The DA undermines South Africans solidarity with Palestinians with its increased support of apartheid Israel
The Young Communist League of South Africa (uFasimba) condemns the attempts by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to cosy up to the apartheid state of Israel. DA Member of Parliament Dean Macpherson tweeted a picture of himself yesterday with Israeli ambassador to South Africa Arthur Lenk and Israeli MP Rabbi Dov Lipman. He captioned the picture: "Great meeting with @ambassadorlenk and Rabbi Dov Lipman where I discussed the need to increase trade with Israel."
Great meeting with @ambassadorlenk and Rabbi Dov Lipman where I discussed the need to increase trade with Israel. pic.twitter.com/m3QsCiJxr7
— Dean Macpherson (@DeanMacpherson) September 16, 2014
This move by the DA's shadow deputy minister of Trade and Industry undermines the global movement for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against the apartheid state of Israel. In 2005, Palestinian civil society made a call for an economic, cultural and academic boycott of apartheid Israel. This movement aims to isolate Israel like apartheid South Africa was isolated by the international community. The BDS movement has grown exponentially in recent years with numerous universities, corporations, governments and individuals boycotting Israel.
As victims of apartheid, justice loving South Africans stand in solidarity with the oppressed people of the world including the Palestinians. The DA must tell South Africans where it stands on this issue. From its elected representatives, it's clear the party of white privilege and racism stands against the majority of South Africans by supporting apartheid Israel and wants to increase trade with the state.