In her death, as in her life, Olga’s memory and legacy is a lasting testimony.
By Jonathan Feldstein
On nearly a daily basis, for most of 470 days, Israel has suffered the death of civilians due to terrorist rockets and missiles, stabbings, and shootings; hostages whose bodies have been recovered and repatriated; and the loss of more than 400 soldiers in combat. Whether we knew any of the victims or not, each loss is a national tragedy, knocking the breath out of us as we hear the stark words “cleared for publication.”
This is especially the case for soldiers, because as a people’s army, they are our sons and daughters literally and generically. In too many cases, they are also husbands and fathers, leaving behind hundreds of widows and thousands of orphans. Each soldier’s death is noted in the print, broadcast, and electronic media, many times over, so we have a glimpse of who we’ve lost, and the depth of the loss to the family in mourning.
On January 6, Israel lost another brave warrior who devoted her life for defending Israel and the Jewish people. But she wasn’t an Israeli, and she wasn’t Jewish. She didn’t wear the uniform of the IDF (though I suspect she’d have been honored to). Olga MeshoeWashington was a dynamic young South African native, a devout Chrisitan, who put Israel’s defense only second to her family: husband Joshua, sons Ezra and Judah, her parents Rev. Kenneth Meshoe (a member of the South African parliament and head of the African Christian Democratic Party) and her late mother Lydia who died just two years before; and her extended family.
Minus the IDF uniform, Olga was every bit as much a warrior for Israel. Accordingly, in her memory and honor, unique accommodations have been made to bury Olga not in her native South Africa or adopted home state North Carolina, but in Israel, literally in the Land and among the people who she loved and for which she advocated relentlessly.
Olga’s death is being felt and mourned literally around the world. It’s evident from a truly overwhelming outpouring of condolences and memories of her too short life, that she made a unique and indeed very personal impact on tens of thousands. There are many stories, memories, and inspirations that those of us who were privileged to know Olga will take with us. Many Jews and Israelis, like me, are not only mourning, but feel compelled to share about her life, so that millions of other Jews and Israelis will understand what a great loss we have all experienced, collectively, even if we never knew much less heard of Olga.
Reflecting her life, following Olga’s social media one sees two main things reflected today that were the center of her life: her family and her advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people. Being South African, she was particularly busy counteracting the slanderous antisemitic actions of the South African government in recent years, something for which her voice was clear and respected. Allegations that Israel was an apartheid state that it was committing war crimes and genocide, are things that Olga refuted easily, with intelligence, clarity, and poise.
This week, a group of friends and colleagues gathered virtually from four continents, to reflect in a deeply emotional conversation about Olga and her life. We are all mourning, but just as in the Jewish tradition to visit a house of mourning to comfort the mourners, by sharing stories of her life, we found this to be a comfort to ourselves, and also a way to reflect on Olga’s greatness.
Olga was described in Biblical terms, like Ruth, who gave up everything that she could have been as a young partner in a major South African law firm to devote her life and energy to Israel. People described her warmth, her wisdom, that she’s irreplaceable. At 44, she did so much in her life; it’s overwhelming to imagine what she could have done, and what we all have lost. One noted that it feels like the earth shifted off its axis. Underscoring the huge impact she made, someone shared that others were contacting her saying, “I felt so close to Olga but now seeing that everyone was so close to Olga.”
The hardest part of the conversation was talking to her young sons, so that when they are ready, when they want the women they will marry to know about their mother, they can get a glimpse of Olga’s greatness and can remember her through others. Hopefully this will be a comfort to Olga’s sons and extended family, and also to inspire others – Jews and Christians – to pick up the torch she carried so high, and run with it. (You can see the entire conversation here.)
Olga’s legacy will surely continue in her children, described as royalty coming from two families of Christian Zionist leaders, but also in the lives of the many whom she touched. Being buried in Israel is not something to be taken lightly, especially when it comes with involvement of the office of the President. Indeed, it’s unprecedented. In her death, as in her life, Olga’s memory and legacy is a lasting testimony. She will be laid to rest on January 22, followed by memorials in South Africa and North Carolina, amid thousands of mourners, Jews and Christians coming together in solidarity to honor her.
In Jewish tradition, participating in someone’s funeral is a Biblical obligation known as a “chesed shel emet,” an act of loving kindness at its most pure because it can never be repaid to help the family defray the significant cost of burial in Israel, with everything involved, a crowd funding campaign has been established for people around the world to contribute to her burial. The funeral will also be live streamed for those who wish to participate virtually.
Olga Meshoe Washington was a friend, natural leader, mentor, brave warrior, woman of devout faith, and an inspiration and source of wisdom, and guidance to us all. We pray that her family will be comforted by the outpouring of love and support from around the world, and that we will measure up to continue Olga’s legacy and radiate her light and legacy. Writing about someone in the past tense means accepting that she’s no longer with us, which is one of the hardest things for those who knew her. But we take strength from the words that Olga would comfort us with, “All is well.”
Rest in peace, dear Olga. We will always remember you with fondness, reflecting your smile even amid our loss. Your legacy lives on with us, and you and your love for Israel will never be forgotten.
About the writer:
Jonathan Feldstein - President of the US based non-profit Genesis123 Foundation whose mission is to build bridges between Jews and Christians – is a freelance writer whose articles appear in The Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Townhall, NorthJersey.com, Algemeiner Jornal, The Jewish Press, major Christian websites and more.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond.
