Judge Goldstone has been banned by the South African Zionist Federation from attending his grandson’s barmitzvah. The Chief Rabbi a neo-conservative who has betrayed the tolerant tradition of the late former Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris has blessed this travesty.
Silencing critics of Israel’s war crimes is not enough, they have to infringe Goldstone’s equal right to practice his religion and his family life. Every decent person will sign a protest against this injustice. The tactics of the Israeli neo-fascists should not be allowed to dictate policy in South Africa. These were the people who supported apartheid and now they support the apartheid state of Israel.
How many people would be prepared to join legal action in the Equality Court against the South African Zionist Federation?
Zackie Achmat
The following report comes from the South African Jewish Report
THE AFTER-SHOCKS of the Goldstone Commission into the Gaza conflict continue, this time reaching into the heart of a family simcha. Mr Justice Richard Goldstone is effectively being barred from attending his grandson’s barmitzvah, due to be held in Johannesburg early next month.
Following negotiations between the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) and the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol in Sandton, where the event is due to take place, an agreement has been reached with the family. As a result, Justice Goldstone will not be attending the synagogue service.
Some of the role-players were tight-lipped. Avrom Krengel, chairman of the SAZF, said: “We understand there’s a barmitzvah boy involved – we’re very sensitive to the issues; at this stage there’s nothing further to say.” While Krengel said the SAZF had “interacted” on the matter with the chief rabbi, the Beth Din and others, his organisation was “coming across most forcefully because we represent Israel”.
Rosh Beth Din Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag confirmed that the Beth Din had not been officially involved – though there had been “private talks” – and had not been asked by the synagogue to give a ruling on the matter. “But I know that there was a very strong feeling in the shul, a lot of anger (around the issue of Justice Goldstone attending).
“I heard also that the SAZF wanted to organise a protest outside the shul – (there were) all kinds of plans. But I think reason prevailed.”
Signalling his agreement with the turn of events, Rabbi Kurtstag said he believed Justice Goldstone had done “a tremendous disservice not only to Israel but to the Jewish world. His name is used by hostile elements in the world against Israel and this can increase anti-Semitic waves.
“I understand that he is a judge, but he should have had the sense to understand that whatever he said wouldn’t be good and he should have just recused himself. People have got feelings about it, they believe he put Israel in danger and they wouldn’t like him to be getting honour (in synagogue).
“I think (the agreement) was quite a sensible thing to avert all this unpleasantness.”
Reached in Washington where he is currently based, Justice Goldstone was reluctant to comment save to say: “In the interests of my grandson, I’ve decided not to attend the ceremony at the synagogue.”
Mr Justice Dennis Davis said that while he respectedJustice Goldstone’s decision, he assumed that pressure had been brought to bear on the family. “If that assumption is correct, then it is outrageous because it seeks to place a ban on somebody participating in his grandson’s barmitzvah.
“Have we now got to the point that because we don’t like what somebody says or does, we place a ‘cherem’ on them? What right do we have to do that? I would like to add that people who are gleeful about it must remember what Pastor Niemoller said: ‘Who will speak up for them when they are finally excommunicated for some misdemeanor?’”
Retired president of the Constitutional Court, Mr Justice Arthur Chaskalson said it was “disgraceful” to put pressure on a grandfather not to attend his grandson’s barmitzvah.
“If it is correct that this has the blessing of the leadership of the Jewish community in South Africa, it reflects on them rather than on Justice Goldstone. They should hang their heads in shame.”
#1 by Alfred on 16/04/2010 - 08:24
First of all – I am glad some one is doing something about this so called Judge – His whole family should be expelled from Judaism or made to choose, you cant be on both sides of the fence.
This Julius is a self righteous person trying to be politically correct, indecisive people are a dime a dozen. And let me clarify that it is the Arabs or friends like you of the Arabs who in a global contect voice their insults to Israel – more than Israel supporters voicing their insults to people like you – else, ask your friend the Turkish PM, the Iranian President, the King of Jordan, the Pals themselves – read – bookd do not bite nor does the truth, try it sometime.
