Parents blast 'pro-Zionist' comedian

NO LAUGHING MATTER

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

POPULAR comedian Nik Rabinowitz was at the centre of controversy this week when parents at Rondebosch Boys' High School found his appearance at a school fundraising comedy show not so funny because of his perceived pro Zionist stance.

In spite of the objections, his show “Stroke of Genius” went ahead. The show was billed as a fundraising event. Some parents protested outside the school during the show.

According to parents, their concerns were downplayed as if only a handful were dissatisfied.

One parent said: “The school will always frame it as though it’s just a small issue affecting a small group. But that’s not the case the parents who met with the principal were only a representation of the wider community. You can’t fit 200 people into the office.”

Several parents emphasised that their objections were humanitarian rather than political.

“This Gaza issue is not political, it’s humanitarian. It’s genocide. That's why there’s a call for education sessions with the children, so they understand what is happening in the world,” one parent explained.

“We're not against the school raising funds, but they should be considerate in their choice. At a school where young boys are impressionable, you have to ask what message you’re sending. Why not invite someone like Riaad Moosa or Emo Adams?”

Some parents pointed to a video in which Rabinowitz encouraged people to “semigrate” to Cape Town, which was shared on the South African Zionist Federation's social media page, as well as his past performances in Israel.

“Zionism is not a religion it’s an ideology, and those supporters are causing femicide and genocide,” one parent argued.