Jewish communal leaders and leading South African politicians have reacted sharply to President Nelson Mandela’s statement that he would meet with representatives of Hamas.
Members of the Islamic fundamentalist movement are said to be planning to attend a conference on the Middle East next mouth in Cape Town.
The conclave is being held under the joint auspices of the Afro-Middle East Centre for Research and Information and the Centre for Contemporary Islam.
Mandela has condemned the recent series of terrorist bombings in Israel.
But Tuesday he said he would be willing to meet with the Hamas representatives.
“My attitude is to see everybody who wants to see me whether I agree with his policy or not,” Mandela said.
“It sometimes helps because I’m able to state my policy to them and to let them defend their own policy if they can.”
Tony Leon, the leader of South Africa’s Democratic Party, strongly, disagreed.
“If the president believes that by meeting with Hamas he can change their views, he is sadly mistaken,” Leon said.
Marlene Bethlehem, national chairwoman of the South Africa Jewish Board of Deputies, and Joe Simon, chairman of the South Africa Zionist Federation, called on “responsible politicians” not to meet with Hamas.
“We are angry that these people, whose hands are dripping with blood, intend visiting our country. Indeed, their terror deeds have been condemned by all – including our own government.”
Perhaps the most poignant plea came from Robyn Lipner, whose grandmother, Sylvia Bernstein, 73, formerly of Johannesburg, and whose aunt, Gail Belkin, 48, formerly of Durban, were killed in the March 4 Tel Aviv bomb blast carried out by a Hamas terrorist.
“My family were innocent people. I believe it’s absolutely disgusting and an insult the Hamas is coming to South Africa. I have tremendous respect for Nelson Mandela, but then don’t think Hamas deserves to be met,” she said.
A third former South African, Tali Gordon, 24, was also killed in the Tel Aviv blast.
Israeli Embassy spokesman Ze’ev Luria said the government should kick out any Hamas member attempting to enter the country.
“The Hamas is a terrorist organization, and all peace-loving states and leaders must join in the fight against this murderous movement,” Luria said in a statement.
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