Goldstein added that in carrying out the mandate, the task force is also working with the Security Advisory Council of the World Jewish Congress and is being advised by an expert legal team.

Goldstein did not mention the involvement of any agencies in the South African security cluster.

Africa 4 Palestine reacted in shock, stating that Goldstein’s actions were putting the Jewish Community’s lives at risk through its consistent association with and support of the genocide of Palestinians.

“The dangerous conflation of religion and international war crimes and terrorism by these organisations creates anger and resentment being directed at people from the Jewish Community.

“These organisations frequently perpetuate dangerous identity politics which threaten to demonise Jewish communities in South Africa. It is worth noting that Palestinian solidarity activists in South Africa have tried their best to debunk the narrative promoted by these organisations that Jewish people are all in support of the genocide of Palestinians,” said Alie Komape, Communications and Campaigns Manager at Africa 4 Palestine.

“In contrast, there is a growing number of Jewish activists that speak out for Palestine who are at pains to separate their Jewish identity from the genocide and human rights violations of Palestinians by the Israeli regime,” he added.

Komape stated that no Jewish-associated structures have a right to establish a militia or the so-called security structure without the involvement of the country’s security cluster because such would threaten and undermine South Africa’s national interest.

“Africa 4 Palestine is confident that our law enforcement agencies have the capabilities and expertise to investigate all alleged terror and violent attacks, including those committed by South Africans in Israel," said Komape.

The organisation stated it would raise its concerns with the relevant authorities.

When asked by IOL whether the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) knew Goldstein’s security structure, SAJBD President Zev Krengel stated they were not aware of the Chief Rabbi’s counter-terrorism task force which he had already made public.

“The SAJBD will continue to work closely (as we always have) with the South African security cluster, whom we believe are the correct address in dealing with issues affecting our community.

"The SAJBD is the 121-year-old democratically elected representative body of the South African Jewish community, and we will continue to act in the best interests of our community."

IOL approached the State Security Agency (SSA), seeking to establish the legality of an external, extra-judicial counter-terrorism task force to carry out an investigation within South Africa's borders without the involvement of local safety and security agencies, and whether or not the SSA had been consulted about the activities of the task force, but had received no response by the time of publication.

IOL also approached Goldstein for comment directly.

This is a developing story and will be updated with further comments as they are received.

IOL

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Chief Rabbi Goldstein's Counter-Terrorism Task Force Raises Security Concerns in South Africa