Abstract
The author who served on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) focuses on the Jewish experience in South Africa during the apartheid years. At a special TRC Hearing for Faith Communities (East London, 17-19 November 1997) Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris submitted a statement on behalf of his community. Two earlier documents were also put at the TRC’s disposal: a statement on Reconciliation presented by Gesher (a Jewish movement for social action) as a well as a comprehensive volume containing 27 interviews with Jewish activists (Cutting Through the Mountain). Taking his cue from both the Chief Rabbi’s presentation and the earlier documents, the author discusses the role of the Jewish community in overtly and covertly supporting the apartheid regime, as well the experiences of many Jews in struggling against apartheid. Finally the contribution of the Jewish community towards healing and reconciliation in South Africa comes under the spotlight.
Highlights
The author who served on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) focuses on the Jewish experience in South Africa during the apartheid years
It seemed fitting to all that Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris was called to the podium, to present the local Jewish community’s testimony before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
During the course of its work the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1996-1998) invited thousands of victims of gross human right violations - as well as political leaders, security force personnel, military officers and activists guilty of perpetrating these acts – to present their statements to TRC commissioners at 140 hearings held in many parts of the country
Summary
It seemed fitting to all that Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris was called to the podium, to present the local Jewish community’s testimony before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). For many years – since his coming to South Africa in 1988 - he was recognized as one of the more vocal leaders within the family of faith communities in the country, openly supporting the struggle against apartheid. His strong statements invariably reached the press. During the course of its work the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1996-1998) invited thousands of victims of gross human right violations - as well as political leaders, security force personnel, military officers and activists guilty of perpetrating these acts – to present their statements to TRC commissioners at 140 hearings held in many parts of the country. In discussing the contribution towards reconciliation in South Africa, mention will be made of all three documents
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