PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release to all Press

You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feeling of the stranger having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt. When strangers reside with you in your land, you shall not wrong them. You shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Exodus 23:9

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies wishes to register its deep dismay concerning recent episodes of xenophobia, violence and abuse against those individuals and communities who have sought to find refuge and deliverance in South Africa from lands where they too were being oppressed.

While the outbreak of violence in Alexandra is shocking, on our own doorstep refugees are struggling against the threat of eviction, inclement weather and face daily incidents of aggression and violence based purely on their status as ’foreigners’.

In an effort to alleviate their suffering, the SA Jewish Board of Deputies has mobilised its community to collect clothing, blankets, non-perishable foodstuffs and other necessities to help those in need.

We call on all citizens of Cape Town, and their respective communities, to also take this opportunity to stand against the human rights violations of refugees in our city. We encourage all communities to likewise rally material goods and vocalise their support to stem the tide of the humanitarian crisis unfolding on our doorstep.

As a people who have been the target of hate crimes, genocide and prejudice for centuries, the Jewish community appeals to all citizens of South Africa to treat the strangers in our land in the great spirit of ‘ubuntu’.

Owen Futeran

Chairman: SA Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape Council)

For more information or queries please contact Alana Pugh-Jones at 021 46 46 746 or alana@ctjc.co.za

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Alana Pugh-Jones

Diplomatic & Media Liaison