FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 July 2025
Statement on the Protest Outside the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre and the Situation in Gaza.

As the representative body of the Jewish community in the Western Cape, the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) categorically rejects the false and inflammatory accusation of genocide being levelled against the State of Israel. These claims are both legally and morally unfounded. To date, the International Court of Justice – the highest judicial authority globally, has made no ruling declaring that genocide is taking place.

The tragedy unfolding in Gaza is the result of a war, one that began on October 7th, 2023, with an unprovoked and barbaric attack by Hamas. Like any sovereign nation, Israel has the right and obligation to defend its people against terror.

We do, however, recognize the profound humanitarian suffering in Gaza. No civilian, Israeli or Palestinian, should endure the horrors of war, or be deprived of food, water, or shelter. We do not turn away from human suffering, and we mourn every innocent life lost.

However, exploiting this suffering to promote hatred or misinformation – as seen in the recent protest outside the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre, is both irresponsible and dangerous. If demonstrators truly seek peace, they should call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, an end to Hamas’s terror, and meaningful efforts toward coexistence. Violent slogans and protests will not end the war – dialogue and responsible action might.

We appeal to all parties to work toward an end to this conflict, an end to the suffering on both sides and to pursue a future of peace, security, and dignity for all.

Statement made by:
Daniel Bloch
Executive Director, Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies
For media enquiries contact Sajbd2@ctjc.co.za