StandWithUs and SAUJS Empower South African Students During Israel Apartheid Week

March 2025 – Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa – As Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) spreads anti-Israel misinformation and hostility on campuses, StandWithUs and the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) ensured Jewish and pro-Israel students were equipped to lead the conversation, counter false narratives, and stand proud in their identity.

Empowering Students with Knowledge & Strategy

Recognizing the growing challenges, StandWithUs partnered with SAUJS to provide strategic training, educational resources, and on-the-ground support. Education and Outreach Manager Noah Shufutinsky and Alumni Manager Neta Fanta led efforts to empower students with the tools to combat misinformation, foster meaningful dialogue, and develop leadership skills.

“These two weeks would not have been as successful without StandWithUs. Students felt incredibly supported and well-prepared. You sent the best of the best, and it made all the difference,” said Gabi Farber, University Campus Coordinator at the South African Jewish Board of Deputies.

SAUJS Campaign: Shaping the Narrative

Rather than reacting to hostility, SAUJS led a proactive three-day educational campaign:

Day 1: Zionism & Judaism: Debunking misconceptions, highlighting Zionism as integral to Jewish identity, and the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.

Day 2: Exposing Hamas' Hatred: Educating on Hamas' rejection of peace and its oppression of both Israelis and Palestinians, shifting the narrative from broad accusations to undeniable facts.

Day 3: Remembering the Hostages: Symbolic yellow chairs on campus honored Israeli civilians still held captive by Hamas, making the issue personal and real.

Through engagement and personal stories, students transformed campus discussions from hostility to meaningful dialogue. “I had the opportunity to engage with students who came with preconceived notions about Israel and Zionism. By the end of our conversations, they had a new perspective on my beliefs, and I gained insight into theirs. We found common ground and built something for the future,” shared Angelic Mafadza, SAUJS MTF Intern.

Johannesburg: Reclaiming Campus Conversations

At Wits University, where anti-Israel protests are particularly aggressive, StandWithUs helped Jewish students lead discussions with confidence.

“Despite a tense atmosphere, including an interruption where someone advocated for Hamas' cause, I was able to create a space for meaningful dialogue among students who were eager to hear the Zionist perspective and engage in difficult conversations without resorting to hate,” said Noah Shufutinsky.

Training, educational materials, and media preparation empowered students to challenge misinformation. Noah’s appearance on ChaiFM and coverage in the South African Jewish Report amplified their voices beyond campus.

Cape Town: Educating & Engaging Everyday South Africans

At the University of Cape Town (UCT), students faced intense hostility. StandWithUs provided essential support, ensuring students felt empowered to speak up.

“Having people from Israel there was crucial—it reminded people of the human stories behind the flags. Representation matters,” said Angelic Mafadza.

At UCT, conversations were not only hostile but often shut down any perspective that challenged the dominant anti-Israel narrative. While engaging those deeply entrenched in their views proved difficult, StandWithUs prioritized reaching the silent observers—students who may not have spoken up but were open to hearing new perspectives.

The StandWithUs delegation helped students:

1. Introduce Israel’s Reality – Many students had never met an Israeli before or learned about Israel beyond the conflict-focused rhetoric. Personal stories about Israel’s diverse society, culture, and contributions helped shift perceptions.

2. Shift Perspectives Through Conversation – By engaging with curious but uninformed students, Jewish and pro-Israel students offered new insights and perspectives, opening the door to real discussion.

3. Empower Jewish Students – With StandWithUs’ guidance, Jewish students at UCT embraced their role as Israel advocates and proudly expressed their identity.

   
   

At Stellenbosch University, a StandWithUs-led workshop further equipped students with the skills to confidently discuss Israel both on campus and beyond.

Beyond IAW: Strengthening Jewish Student Leadership

The impact of these efforts extends far beyond countering IAW—it’s about building a future where Jewish students lead with knowledge and pride.

“We were fortunate to have incredible StandWithUs delegates join us, sharing powerful first-hand insights into life in Israel post-October 7th. Their stories were inspiring and a testament to resilience, identity, and hope. This week, Jewish students at UCT proudly displayed their Zionism and confidently expressed their values. By fostering education, connection, and pride, we’re reshaping the narrative of IAW—moving from hostility to empowerment and meaningful dialogue,” said Rachel Segal, UCT SAUJS Chairperson.

“It was heartening to see how our students were able to once again stand up proudly on their campuses refusing to be intimidated by the BDS groups that had previously created such hate. The conversations and dialogues that took place both at Wits and UCT are examples to campuses around the world. Our gratitude to StandWithUs for supporting our SAUJS students.” Wendy Kahn National Director of the South Africa Jewish Board of Deputies

StandWithUs’ commitment goes beyond a single week—it ensures Jewish students have the tools, confidence, and community to stand up for themselves every day.