47 Comments

‘As a former anti-apartheid activist, the founder of the Jewish anti-apartheid movement, executive director of the Independent Electoral Commission ….’

I’m afraid this means that you helped cause the current problem. It’s the same in the US and Britain where liberal Jews seem bewildered that the antisemitism they helped create through their support for unrestricted and often illegal immigration are coming back to haunt them.

Expand full comment

You failed to answer the fundamental question. In my opinion there is no future for the Jewish community as long as the ANC remains in power. Don’t repeat the stupidity of the German Jews who thought Hitler rhetoric would never turn into reality. Emigration is challenging but it is worth the anxiety and turmoil in the long term. Always try to move to a country with family support. The longer you leave the decision the harder it will become when ultimately you have to exit as refugees.

Expand full comment

LEAVE WHILE YOU CAN

ALL THE JEWS LEFT ARABIC COUNTRY WITH NOTHING

AND THEY ARE VERY WELL TODAY WHERE EVER THEY ARE

THANK GOD WE HAVE ISRAEL

AND GOD PROTECT OUR ARMY THAT FIGHT FOR US

Expand full comment

I am so sorry to hear that life has gotten so dangerous there. Praying everyone who needs to leave gets the help they need to relocate. Stay safe.

Expand full comment

Such an excellent piece. My heart goes out to yourself and all Jews in South Africa. How dreadful to be faced with the decision to leave your homeland.

Expand full comment

Is this even a question?

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

Mandela was made into saint who started out as a terrorist. South Africa needed a leader but during time Mandela was sitting in jail his entourage has completely evolved into what finally transpired now. The West didn’t want to see it, too much effort was placed into that fight and Mandela became just a very convenient symbol. A figure head, behind which a lot of unsavory stuff was brewing. Maybe this is too simplistic of an explanation but in broad strokes...

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

Thanks for sharing, such a well written and heartfelt piece.

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

In the end of 90s I was living in Andalusia, which is in the South of Spain. There I was introduced to a whole community of So. Africans, mostly Jews, who left their country because they knew that with the fall of Apartheid, Jews would not be safe. I guess they had their reasons to predict that.

Expand full comment

Those of us who supported Nelson Mandela and the end of real apartheid are shaking our heads in disbelief at how damaging the current South African regime has become as bad as what it replaced.

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

Bravely and directly said, Howard. We need to stand up and call out this government who have become traitors to the values they fought for. South Africa will one day rue its support for radical Islam when it becomes strangled by it.

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

Sadly, yes. This is why we must have Israel a strong and vibrant Israel. You will be among your brethren, and your children will have a future.

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

I feel that if there was violence against local Jews the government would do nothing to prevent it.

Expand full comment

Frightening. From what Mr. Sackstein writes, I think it's obvious that it's time for Jews to leave South Africa. What are they waiting for? An Oct 7 copy-cat attack there (G-d forbid)?

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

I am even further saddened to hear more details about the ostracism and diminishment of South African Jewry. Who wrote this article?

Expand full comment
Jan 21Liked by Joshua Hoffman

I’m so sad I’m sure you once felt welcome but this is really tenuous. The leaders are despicable. I don’t see a good future.

Expand full comment