In 1948, as Zionist militias displaced 750,000 Palestinians from their homes during the Nakba that created the Israeli state, South Africa's Nationalist Party formally instituted a program of apartheid. The two communities--Black South Africans and Palestinians--have a long history of solidarity informed by their shared experiences of settler colonialism and apartheid. The latest chapter unfolded today, as South Africa argued before the International Court of Justice that Israel is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians.
"We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians." -Nelson Mandela, 1997
“A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour. It must enjoy the protection of the constitution, so that it can protect our rights as citizens.”
Israel 'WORSE Than Apartheid': South African Jewish Former ANC Politician Andrew Feinstein
An excellent interview which exposes the intersectional struggle against racism of a Jewish South African right by Nelson Mandela's side, and his view in regard to the similarities with the Palestinian cause.
Here's how Owen Jones describes this interview:
It's rare that I end an interview on the brink of tears, but this was such a powerful interview with former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein. He tells me his family history of surviving the Holocaust - unlike so many of his relatives - and how this informed his struggle against Apartheid.
But he tells me why Israel's oppression of Palestinians is worse than Apartheid, why the anti-apartheid movement is an example to now follow, the silencing of pro-Palestinian voices, South Africa's case against Israel alleging genocide - and why history shows we have a responsibility to speak out.
" I was called a terrorist yesterday,but when I come out of jall, many people embraced me, including my enemies,and that is what I tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists"
On April 27, from Magellan's daring voyage to the digital dawn of email, and the end of apartheid in South Africa, today marks a convergence of past and progress.🌍📧🗳️