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Fears, Tears and Cheers. Fifteen months in captivity in Gaza, Israeli hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher step out of the vehicle to freedom in Israel.
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AMERICA FIRST DIVIDED
As patriots across the country celebrate Trump’s victory, lurking in the shadows is a sinister threat to the new conservative alignment By Karys Rhea
Waking up to Woke. A threat from either direction, the writer warns of the danger to the US from the ‘woke right’ as much as the ‘woke left’. More familiar with the ‘woke left’, what then is its no less dangerous counterpart – the “woke right”?
Trump’s Administration Should Reject Ebrahim Rasool as South Africa’s Ambassador. By Kenneth Mokgatlhe wa Kgwadi
Collision Course. Ebrahim Rasool is heading to the USA as South Africa’s new ambassador. How will this outspoken supporter of terrorist organisations – Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad – go down with President Trump?
Response of a Catholic to the Pontiff’s visually symbolic embrace of terrorism. By Michael McKenna
Pope and Politics. Angering many Christians, particularly Catholics who are still questioning the Pontiff’s intentions when he participated in the Vatican’s Nativity scene alongside a “baby Jesus” lying on a Palestinian keffiyeh, the writer – “a deeply disappointed Catholic” – delves to understand his Pontiff and questions a way forward.
Heroes, Hostages and Victims – all in one Israeli Arab family By Jonathan Feldstein
Road of Revelation. When the writer engaged a driver for participants from abroad to his ‘Roots and Branch’ project, he chose not any driver but a Muslim Israeli hero of October 7. A Bedouin family saga of tragedy and heroism is revealed as the day in Israel’s battered south unfolds.
In Loving Tribute to Olga Meshoe Washington 14 September 1981 – 6 January 2025 By Rolene Marks
‘Out of Africa’ but ‘Out for Israel’. A daughter of Africa and passionate about her beloved South Africa, however “… for many of us in Israel and for Jewish communities around the world,” she was no less a “daughter of Zion,” asserts the writer. A devout Christian, Olga will be buried this week in Israel.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
13 January 2025 – Hostage deal nears? Palestinian Authority accuse Hamas of “human shields” and more on The Israel Brief.
14 January 2025 – Latest on Hostage deal and more on The Israel Brief.
15 January 2025 – Latest on Hostage negotiations and more on The Israel Brief.
16 January 2025 – The ceasefire agreement.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
In Loving Tribute to Olga Meshoe Washington 14 September 1981 – 6 January 2025
By Rolene Marks
How does one put into words the devastation that so many of us around the world are feeling about the passing of the remarkable Olga Meshoe Washington? I never thought I would ever be writing those words. It is unimaginable. The brightest light has left us. I have started this tribute several times but it is so hard to fathom writing about the radiant and brilliant Olga in the past tense? Maybe if I do not write in the past tense it will not be true.
Charismatic Speaker. A sought-after figure on the global speaking circuit, Olga addressed organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Christians United for Israel, and the World Jewish Congress. In 2022, she spoke at the United Nations Human Rights Council and participated in a UNHRC side event in Geneva.
As news of Olga’s passing reverberated around the world, tributes poured in. Organisations, individuals, politicians, media – people who had known Olga personally and others who connected with her through her work, everyone felt the shockwaves of grief. I do not think there was a corner of the globe that was not impacted by Olga. The magnitude of love and sorrow is testament to the impact that she had during her life.
Olga was simply magnificent. In every way. I used to call her Queen Olga – because she carried herself with regal bearing, treating each person as if they were the most important in the room.
Rolled up her Sleeves. On her way in 2023 to Israel to attend The Jerusalem Post’s “Top 25 Young ViZionaries” awards ceremony, she landed in Ben Gurion Airport on October 7th to a country at war. Instead of turning back, Olga got right to work and with Jewish National Fund-USA participating in a number of projects such as packing supplies and working out of the organization’s situation room. “My experiences,” she later said, “only strengthened my resolve to tell the truth and to be an ally to Israel and encourage others to be an ally to the Jewish people.”
Olga was a daughter of Africa, passionate about her beloved South Africa – but for many of us in Israel and for Jewish communities around the world, she was one of ours as well. Daughter of Africa – and daughter of Zion.
If ever there was anyone who embodied an Eshet Chayil, a woman of valour, it was Olga Meshoe Washington. Olga was a woman of unparalleled integrity and moral clarity.
Father and Daughter. Olga with her father, the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader in South Africa’s parliament, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe.
It was not just that she was an extremely gifted orator or brilliant in her chosen career as a lawyer, Olga was a formidable advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. Olga shone as a speaker and debater – and her opponents were swiftly put in their place with facts and conviction. Her love and dedication to Israel and the Jewish people was unwavering – as was her Christian faith.
Watching out for Israel. IBSI Board Member for @unwatch, Olga Meshoe-Washington addresses the United Nations Council of Inquiry against Israel who on the Israel “apartheid” libel, said: “It trivializes the humiliation and injustices endured by black South Africans who lived through apartheid and who still, together with their descendants, bear the scars of its legacy.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8J9i7oIN-k
Olga was involved with so many organisations at the highest levels. She founded and directed the pro-Israel Christian lobby group DEISI(Defend, Embrace, Invest, Support Israel), was named one of 25 young visionaries by The Jerusalem Post, served as chief operating officer of Club Z, a US Zionist youth movement, spoke at a UN Human Rights Council event and was part of the family of so many other organisations. Everyone felt the unique magic that Olga sprinkled with her faith, devotion, support and love.
