South African Christians Stand Up for Israel

October 10, 2012

March initiator Rev. Kenneth Meshoe was joined by Inkatha Freedom Party President Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Inkosi Phakama Shembe, spiritual leader of the Shembe Church. As a result of their participation, both men were the targets of malicious letters. There were also reports of political pressure being applied to persuade certain groups to withdraw from the march.

Christian support for Israel is founded on belief in the Bible, the modern return of the Jewish people to Israel as foretold by biblical prophets, and an affirmation of the steadfastness of the covenant with Abraham. Approximately 70% of South Africans have a connection to the Bible and recognize that the God of Israel, the Land, and authority of Scripture are important pillars that support their faith.

Organizers stressed that the move to label products from Judea and Samaria (West Bank) cannot be viewed in isolation. It has to be seen against the broader backdrop of initiatives to at least weaken Israel through the Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement or to eliminate Israel as espoused by Iranian President Ahmadinejad. Selectively seeking to enforce a change in labeling on these products in the absence of moves to label products from other disputed territories is viewed by the Christian community as an unfair and risky assault on Israel.

Another issue addressed was the accusation that Israel is an apartheid state.  According to the rally’s information sheet: “South Africa, because it emerged from under the yoke of Apartheid, has become one of the main battlegrounds in the quest to label Israel a pariah state. Despite full rights granted to all its citizens, Israel’s strong Jewish character as a nation has been exploited by Israel’s enemies who seek to label it as an ‘Apartheid state.’”

Although essentially a Christian event, many Jewish people were there to share the moment. The meeting in Cape Town had a particularly poignant conclusion as the group was led in singing Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikva.”

Source: By Chris Eden, National Director of Bridges for Peace in South Africa

Photo Credit: Dudley Stander