South Africa’s lesson for Israel and Palestine: ‘Things do not have to be this way’
Archbishop Desmond Tutu with former South African president Nelson Mandela
ALAMY/AP, REBECCA HEARFIELD
A Jesuit priest in Jerusalem – the son of Jewish parents who fled Nazi Germany and found refuge in Johannesburg – reflects on what Palestine and Israel might learn from South Africa and its history.
For the last few years, I have been privileged to spend four months a year at the Jesuit Institute in South Africa. This has allowed me to discover the land of my birth – almost unrecognisable after the end of the apartheid regime that provoked my seeking refuge in Jerusalem when I was little more than an adolescent, deeply aware of the inequality, injustice and horror of the regime. The other eight months of the year, I live in Jerusalem, working in both Palestine and Israel. I have just returned to Jerusalem and I want to express my gratitude to South Africa for its lead in standing up for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and its courageous calling-out of the Israeli government. This is a prophetic stand that I hope will be followed by more and more governments.
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £37.50 quarterly
Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.
Already a subscriber? Login
Help us keep The Tablet’s voice independent, clear and far-reaching.
Founded in 1840, The Tablet is the leading independent English-language Catholic weekly, celebrated for great writing, astute analysis, brilliant arts and books reviews and trustworthy reporting from correspondents in Britain, Ireland, Rome and across the world.
Independent, high-quality journalism is at the heart of what we do. The Tablet does not have deep pockets and we are not funded by rich donors. If you appreciate our work please consider supporting The Tablet’s Development Fund. It only takes a moment and you can cancel at any time.
- Support with £5 per month
- Support with £10 per month
- Support with other amount.
MOST READ ARTICLES
-
1
The Tablet poem
-
2
Battling confession fatigue
-
3
A craving for beauty
-
4
Massachusetts abuse report finds over 1,000 victims in three dioceses
-
5
Bishops demand security investment to promote ‘common good’ in Nigeria
-
6
Woman religious becomes first female president of Pontifical Mission Societies
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
