LETTER TO THE EDITOR
JEWISH REPORT
Once again we are confronted with yet another debate centred around those members of our Jewish community who stood up in their affirmation of the rights of the oppressed, versus those who chose to stand aside without protest.
It appears that this discussion is destined to continue for as long as a South African Jewish community exists. On the surface the issues are clear; those Jews who risked life and limb in opposing the apartheid regime did what their consciences dictated, and, ultimately stood tall in the pursuit of their goal. Their moral fibre is beyond question, and, secretly, many of us who chose to silently observe, would, in all probability wish to be counted amongst them now that the danger in doing so has past.
Just as we now look accusingly at those Europeans (and others), who failed to lift a finger to save the lives of Hitler’s victims, us Jews from the apartheid era periodically find the spotlight focused blindingly on our own backs as we face a similar accusation.
No single answer can lay this to rest. Whilst, whenever it suites us, we are quick to remind our critics that Jews were disproportionate in the fight against apartheid, and, through them, we eagerly seek to associate ourselves with their noble deeds, we are quick to attack these self-same activists when they turn their attention to Israel and accuse it of a similar persecution and oppression. To them, despite the vastly different political issues involved, persecution remains persecution and should therefore be viewed in the same light.
This is where I, for one, differ, as the moral and historic issues involved in both cases are of a vastly different nature and should, in all fairness, be seen as such.
The time has come to accept that, in the South African context, the Dennis Goldberg’s of this world were undeniably brave. They did the right thing and should be unreservedly commended for it. It is largely through the actions and sacrifices of men and women of their metal that the rest of us now live in this country in freedom and peace. Those of us who failed in this capacity, for whatever reason, should undoubtedly recognise them for their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of human rights.
Also, we should drop our ongoing posture of self-defence and finally admit that those of us who stood back, were ultimately wrong, whatever the reasons. Anyone who stands up against tyranny deserves accreditation and appreciation.
But the fact that not all of us are equipped morally, physically or emotionally, to adopt the same role is an anomaly of human nature and should also be accepted as such. In truth, I believe that the negativity we sometimes accord these activists is motivated more by our personal embarrassment and feelings of inadequacy than anything else. During the Holocaust, the most ordinary people were both the saviours of Jews as well as their killers.
However, in the context of Israel I am unable to be as magnanimous. I believe that much of the criticism levelled against that country vis-à-vis human rights, is flippant, hypocritical and dishonest, based as it is on the premise that what applied to South Africa inevitably applies elsewhere. It is for this reason that I openly hail the role of Denis Goldberg, ‘Apartheid Fighter’, but question his readiness to align himself with those who seek to weaken and ultimately destroy the Jewish homeland. Let the two issues not be conflated.
Victor Gordon
Pretoria
Media Team Israel 