STOP THE FLOW OF SA JEWISH CITIZENS TO THE IDF’-SAJFP

Massive public outrage has followed the broadcast of a groundbreaking Al Jazeera investigation into the actions of IDF soldiers deployed in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian Territories. The film documented the disturbing trend of Israeli soldiers filming themselves committing war crimes, which they then posted on social media.

A 22-year-old Sandton man, Aaron Bayhack, was identified as part of an elite Israeli sniper unit that executed civilians in Khan Younis and Gaza City. In this interview, we examine the phenomenon of South African Jews taking part in Israel’s ongoing genocide.

South African Jews for a Free Palestine Demand Action

Speaking to INX Prime, Allan Horwitz from South African Jews for a Free Palestine said that while the trend of South African Jews serving in the IDF is concerning, it is not entirely a new phenomenon.

"However, the actions of Bayhack must be viewed in a very serious light because as a sniper, his job was literally to commit mass murder, and at the very least, he must be detained for questioning upon his return to South Africa."

‘There is No Fire in the Belly of the SA Government’

Horwitz pointed out that while there may be plenty of political will within the SA government to tackle another apartheid state—as seen by its ICJ genocide case against Israel—it does not match any of the actions it has taken.

"For many years, the solidarity movement has been seeking high-level meetings to lobby for tougher action against transgressors of SA’s foreign military assistance laws. We must question the lack of strong and effective action."

Horwitz suggested that together with recalling SA’s ambassador from Tel Aviv, DIRCO should also eject Israel’s ambassador and investigate how the influential Zionist movement in South Africa is subverting our laws.

SA Jews Volunteer for IDF Conscription

Horwitz said Israel does not directly conscript these young South African men and women to enlist in the IDF, but that they volunteer to join the army by their own volition, happy to join an apparatus of genocide.

He explained that because of the powerful Zionist influence and the money poured into South African Jewish day schools, youth movements, and orthodox synagogues, propaganda is able to spread that defies the South African Bill of Rights.

Aaron Bayhack, King David’s School Alumnus

Responding to a question about what kind of person Aaron Bayhack would be, Horwitz pointed out that as a product of the Jewish High School of King David’s in Linksfield, Bayhack would have received a blinkered and unconditional Zionist education.

"In other words, Israel becomes of prime importance to that young person’s life. South Africa becomes secondary so that truly, your life’s energy would serve the ideals of the Zionist state of Israel."

Horwitz pointed out that while the majority of South African Jews emigrate to the USA, Australia, and Europe, it is only a fanatical fringe that would take the drastic step to take part in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

What More Can South Africa Do?

Horwitz said that South Africa must isolate Israel in the same way the apartheid government was isolated by cutting all economic and cultural links with Israel.

He added that South Africa must leverage its moral position on Palestine to urge the rest of Africa, the A.U., and the global south to join the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.