A group of Jewish Israeli activists has written a letter urging South Africans in general and members of the South African Jewish community in particular to support this year’s #IsraeliApartheidWeek campaign‚ according to the group Boycott‚ Disinvestment and Sanctions against Israel (BDS) .

“Shalom…We are writing to you as Israeli citizens and fellow Jews who are witness to the daily brutal oppression of the Palestinian people. “We appeal to you‚ who have lived through apartheid in South Africa and have seen the immense and long-lasting suffering that is a consequence‚ to consider whether Israelis have the right to impose such an unjust and unequal regime on Palestinians.

“As Israeli citizens‚ we are reaching out to South Africans in general‚ and South African Jews in particular‚ to encourage you to support this [IsraeliApartheidWeek] campaign.

“We ask you to use this time to seriously discuss and contemplate the meaning of Jewish faith‚ life‚ and humanity in a time of Israeli occupation‚ apartheid‚ and violence.

The Jewish tradition promotes the healing and repair of the world (tikkun olam); the mitzvot pursue justice and righteousness and compassionate action. We believe that we cannot be true to our heritage and also support the current hegemony in Israel.

We ask you to stand with us in calling for change.” According to BDS‚ #IsraeliApartheidWeek (IAW) is an annual international series of events (including rallies‚ lectures‚ cultural performances‚ music shows‚ films and workshops) that “raises awareness of Israel’s apartheid policies‚ violations of international law and human rights abuses toward the indigenous Palestinian people”.

“It is endorsed in South Africa by over 85 organizations including our ruling party‚ the ANC‚ and takes place in over 250 cities across the world.”