ANC and EFF Protests Against Israel in Solidarity With Palestine, Seen as Posturing by Jewish Board of Deputies

The African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), last week held respective demonstrations outside the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The pickets were in response to the ongoing conflict in Palestine. However, these marches were critiqued as posturing by the National Chairperson of the Jewish Board of Deputies, Karen Milner.

The ANC held their demonstration on Friday, with EFF following suit on Monday. These actions were aimed at showing solidarity with Palestine amidst the intensifying violence that has saddled the region. The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, has led to a sobering death toll surpassing 5,000 since the launch of a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas on 7 October.

In commenting on the pickets, Karen Milner, National Chairperson of the Jewish Board of Deputies, labelled the actions of both the ANC and the EFF as performative. She expressed that these gestures will not alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinians or contribute to achieving lasting peace in the region unless there's recognition for the humanity that exists on both sides of the conflict.

"It is an absolute tragedy to see the casualties on both sides," said Milner. "The marches and posturing by both the ANC and the EFF will not help the desperate plight of innocent Palestinians, nor bring peace to the region until they can recognise the humanity on both sides."