Successful Israeli Apartheid Week held in SA

The South African chapter of the annual Israeli Apartheid Week came to an end yesterday afternoon on the streets of Sandton at a robust, diverse and successful IAW closing protest (click here for photos). This year Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), in its 11th year, was by far the biggest and most sucessful to date. The campaign consisted of over 200 events in more than 45 South African towns and cities.

Some event highlights included a packed comedy evening at Wits University and UCT with renowned entertainers from eTV's Late Nite News crew including Kagiso Lediga, Mashabela Galane, Christopher Steenkamp and others (click here for photos). Another highlight was the "Rhythms of Resistance" concert with Lebo Mashile, Tumi Molekane, JR and Reason (click here for photos). Various Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and other politicians also participated in this year's Israeli Apartheid Week.

A meeting with struggle stalwart Winnie Mandela, the Palestinian Embassy, BDS South Africa and IAW representatives also took place during Israeli Apartheid Week. At the meeting Comrade Winnie Mandela was very clear on her support for boycotts and how it was an effective tool in isolating the apartheid regime (click here for photos).

The Israeli lobby and the SA Jewish Board of Deputies attempted to undermine the Israeli Apartheid Week campaign by using the "anti-Semitism" card. They used the card to try and cancel the presence of various Ministers and Government officials from attending our events but even in that attempt they failed. To be opposed to Israeli Apartheid is not to be anti-Jewish. We welcome this year's participation of various Jewish organisations and community members including that of a Jewish student from Wits University who spoke passionately at the closing Israeli Apartheid Week protest in Sandton (click here to watch on YouTube).

The IAW SA Team fervently denies the unfounded accusations by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies that any IAW speakers made any anti-Semitic statement at any IAW event. The IAW SA Team never disrupted local Jewish functions during IAW. However, as organisations that support the boycott and divestment BDS campaign against the apartheid state of Israel, we emphatically support protest action against activities and functions which are hosted by and/or are in support of the Israeli apartheid state. Allegations made by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies trying to confuse protest against Israel with anti-semitism are disingenuous and are an insult to real victims of anti-Semitism.

The convener of the Israeli Apartheid Week SA Team, Basheera Surty said: "We'd like to thank all regional conveners and local organisers who were part of the campaign. Also a special thanks to all speakers, musicians, artists and others who participated in IAW 2015."

Statement issued by Kwara Kekana, National Spokesperson:  Israeli Apartheid Week (South Africa Team), March 9 2015

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