SAZF/ SAJBD Press Release on student trip to Israel
15 July 2015
The SA Zionist Federation (SAZF) and SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) take the strongest exception to Deputy Minister Obed Bapela’s uncalled for attack against students who, under the auspices of the South Africa Israel Forum, took part in a recent visit to Israel. Amongst other things, Mr Bapela charged the students with bringing the ANC into ‘disrepute’ and said that the party would ‘summon’ them to an investigation.
It is deeply disturbing that a member of the South African government should condemn and threaten to punish those who have simply exercised their democratic right to freedom of thought and association. What is so wrong – either legally or morally - about a group of young South Africans travelling to another country in order to broaden their knowledge about the situation there? Is Mr Bapela afraid that by being exposed to information and opinions that differ from his own, they might end up coming to the ‘wrong’ conclusions?
Mr Bapela’s attitude also goes directly against South Africa’s standard approach when it comes to engagement with other countries. On a constant basis, visiting groups from South Africa travel to all parts of the world, including to countries where serious human rights abuses are taking place. Why is it only Israel that they should not be allowed to visit?
No official ban has been placed on members of government or the ruling party traveling to Israel. On the contrary, in September last year, President Zuma told a Jewish leadership delegation that his government had taken a decision to re-engage with all sides in helping to bring about a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.