Scores of Jewish South Africans congregated at the Houghton Great Park Forest in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Monday, to commemorate the first anniversary of the conflict that reignited between Israel and Palestine.
The deadly Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, have resulted in the loss of over 1 200 lives and the abduction of 250 individuals.
As part of the anniversary, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) honoured the day through a three-day exhibition held at the Great Park Forest in Houghton.
The exhibition consists of artworks, pictures, and remnants of burnt cars and homes that were destroyed more than a year ago.
It also includes yellow ribbons (as a symbol of solidarity with the hostages), stones (a Jewish tradition to place stones on gravestones) as well as candles for individuals to light.
One of the images was that of Ariel Kfir Bibas, an Argentinian-Israeli mother, who became a symbol of hope and vulnerability when she was captured on camera holding her two red-headed sons in a moment of fear. Today, this image, which portrayed the heart of a parent seeking safety for her children, is tinged with sorrow and despair as those same boys remain in captivity.
According to Gabriella Faber-Cohen of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) more than 101 Israeli citizens were still being held hostage by Hamas and to observe the day, people shared their messages of love and hope for the more than 20 000 Israeli victims of the war.
“This exhibition is led by various community organisations, as well as individuals of all faiths and backgrounds have come to show their support and Solidarity with the Jewish victims through displaying items and exhibitions that are meaningful or hold symbolism for them.”
Among those who came to show their support and solidarity was Patriotic Alliance leader, Kenny Kunene, who said the party has always been in support of a two-state solution to the ongoing war that has recently seen Iran enter into the conflict through the launch of missiles against Israel.
"We as the Patriotic Alliance (PA) have always called for a two-state solution to the ongoing war. We want peace and for peace to happen, Iran must stay away from Israel and allow for the two warring parties to find one another. But also, for that to happen, Hamas must release hostages that they have kept hostage for this long,“ Kunene said.
Faber-Cohen said the exhibition, which opened on Sunday, was for people to mourn and pay their respects to victims of the war and many of the victims who have died while others are still missing, a year after the massacre.
“Some of the victims are children and women who have been held hostage, raped and kidnapped. We condemn how the ANC has chosen to side with one side when there are two parties to the war.
“Instead of choosing one-side, the ANC and the South African government should have called for a peaceful settlement that involves both parties and not favour one side over the other,” Faber-Cohen said.
The Star
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za