It’s only terrorism if they do it: In defence of the Right to Resist

By Saadiq Moolla

When one considers Bassem Youssef’s post on X (formerly Twitter), reposted by Prof. Shabir Madhi, commemorating slain Palestinian freedom fighter Yahya Sinwar, and the response by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) condemning Sinwar for “extreme viciousness” while chastising Prof. Madhi, it becomes evident that these two parties live in entirely different realities. One is rooted in a recognition of the Palestinian struggle for freedom, while the other attempts to propagate a narrative that dehumanises and delegitimises Palestinian resistance in order to maintain dominance.

South Africa’s own history provides a powerful lens through which to understand this impasse. If the internet had existed 50 years ago, what would have been the response to a prominent scholar posting similar messages after the killings of Solomon Mahlangu, Duma Nokwe, Basil February, Looksmart Ngudle, Washington Bongco and many others involved in armed resistance against apartheid? These icons of resistance were vilified by the apartheid regime and its allies, branded as terrorists and threats to national security. Yet today, they are celebrated for their courage, and their deaths symbolise a global rejection of oppression and the universal struggle for justice. We may not agree with or understand some of the decisions they made under extremely difficult circumstances, but resistance does not have to be flawless to be celebrated. This parallel should not be ignored. The same institutions that once labelled these men “terrorist” now expect us to accept their framing of Palestinian freedom fighters in Gaza.

It is perplexing that the regimes and organizations complicit in committing or supporting genocide expect us to blindly adopt their vicious narrative in defining who qualifies as a “terrorist”. The demonisation of Palestinian leaders like Yahya Sinwar serves only to obscure the legitimate right of Palestinians to resist their oppression – a right enshrined in international law. It particularly seeks to erase the Palestinian right to armed resistance. The hypocrisy is striking, especially when those who demand such loyalty are the same forces historically aligned with oppressive regimes, including South Africa’s apartheid state.

In their efforts to silence Prof. Madhi, a celebrated South African academic and A-rated scientist, the SAJBD fails to learn from the lessons of South Africa’s apartheid past. It is worth noting that SAJBD, Israel, and many Western governments historically supported the apartheid regime, despite its violent suppression of human rights. By failing to recognize the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, the SAJBD is perpetuating a legacy of complicity with injustice. They have failed to follow the example of Jewish activists like Ruth First, Albie Sachs, Helen Joseph and Joe Slovo among others. The SAJBD and Zionists were on the wrong side of history then and are on the wrong side of history now.

Since its liberation from the Apartheid regime, South Africa as a nation has taken a firm stance on the issue of Palestine. In January 2023, South Africa strongly supported the resolution at the United Nations General Assembly to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal status of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. South Africa’s argument before the ICJ reflects its deep understanding of international law and human rights, drawing direct parallels between apartheid and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. South Africa has consistently advocated for international accountability and has called for Israel to be held responsible for its breaches of international law, including accusations of genocide and apartheid.

As South Africa stands firm in its call for justice and accountability at the ICJ, it is clear that those who attempt to silence advocates like Prof. Madhi are on the wrong side of history. Defending genocide and apartheid, whether in Israel or elsewhere, will not be looked upon kindly in the years to come. It is time for a moral reckoning. The world cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by ignoring or excusing the suffering of Palestinians. Those who choose to do so now will find themselves judged harshly by future generations. It is time for SAJBD to recognise the genocide taking place in Gaza, condemn Israel’s ongoing war crimes and ensure that South African Zionists stop fighting in Palestine in violation of the Regulation of the Foreign Military Assistance Act.

By

Saadiq Moolla

Chairperson: Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine (HCW4P) South Africa

www.hcw4palestine.org.za

info@hcw4palestine.org.za