Maybe some people equate criticism with anti-Semitism, which is not right, but when it comes to favouring the “enemy” which is how the Arabs – read even President of Lebanon Speeches – fool – they refer to Israel as the enemy, then Yes, they are anti-israel, aren’t they?. You say that you are American – good – then it may be time for the world to say that the 9/11 attack was correct, isn’t it – because it only came from people who had to voice their feelings, just like the Arabs do against Israel then – WHAT IS GOOD THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GENDER, ISNT IT? OR DO YOU APPLY DOUBLE STANDARDS WITH YOUR COUNTRY IS TOUCHED?. Sth American jews like me should do as you say – an attack from those people who were firstly helped by the US to defet the Sovite Union then forgotten like Alquaeda, were correct in doing so then, weren’t they?, just like is Sth America correct in hating the US? And should celebrate any attack on your country. – would that be right?, if your country is a democracy – Then to voice that feeling should be allowed, and then the WRONG wars created by the US, should not be allowed to continue, and the US should be brought to justice, and all the War Crimes committed by US, which is well documented, should stop – But is anyone talking about it? ARE YOU? Or the crimes of Russia or the Chinese? – NO – why not?. What would happen if you sided with the Taliban, like some of your compatriots have? And are accused of being traitors – It is easy to point a finger mate, but careful – So why should Israel be any different – Israel IS fighting for its survival FACT!. Is it correct to use civilians as human shields?, like the Pals did ? that is a well documented fact mate – according to your bible – the Goldstone report yes, but in the civilized world it is not, so . I would like to see Mexico firing Missiles to your country trying to recover the stolen lands – how would your country react?, how would the Mexicans or Spanish Speaking people be treated in your country – model of Democracy?. Democracy is a privilege nor a “given right”. And it should be taken care of NOT ABUSED. And when it comes to siding with the self proclaimed enemy, like the Pals and all Arabs – read books sometime pls – then, its citicens should be named traitors and its critics like you be told off, because as you indicate with one finger, your country has done so much wrong, there not enough fingers in the world to point at it – FACT! – starting with my country – Chile. So, do not criticize a small country like Israel so lightly – makes you look like an ignorant fool. And read some history – you fool – Mr Ts remak apply well to you – Israel showed to the world the thousands of missiles fired at Israel after Israel withdrew from Gaza as a good gesture – to the Pals. obviously you did not know about it – read some you fool.
Your point 3 is SO WRONG, read the bible – you fool – Hashem warned Israel that the Pals – your friends –would be like a thorn in the sandle, because it was Hashem who told the first Israeli leaders to get rid of the Pals from the beginning from the land of Cannan – and they refused back then, BIG MISTAKE wasn’t it. Again – read – you fool. What Torah have your read? -
#2 by Youth on 16/04/2010 - 08:28
Alfred, what fascist hole did you crawl out of ? Heil Hitler ! Heil Hitler ! Purify the race ! Keep the blood and soil pure ! One volk !
#3 by maurice on 16/04/2010 - 09:13
and you accuse others of being extremist?!
#4 by Kareem on 16/04/2010 - 12:50
This is just one unsuccessful attempt out of countless others to silence Goldstone for being impartial in his investigation. Since his criticisms can’t be discredited with the usual weapons (“antisemitic” “holocaust denier”, etc), they simply punish him for exposing the reality of what happened during the Gaza massacre.
God bless Goldstone, and let the world see Israel for the hostile threat it is to its neighbors and the native Palestinians.
#5 by Quintin on 16/04/2010 - 12:54
My religious stand point(s) on this (greater) issue is of no consequence, in fact I would contend that any discussion of religion on this platform is trite.
It is disappointing to see how many people from around the world have such a flagrant misunderstanding of what is at issue here. Justice Goldstone, one of the world’s most revered and respected legal experts, is a professional that was given a mandate to lead a team of internationally renowned experts in a fact finding investigation surrounding the events that amounted to the IDF’s Operation Cast Lead. He is also a Grandfather that, for one or another reason, has been prevented from attending one of the most important events of a his young Grandson’s life.
For those people who have read the report compiled as a result of the United Nations investigation – and I mean read the whole report (at #37) it would be clear that it focuses on actions taken by armed forces involved in the conflict in question – on both sides. The report is neutral in terms of religion and to conflate the concepts of Israel, Judaism and the Israeli Defence Force would at best be naive. As an organ of state, the actions of the IDF are attributable to the State of Israel; not to the Jewish faith.
Regardless of your (or my) opinion and (mis)understandings of the contents of the report or of its implications, to question it’s integrity and accuracy is tantamount to interference in judicial functions. The issue, as noted by Zackie Achmat, is the right of a judge to decide issues without fear or favour.
Gary L. Ackerman, Chairman of the US House of Representatives, House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia and President of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians has voiced his concerns on the issue as well, noting that ‘…there is no entitlement to vent justifiable anger about his work at either his community or his family, much less an innocent child…’ and that ‘doing so is an abysmal moral failure, a disgrace deserving the fullest condemnation by every friend of human freedom and all those who love the Jewish people and the State of Israel’.
( http://blogs.jta.org/politics/article/2010/04/16/1011618/gary-ackerman-on-the-goldstone-bar-mitzvah )
This is a legal issue, and more importantly a moral abhorrence, not a question of religion, creed or politics.
#6 by beatnik on 16/04/2010 - 14:12
Alfred you fcuking racist prick.
#7 by John smith on 16/04/2010 - 15:46
Good luck in court. And all of you pricks anti israel is anti jewish.
