South African Zionist Federation strongly condemns ANC govt’s politicisation of genocide

11 January 2024

The South African Zionist Federation strongly condemns the ANC government's attempt to politicise the meaning of genocide. This distortion, aimed at delegitimising Israel's right to self-defense, represents a cynical misuse of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to alter the established understanding of genocide under international law.

Labeling Israel's defensive actions as 'genocide' is not only factually incorrect but represents an Orwellian twist on the actual definition as outlined in the Genocide Convention. In stark reality, Hamas – an internationally recognised terrorist organisation – is the real agent of genocide in this conflict, and South Africa seeks to give them political and legal legitimacy. The events of 7 October 2023, stand as a harrowing testament to Hamas's capability and willingness to commit acts of genocide against Israel and the Jewish people.

Israel's self-defence adheres strictly to international legal standards, and is focused on neutralising Hamas's genocidal actions while striving to minimise civilian harm. The tragic loss of Palestinian lives, resulting from Hamas's strategy of using civilians as shields, should not be manipulated into false accusations against Israel. The ANC government's diversionary tactic to shift scrutiny away from Hamas's documented atrocities – including hostage-taking, indiscriminate attacks, and exploitation of civilians as shields – is a grave and intentional oversight.

Pretoria’s decision to refer Israel to the ICJ is not only a misappropriation of the term 'genocide' but also an action that undermines the gravity of this crime. By mischaracterising Israel's self-defense as genocide, the government distorts the true nature of this heinous act, diminishing the experiences of actual genocide victims in Africa and around the world.

Israel stands as a nation committed to the safety and security of Jews worldwide, a commitment born from the ashes of the Holocaust. It is a nation under existential threat, most notably from Iranian-sponsored organisations like Hamas, whose charter and actions reveal an undeniable genocidal intent against the Jewish people. The October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas represent a chilling execution of these threats, mirroring the darkest chapters of Jewish history.

The ANC Government's support of Hamas, without a mandate from the population and in concert with foreign actors, not only undermines South Africa's economic and political interests, risking crucial economic assistance under AGOA, but also misrepresents the views of the majority of South Africans who desire a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The South African Zionist Federation calls upon the international community and justice-seeking individuals within South Africa to critically examine the motivations and implications of Pretoria’s political manoeuvre, and the consequences this will have for the future of South Africa.

Issued by SAZF, 11 January 2024