It is not just Olga’s work that shone. Her love for her family and friends were paramount. Olga married Joshua and became a mother to the two most gorgeous little boys. Our hearts are aching for the Meshoe and Washington families at this unfathomable loss.
In these dark months of war, my phone would ring at night and it would be Olga, checking in to see if my husband and I were okay, to offer a prayer but most important to listen and advise. It was always an honour to share ideas and sometimes a giggle over something pop culture with Olga.
Olga always had opinions and perspective, most often grounded in her faith and her values. I was also privileged to share a panel with her once or twice and host her for World WIZO during the pandemic and she just mesmerized everyone with her intelligence and her vibrant personality.
Olga will be laid to rest in Israel, the country she loved so much and fought so valiantly not just to defend but also embraced and invested her commitment and her love.
Eternal Enrichment. Olga and her family on a visit to her beloved Israel where she will be laid to rest at the Tel Regev Cemetery, near Haifa.
In his tribute post to his beloved wife, Olga’s husband Joshua referred to the heavens applauding for the life she led. The heavens are applauding – and so are we, Olga. Yours was a life lived impeccably and you are absolutely irreplaceable. Your legacy will live on in all of us.
Our hearts embrace the Meshoe and Washington families. May Olga rest in power – and may her memory be eternally blessed.
IBSI Board Member, Olga Meshoe-Washington at the UN in Geneva
The ceremony will also be live streamed for everyone abroad. Hope you will be able to join us in giving a unique and befitting farewell to such an amazing woman, that gave so much of herself to and for this country and our cause. To help defray the costs of the funeral for the family and donate from the US please click here: https://genesis123foundation.revv.co/olga To donate fromanywhere else in the world please click here: https://www.runforzion.com/rememberingolga
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Heroes, Hostages and Victims – all in one Israeli Arab family
By Jonathan Feldstein
Israel is a complicated country. For many, or maybe most Israelis, we don’t usually get out of our boxes and communities and have meaningful interactions much less relationships with people in other sectors of society. Largely, that applies to most of us in most of the diverse sectors of Israeli society: religious, secular, Arab, Jewish, left, right, etc.
A few months ago, I “met” Youssef Ziyadne through reading his story in “One Day in October”, a gripping compilation of stories about 40 heroes of the October 7 Hamas massacre – Israelis who saved lives of others, often at risk to their own. In some cases, they lost their lives while heroically and selflessly saving others from the massacring terrorists.
Sad Saga. Thought to be alive until recently, Bedouin hostages Youssef Ziyadne and his son Hamza Ziyadne’s bodies were recovered this week, 15 months after they were abducted by Hamas terrorists. Youssef and Hamza were kidnapped along with another two of Youssef’s children, Bilal, 18, and Aisha, 17, while working in the cowshed at Kibbutz Holit near the Gaza border. Bilal and Aisha were released on November 30, 2023, after more than 50 days in Hamas captivity. (Courtesy)
Youssef saved 30 revelers from the Nova festival where nearly 400 were murdered. He did so by packing them all into his 14-seat minibus while under fire as he navigated backroads and open fields in order to avoid the terrorists. Unlike the 30 Israeli Jews whose lives he saved, Youssef is a Muslim Bedouin Israeli Arab. He has been celebrated and recognized for his heroism nationally, including Israel’s state president, Isaac Herzog.
While planning this past fall the Root & Branch program (a literally ‘hands-on’ enriching way for Christians to personally connect with Israel), I decided that if I was going to engage someone to be our driver, why not a hero of October 7. It turned out to be a wise choice as it connected the Christian volunteers who had come to harvest olives with an enriching sector of Israeli society to which they would not otherwise have even ever met.
Appealing for Release. In June last year, Bashir Ziyadne (28), at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, holding images of his cousin Youssef Ziyadne and Youssef’s son Hamza, taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. (Photo: Gianluca Pacchiani/Times of Israel)
Youssef, being Bedouin rather than Jewish opened the participants’ eyes to the sometimes-complicated nature of the Jewish state. In fact, slightly over 20% of Israel’s 10 million citizens are Israeli Arabs – full equal citizens. The participants got to interact with a Bedouin Arab whose modesty, warmth, and charm overcame any language barrier.
Only at the end of the trip, when we were at the site of the Nova festival, did I reveal who Youssef was and why I went out of the way to engage his services that day. It was an overwhelmingly emotional moment as they learned about Youssef, their driver and hero, and how the same vehicle in which we had been riding all week was used to save so many lives.
Youssef and I have stayed in touch. While he’s a hero of Israel, he and his family have also experienced terrible loss and suffering from October 7. That day he was saving the lives of 30 others, four members of his extended family were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists: Youssef (53), and his children Hamza (22), Bilal (18), and Aisha (17). Yes, Arabic speaking Bedouin Israeli Muslim Arabs were kidnapped by Arab Islamic terrorists who showed them no mercy or humanity, underscoring that the accusation of apartheid in Israel is false as even terrorists attack, murder, and kidnap without discrimination. It is a shame that October 7 fails to challenge the “ideology” of the protestors around the world who reflexively blame Israel for everything imaginable, but dismiss or ignore the reality of the clear evil perpetrated by Hamas!
