Cape Town - The controversy around Palestine freedom fighter Leila Khaled’s visit to South Africa continued on Tuesday, with the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) lamenting the visit and Khaled’s hosts saluting her as a Struggle icon.
Khaled is expected in the country on Friday when she will be welcomed by Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada and Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba at OR Tambo International Airport.
She will address fundraising gatherings arranged by anti-Israel lobby group Boycott Divestment and Sanctions SA during her stay. Her itinerary includes meetings in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Deputy ambassador of the embassy of Israel Michael Freeman and SAJBD Cape Council executive director David Jacobson said they were vehemently opposed to Khaled’s visit.
“It’s remarkably simple. Leila Khaled by her own admission stands for violent resistance and when an organisation like BDS-SA, which claims to be non-violent, brings her here, the gesture makes them look dishonest.
He cited Khaled’s role in two incidents involving an aircraft hijacking in 1969 and an attempted hijacking in 1970.
Khaled is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and currently lives in Amman, Jordan.
Regarding previous lobbying to have Khaled’s “visa” revoked, Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete clarified that she did not require a visa to visit the country as she is Jordanian.
He said Gigaba would welcome Khaled.
Cape Times