Launch of Steven Friedman's New Book on Harold Wolpe - 17 March 2015

Making a Sow’s Ear from Palestinian Protest

Camalita Naicker, The Con

The recent decision by the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) to place a pig’s head in what was assumed to be the kosher section of Woolworths, and then, in fact, turned out to be the halal section, could be written off as a mere “fail of the week.”

But it is indicative of a far more serious and insidious politics being cultivated by Boycott. Divestment. Sanctions-South Africa (BDS-SA) who have proved unable and unwilling to run a disciplined and ethical campaign in solidarity with Palestinians.

Gaza vigil - Rhodes University 8/8/2014

Grahamstown Vigil for Gaza

Achille Mbembe at the Grahamstown Vigil for Gaza

Grahamstown Vigil for Children Killed in Gaza

Open Letter from Concerned Individuals in the Rhodes University Community on the Israeli Attacks on Gaza

During apartheid academics and students around the world took a strong stand against injustice in South Africa. Their demands for the international isolation of the South African state were an important contribution to the struggle against apartheid.

The attack on Gaza by the Israeli state violates the most basic human rights of the men, women and children in the area who continue to live in fear of the destruction of their homes, injury and death. The escalating catastrophe is not an isolated incident but part of a persistent and systemic oppression of the Palestinian people.  In light of this, we take the view that solidarity with the people in Gaza needs to move from expressions of moral outrage and towards effective political action.

As staff, students Honorary Graduates and alumni at Rhodes University we feel a moral obligation to take a clear public position against the ongoing violence of the Israeli state. We would like to add our voices to the growing demand that the South African Government sever all links with Israel, including trade and investment, and expel Israel’s Ambassador and recall ours.

Gaza Under Attack: Public Discussion in Grahamstown, 24 July

A Week of Events in Solidarity with Palestine

MONDAY 10TH MARCH: EVENING MOVIE SCREENING - LEMON TREE, EDEN GROVE SEMINAR ROOM, 18:30 

About the Film:  LEMON TREE is a 2008 Israeli drama film directed by Eran Riklis and co-directed by his cousin Ira Riklis. The film describes the legal efforts of a Palestinian widow to stop the Israeli Defense Minister, her next door neighbor, from destroying the lemon trees in her family farm. At the same time, she develops a human bond with the minister's wife.  It was released in Israel on 27 March 2008, and it received a tepid response from Israeli audiences. It was released internationally through IFC Films on 17 April 2009. From there, the film has achieved critical success and it has received nominations for several awards such as 'Best Actress' and 'Best Screenwriter' at the EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS

Statement of Opposition to the Failure of BDS South Africa to Condemn the Singing of "dubula e juda" ("shoot the Jew")

RHODES UNIVERSITY PALESTINIAN SOLIDARITY FORUM (RUPSF)

Statement of Opposition to the Failure of BDS South Africa to Condemn the Singing of "dubula e juda" ("shoot the Jew")

On 28 August 2013 protesters gathered at the Daniel Zamir concert at Wits University as part of BDS South Africa’s campaign and sang songs containing the slogan "dubula e juda" ("shoot the Jew").

RUPSF supports the broad principles of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the Israeli state’s continued illegal occupation of Palestine precisely because we reject racism in any form. It therefore goes without saying that we are equally and unequivocally opposed to any expression of Anti-Semitism.

RUPSF: An Evening of Jazz & Curry