SA TAKES BOLD STEP FOR PEACE AMID RISING JEWISH-MUSLIM TENSIONS

AMID escalating violence in Gaza, rising tensions in Iran, and a polarised world, South Africa has taken a bold stand in the global political arena by taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

The country's government has filed a case against Israel, challenging its military actions and treatment of Palestinians. This move has sparked a broader conversation about the Muslim-Jewish divide that has torn through the Middle East and reverberated globally.

As tensions rise between Jews and Muslims, a unique initiative has emerged in South Africa. A group led by Imran Makama of Friends of Israel (FOI) and Ibrahim Qasim of the International Democratic Society (IDS) are pushing for peace between Jewish and Muslim communities within the country, defying the prevailing animosity.

Makama, Qasim, and their ally Joel Ibris, a Jewish resident of Houghton, are working to combat the growing divisions threatening both local and international relations.

The trio has invited Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero to convene with them. “We have invited Mr Morero because he doesn't play for the gallery and what he says he will do, he does. We met with him during the time political parties proposed the renaming of Sandton Drive into Leila Khaled Drive, Morero was actually the one who brought wisdom to the matter that could’ve ended in tragedy.

“We hope to have the unity dialogue at the City of Johannesburg. Morero is seen as a unifier for both Jews and Muslims.

Despite the violence abroad, the trio remains hopeful that their example can bridge the gap between these historically divided communities.

“We must not let the events of the Middle East and the influence of America divide us or our nation,” said Makama.