S. African Rabbi Protests Government Ban on Eight Student Leaders

A leading South African rabbi has sharply protested a government ban on eight leaders of the National Union of South African Students. Rabbi Dr. Arthur Super, Chief Minister of the United Progressive Jewish Congregation of Johannesburg declared: “Banning as a political weapon should not be used in a civilized country which professes a belief in God.”

Dr. Super’s remarks were contained in a message read at a mass meeting at Witwatersrand University here Thursday night to protest the student ban. He was prevented by illness from attending. Dr. Super said in his message: “Justice and righteousness demand that no one suffer save after due process of trial under a just law. Leaders of the NUSAS are seeking certain moral ends in our society. If they have broken any law, let them be brought to trial.”