PRESS STATEMENT: South Africans Mourn One Year of Israeli Genocide Against Palestinians

7 October 2024

This past weekend, thousands of South Africans came together in solidarity with the people of Palestine, marking one year since the onset of Israel’s current genocide, which began on the 7th of October 2023.

Protests, rallies, and demonstrations were held across the country. These included, mass protests, walks, pickets and a prayer service arranged by the ANC. One of the weekend’s highlights was the moving interfaith prayer service in Soweto attended by 3,000 people at the histroic Regina Mundi Church yesterday afternoon. The event featured religious leaders from different faiths, prominent leaders and community representatives. The speakers included South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, ANC Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane, NEC leader Obed Bapela, the Mayor of Johannesburg and REC Chair Dada Morero, representatives from SACP, SANCO, SA Friends of Palestine, Africa4Palestine, SA Jews for Peace, Church leaders and others.

More events and activities are scheduled for the coming week as part of the “International Week of Action: Resisting Genocide (7-13 October).” This week of action is being co-hosted with global partners as South Africa and the world unite in condemning Israel’s continued atrocities ***

The past year has seen unimaginable violence, suffering, and a brazen disregard for human life, committed by the Israeli regime with the backing of the USA. Israel’s ongoing assault has left behind a legacy of destruction, reminiscent of the darkest moments in history. The Palestinian people have endured occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing for decades, but the last year has been marked by an unprecedented level of violence and cruelty. Israel’s military apparatus has systematically targeted civilians, resulting in a staggering number of casualties.

The statistics are horrifying. Over the past year, more than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 16,000 children and 450 babies. Over 900 entire families have been wiped out in indiscriminate bombings. Every Palestinian hospital in Gaza has been deliberately targeted and bombed, and more than 500 aid workers have been killed. Israel has also murdered more than 110 journalists effectively suppressing the truth.

As South Africans, we are acutely aware of the parallels between the Palestinian struggle and our own historical fight against apartheid. We recognize their plight, and we refuse to remain idle in the face of such grave injustice. We support their resistance.

Despite these grim realities, there is hope. The global solidarity movement with Palestine has grown stronger, louder, and more unified over the past year. Communities across our country, from Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and elsewhere, are standing up and declaring “no more.” We are building bridges of solidarity with activists and communities, across races and religions, united in our commitment to justice, equality, and human rights.

Our South African government, reflecting the will of the people, has taken bold steps by holding Israel accountable at the highest court on earth — the International Court of Justice (ICJ). We urge all countries to sever ties with Israel until it abides by international law and respects human rights.

We reaffirm our unwavering belief in the power of love and solidarity. The Palestinian people’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity inspires us all. We believe in the inherent dignity of all people and hold fast to the vision of a free Palestine. Just as South Africa overcame apartheid, so too will Palestine. Our struggle is not just for the people of Palestine, but for the future of humanity — a future where justice, equality, and peace prevail. A brighter future awaits the unborn Palestinian child — a future where Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all others can live together. To build that future, Israel’s apartheid regime and policies must end – starting with an immediate halt of its current genocide.

*** Endorsing organizations of the “International Week of Action: Resisting Genocide (7-13 Ocotber)” include: Canada BDS Coalition, À bas le féminisme colonial, Al Jama-ah, Americans Committed to Justice and Truth, Asociación Comunidad Palestina En Canarias, BDS Vancouver Coast Salish Territories, Cape Town Initifada, Catholics for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land (CJPHL), Climate Justice UBC (CJUBC), Canada BDS Coalition, Early Childhood Development Intercultural Partnerships, Eastern Cape Palestine Solidarity, Free Gaza movement, Freedom from War Coalition, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), Global Peace Alliance BC Society, Good Shepherd Collective, Greater Toronto for BDS, Independent Jewish Voices Vancouver, India Palestine Solidarity Forum, International Jewish Antizionist Network, Jewish Network for Palestine, Just Peace Advocates/Mouvement Pour Une Paix Juste, Kenya Palestine Solidarity Movement, KZN Palestine Solidarity Forum, Lebanese Communist party, Mamas 4 Palestine, Media Review Network, Mississauga-Streetsville 4 Palestine (MS4P), Montreal for a World BEYOND War, NALEDI, Naturopathic Doctors for Environmental and Social Trust, Niagara Movement for Justice in Palestine-Israel (NMJPI), NYC Jericho Amnesty Movement, Oakville-Halton 4 Palestine, Ontario Palestinian Rights Association (OPRA), Palestine House, Palestine Impact Collective, Palestine Solidarity Alliance, Palestine Solidarity Association UWC, Palestine Solidarity Campaign – South Africa, Palestine Solidarity Committee of Saint John, Palestine Solidarity Grey Bruce, Palestine Solidarity Regina, Palestinian and Jewish Unity (PAJU), Palestinian Solidarity Organisation at Mandela University, Pax Christi Toronto, PEI4Palestine, Red Card Israel, Salaamedia – Humanitarian Journalists, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, SELondon Friends of Palestine, South Africa Palestine Movement, South End Museum, Sports Stepping Stones, UWindsor Palestinian Solidarity Group, WILPF (Womens International League for Peace and Freedom), Women Relief Aid, Young Christian Students Movement South Africa, Youth For Al-Quds (SA)

ISSUED BY ALIE KOMAPE ON BEHALF OF AFRICA4PALESTINE

Africa4Palestine Communications and Campaigns Manager, Alie Komape: +27 (0) 76 979 8801
Africa4Palestine Board Member, Muhammed Desai: +27 (0) 84 211 9988

Africa4Palestine is a registered Non-Profit Company. Registration Number: 2020/549404/08