SAJBD accuses govt of ignoring plight of Jewish SAns held captive by Hamas
Speaking at a commemoration event in Houghton on Monday, the board expressed outrage, stating that despite the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, there has been no official action from the South African government to address the safety of its Jewish citizens trapped in the crisis.
Civic and religious organisations gather at the Great Park Synagogue in Houghton to mark one year since the Hamas attack on Israel. Picture: Mongezi Koko/ Eyewitness News.
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has accused the government of ignoring the plight of South African Jews being held captive by Hamas.
Speaking at a commemoration event in Houghton on Monday, the board expressed outrage, stating that despite the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, there had been no official action from the South African government to address the safety of its Jewish citizens trapped in the crisis.
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Wendy Kahn, the SAJBD's national director, criticised the government's lack of intervention, describing it as a sign of indifference toward the hostages' fate.
She called for immediate action and diplomatic pressure to secure their release.
"For a year, we have been praying for the release of those hostages. Israel has that responsibility, just as I would expect South Africa to protect me if I were kidnapped, ensuring my safe return."
The government has yet to respond to these concerns.