The outcry by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), and the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), in opposition to the Hon. Minister Ronnie Kasrils’ invitation to the Palestinian Prime Minister, obscures many facts concerning the plight of Palestinians and the difficulties faced by the Palestinian authority. 

The internal political problems Palestine has been experiencing in the past year can by and large be ascribed to the failure of the Israeli government, the USA and other international role players to recognise the outcome of the Palestinian elections.  The refusal to recognise the election results did little to promote the cause of peace and stability in Israel, Palestine and the greater Middle East.  Palestinians can express their own views, elect those who they want to lead them, but if it does not suit the worldview of oppressors, then the democratic process can be undermined and results ignored.

The Jamiatul Ulama fully supports the South African government in its attempt to play a constructive role in Palestine.  Both the SAJBD, and the SAZF do not seem to understand the fact that, as Minister Kasrils pointed out, the National Unity Government represents up to 97% of all Palestinians.  Why should the South African government then not invite the legitimate Prime Minister to interact on a governmental basis?

The SAJBD and the SAZF is in this way undermining one of the most constructive foreign policy engagements the South African government has embarked on in recent years.  South African political history teaches one that difference and discord can be overcome through intense negotiations.  By denying the Palestinian Prime Minister the right to travel on the behalf of the people of Palestine, the SAJBD and the SAZF are effectively proving themselves to be undermining the SA governments’ constructive engagement in Palestine.  The position taken by the SAJBD and the SAZF does not only undermine the democratic rights of Palestinians, but is also detrimental to efforts to find a lasting solution to the Palestinian conflict.  

E.I. Bham (Moulana)
Secretary General

6 May 2007