Family Survivors. Former Arab-Israeli hostages 18-year-old Bilal Ziyadne (right) and 17-year-old Aisha Ziyadne (left) reunited with a relative at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, following their release by Hamas on November 30, 2023. (Photo: Israel’s Government Press Office).
Bilal and Aisha were released in November 2023 as part of the deal that saw 105 of the 251 hostages released. It was hoped that two of Youssef’s relatives still in captivity – Youssef and Hamza – were still alive. It was not to be. Last week, the body of Youssef’s cousin, also named Youssef, was brought home for burial followed thereafter by Hamza. The bodies were found in one of the many terror tunnels in which Hamas still operates and where they still hold the remaining hostages in captivity.
The IDF recovered the bodies of Israeli Bedouin father and son Youssef and Hamza Ziyadne, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, from southern Israel into Gaza, endured brutal captivity, and were murdered – this is their story.
“Our” Youssef has strong words for the inhuman evil that Hamas represents. This week, another relative speaking on national TV added that:
“What they [Hamas] did on October 7, regardless of whether it was to Bedouins or Jews, is not allowed in Islam.”
Another former Bedouin Arab hostage, Farhan al-Qadi, rescued by the IDF from a terror tunnel in August, expressed grief and no doubt experiencing PTSD, mourned Youssef in the national media:
“Youssef, my friend, my neighbor, my childhood friend. It’s very hard. We need to end this war and bring them home, everyone. He was a friend to everyone, a father to everyone, he doesn’t deserve this – nobody does.”
Horrendous ‘homecoming’. Relatives and friends of Youssef Ziyadne and his son Hamza, gather at the family home in the southern Israel city of Rahat, on January 8, 2025, after the IDF said it had recovered Youssef’s body and had “grave concerns” for Hamza’s life. (Photo: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)
Now, Youssef and Hamza Ziyadna are another two victims of the evil terrorism that we all face and confront equally, on multiple fronts. Join me in extending condolences to the extended Ziyadne family, and pray that ALL the remaining hostages will be found and brought home soon. As Bedouin Israeli Arabs do have a wide support network outside Israel, the Genesis 123 Foundation has launched a tax-deductible fund to support the Ziyadne family at this painful time.
As the news breaks of an imminent hostage deal, we can only pray and hope for the lives of the remaining hostages and that they will soon be returned to their loved ones.
About the writer:
Jonathan Feldstein - President of the US based non-profit Genesis123 Foundation whose mission is to build bridges between Jews and Christians – is a freelance writer whose articles appear in The Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Townhall, NorthJersey.com, Algemeiner Jornal, The Jewish Press, major Christian websites and more.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Response of a Catholic to the Pontiff’s visually symbolic embrace of terrorism.
By Michael McKenna
Many a bible verse defines the gospel message of Christmas to embrace:
honour, love, respect, support and peaceful coexistence for the greater good of all
The emphasis here is on ALL humanity.
Following on from this context, I was taken aback when seeing a photograph in an article I stumbled upon featuring the nativity display during the traditional Vatican’s ‘Christmas Tree’ ceremony at St Peter’s Square. It featured Pope Francis sitting next to the display of baby Jesus lying on – a keffiyeh!
Distorting Jesus. Highlighting a false ‘Palestinian’ association to the birth of Jesus, Pope Francis nevertheless prays before the ‘Nativity of Bethlehem 2024’ in the Vatican, during the private audience with donors of the nativity scene and the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony on December 7, 2024. (Andreas Solaro/ AFP)
I took strong exception to this politically orchestrated inclusion of the Keffiyeh which Google included in its description:
“A popularized black-and-white keffiyeh associated with revolutionary purpose of Palestinians”
This contrived scenario begs the question:
“Why specifically incorporate this particular keffiyeh or why portray something politically symbolic in such a display”?
Why commensurate with the Pope’s general Christmas message of the virtues listed above, he allows himself to be associated with the contrived keffiyeh? He knows only too well that this iconic apparel can be associated with confrontational, violent and negative interpretations that both offends and insults what we, as Christians, believe what our Lord Jesus represents?
Pontif and Politics. Portraying Jesus as a Palestinian is historically inaccurate. Jesus was born and died a Jew in Roman-occupied Judea, a historical reality that cannot be ignored or reinterpreted to fit modern political agendas.
As a Catholic, I felt uncomfortable by the Pontiff’s handling of this sensitive situation as it indirectly inflames that which we strive to accomplish, namely, to embrace, unite and respect everyone’s beliefs, whist seeking common ground in establishing an endearing and peaceful understanding for one another.
The appearance of Pope Francis in this compromised political position certainly raised the ire of many Catholics and Christians who are still questioning the Pontiff’s intentions and the Vatican’s overall approach to world peace and understanding amongst nations. Many continue to echo their rejection of this representation with a hope that such a display does not by association, taint Christian scriptures and practice.
To underline the point, would a particular religious faith in an “act of solidarity”, highlight during a prominent religious occasion, display something highly controversial and politically provocative, particularly during the global political and religious climate we find ourselves in?
Catholic Controversy. Speaking at the event, a wheelchair-bound Pope Frances opened the annual nativity scene at the Vatican featuring the traditional Palestinian national scarf draped on Jesus’s cradle, which had been created by Palestinian artists from Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. Following controversy, the kaffeiyeh was later removed.
