05 April 2023
South Africans from various walks of life and political formations will be gathering on Friday the 14th of April at 14h30 in Johannesburg in protest against the most recent Israeli attacks on Palestinian worshippers that took place yesterday in Jerusalem. The horrific Israeli provoked attacks at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound led to Israeli forces arresting and unlawfully detaining over 400 worshippers and several others. Israel’s actions remind us of Apartheid South Africa during the 1980s.
Each year Apartheid Israel routinely attacks Palestinian worshippers – both Muslim and Christian Palestinians Specifically during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and over the Christian Easter weekend period. In 2021, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Israeli assault on the Al Aqsa Mosque led to a full confrontation resulting in Israel killing of over 250 Palestinians in Gaza (including more than 60 children).
Israel has placed several bans on Palestinian Muslims from being able to freely pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In addition, the Israeli regime has announced that this year it will also only allow a very limited number (1500) of Palestinian Christians from attending Easter ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. These limitations by the Apartheid State of Israel on the ability of Palestinian Muslims and Christians to worship is a violation of both international law as well as basic human rights.
Peace loving South Africans are fed up with Apartheid Israel. But we are still shocked at the depravity and inhumane actions that the Israeli regime resorts to – like the violation of sacred holy spaces. With our real experience of suffering under and overcoming Apartheid, we unequivocally can say that Israel is indeed worse than Apartheid South Africa.
The South African protest for Palestine will be led by Africa4Palestine together with our civil society partners, trade unions allies as well several political parties (full list of endorsing and participating organisations to be released in due course). Members of the public as well as members of the media are invited to attend.
Finally, the protestors and activists who will be gathering on Friday 14 April 2023 will also submit a memorandum to the City of Johannesburg to contribute and conclude the public participation needed for the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.
South African Protest 4 Palestine
Friday the 14th of April 2023 at 14h30
Joburg City Council (163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg)
ISSUED BY TISESTSO MAGAMA ON BEHALF OF AFRICA4PALESTINE
For comment:
Africa4Palestine Director, Muhammed Desai: +27 (0) 84 211 9988
Africa4Palestine Spokesperson, Tisetso Magama: +27 (0) 68 203 1618
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