/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Yesterday evening, the leadership of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) met with President Jacob Zuma and members of his Cabinet at his Mahlamba Ndlopfu Residence in Pretoria. The SAJBD briefed the President on the sharp rise in antisemitic activity in South Africa, including threats and intimidation against the Jewish community and its leadership. The Israeli-Palestinian question and ways in which South Africa could assist the parties in reaching a long-term peace settlement was also discussed.

In the course of the meeting, President Zuma rejected unequivocally all forms of antisemitism and intolerance, and stressed that his government remained committed to combating such prejudice. He further emphasised the need for there to be harmony between people of different backgrounds and opinions in South Africa.

On the Palestinian-Israeli question, both the President and the SAJBD expressed their support for the two-State solution of Israel and Palestine living side by side in peaceful co-existence and reiterated South Africa's willingness to support all sides to find a solution.

The SAJBD welcomes President Zuma's firm assurances that his government will not accept antisemitic bigotry and intimidation, and fully endorses his belief in the importance of maintaining harmony between South Africans of diverse backgrounds.

The SAJBD also endorsed the government's NDP programme and pledged the assistance of the Jewish community in its implementation.

The meeting took place in a very warm and constructive atmosphere, and the two parties have agreed to meet in the near future to take the discussions further.

President Zuma was accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Ministers in the Presidency, Mr Jeff Radebe and Ms Susan Shabangu and DG in the Presidency Dr Casius Lubisi. The SAJBD delegation was led by Zev Krengel (President) and Mary Kluk (National Chairman) and included Jeff Katz, Raymond Goss, Eric Marx and Wendy Kahn from the SAJBD and Jonathan Silke and Ben Swartz from the SAZF.

ISSUED BY: SA JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES