SA Jewish Board takes legal route to access Pandor’s conversation with Hamas leader

November 9, 2023 147

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has applied for a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in order to ascertain what exactly was discussed between the International Relations Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, and the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, during their recent phone conversation.

Last month, SAJBD lambasted Pandor for allegedly offering support to Hamas, an accusation the department has strongly refuted.

The Jewish Board says Pandor’s discussions with the Hamas leader falls under a long list of moves that have blatantly exhibited that the South African government has chosen a side in the Middle East conflict.

“It is an act of petty bullying because even the leader of the Palestinian Authority rejects Hamas,” SA Jewish Board of Deputies’ National Chairperson, Professor Karen Milner, says.

She has called on Pretoria to show maturity and call for the release of the Isrealis who have been taken hostage by Hamas.

Milner has also criticised government’s decision to recall its ambassadors from Tel Aviv.

Earlier this week, the Presidency announced that all its envoys have been recalled from Tel Aviv in Israel for consultations.

The Jewish Board says from the outset, government has refused to condemn the violence in the Middle East, which has so far claimed more than 10 000 lives.

“Dirco’s most recent display of support for Hamas has been to threaten action against the Israeli ambassador in South Africa on the claimed grounds of his being undiplomatic.”

The SAJBD says these continued moves endanger the lives of South Africa’s Jewish population. It’s called on government to reconsider its stance on the conflict and align itself with members of the international community.

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

Rate it