Friends of Israel plan nationwide protests

The South African Friends of Israel Group hosted a press conference in Sandton to discuss upcoming marches they have planned around the country.

The first march is planned to take place in Pretoria, from Freedom Park to the Union Buildings. While the group was originally granted permission to gather at Freedom Park that has since been rescinded.

Benji Shulman, from Friends of Israel, said that they will be handing over a petition which has been signed 37 000 times, calling for the South African ambassador to be sent back to Israel and cease any efforts to downgrade the embassy.

Linda Gobodo from the Vuka Africa Foundation, which supports Friends of Israel said, “This march is to make our voices heard that we are against this idea of degrading the embassy or the recalling of the ambassador from Israel.” Gobodo concluded that their main intention is to raise their concerns and make a noise so that their voices can be heard.

The march will take place on 25 July and it is expected that 5 000 people from various organisations will take part.

The ambassador, Sisa Ngombane, was withdrawn from Israel following violent outbursts along the Gaza strip in May this year, which saw 41 Palestinians being killed.

Bafana Modise, also from Friends of Israel said, “We support peace, we support that both parties should come to the table, negotiate a peace deal and actually have a meaningful discussion about how we can have a peaceful, lasting resolution.”

Shulman added that they have plans to host a march in Cape Town and Durban, as well as other parts of the country.

Details: Friends of Israel 011 645 2512.

Share your thoughts on the march on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page

Related Articles:

https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/196717/curator-discusses-her-art-o-biography/

https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/204856/tweets-shashi-naidoo-visit-palestine-following-offensive-instagram-comments/