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Is Zackie Achmat an antisemite in "anti-racist" NGO's?
Saturday, February 06, 2010
[ Reads:779 / Comments:11 / 1334 ]
[ Reads:779 / Comments:11 / 1334 ]
On December 8th 2009, I was sitting quietly behind bars when something very strange happened. Out of the blue, I received an email from Zackie Achmat. I had never corresponded with him before, so it was quite a shock when Zackie popped up on my computer's screen. And this is what he had to tell me:
"I (Zackie Achmat) am part of a broader secular struggle for Palestinian people and the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel."
Well, between you and me, I was taken aback. Dumbfounded. Perplexed. There I was, digesting a banana, and Zackie Achmat informs me that he is struggling "for the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel". Apparently, not just some of the Jews in Israel lacked humanity. It was the whole damn lot of them! Now that was a turn up for the "non-racist" books.
So, I sat back and took a deep breath. Was it really possible that the much acclaimed "human rights" activist, Mr Zackie Achmat, was an anti-semite? To put my mind at rest, I decided to email him with the following:
"You write that you are campaigning for "the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel."
Are you seriously implying that "the Jewish people of Israel" now have no humanity? If so, then one might conclude that you are anti-semitic, as well as anti-zionist."
Unfortunately, Zackie decide not to respond. It was a perfectly legitimate question but it received no reply other than a request that I remove him from my mailing list.
Moreover, at a meeting organized by "Open Shuhada Street", Zackie Achmat stood up and told the audience that in Israel, 95% of the Jews are racists. Clearly, Achmat's claim that he was struggling for "the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel", was not a one-off.
As a result, I publicly pose the following questions to Mr Achmat":
"Are you an anti-semite? And are you using your various "non-racist" NGO's as vehicles to promote racism?"
"I (Zackie Achmat) am part of a broader secular struggle for Palestinian people and the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel."
Well, between you and me, I was taken aback. Dumbfounded. Perplexed. There I was, digesting a banana, and Zackie Achmat informs me that he is struggling "for the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel". Apparently, not just some of the Jews in Israel lacked humanity. It was the whole damn lot of them! Now that was a turn up for the "non-racist" books.
So, I sat back and took a deep breath. Was it really possible that the much acclaimed "human rights" activist, Mr Zackie Achmat, was an anti-semite? To put my mind at rest, I decided to email him with the following:
"You write that you are campaigning for "the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel."
Are you seriously implying that "the Jewish people of Israel" now have no humanity? If so, then one might conclude that you are anti-semitic, as well as anti-zionist."
Unfortunately, Zackie decide not to respond. It was a perfectly legitimate question but it received no reply other than a request that I remove him from my mailing list.
Moreover, at a meeting organized by "Open Shuhada Street", Zackie Achmat stood up and told the audience that in Israel, 95% of the Jews are racists. Clearly, Achmat's claim that he was struggling for "the restoration of the humanity of the Jewish people of Israel", was not a one-off.
As a result, I publicly pose the following questions to Mr Achmat":
"Are you an anti-semite? And are you using your various "non-racist" NGO's as vehicles to promote racism?"
5876 Bernie Madoff
[ Monday, February 08, 2010 | 6:47:03 PM ]
Dear Doron Isaacs and Nathan Geffen,
I note from reading Zackie Achmat's website that he is promoting PSC initiatives. Of course that is not particularly surprising.
However, since you both have extremely close political links to Zackie Achamt, especially in relation to Israel, please let us all know whether you are also both actively involved in promoting PSC causes. Or perhaps you are just working behind the scenes, in the belief that an open expression of support might damage your chances of indoctrinating young people at Habonim?
I refer you to Zackie's "Centre for law and social justice" website:
"The PSC publicly condemns the Western Province Zionist Council and South African Zionist Federation, for employing strategies which seek to undermine post-Apartheid South Africa’s moral and political victory against racism, in importing and defending the policies of Apartheid Israel which violently seeks a racist, “Jew only” state.
The PSC therefore calls upon the Western Province Zionist Council to publicly apologise to the South African public, indeed, to the West Eastern Divan Orchestra itself for it’s cooption, lies and deceit.
For further information, contact the Palestine Solidarity Committee: Melissa 073 906 0017"
I believe that it is time that you both came clean with the South African Jewish community. Please tell us exactly what you are up to.
I note from reading Zackie Achmat's website that he is promoting PSC initiatives. Of course that is not particularly surprising.
