Recent speech delivered by the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa

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The following is a wide ranging speech delivered by the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa, Dov Steinberg on Saturday night 28th August at the Great Park Synagogue in Johannesburg for the opening of the Gauteng Board of Deputies Annual Meeting. Guest of honor was the Chairperson for the ANC and Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Mr. Paul Mashatile.  Text of address as follows :

Deputy Minister of Arts & Culture & Chairperson of the ANC – Mr. Paul Mashatile

Chief Rabbi – Warren Goldstein

Rabbi David & Sharon Rosen

National Chairman; South African Jewish Board of Deputies – Zev Krengel,

Gauteng Chairman; South African Jewish Board of Deputies – Doron Joffe 

Ladies and Gentleman,

It gives me great pleasure to be here tonight and bring a message on behalf of the Embassy of Israel.

I want to use this opportunity to focus on developments over the past year, and reflect on the relationship between South Africa and Israel. 

I wish I could claim that these have all been positive, but unfortunately, we experienced developments which are cause of grave concern.

Disappointingly, the last few months have seen a disturbing and growing tendency by South Africa, aligning itself with those critical of Israel. 

Over the years,  both countries have applied a policy of "pragmatic engagement" which has allowed the development and normalization of relations on several levels. 

These include economic and cultural programs as well as the exchange of expertise, to the benefit of all. 

Yet,  during my tenure here for the last two years, it was my hope that we would witness an improvement in relations between our two countries. 

However,  despite a visit to the Middle East, including Israel, by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Ibrahim, this hope has not been fulfilled. 

Following the so-called "Flotilla incident", in June, where once again Israel was blamed for the unfortunate loss of life, South Africa repeated its negative judgment towards Israel and I was summonsed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, this time - Sue van der Merwe, whom expressed the government's condemnation and presented me with a demarche, which in diplomatic terms, represents the highest degree of disapproval. 

This was followed by the recall of the South African Ambassador to Israel, back to Pretoria, by which, again, other then the severing of diplomatic ties, is intended to send the strongest possible message of condemnation.  

It is of note that no other country other than Turkey resorted to this unprecedented step. 

If this was not enough - the return of the South African Ambassador to Israel 7 weeks later, was followed by a government statement which thanked all those South African citizens that voiced their positions and opinions on the negative impact of Israel's policy.

The wording indicated not only an overwhelming prejudice against the Israeli position,  but showed that judgment had already been determined regarding her guilt.  

Of course, this open display of bias is deeply disappointing and does little to advance the cause of peace, nor South Africa's potential contribution towards it. 

It flies in the face of the positive developments over the past years and the promise of a bright and mutually beneficial future.

Despite all this, Israel has made continual effort in establishing positive relations with the new South African government. 

This has come with the acceptance that there is far more to gain from co-operation than antagonism. 

In this regard, Israel wishes to look forward, not backwards. 

While working in close co-operation with NGO's, local government and municipalities, Israel, has introduced irrigation technology, agriculture techniques, skills development, IT, and other forms of technological expertise which have had a major impact in uplifting under-developed communities in South Africa. 

Unfortunately, this important work, despite our efforts, is largely ignored by the media and receives scant acknowledgement from the government.

Through the Israel/South Africa Cultural Fund - "tararam" - Israeli culture in the form of theatre, dance and music is regularly exposed to South African audiences,  which have generally reacted with appreciation and acclaim. 

Israel will continue to make every effort to strengthening her ties with this country, doing whatever she can to contribute positively to the development of the South Africa. 

Those of us who are gathered here are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead and I have no doubt that all of us will rise in response. 

The support of the South African Jewish community is steadfast and vital to the continuity of the State of Israel and has never been lacking throughout its history. 

I, as Ambassador,  take great comfort in the knowledge that the unique bonds between the Jewish community of South Africa and Israel are as strong and unwavering as they are.

On behalf of the government of Israel I commend you, Mr. Chairman, on the outstanding role you and your committee have played during the past and I wish you and the incoming committee well in your deliberations during the coming term.  

I would also like to take this opportunity in wishing you all a Shana Tova, U' Metukah!

Thank you and God Bless you all.