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ANCWL Spokesperson, Gabi Farber, Resigns Over Alleged Hamas Bias and Anti-Semitism Within ANC

Published October 21, 2023
1 years ago

Gabriella "Gabi" Farber, spokesperson for Gauteng ANC Women's League (ANCWL), has resigned from her role and terminated her ANC party membership, alleging anti-Semitism within the party. Farber claims there's "no space for a proud Jew to belong in the ANC."



In a statement issued on 16 October, Farber explained she had made several attempts to engage party leaders regarding the ANC's stance on Hamas's surprise attacks on Israel on 7 October, which escalated into a large-scale conflict in the Gaza Strip, claiming at least 1,400 lives. Farber alleges the party did not provide sufficient condemnation of the attacks.


According to Farber, over time, the ANC has deviated from their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — "a two-state solution that will see a sovereign State of Palestine peacefully co-existing alongside the State of Israel."


She asserts the ANC, despite being historically supportive of human rights, failed to "recognise the painful violations done to my people," referring to the Jewish community.



Farber's resignation was further cemented in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's interactions with Palestinian supporters during a Boksburg meeting on 14 October, and his subsequent comments, perceived as tacit approval of Hamas's actions.


The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has since called for International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor's resignation or dismissal for engaging with Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh.


Despite this, ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, argued that it was within Pandor's rights "to speak to all interest groups in Palestine".


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