandan Students Survivors of Genocide of South Africa (RSSGSA)

The Redeemed Christian Church of God

The Zionist Youth Council of South Africa

Independent Churches from various ministries





For more information contact either Benji Shulman (SAUJS National Media Officer) 084 499 6411 or Stephanie Hodes (SAUJS National Chairperson) 083 435 2498

www.saujs.co.za