Residents protest against Gaza violence

The Jewish Voices for a Just Peace (JVJP) held a rally in support of an end to the conflict in Gaza.

The protest took place outside the Huddle Park Golf Course in Linksfield on August 3.

The protest was organised by the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) and was supported by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD).

“We are proud Jews with a conscience who stand against this celebration of war on Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We will not be silent in the face of such a morally abhorrent event,” said the organiser, Ms Rina King.

The protest was later supported by members of the Muslim community, Palestine solidarity movement as well as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Democratic Left Front (DLF).

“As Jews of conscience, we are grateful for the support we received from fellow South Africans in our stand. Perhaps in solidarity with the Palestinians we will forge the future that we hope to see one day in Palestine and Israel,” said Ms King.

“JVJP members are diverse in background and perspective, and represent a broad cross-section of the South African Jewish community. What we have in common, however, is a firm belief in the core values of our Jewish tradition. This includes peace, compassion and meaningful dialogue, as well as a commitment to speaking out where we can against abuses of power and the perpetration of human suffering and injustice,” said Ms King.

“We hope for a ceasefire and an end to this violence. More than that, though, we hope for long-term peace in Israel and Palestine, a peace that can only be achieved through compassion, justice and a redress with genuine dialogue. We are proud Jews with a conscience, who object to acts of violence being carried out in our name. We will not be silent in the face of such atrocities,” said said Ms King. @bedfordjourno