However, since you both have extremely close political links to Zackie Achamt, especially in relation to Israel, please let us all know whether you are also both actively involved in promoting PSC causes. Or perhaps you are just working behind the scenes, in the belief that an open expression of support might damage your chances of indoctrinating young people at Habonim?
I refer you to Zackie's "Centre for law and social justice" website:
"The PSC publicly condemns the Western Province Zionist Council and South African Zionist Federation, for employing strategies which seek to undermine post-Apartheid South Africa’s moral and political victory against racism, in importing and defending the policies of Apartheid Israel which violently seeks a racist, “Jew only” state.
The PSC therefore calls upon the Western Province Zionist Council to publicly apologise to the South African public, indeed, to the West Eastern Divan Orchestra itself for it’s cooption, lies and deceit.
For further information, contact the Palestine Solidarity Committee: Melissa 073 906 0017"
I believe that it is time that you both came clean with the South African Jewish community. Please tell us exactly what you are up to.
5872 Bernie Madoff
[ Monday, February 08, 2010 | 1:49:29 PM ]
Mission
Equal Education (EE) movement of learners, parents, teachers and community members working for quality and equality in South African education, through analysis and activism.
Zackie Achmat
Zackie Achmat became an activist in 1976, and thereafter became a leading figure in the youth activism that developed in the Cape. As an anti-apartheid activist and ANC member he was repeatedly imprisoned and spent time underground and in exile. He later formed the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality which successfully campaigned for non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. He spent time working at the AIDS Law Project, and in 1998 formed the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) which campaigned prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and for the rights of HIV-positive people. This won Zackie numerous awards, including a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Recently he founded the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) which works against social inequality and violence.
Nathan Geffen
Nathan Geffen joined the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in 2000 and has since served as its National Manager and Director of Policy, Communications & Research. He is presently Treasurer of TAC. In his position as Director of Policy, Communications & Research, Nathan oversaw the development of TAC publications, the development of its advocacy around medicines, and the development of materials for mass public education on HIV. His activist interests have included Zimbabwe, Palestine/Israel and the rights of foreigners. His book on the history of AIDS denialism will be published soon.
Doron Isaacs
Doron Isaacs is the co-ordinator of Equal Education.
Equal Education (EE) movement of learners, parents, teachers and community members working for quality and equality in South African education, through analysis and activism.
Zackie Achmat
Zackie Achmat became an activist in 1976, and thereafter became a leading figure in the youth activism that developed in the Cape. As an anti-apartheid activist and ANC member he was repeatedly imprisoned and spent time underground and in exile. He later formed the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality which successfully campaigned for non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. He spent time working at the AIDS Law Project, and in 1998 formed the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) which campaigned prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and for the rights of HIV-positive people. This won Zackie numerous awards, including a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Recently he founded the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) which works against social inequality and violence.
Nathan Geffen
Nathan Geffen joined the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in 2000 and has since served as its National Manager and Director of Policy, Communications & Research. He is presently Treasurer of TAC. In his position as Director of Policy, Communications & Research, Nathan oversaw the development of TAC publications, the development of its advocacy around medicines, and the development of materials for mass public education on HIV. His activist interests have included Zimbabwe, Palestine/Israel and the rights of foreigners. His book on the history of AIDS denialism will be published soon.
Doron Isaacs
Doron Isaacs is the co-ordinator of Equal Education.
5838 Bernie Madoff
[ Sunday, February 07, 2010 | 9:11:42 AM ]
Lyndall,
One of the leading Jews in "the struggle" (Jihad?) was none other than Ronnie Kasrils. He has since devoted his time for leading the SA "struggle" against Israel.
The irony is that if the Muslims kept shtumm, South African Jewry would destroy Israel off its own back. They do not understand how the community works here.
One of the leading Jews in "the struggle" (Jihad?) was none other than Ronnie Kasrils. He has since devoted his time for leading the SA "struggle" against Israel.
The irony is that if the Muslims kept shtumm, South African Jewry would destroy Israel off its own back. They do not understand how the community works here.
5837 Lyndall Beddy
[ Sunday, February 07, 2010 | 2:58:32 AM ]
The ANC in exile spent a lot of its time in North Africa, where the culture is that of the original coloniser, Arabic, and the religion Islam.
They probably got funding from Libya - otherwise why was Zinzi's son, Mandela's grandchild, named Gadaffi?
The ANC was heavily infiltrated by American Black Power and the PLO - both of whom are pro-Islamic extremism.
So it became payback time when they returned to SA.
Tough luck on all the Jews who fought in the mythical "struggle" which was a lot of men sitting in camps torturing and executing each other as apartheid spies.