Engaging in serious discussion with a fellow Christian, he expressed, with sound reasoning and sadness, the fall of our faith, defining it as an “International sport playground beyond comprehension” being utilised as a platform to humiliate, attack us, to encourage, mock and to advance a world order contrary to our Christian beliefs. I look forward to all fellow Christians’ response to this development whilst seeking common respectful ground for all faiths and religions worldwide.
About the writer:
Michael McKenna , from Harare, Zimbabwe joined the advertising world in 1984 (… progressing to an “Assistant Creative Director 1990). His voice-overs featured on a number of advertisements flighted on both television and radio (also mimicking accents such as Indian, West Indian, Australian and others in some advertisements) , and a year later, commenced as a presenter on Air Zimbabwe’s sponsored weather report on national television. In 1990, Michael joined what was then “BOP TV”, where he continued with voice-over work for adverts, progressing to continuity presenting on television, news/sports presenting on “Radio Bop” and eventually, presenting live news, current affairs programmes and events. Michael has worked as a marketing co-ordinator for a top auditing firm in Johannesburg, following which he joined ENCA (“E-News Channel Africa) presenting Sport News. He has also worked in radio for HOT 102.7 as a News Presenter, and is currently with “Chai FM” in Johannesburg presenting an afternoon community/current affairs show as well as presenting news on the station.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Trump’s Administration Should Reject Ebrahim Rasool as South Africa’s Ambassador.
By Kenneth Mokgatlhe wa Kgwadi
Ebrahim Rasool, a veteran leader within the African National Congress (ANC), has served as South Africa’s ambassador to Washington for two separate terms. His reappointment last year has sparked significant controversy. The United States should reject Rasool’s continued ambassadorship due to his alleged connections to international terrorism, his explicit support for extremist organizations such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and his historical role in straining U.S.-South Africa relations.
On a collision course. Ebrahim Rasool , who is heading back to the US for a second term as South Africa’s ambassador this time to a Trump and not an Obama administration, supports extremist organizations such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
Rasool’s tenure as a political figure and diplomat has been marked by his advocacy for causes that align with organizations designated as terrorist groups by many Western nations. His alleged ties to Hamas and PIJ raise serious concerns about his ability to represent South Africa’s interests without compromising the nation’s international standing. Through his influence within the ANC, Rasool has been accused of advancing a narrative that demonizes Israel while promoting the agenda of the Muslim Brotherhood – a controversial Islamist organization with global influence. Such actions have alienated significant segments of the global community and South Africa’s diverse population.
During his previous term as ambassador, Rasool’s actions reportedly undermined the historically strong relationship between South Africa and the United States. This relationship, characterized by mutual economic and political benefits, is of paramount importance. The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China, and jeopardizing this partnership is ill-advised. Rasool’s divisive rhetoric and controversial affiliations have already strained this relationship, and his reappointment risks further deterioration.
The Biden administration’s patience with South Africa has been notable, especially following the controversial docking of the Russian cargo ship Lady R at Simon’s Town Naval Base, which raised suspicions of South Africa’s support for Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, South Africa’s decision to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations of genocide in Gaza has exacerbated tensions with the U.S., a staunch ally of Israel. These developments highlight the precarious nature of U.S.-South Africa relations, which Rasool’s continued ambassadorship could further jeopardize.
Anti-Israel activist Ambassador. South Africa’s re-appointed terror-connected Islamist diplomat Ebrahim Rasool as its ambassador to the US, has in more recent years built a reputation for his anti-Israel activism and trumpeting of South Africa’s efforts to persuade the International Court of Justice that Israel wields an “intent to commit genocide.”
Rasool’s political career within South Africa has not been without controversy. As a leader in the ANC, he failed to secure the Western Cape province for the party, which repeatedly lost to the Democratic Alliance (DA) under his watch. The ANC’s hopes that Rasool would consolidate Muslim electoral support in the province proved futile. His inability to deliver politically raises questions about his effectiveness as a representative of South Africa’s interests on the global stage.
South Africa’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been a cornerstone of its economic relationship with the United States. This agreement provides South African products, brands, and services with access to one of the world’s largest markets. However, the U.S. has reportedly considered withdrawing South Africa’s AGOA benefits due to recent geopolitical tensions and South Africa’s perceived alignment with authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China.
Rasool’s continued ambassadorship could exacerbate these tensions, potentially leading to economic repercussions for South Africa. His alleged involvement in mobilizing financial support for extremist organizations not only tarnishes South Africa’s reputation but also undermines the economic stability that AGOA provides. It is nonsensical to risk such an important economic relationship over actions that yield no tangible benefits for South Africa.
Rasool’s diplomatic efforts have often appeared to prioritize relationships with autocratic governments and organizations that have little regard for democracy or human rights. His alleged ties to Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, as well as his support for regimes in Iran, China, and Russia, run counter to South Africa’s stated foreign policy pillars of promoting democracy and human rights. These affiliations not only damage South Africa’s international standing but also divert attention from the nation’s pressing domestic challenges.
Birds of a Feather. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool who is proud to reveal that Hamas founder Sheikh Yassin, is “one of the greatest inspirations”, is seen here handing a copy of his book to Turkish Islamist leader President Erdoğan(Photos: Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s Facebook page)
South Africa’s role within the BRICS economic bloc has become increasingly controversial with the inclusion of Iran, a nation widely criticized for its human rights abuses and support for terrorism. Rasool’s advocacy for closer ties with Iran and other BRICS members risks alienating South Africa from its traditional allies in the West. While BRICS aims to establish an alternative global economic order, its alignment with authoritarian regimes undermines the principles of democracy and human rights that South Africa purports to uphold.
