May 05, 2003, 20:00
A group of some 50 pro-Palestinian protesters holding banners and candles mounted a demonstration this evening outside a hall in Johannesburg where a memorial service for Israeli soldiers was being held.
The service at the Simon Kuper Hall in Killarney was organised by the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) to honour members of the Israeli Defence Force who had died in wars and civil conflict in Israel since 1948.
Among the guests believed to be at the service were Israel's Ambassador to South Africa Tova Herzl, South Africa's Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris and Lieutenant Colonel Moshe Rienitiz of the Israeli Defence Force who had flown in from Israel.
The supporters of Palestinian Solidarity Committee (PSC) protesting outside the hall included men, women and children, some as young as five years-old. Salim Vally, PSC spokesperson, said his group was opposed to a service that honoured a force that had carried out genocide in Israel and the Palestinian territories. "The South African Zionists are honouring murderers and illegal occupiers of Palestine. The occupation is a crime Israel must free Palestine," he said
Banners carried by the protesters read: "Israel Death Force", "Apartheid is alive in Israel" and "No bantustans in Palestine" earlier, Bev Goldman, SAZF spokesperson denied her organisation was honouring the entire Israeli Defence Force. "We are not honouring the defence force but members of the force who died during the past seven wars since 1948 (involving Israel) and the two intifadas (Palestinian uprisings) in 1995 and 2000."
A contingent of 10 policemen guarded the main gate to the property in Main Street where the hall is situated. A number of bodyguards in civilian dress patrolled the interior of the property.
When a Sapa journalist asked to be admitted, one of the guards asked to see her press card. When she produced it, however, another guard told her it was a "private function" and refused her entry.
A small group of press photographers was also present at the protest. - Sapa
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