They probably got funding from Libya - otherwise why was Zinzi's son, Mandela's grandchild, named Gadaffi?
The ANC was heavily infiltrated by American Black Power and the PLO - both of whom are pro-Islamic extremism.
So it became payback time when they returned to SA.
Tough luck on all the Jews who fought in the mythical "struggle" which was a lot of men sitting in camps torturing and executing each other as apartheid spies.
5836 Lyndall Beddy
[ Sunday, February 07, 2010 | 2:57:47 AM ]
The ANC in exile spent a lot of its time in North Africa, where the culture is that of the original coloniser, Arabic, and the religion Islam.
They probably got funding from Libya - otherwise why was Zinzi's son, Mandela's grandchild, named Gadaffi?
The ANC was heavily infiltrated by American Black Power and the PLO - both of whom are pro-Islamic extremism.
So it became payback time when they returned to SA.
Tough luck on all the Jews who fought in the mythical "struggle" which was a lot of men sitting in camps torturing and executing each other as apartheid spies.
They probably got funding from Libya - otherwise why was Zinzi's son, Mandela's grandchild, named Gadaffi?
The ANC was heavily infiltrated by American Black Power and the PLO - both of whom are pro-Islamic extremism.
So it became payback time when they returned to SA.
Tough luck on all the Jews who fought in the mythical "struggle" which was a lot of men sitting in camps torturing and executing each other as apartheid spies.
5833 Bernie Madoff
[ Sunday, February 07, 2010 | 1:31:31 AM ]
August 2002
SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES:
National Chairman of the Board, Russell Gaddin, together with National Vice-Chairman, Michael Bagraim, Cape Vice-Chairman Vivienne Anstey, National Director Yehuda Kay and Cape Director Suzanne Belling, met with Treatment Action Campaign leaders to express support for the TAC efforts to obtain the required medication for people infected with HIV/Aids and to explore a possible role for the Jewish community in these efforts. The four TAC officials were the Chairman, Zackie Achmat, National Manager Nathan Geffen, National treatment literacy co-ordinator Sipho Mthathi and Jack Lewis.
SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES:
National Chairman of the Board, Russell Gaddin, together with National Vice-Chairman, Michael Bagraim, Cape Vice-Chairman Vivienne Anstey, National Director Yehuda Kay and Cape Director Suzanne Belling, met with Treatment Action Campaign leaders to express support for the TAC efforts to obtain the required medication for people infected with HIV/Aids and to explore a possible role for the Jewish community in these efforts. The four TAC officials were the Chairman, Zackie Achmat, National Manager Nathan Geffen, National treatment literacy co-ordinator Sipho Mthathi and Jack Lewis.
5832 Bernie Madoff
[ Sunday, February 07, 2010 | 1:16:41 AM ]
August 2002.
CAPE TOWN - South Africa's Jewish Board of Deputies has joined the fight against HIV/AIDS, which affects an estimated 20 percent of the country's 45 million population.
"It's a fight that needs to be won," national chairman Russell Gaddin said Aug. 14, when a senior delegation from the board met with the Treatment Action Campaign in Cape Town. The campaign is led by Muslim AIDS activist and former anti-apartheid campaigner Zackie Achmat and national TAC manager Nathan Geffen, who is Jewish.
"For Jews, life is the most precious thing. One can break virtually every religious law to save lives," Gaddin said. Treatment and medication "should be a given. We should not need to plead for the cause.''
Vivienne Anstey, a regional leader of the board, said the Jewish community could look into assisting on three levels: motivating financial support, utilizing business connections within the Jewish community and helping to mobilize skills and resources within the community.
The visit from the board was inspired by Achmat, who is HIV-positive and has refused to take his prescribed medication until the South African government reverses its stance on withholding the drugs from patients in public hospitals.
CAPE TOWN - South Africa's Jewish Board of Deputies has joined the fight against HIV/AIDS, which affects an estimated 20 percent of the country's 45 million population.
"It's a fight that needs to be won," national chairman Russell Gaddin said Aug. 14, when a senior delegation from the board met with the Treatment Action Campaign in Cape Town. The campaign is led by Muslim AIDS activist and former anti-apartheid campaigner Zackie Achmat and national TAC manager Nathan Geffen, who is Jewish.
"For Jews, life is the most precious thing. One can break virtually every religious law to save lives," Gaddin said. Treatment and medication "should be a given. We should not need to plead for the cause.''
Vivienne Anstey, a regional leader of the board, said the Jewish community could look into assisting on three levels: motivating financial support, utilizing business connections within the Jewish community and helping to mobilize skills and resources within the community.
