The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) notes the deeply misguided communication circulated last week by the ANC’s so-called Parliamentary Study Group on International Relations, regarding SAFI’s sponsored fact-finding trip to Israel earlier this month. The delegation included Members of Parliament (MPs) from several political parties.
The ANC clearly needs to be reminded that every MP is well within their constitutional rights to visit any country they choose. Navigating the complexities of global politics requires factual information, transparency, and accountability. The ANC’s attempt to impose a blanket prohibition on its members visiting Israel entrenches its reliance on third-party propaganda and prevents it from forming a balanced perspective.
It is noteworthy that many politicians who leave the ANC and gain first hand exposure often revise their stance on Israel.
“Just because the ANC may be at odds with the State of Israel and its citizens does not mean the rest of South Africa feels the same. Israel remains a site of biblical and holy significance, with many South Africans identifying with the Christian faith,” says Daniel Jackobi, Director at SAFI.
There is no evidence to support the poorly informed claim that Israel maintains policies of racial segregation and oppression. Arabs, who constitute 21% of the country’s population, enjoy voting rights and representation in the Knesset, and hold judicial and ministerial positions. Israel’s Basic Laws prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, or gender, enabling Arabs and Jews to live, work, and study together, sharing facilities such as hospitals, universities, and businesses.
In fact, during this recent trip, President Herzog informed the delegation that it was an Arab judge who sentenced a former Israeli prime minister to prison.
“Furthermore, there has been no oppression of Palestinians by Israel. The current conflict between Israel and Hamas would never have materialized had Hamas not launched terror attacks against Israel on October 7th and abducted hundreds of Israeli citizens in the wake of those bloody acts,” added Jackobi.
It is Hamas that has inflicted apartheid-style oppression upon Palestinians since 2006. Their heinous acts include the torture of prisoners, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of political dissent — a carbon copy of the National Party’s playbook.
Jackobi commented, “SAFI strongly encourages the ANC and its leaders to visit Israel and Palestine themselves. Such a visit could go a long way in promoting people-to-people relationships and fostering diverse perspectives. It would provide a unique opportunity for ANC leaders to engage with primary sources, enrich their understanding of the conflict, and encourage informed dialogue.”
Declining this invitation raises serious questions about the ANC’s commitment to factual information and nuanced understanding. As an authoritative voice on the Israel-Palestine conflict, it is crucial to engage with diverse perspectives and firsthand evidence. Sustainable peace requires reconciliation between Palestinian factions and recognition of Israel’s right to exist within secure borders.
Those who refuse to visit the region and engage with stakeholders from both sides—those who seek dialogue, cooperation, reconciliation, and coexistence—undermine their credibility on the issue. Without firsthand experience and genuine engagement, external commentary risks reinforcing bias and exacerbating tensions, rather than contributing to a peaceful resolution.
“SAFI remains proud of the trip that was undertaken and appreciates the opportunity to have facilitated a fruitful study tour for several senior South African politicians. We will not hesitate to do so again in the near future,” Jackobi concluded.
