Living as a Jew in South Africa

As you may imagine, living as a Jew in South Africa since October 7 has become incredibly difficult.

It’s no secret that the South African government is one of Hamas’ closest allies. After all, they brought the International Court of Justice case against Israel.

There have been more pro-Palestinian protests and marches than I can remember. Every one of them brings with it a sense of unease and anxiety. The best case solution which isn’t that great is that they march and then go home. Instead, what is happening are antisemitic chants and sometimes even violence.

This has resulted in an increase of antisemitic incidents, including verbal abuse, Jewish buildings being defaced or vandalized, harassment, and even physical violence. If a person doesn’t feel safe walking down the street just because they’re Jewish, it’s scary especially if you have young kids with you.

How can we turn to the government for help and leadership when they’re the ones leading the charge? When push comes to shove, would the police even protect us? As we saw in Amsterdam, it could be a case of too little, too late.

We have rallied together and the shuls, schools and other organizations have done a great job in offering support and solidarity.

But still everyone has to do what they’re comfortable with and the reactions go across the spectrum. Some have become more religious adopting extra mitzvot such as lighting shabbat candles and trying to break shabbat less while others have become turned off from religion entirely.

Some don’t want to cower and will proudly reflect their Jewishness for all to see while others want to distance themselves from what is happening in Israel.

Some have made Aliyah to Israel or moved to another country and you can’t blame them.

For years we spoke about the generation of the Shoah wondering why they didn’t leave Europe when the writing was on the wall. There were plenty of warning signs and they didn’t go anywhere.

In 2024, we now clearly see the answer. Even though the signs may be there, sometimes you just can’t or you don’t want to. It’s easier to stay put – at least that’s what your mind tells you.

As 2025 approaches and we’re still at war and the hostages are still in Gaza who’s to say how long this will go on for? And who is to say if it will get worse before it gets better – if this is so, how much worse will it get.

In this regard, the South African community is no different to the Paris community, the Melbourne community, the Chicago community or the Buenos Aires community.

We’re all in the same boat and here’s hoping that we can get to a much better place.