Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies Seek Justice Against Anti-Semitism in Equality Court

In a decisive stance against anti-Semitism, the Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) is proceeding to the Equality Court, citing rampant abuse of the right to freedom of expression in South Africa. The Board's executive director, Daniel Bloch, has expressed concerns over the significant increase in incidents targeting the Jewish community – a worrisome trend that clashes with constitutional values and national legislation designed to protect all citizens.

These incidents encompass a range of offensive behaviors, from online hate speech to harassment during protests and threatening in-person confrontations. Shockingly, some individuals have engaged in extolling Nazi ideologies, denying the Holocaust, and propagating Jewish conspiracy theories. These acts have not stopped at mere words, as threats of violence and acts of intimidation against Jewish people and their institutions, including synagogues and schools, have also been reported.

The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 is clear in its prohibiting of hate speech and harassment, leaving little ambiguity about the legality of such conduct. In much the same spirit, Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights supports the freedom of expression, only with the stark proviso that it does not advocate hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion that could incite harm.

Daniel Bloch emphasizes the Jewish community's longstanding and positive contributions to South African society, underscoring their right to live without fear of discrimination or violence. Their commitment to the country's prosperity remains unwavering, despite being a minority group. Bloch insists that leaving such bigotry unchallenged not only jeopardizes the Jewish community but also threatens the constitutional and democratic foundation securing the rights of all South Africans.

The Cape SAJBD's action reflects an urging for all upstanding citizens to speak against these degrading attacks and for the government to fulfill its duty in safeguarding its people from the perniciousness of hate speech and discrimination. By calling upon the resources of the Equality Court, the Board seeks to reaffirm that such abhorrent behavior has no place within the framework of a democratic South Africa rooted in equality and respect for all.