JEWISH BOARD DEPLORES VIOLENCE AND COORDINATES RELIEF EFFORTS

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) deplores the violence that is sweeping townships throughout Gauteng, and deeply concerned about the unfolding humanitarian crisis that has resulted.

The brutal targeting of innocent people solely because of their origins are criminal, racist acts that strike at the very heart of the tolerant, peaceful and democratic society that South Africans are striving to build. Already, thousands of people have been left destitute, many have been injured and a growing number have lost their lives. The SAJBD urges all South Africans to take the firmest stand against the evils of xenophobia and to assist wherever they can in helping its victims rebuild their lives.

Zev Krengel, National Chairman of the SAJBD, likened the attacks on foreign nationals to the kind of racist attacks that Jews had been subjected to in the course of their history, as well as to the deadly civil strife taking place elsewhere in Africa.

"The SAJBD believes that the indiscriminate targeting of foreign nationals is reminiscent of some of the darkest periods of Jewish history, when helpless Jews were subjected to murderous attacks by the host nations amongst whom they lived. It is further reminiscent of the terrible sectarian violence that has resulted, and continues to result, in genocidal atrocities in other parts of the continent" he said.

The SAJBD, in partnership with other Jewish organisations, has mobilised the Jewish community to come to the aid of those affected by the unrest. Last Friday, the first consignment of donated materials, including food, clothing, blankets and hygiene packs, were handed over to the SA Red Cross. Further handovers will continue to be made as more material is received.

Statement issued by David Saks, Associate Director, SA Jewish Board of Deputies May 19 2008