The courage of the pioneer British settlers who came to South Africa in 1820 was compared to that of the Israeli people by South Africa’s State President, Jim Fouche, when he dedicated this week the imposing new monument to the 1820 settlers which has been erected in Grahamstown, Cape Province. The dedication was attended by leading South Africans in all walks of life.
Paying tribute to the 1820 settlers, Fouche said that their spirit could be compared to the pioneers and present inhabitants of Israel. This spirit was the driving force of nationalism. “Where can one find a better example of that than in present-day Israel?” Fouche said. “Whether or not we agree with their sentiments, the way they are helping millions must be respected by friend and foe. That wonderful will to survive is generated by nothing more than Jewish nationalism, borne out of the unifying force of Jewish history.”
The dedication ceremonies included an interdenominational service in which the participants were Christian church leaders and Chief Rabbi Bernard Casper on behalf of the Jewish community.
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