On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, the leadership of the South African Jewish community will take to the streets in major cities across South Africa to mark the third anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

In seven public spaces across the country, community members will confront denialism by placing seven documented, undeniable facts directly on the public record.

These public actions mark the slaughter of approximately 1 200 people, mostly civilians, and also focus on the 251 hostages abducted into Gaza, of whom only 168 have returned alive. Across border towns and at the Nova music festival, families were executed in their homes and shelters, and widespread sexual violence was used as a weapon of war.

This nationwide action is also a direct answer to the intimidation experienced here at home. Over the past three years, South African Jews have faced organised boycotts, harassment of businesses, and aggressive attempts to silence anyone who speaks out. The Jewish community is stepping into the public square to make it clear that our community will neither hide nor be intimidated.

The Jewish community mourns the tragic loss of all innocent human life on that day and in the subsequent war between Israel and Hamas. We welcome the ceasefire that continues to hold, but peace cannot be built on revisionism. Three years on, we will not allow 7 October to be erased, excused, or rewritten.

For more information please contact sajbd2@ctjc.co.za

Statement issued by:

Daniel Bloch, Executive Director, Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies