LETTER: King Zwelithini took a principled stand for Israel
The late king emphasised the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with Jewish state
As a Jew and as a Zionist I appreciate the principled stand that the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini took, to swim against the prevailing tide in government circles of unrestrained animosity towards Israel. I met him in 2012 at a celebration of Israel’s day of independence at the Israeli embassy and was immensely impressed by his stately yet humble demeanour.
Later that year, when the SA government through the deputy foreign minister said it was improper for any official to associate with Israel, the king promised to “intensify bilateral co-operation” with Israel, accepting an invitation from Israeli ambassador Dov Segev-Steinberg to visit Israel...
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