We, as Jewish South Africans, are deeply saddened and distressed by the recent attacks and counter-attacks currently taking place in Israel/Palestine, and in particular the city of Jerusalem, holy to Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This violence has been most tragically captured in the senseless killing of a two-year-old girl in Gaza, the youngest of four Palestinian children killed in the past two weeks, and the attack on a thirteen-year-old Israeli boy who is in critical condition after being stabbed nearly a dozen times. We are saddened and horrified by the killing of any innocent civilian and our heartfelt condolences go out to all bereaved families.

We are deeply disturbed by the reaction of the Israeli government. Their iron-fisted response will do nothing to quell the current violence but will only lead to further bloodshed and an entrenchment of divisions. History has time and again shown us that acts of violence do not take place in a vacuum and until the ongoing issue of an illegal and brutal occupation is addressed, there is unlikely to be peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis, Jews and Muslims in Israel/Palestine. In the wake of the current situation, fear is gripping Israel/Palestine and spurring devastating responses.

As Jews who care deeply about the future of Israel/Palestine we call on other Jews in South Africa and around the world to put pressure on the Israeli government to bring an end to the occupation and ensure that all citizens are treated with justice and equality. We also call for freedom of movement for Palestinians and an immediate end to collective punishment as well as politically motivated house demolitions.

Jessica Sherman and Rina King
For JVJP