The Hamas Connection. While premier of the Western Cape in 2007, Ebrahim Rasool hosted Mohammed Nazzal (seen above), a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau. In 2024, the U.S. government designated Nazzal, Rasool’s Hamas contact, as one of the “key officials …. who facilitate their terrorist activities,” and coordinates “the transfer of money and goods into Gaza.”
Ebrahim Rasool’s reappointment as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States poses significant risks to both nations. His alleged ties to extremist organizations, divisive political history, and prioritization of autocratic alliances over democratic values make him an unsuitable representative. The United States, as South Africa’s critical trading partner and ally, should reconsider its acceptance of Rasool as ambassador.
For South Africa, the stakes are high. The nation’s economic future, international reputation, and adherence to democratic principles hang in the balance. Appointing a diplomat who embodies these values is essential for preserving South Africa’s relationships with its allies and ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens.
Rasool calls for support for SA’s move to take Israel to ICC
About the writer:
A writer, researcher, and analyst, Kenneth Mokgatlhe wa Kgwadi is reading for his Master of Arts in African Studies at the Israeli-based Ben Gurion University of the Negev.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
If the presidential election has proven anything, it is that President Donald Trump’s brand of MAGA populism, christened America First, is a big tent. Far from the Republican party of Mitch McConnell, America’s ruling coalition is a refreshing new blend of old principles that include a robust, domestic industrial policy unburdened by excessive regulation and taxes, a renewed commitment to the First Amendment, a purging of the bureaucratic federal agencies, and an overhaul of military spending and foreign entanglements. It emphasizes freedom, family, and faith, while rejecting globalism, Marxism, and elitism.
As patriots across the country celebrate Trump’s victory, lurking in the shadows is a sinister threat to the new conservative alignment. This faction of the America First camp has grown increasingly since the October 7th massacre in Israel, attracting monikers such as the reactionary right,identitarian right, revisionist right,barbarian right, and neo-buchananites. No tag has garnered as much online fanfare as the woke right.
Several podcasters and social media users have taken note of this phenomenon, discerning that though they self-identify with America First, the woke right’s tactics emulate their collectivist contenders on the left – but few realize that both political aisles also share the same values and ideology. Characterized by a form of right-wing nihilism comprised of a vile strain of jealous anti-Zionism and a disdain for the post-World War II, US-led unipolar order, the woke right embraces narratives that undercut a strong and successful America, and undermine core conservative ideals of liberty, tradition, and capitalism. In short, both the woke right and woke left hate America, as she currently stands, and wish to see her fall.
WHO IS THE WOKE RIGHT?
This loose cast of characters encompasses libertarians such as Dave Smith and Scott Horton, groypers like Nick Fuentes and Jake Shields, Christian nationalists like Candace Owens and Lauren Chen, self-declared fascists like Darryl Cooper and Karlyn Borysenko, and health freedom advocates like Stew Peters and Michael Yon.At the helm is paleoconservative Tucker Carlson, without whom these individuals and their supporters would remain peripheral and largely irrelevant.
Nefarious Nick. Despite the overt hate speech from American far-right political pundit and live streamer who promotes white supremacist and antisemitic views, Nick Fuentes has made inroads into Republican politics. (Photo: Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
ANTISEMITISM AND REVISIONISM
The woke right repeatedly question America’s righteous authority on the global stage by approaching history through a revisionist lens. Instead of dispassionate critiques, they arrogantly villainize Western heroes such as Martin Luther King and grossly minimize tragic events such as the Holocaust. While the progressive left destroys statues of Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln, the woke rightdestroy theirnamesakes. Such rhetoric mirrors progressive “critical theory”, with its aim to tear down the moral and historical foundations of Western civilization. Journalist Mary Harrington has referredto such tactics as the right’s 1619 project. Insisting that they are merely questioning the status quo, in truth, the woke right are eager to sacrifice any history or mythology, sans Christianity, to the altars of postmodern deconstructionism, and fall back on the defense of “just asking questions” to mask their bad faith inquiries, in the same way anti-racist educators pose pseudo-innocuous questions to kindergarteners about how many privileges their white peers enjoy.
The woke right has even adopted the standard, progressive, intersectional hierarchy, in which “Zionist Jews” are framed as the ultimate oppressors. But in this pseudo-right-wing version, Jews are responsible for the suffering of both Muslims and Christians. Like the progressive left, which recklessly levels the charge of racism without consideration of its merits and, conversely, ignores actual racism where it arises, the woke right care little for the churches being regularly burned and defaced in Canada or the routineslaughters of Christians taking place throughout the Arab world and parts of Africa. Instead, their vitriol is reserved for the Jews, under the euphemistic guise of opposing “Zionists”. Unfounded diatribes about Jewish mistreatment of Christians contrast sharply with America First’s recognition of Israel as a key ally and a safe haven for Christians – the one place in the Middle East, in fact, where the Christian population is not only increasing, but is the most successful minority, even outpacing Jews by certain metrics.
