NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress together with the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) conducted a series of high-level meetings last week with senior government officials in Washington, D.C. to draw attention to the challenges that the country’s Jewish community has faced in the wake of the October 7th attacks.
The Jewish community in South Africa, approximately 55,000 members strong, has encountered a wave of antisemitism from government and civil society leaders that has intensified recent months.
While in Washington, Wendy Kahn, National Director of the SAJBD, engaged with key figures and bodies, among them the White House National Security Council, the State Department, including Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt, Representative Kathy Manning, the office of Senator Jacky Rosen, and the House of Representatives Africa Subcommittee. During these meetings, Kahn advocated for heightened protections for the Jewish community amid the current tensions.
The post-October 7th attacks and statements against the community were further compounded in January when the country’s government requested the International Court of Justice to issue charges of genocide against Israel for its defensive operation in Gaza. At that time, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said, “South Africa's misuse of the International Court of Justice for political gains against Israel is not only a victory for terrorists but also deals a significant blow to law-abiding nations exercising their inherent right to self-defense.”
“The World Jewish Congress reaffirms our solidarity with the South African Jewish community. Now, more than ever, it is imperative to guarantee their sense of security and belonging in South Africa,” he added.
