A silent protest took place outside Rondebosch Boys’ High School during a show by leading South African comedian Nik Rabinowitz.
The demonstration, organised by the activist group Mothers4Gaza, called on Rabinowitz to publicly clarify his stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Hold accountable
According to a statement shared by the group on Instagram, the protest aimed to hold Rabinowitz accountable for what they described as his past performances in Israel and a perceived lack of public condemnation of violence against Palestinians.
The group’s message focused on alleged “mass killings, starvation, and displacement” in Gaza, asserting that Rabinowitz’s silence on these issues amounts to implicit consent.
One of the protest slogans read: “Silence is not neutral.”
The group further criticised artists for profiting from South African stages while ignoring what they referred to as “the cries of children buried under rubble.”
Tone and Reception
Described as quiet and respectful, the protest was not intended to disrupt the event, but to spark dialogue and raise awareness.
Organisers said the demonstration was a call for artists and public figures to use their platforms responsibly in the face of humanitarian crises.
Prior to the event, some parents of Rondebosch learners had raised objections to the show, citing humanitarian – not political – concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
One parent stated: “This Gaza issue is not political, it’s humanitarian. It’s genocide. That’s why there’s a call for education sessions with the children, so they understand what is happening in the world.”
Despite the concerns, the performance proceeded as scheduled, with the support of both the school administration and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Rabinowitz Responds
In response to the criticism, Rabinowitz denied supporting authoritarianism or Jewish supremacy, calling the situation in Gaza a “horrifying human tragedy.”
He expressed a desire for liberty, peace, and safety for both Palestinians and Israelis, but did not directly address the protest or calls for a clearer political stance.
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