The Consequences of Our Hate

Just over the hill from one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive sanitariums, Carstenhof Clinic, lies the improvised community of Rabbie Ridge, one of the flash points of xenophobic attacks that have gripped the country over the last 2 weeks. Together with a friend of mine (who has been instrumental in the Jewish community’s refugee relief effort), I visited the Rabbie Ridge Police Station where over 500 hundred people who were displaced by the violence are now holed up. In the coming days I hope to write a few posts on what I saw and what I believe can be done to improve the situation.

I would like to start by sharing some of the images with you:

The bread neccessarry for just one more meal.

The victims of our hate

One of the many victims of the xenephobic violence. Beaten up, his house burnt and most of his possessions stolen only because he was thought to be a Zimbabwean.

With his house burnt down and his goods stolen, this courner of a marquee is all this man has left to call home.

Safe for now behind the wire fence of the Police station, these refugees wait anxiously to see what their fate will be.

The response of many South Africans including the Jewish community to this horrible crisis has been extremely heartwarming. But we must guard against donor fatigue. These people still desperately need our help. In particular things like canned foods, can openers, soap, washing power, and blankets are in short supply.

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies is calling for donations to be made via the following collection points.

Union of Jewish Women, 1 Oak Street (off Louis Botha Avenue) - phone 011 648 1053 Jody Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene - phone Elilzabeth 011 645 2523 or Sophie 011 645 2500 Bet David, 3 Middle Road, Morningside, Sandton - phone Dianne or Glynnis on 011 783 7117 SAJBD Cape Council – Alana Pugh Jones - 021 46 46 746 or alana – at - ctjc.co.za

Money can also be deposited directly into the Jewish Board of Deputy's Alex Relief fund.

Name of account holder: SA Jewish Board of Deputies
Name of Bank: Standard Bank - Killarney
Branch Account Number: 2003 05 190
Branch Code: 007205 Ref:
Please write: "Alex Relief" alongside your name or organganization
Deposit slips can be faxed attention Shirley, SAJBD, 011 645 2559

Comments

[BLACKLISTED DICTATOR]

Mike,
Well done re the above. It is a tragedy on our door-step and we must help the victims.
I hope that Supernatural bloggers will donate!

[Roy]

The caption for these photos should be "Africa Day, 25th May 2008".

So sad...

[BLACKLISTED DICTATOR]

Mike,
I have, for the least few years, kept a press photo of smiling smarmy smart-suited Mbeki and Mugabe with multi-coloured ribbons round their necks on my wall. It reminds me about the true nature of post-apartheid South Africa.

Inevitably, their ribbons would lead to barbaric necklacing.

[BLACKLISTED DICTATOR]

An email from David Sacks (SAJBD)..
"If you are able to volunteer to drive to the various shelters to deliver
food, clothing etc, it would be much appreciated. We are looking for
assistance in that area as donations are piling up."

[BLACKLISTED DICTATOR]

The Red Cross on Thursday called for "urgent humanitarian action" to help up to 100 000 people caught up in the anti-foreigner violence.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said there was an urgent need for "sustained humanitarian action to bring vital emergency assistance to the victims".

Tens of thousands of mainly Zimbabwean and Mozambican immigrants have been forced out of their homes since the onset of xenophobic attacks which have so far left 56 people dead.

"The situation is getting worse, not better. We must make sure that the needs of people forced out of their homes by these attacks, often with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, are met now, and for the forseeable future," said Francoise Le Goff, head of the IFRC's Southern Africa office in Johannesburg.

"It is cold and raining, and families, often with young children, are sleeping on the ground, under simple tents, putting their health at risk," she warned.

The South African Red Cross has distributed food, hygiene articles and clothing since the attacks began on May 11.

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