The visit from the board was inspired by Achmat, who is HIV-positive and has refused to take his prescribed medication until the South African government reverses its stance on withholding the drugs from patients in public hospitals.
5827 Bernie Madoff
[ Saturday, February 06, 2010 | 5:58:02 PM ]
Going back to the Human Rights Delegation to Israel, the question must be asked about the reasons why the "tour" was mostly made up of TAC members wrapped in a veneer of respectability by the inclusion of some Human Rights lawyers such as Budlender, ANC politicians such as Barbara Hogan and Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge and her husband, a member of the World Council of Churches and then the ultimate wrapping with two judges, Edwin Cameron and Dennis Davis. Obviously Nathan Geffen was the main organiser and of course, Zachie Achmat went along too. Doron Isaacs' connection must not be forgotten as he came to the TAC via doing some sort of legal work for them as a student.
So the question again, wasn't getting involved in International Politics way off the beaten track and not the raison d' etre of the TAC, which was activism for Anti-retroviral drugs for HIV positive people?
Is Zachie Achmat now morphing into the ever popular anti-Israel arena as the TAC looses its reason for existence and perhaps even assuring himself of ongoing funding together with the Open Shuhada Street gang (Doron Isaacs, Nathan Geffen etc)?
So the question again, wasn't getting involved in International Politics way off the beaten track and not the raison d' etre of the TAC, which was activism for Anti-retroviral drugs for HIV positive people?
Is Zachie Achmat now morphing into the ever popular anti-Israel arena as the TAC looses its reason for existence and perhaps even assuring himself of ongoing funding together with the Open Shuhada Street gang (Doron Isaacs, Nathan Geffen etc)?
5826 Bernie Madoff
[ Saturday, February 06, 2010 | 5:57:34 PM ]
Going back to the Human Rights Delegation to Israel, the question must be asked about the reasons why the "tour" was mostly made up of TAC members wrapped in a veneer of respectability by the inclusion of some Human Rights lawyers such as Budlender, ANC politicians such as Barbara Hogan and Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge and her husband, a member of the World Council of Churches and then the ultimate wrapping with two judges, Edwin Cameron and Dennis Davis. Obviously Nathan Geffen was the main organiser and of course, Zachie Achmat went along too. Doron Isaacs' connection must not be forgotten as he came to the TAC via doing some sort of legal work for them as a student.
So the question again, wasn't getting involved in International Politics way off the beaten track and not the raison d' etre of the TAC, which was activism for Anti-retroviral drugs for HIV positive people?
Is Zachie Achmat now morphing into the ever popular anti-Israel arena as the TAC looses its reason for existence and perhaps even assuring himself of ongoing funding together with the Open Shuhada Street gang (Doron Isaacs, Nathan Geffen etc)?
So the question again, wasn't getting involved in International Politics way off the beaten track and not the raison d' etre of the TAC, which was activism for Anti-retroviral drugs for HIV positive people?
Is Zachie Achmat now morphing into the ever popular anti-Israel arena as the TAC looses its reason for existence and perhaps even assuring himself of ongoing funding together with the Open Shuhada Street gang (Doron Isaacs, Nathan Geffen etc)?
5825 Bernie Madoff
[ Saturday, February 06, 2010 | 5:45:32 PM ]
Through Isaacs, Achmat has been to address at least two Habonim Machanot at Onrust near Hermanus and met with them on other occasions.
Last year, as a result of his connection, Achmat then took it upon himself to tell Limmud who they could and could not have lecturing to them re David Benjamin affair. This then spread into the MRN and others starting to charge at least 70 South Africans for being members of the Israeli Defence Force.
Last year, as a result of his connection, Achmat then took it upon himself to tell Limmud who they could and could not have lecturing to them re David Benjamin affair. This then spread into the MRN and others starting to charge at least 70 South Africans for being members of the Israeli Defence Force.
5824 Bernie Madoff
[ Saturday, February 06, 2010 | 5:40:53 PM ]
It is through the TAC and the Nathan Geffen and Doron Isaacs connection that Achmat found his way into the Jewish community. On their return from the "human rights" tour of Israel/Palestine, they were aided and abetted by a woman on the Cape Board (South African Jewish Coard of Deputies) who runs Limmud in Cape Town, namely Vivienne Anstey. They were not only invited as a large group to the Limmud week-end conference, but Isaacs, Mackintosh and others in the group were brought in as organisers and through Anstey were also invited to the Johannesburg Limmud.