Conspiratorial Candace. “From defending Hitler’s actions in Germany and mocking Jewish fears over Kanye West’s antisemitic tweets, to claiming Israel forces Muslims into segregated quarters and insinuating Hollywood is run by sinister Jewish gangs,” Conservative US commentator, Candace Owens has been crowned “2024’s Antisemite of the Year”. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images.)
The woke right extend their vitriol of the collective Jew (the Jewish state) to the individual, often resurrecting ancient blood libels in which Zionists are accused of global conspiracies, from the assassination of JFK and the Armenian Genocide to, to the sinkings of the Titanic and OceanGate, to the attacks of both September 11th and October 7th. America First, on the other hand, cherishes Judaism as the cradle of Western morality, inextricably linked to Christian values. It applauds Israel for being the only developed country with an increasing birthrate, and one that has yet to be overrun by the secular, self-destructive ideology of neo-Marxism. Inconvenient facts be damned to the woke right.
ISOLATIONISM vs STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Last February, Tucker participated in a globalist forum in Dubai, where he characterized America as an imperialistic hegemon. Resembling President Obama more than President Trump, Tucker’s rhetoric is toxic to the nationalism of America First. Much more than a policy disagreement, the woke right are not satisfied with valid critiques of the neoconservative project of nation-building. Like their counterparts on the left, they are dogmatic in the view that nothing is, and cannot be, more heinous than US imperialism. “Once a person accepts that Western imperialism is the greatest possible evil,” writes former Marxist Kathleen Hayes, “she must cheer any atrocity carried out by the neocolonial oppressed against it; or if she has any kind of conscience, lie about what her heroes actually do.” Columnist David Marcus took note of this woke right tendency, remarking on X, “When [did] ‘America First’ become Blame America First?”
In contrast, America First recognizes that while America has squandered vast resources and sacrificed her men in the failed project to defend her and her allies abroad, they do not consider her intrinsically sinful for doing so. This is what distinguishes the foreign restraint of America First from the blind isolationism of the woke right, the latter of which is so idealistic that they fail to realize the consequence of their supposedly “pro-America” protectionism: a multi-polar world scheming collectively to counter American economic power through the establishment of BRICS or threats of a nuclear Armageddon, and of which America must support strategic alliances to prevent. The woke right’s pride in anti-war neo-isolationism is not indicative of patriotic nationalism. It is appeasement, a capitulation to the values of America’s ideological enemies. Their ignorance of military deterrence begs the question: If a hostile actor knows there are no significant consequences to starting a war, why wouldn’t he start one? Journalist Douglas Murray puts it best that these keyboard warriors live:
“… in this post-historical dream, where there are no enemies, where the jungle isn’t there.”
Antisemitic Megaphone. Leading the pack for fringe Holocaust deniers, conspiracy theorists, and blood libel enthusiasts who oppose the State of Israel is right-wing commentator and former Fox News host, Tucker Carlson, who in his interview of economist Jeffrey Sachs, both gave credence to the antisemitic idea that Israel “controls” US foreign policy. (Photo: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY via Reuters Connect)
The woke right have also failed to grasp a key component of “American exceptionalism” beyond her promise of free speech and small government: Pro-American democracies that are less resourceful and more vulnerable depend upon the US to protect them from rogue, malevolent states and non-state actors. America has assumed this responsibility precisely because she puts her national interests first, recognizing that such a strategy avoids having to fight an eventual war on her own soil. The woke right are adept at articulating the threat to the Western way of life within its borders but fail to consider the foreign threats to their freedom as seriously as required.In deliberate denial about the routine “Death to America” chants echoed by the Ayatollahs in Iran and the IRGC’s assassination attempts on President Trump’s life, and unconcerned with the Chinese Communist Party’s documented 100-year plan to bring America to her knees, they’ll revere Putin for his anti-woke lip service while disregarding his partnership with China against the US for more than a decade. When Andrew Tate praises the Taliban on Tucker’s show without a word of pushback, it’s clear that their priorities do not include free speech and democracy.
Apart from “Zionists”, there is no worse menace to the woke right than a neoconservative. A pimp like Andrew Tate? A gambler like Dan Bilzerian? No problem – a little Christian charity here please. But a neocon? Irredeemable. In fact, the woke right frequently indulge leftists and Islamists, no matter how woke or anti-American, as long as they deplore neoconservatives. From Chomsky acolyte Glenn Greenwald and self-declared communist Jackson Hinkle to Islamic fundamentalist Suleiman Ahmed and dye in the wool globalist Jeffrey Sachs, the woke right appear to be replicating a right-wing iteration of the red-green alliance – the post-9/11 joint project of liberal-progressives and illiberal Islamists to overlook their ideological differences with the ulterior aim of tearing down the Western order, beginning with the state of Israel. A couple of pedophiles who fled to Israel and haven’t been extradited (due to Israel’s long-standing policy of not extraditing Jews) is proof to the woke right that both Israel and Judaism have demonic origins but referencing the Catholic church, with all its pedophilic lawsuits and scandals, is bad form and beyond the pale. Indeed, while performing as righteous puritans, invoking biblical language in a battle between good vs. evil, they hypocritically endorse guests who are guilty of the very sins they condemn.
