Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions SA (BDS) had welcomed the position adopted yesterday by the ANC’s International Solidarity Conference to support the international boycott against Israel.

There had been widespread support for the position from international delegates, a delegate from Germany, who argued that Israel could not be compared to apartheid South Africa, BDS said.

“The ANC chairman Baleka Mbete strongly responded, saying that she has been to Palestine herself and that the Israeli regime is not only comparable but ‘far worse than apartheid South Africa’,” BDS said.

“Ms Mbete received a resounding round of applause ...”

Krengel responded: “It is disappointing for Jewish people in SA as this adds no value but to incite a level of anti-Israel feeling.”

He said Israel is starting to see  the South African government as being as hostile as the Iranian regime.

“We challenge our government to get their hands dirty and be a part of working (with) and understanding Israel”, said Krengel.

Meanwhile, BDS called on the ANC  to support the Palestinian people in their fight for freedom, justice and equality.

“We call on the ANC to support the Palestinian call for boycott ...  as an  expression of the party’s solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people to enjoy their rights.”

In its declaration, the conference included a demand for the release of all Palestinian political prisoners.

Former Dutch anti-apartheid
activist Adri Nieuwhof presented a statement on behalf of over 150 activists, calling on the ANC to support the boycott campaign.

Representatives from over 35 organisations, in nine countries, supported the statement, BDS said.

A representative from the Palestinian Liberation Organisation welcomed the statement.