We often tend to see only the negative side of things around us, but if we dig deeper we find so many positives. It is not all doom and gloom. The perception is that the South African mainstream media publish only negative reports about Israel. While it is true of many of these papers, there are some who still regards balanced and factual reporting as sacred. One such paper is Die Burger, the biggest Afrikaans newspaper in the Western Cape, who recently published a beautiful article about hiking in Israel.
Even on social media many individuals and groups in South Africa share and write positive articles about Israel. I am aware of people on Whatsapp who share developments in Israel with prayer groups to specifically pray for the protection and safety of the people of Israel.
Many Christians in South Africa come together on a Friday evening for Shabbat meals in solidarity with the people of Israel. These gatherings consist from only families to churches and Christian organisations. These Shabbat meals are very uplifting and what better way to end the week with your family. It is in the concept of the Shabbat meal that I clearly understand why Israel was called to be a light unto the nations. I cannot think of a better way to be together as a family then the Shabbat meal and to be in unity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
The many tour groups from South Africa to Israel are another example of the positive connection with Israel. The organisation I am involved with has 10 tours to Israel during this year (2017) and I am aware of many other individuals, organisations and churches that organise tours to Israel on an annual basis. Those who visited Israel for the first time with these tours came back with a positive attitude and understanding about Israel. Many go back and invite members of their family or friends to go with them.
Israel even has strong support among some political parties in South Africa’s parliament. Some of them visited Israel recently and they respond very positive in the media about their visit.
To only look at what the media report and anti-Israel activists say about Israel will not give us a true picture of how the broader public in South Africa think and feel about Israel. Let us not allow negative forces to shape our perceptions and thought processes. There is so much goodwill in this world. We need to focus more on the good and resist the evil intentions of those who want to harm us.
I am positive that the strong bond South Africans have with Israel will not be easily broken.
Willie Paterson
12 April 2017