THE DANGER WITHIN
Figures affiliated with the woke right adopt progressive tactics such as purity tests, bullying, name-calling, and self-righteous victimology. The online trolls are particularly vicious. Advocate for a victorious Ukraine or Israel, and you are hit with the charge of being mentally unwell, a neocon, a war-hawk, evil, satanic, demonic, a Zionist, a Jewish supremacist, or even just “a Jew”. Resorting to pejorative labeling of one’s detractors is rank identity politics in lockstep with left-wing smears of “QAnon”, “white supremacist”, or “racist” (Note that “Jewish supremacist”, “warmonger,” and “Zionist” are common cries of both groups). “When you dare criticize one of their icons,” notes commentator Ian Haworth, “they sound exactly like purple-haired Palestine flag-waving AOC fans.”
Worse, and in keeping with woke orthodoxy, the woke right perceive any objection as an attempt at cancellation. “Some on the right have become addicted to finding cancel culture everywhere,” says biologist Collin Wright. This victim mentality affords them a degree of political power, positioned as heterodox underdogs fighting the prevailing consensus. Their wrecking ball strategy is circular, making provocative declarations with the aim of evoking criticism, then citing that criticism as evidence that their topic of conversation is societally taboo.
‘Diving’ into Conspiracies. While the cause of the ill-fated submersible Titan’s sinking is still not yet fully known to authorities, some white nationalists and conspiracy theorists like Stew Peters are blaming “the Jews” for the catastrophic failure that claimed five lives.
PRESERVING AMERICA FIRST
As the 2024 US presidential elections drew nearer, the woke right’s rejection of America First principles became clear when some of its proponents began denouncing President Trump and his running mate, often for their support of Israel. And yet, the America First crowd has been largely ignorant or unwilling to accept that Tucker Carlson is attempting to realign the conservative movement by mainstreaming an “army of disaffected Christians,” as author James Lindsay characterizes it, who would have trouble finding a voice within ordinary society if not for the internet. “The most influential Trump-aligned media figure in the country,” notes journalist Jacob Siegel, “is trying to establish a new normative politics for the Trump movement.” Thus far, Trump has fortunately not appointed such individuals to serve in his administration. But there is inside pressure from the woke right on him to do so.
While the defining characteristic of America First in 2024 may be its broad coalition of diverse supporters, Trump conservatives must guard against factions that exploit its platform in service of an emotionally fragile and narcissistic agenda that mimics the identity politics of the left.
Trump conservatives must recognize that today, there are two America First camps and, ironically, one of them hates America.
About the writer:
Karys Rheais a producer at the Epoch Times, a writing fellow with the Middle East Forum, a delegate for Israel365 Action, and a Rising Leader at the Global Liberty Institute. You can find her on X @rheakarys.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
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Haunting image from Hamas video footage of hostage Liri Albag
Like one big family, the people of Israel shudder with the Albag family in response to the media release on January 4, 2025 of the video clip of their 19-year-old hostage daughter, Liri Albag. “She is several dozenkilometers from us, and for 456 days we have been unable to bring her home,” the family said.
Articles
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ISRAEL’S FIELD DAY IN DUBAI
A Middle East round of ‘carnage’ was happening not on a battlefield but a rugby field. By David E. Kaplan
Hot News! It escaped major media attention but it did not escape rugby fans or those reading between the lines. While Israel may hardly be popular in the region, the country’s first and only professional rugby team, the TEL AVIV HEAT, competed over November-December in the Dubai rugby 7s. The impact off the field matched its impact on!
‘KINOCIDE’ REPORT: HAMAS SYSTEMATICALLY TARGETTED FAMILIES ON OCT. 7
The document coins a harrowing new term and describes how “Hamas struck at the heart of the Jewish community: the family unit.” By Rolene Marks
Targeting Families. The quite visually ‘burning’ question following the brutal abuse of families during the October 7 massacre is whether “….the weaponization of the family unit constitute a new crime against humanity?” The writer looks at new report that argues that the scope of the cruelty “unequivocally warrants this recognition.”
REVELATIONS OF RESILIENCE IN ISRAEL’S BATTERED NORTH
Despite devastation, hotels, restaurants and popular tourist spots are rebounding. By Motti Verses
Return Flight. With the soundtrack of war in the north subsided, the birds return and so do patrons to hotels, restaurants and tourist sights. The writer interviews northerners in a return-and-restore mode in their fightback to normality.
AN ISLAND OF SANITY IN A SOMETIMES MURKY AND TREACHEOUS OCEAN
A family experience in Jerusalem hospital reveals how “We, the people,” rather than “Them, the politicians,” could show a collective way forward. By Solly Kaplinski
Unity in Diversity. Hadassah Medical Center workers hold signs in Hebrew and Arabic emphasizing cooperation as a model for success. “Can this be replicated in society? asks the writer.
Time to redirect pressure on Hamas instead of Israel to save remaining hostages ByJonathan Feldstein
“Save Us”. Across the land, anxious Israelis stare daily at the faces of the remaining hostages in Gaza, and are at war to ‘Bring them Home’. Maybe it could happen sooner with less war, if a responsible international community would redirect its pressure on Hamas instead of Israel!
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
06 January 2025 – Hamas release proof of life video of hostage, Liri Albag and your top stories on The Israel Brief.
07 January 2025 – Nukhba terrorist admits hospitals used by Hamas. We pay tribute to the remarkable Olga Meshoe Washington on The Israel Brief.
08 January 2025 – Ireland takes fresh aim at Israel and more on The Israel Brief 8/1.
09 January 2025 – Body of hostage, Youssef Ziyadne recovered. Headlines on The Israel Brief.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