#8 by Youth on 16/04/2010 - 16:11
Hey John Smith, if being anti Israel is anti Jewish, then Neturei Karta, the most Orthodox of Torah Jews, must be anti Semites too, and the significant and growing number of polticically conscious Jews who oppose Israel must be anti Semitic too. In fact, Finkelstein presents the stats and figures in his recent book on Gaza, and you might be surprised at the rapidly growing number of American Jews who really don’t want much to do with Israel at all, and are increasingly embarrased by the country.
Damn those Jewish anti Semites !
#9 by uncle joe mccarthy on 17/04/2010 - 00:22
you may disagree with the ruling, however, as you are not a member of the south african jewish community, you have no right to be up in arms about it.
mr goldstone was placed in cherem…meaning he has been cut off from his people as a result of his being a part of a report that was nothing more than a blood libel.
as a result, he is not allowed to enter the synagogue where his grandson is to be bar mitzvahed.
now the family can choose to hold the bar mitzvah elsewhere and there would be nothing stopping goldstone from attending. a mosque would be a preferable place to hold it.
as for youth’s comments….the neturai karta too have been placed in cherem. they are not welcomed into any synagogue in the us or israel, save their own.
their children are not allowed into any private jewish school.
yes, they are jewish anti semites.
and i thank you for damning them
#10 by Moshe on 18/04/2010 - 04:26
Goldstone like Finkelsteien are giving the green light to Muslims across Europe and the United States to Harm Jews, It is the not the Bar Mitzvah boys fault that he has a vicious grandfather who brought & Bringing harm to the Jewish people.
Goldstone is praised by people such as former KKK leader David Duke and other Neo Nazis in Europe and the United States and Canada
Who ever wants facts how Jews are currently being harrased and harmed in Europe, Canada and the United states I can post this for you.
forget about Gaza cause now even Hamas sees that every time they shoot a Missile to the Jews in Israel the response is harsh so Hamas has recently giving up in firing Missiles to the Jews.
#11 by darryl hurwitz on 19/04/2010 - 11:41
Kindly get your facts straight! I am a member of the Synagogue in question and I can confirm that he has not been banned from attending (although I would most certainly support banning him).
As far as I know there was debate in banning him, yet the Rabbi’s agreed that they would not do so. They merely agreed that he could not be called up for an Aliya (honor) in the Synagogue.
His work and ‘fact finding missions’ are a one sided disgrace that was done within the framework and appeasement of a bias United Nations.
Alfred- It is interesting that most (if not all) of Goldstone’s family completely disagree with him and his distorted views. I hear from good sources that many of them refuse to talk to him
#12 by Howard Sackstein on 19/04/2010 - 13:54
I read the article in the Sunday Times and to be honest as appalled by Zachies arrogance and intolerance. Apparently anyone who opposes his view or wishes to express an opinion is a bully. According to the Ahmed doctrine no protest is allowed if the protest does not accord with his philosophy. So everyone is allowed to protest except those people who disagree with him. How embarrassing that he betrays his lack of commitment to human rights and freedom of expression.
The Barmitzah should go ahead, if protesters wish to protest his presence they should go ahead and do so and Richard should decide of his own volition if he wishes to attend or not.
Lets us expose Zachie’s views for the ignorance and intolerance that they themselves reveal.
#13 by Gary W on 19/04/2010 - 14:30
No person can ban you from your own family religious affairs and he should have a full Aliya.
He is fully entitled to his political oppinion.
He is a Jew and will always be a Jew.
#14 by Catmann on 27/05/2010 - 17:53
I can’t resist responding to Kareems post. Impartial you say?, It is not impartial at all especially when you consider the parties that authorized this travesty and their desire conceal their own human rights violations. The NGO’s that provided the information responsible for the report certainly were not objective and had their own anti-Israel bias. The simple fact is these are Jew hating bigots bent on the destruction of Israel and, to give this report an air of legitimacy they select this anti-Semitic Jew as their stooge. I read that before UNCHR got to the Judas and opportunistic Goldstone, others declined this assignment. They understood the agenda and refused to participate.
I say the Goldstone Report is crap!
#15 by Dr Baruch Margolioth Trappler on 29/08/2010 - 11:08
About 8 months ago I informally inquired whether The Beth Din of South Africa would consider placing a “siruf” on Richard Goldstone. This is a form of “Ex-communication”. The disappointing response, was that Judge Goldstone, while endangering the State of Israel, had not been subjected to discipline by the Chief Rabbi or major Rabbinical Courts in Israel. Until such time, the Beth Din of South Africa was “staying out of it”.Subsequently he has become clinically depressed and isolates himself. I dont believe its from remorse.It now appears according to a May 7 report in Yediot, that this champion of the antisemitic left was very embedded in the politics of the old Apartheid establishment. Some note that he had blacks whipped and hung with a certain relish. But I do see for him a way out of his emotional and moral collapse. It would follow along the lines of the “Truth Commission”: Release a detailed report either excusing yourself based on the “Stockholm syndrome”; or divulge- who set you up to legitimize, in fact legalize, another holocaust ?