MANDELA AND ISRAEL

MANDELA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

IT IS A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT THAT ONE OF THE INSPIRATIONS FOR THE ANC WAS THE JEWISH LIBERATION STRUGGLE. AND SO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MADIBA AND ISRAEL BEGUN.
BY STEVEN GRUZD

THE INSPIRATIONS for the African National Congress (ANC) and its Armed Struggle against apartheid in the early 1960s was the Jewish liberation struggle against the British Mandatory Authorities in Palestine. Nelson Mandela was particularly struck by Menachem Begins The Revolt, chronicling the fight to establish the State of Israel against both British and local Arab opposition. Later, whilst in hiding at Liliesleaf Farm, he became closely acquainted with Arthur Goldreich, one of some 800 Jewish South Africans who had fought as a volunteer in the Israeli War of Independence. Amongst the subjects the two men discussed were Goldreichs experiences in the Palmach Mandela later wrote that Goldreichs knowledge of guerrilla tactics had helped fill many gaps in his own understanding of the subject. This notwithstanding, during the exile years the ANC established close ties with the Palestine Liberation Organisation. When Mandela was released at the beginning of 1990, it was thus to be expected that he would demonstrate his support for the Palestinian cause. Nevertheless, it came as a shock to South African Jews to see photographs of Mandela warmly embracing PLO leader Yassir Arafat at Namibias independence celebrations in March 1990, and Mandelas initially dismissive response to their unhappiness heightened their uneasiness. How would a democratic South Africa relate to Israel, given the historical ties of the African National Congress with the PLO, and the strong Zionism of South African Jewry?

AN INVITATION OF PEACE
Through his friend, advocate Isie Maisels, Mandela initiated the first formal meeting with SAs Jewish communal leadership in June 1990. He was clearly chastened by the backlash

36

MANDELA AND ISRAEL

against his brushing off of Jewish concerns, and wished to allay the communitys uneasiness. The discussion touched on three recurring themes: Mandelas respect and admiration for the Jewish community and his hope that Jews would use their skills to contribute positively to South Africa; a recognition of the right of Israel and Palestine to exist peacefully within secure borders; and a refusal to abandon leaders who supported the anti-apartheid struggle. sentence. I apologised and promised this would be corrected very soon. Mandela was thrilled to hear that Israel had repealed the law banning talks with PLO representatives. Rabin is doing the right thing, he said, From now on we will judge Israel on its future deeds. We do not forget your past assistance to the apartheid regime, but we look ahead and want to see our Palestinian friends fulfilling their dreams too. told them: Take the nearby office and use the opportunity to settle your differences good luck!!

Israel is the only country that has not invited me yet for an official visit, was [Mandelas] welcoming sentence.
The two leaders sat for three hours, but as you all know, we still need a Mandela to complete the mission. At the memorial service for Yitzchak Rabin at Johannesburgs Oxford Synagogue in 1995, Mandela praised Rabins courage in his quest for peace, and hoped his tragic murder would not derail negotiations. Mandelas long-awaited visit to Israel occurred after hed left office, in October 1999. He was accompanied by Russell Gaddin and Marlene Bethlehem, respectively Chairman and President of the SAJBD. Amongst those met with were President Ezer Weitzman, selected senior Cabinet ministers and Chief Rabbi Lau. He also, at his specific request, Continued on pg 38 visited Rabins grave.

Nelson Mandela was particularly struck by Begins The Revolt, chronicling the fight to establish the State of Israel against both British and local Arab opposition.
The 1993 Oslo Accords thawed the ANCs relations with Israel. Incoming Israeli Ambassador Alon Liel recalls an early morning phone-call: Israel is the only country that has not invited me yet for an official visit, was [Mandelas] welcoming

POLITICAL UNDERSTANDING
The following year, Mandela asked Liel to write an urgent cable to Rabin, saying that he rather than himself and President FW de Klerk deserved that years Nobel Peace Prize. Immediately after his presidential inauguration in May 1994, Mandela hosted the first meeting between President Ezer Weitzman and Yasser Arafat, at the Union Buildings. Liel wrote, Mandela

37

MANDELA AND ISRAEL

Gaddin describes how Mandelas presence was greeted by a large crowd gathered in the lobby of Jerusalems King David Hotel: Mandela exclaimed, My rabbi, my rabbi! How good to see you! when he saw Chief Rabbi Harris People were pushing and shoving to see the icon who had arrived in their midst. A large number of rabbis who happened to be in the hotel, bedecked in their black coats, hats and streimels, lost all decorum. Everyone wanted to touch, be near and shake hands with the great man. Gaddin recalls similarly enthusiastic scenes when Mandela visited Yad Vashem and the Via Dolora in Jerusalems Old City.

According to businessman Solly Krok, Time and again [Mandela] would tell me: Let me mediate in the Middle East. There is no reason why I should not be friends with your enemies. He felt he had the solution land for guaranteed peace. But, of course, the solution never has been and never will be that simple. Mandela never regarded Israel as an illegitimate colonial entity as many of local Muslim leaders had hoped.

and the destruction of Israel sought in the Palestine National Covenant and Hamas Charter. For Mandela, there was no reason why Israelis and Palestinians could not emulate South Africas peaceful negotiated settlement. He was disappointed that this could not happen, despite his wellmeaning efforts. This article is based on extracts from Jewish Memories of Mandela, written by David Saks and co-published by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and the Umoja Foundation. It explores the myriad relations that Mandela forged with Jewish individuals and organisations from the 1940s. This magnificent linen-bound book contains over 200 photographs, many never published before. E-mail beagle@ beyachad.co.za to order at R400 (recommended retail price R450). Steven Gruzd is the Senior Researcher and Diplomatic Liaison at the SAJBD.

For Mandela, there was no reason why Israelis and Palestinians could not emulate South Africas peaceful negotiated settlement.
Nevertheless, his sympathies for the Palestinians were reflected through a lens equating their plight to the anti-apartheid struggle, even when presented with contrary arguments, such as the contrast between the inclusive, humanitarian vision espoused in the Freedom Charter

SPEAKING SETTLEMENTS
Mandela often hosted Jewish leaders for informal Sunday discussions at this home, and inevitably the Middle East was discussed.

38