‘Deputy head-boy will not be suspended’

VICTORY PARK – King David Victory Park said it would not suspend deputy head-boy Josh Broomberg.

This followed his indirect declaration on Facebook that he supported the citizens of Gaza. Broomberg sparked controversy after being seen on a picture on the social network site draped in a Palestinian scarf (Keffiyeh) and badge. The caption read ‘Team South Africa wearing Palestinian badges and Keffiyehs to show our opposition to the human rights violations carried out against the people of Palestine.’

Jewish citizens concerned by the implications of the picture submitted a petition to King David School, urging that Broomberg be suspended and relieved of his title.

“It (my comment) was not intended to create the uproar it has, it was not designed to offend or upset,” Broomberg said in a statement on Facebook.

“It was not about politics, or about states. It was about humanity. We stand with the thousands of civilians who have lost their lives in the conflict. We stand with a people who do not yet have a state to protect themselves. We stand with the innocents. We stand for two states. We do not stand against Israel. All of this applies to me personally as well. All citizens of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza have the absolute right to live in peace and security.”

While Broomberg’s statement has elicited concern in the Jewish community, Salim Mohamed of the Islamic community condoned his actions. “Everybody has rights, and everybody has a right to think for themselves,” Mohamed, principal of the Johannesburg Muslim School said. “What that young man did was not malicious, he was simply expressing himself. He has that right. I condone freedom of expression.”

King David School said it wouldn’t impinge on anyone’s right to freedom of expression, and wouldn’t take action against its deputy head-boy. “We really are an open school,” the South African Board of Jewish Education’s Craig Kaseev reportedly said.

“We are a school of diverse views. Kids have various different views and opinions, there will be those who will express their views and I suppose we just have to have a conversation with Joshua.”

The African National Congress has condoned Broomberg’s actions. “The ANC applauds the principled stance taken by these students to voice their opposition to the injustice of the Israeli aggression against the defenceless people of Palestine,” the party said in a press statement.

Broomberg has apologised for the furor according to a statement issued by the SA Board of Jewish Education.

He reportedly said that while he was a proud South African Jew who loved and supported Israel, he still rejected and criticised some of its actions.

“In fact, I consider it my duty to contribute to the growing world-wide discussion surrounding the desperate need for a quick end and lasting solution to this pernicious conflict,” he said.

*Another King David School pupil has since claimed that he too has been bullied and discriminated against after expressing his views on Israel on Facebook.

The pupil has reported his case to the South African Human Rights Commission.