Limmud decision attracts widespread condemnation
Limmud decision attracts widespread condemnation
Janet Smith
JONATHAN Shapiro says he is "sure that it is still really wrong" of Jewish cultural organisation Limmud to have invited controversial lawyer and former Israeli Defence Force legal adviser David Benjamin to its festival of learning this week in South Africa.
But after "a fair bit of soul-searching", Shapiro – better known as the cartoonist, Zapiro – decided he would still take part in the conference, where he is scheduled to speak about his award-winning work.
"The idea that Benjamin has been invited makes me a bit queasy. He himself makes me more than queasy. It’s important for people to consider the power inequity of having this sort of person there," Shapiro said.
"It’s not just a matter of having a different opinion. David Benjamin is deep in the heart of a particular power structure. It’s like inviting someone from the belly of the beast."