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The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) is proud to host a delegation of Patriotic Alliance (PA) party members on an upcoming study tour to Israel.

This imminent trip follows a request from the PA for SAFI to organise the tour so that its political leaders can learn from Israel for the good of a future South Africa. 

Despite the deeply damaging and short-sighted breakdown in relations between the governments of South Africa and Israel — a rupture that ultimately harms ordinary citizens and squanders opportunities for shared progress — the reality remains that South Africans, including their political leaders, are well-positioned to learn from Israel’s experience in social and economic development, particularly in delivering services that improve quality of life for all. The trip is further supported by the fact that the ANC’s foreign policy decisions do not represent the will or the interests of the South African people.  

Israel continues to be a global pioneer in water security, agricultural sustainability, and technological innovation and has implemented significant projects in this regard throughout Africa. Lessons drawn from these sectors can empower South African political leaders with the knowledge and tools to implement similar solutions at home, acting as engines for socio-economic upliftment.

Similarly, Israel can also gain valuable lessons from South Africa’s experiences in nation-building—particularly in nurturing unity and common purpose among diverse communities with differing interests and concerns.

Despite the South African government’s actions toward Israel over the past 18 months, South Africans remain well-positioned to play a pivotal role in promoting peace throughout the Middle East.

SAFI is confident that this upcoming visit to Israel will yield tangible outcomes that benefit all South Africans and further strengthen the bridge between two nations destined for greatness.

Issued by South African Friends of Israel