×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Protest against Israeli products

FORMER Treatment Action Campaign leader Zackie Achmat braved a confrontation with pro-Israel demonstrators when he tried to remove Israeli-made beauty products from a shop in Cape Town at the weekend.

Members of Group 18, a local pro-Israel lobby group told Achmat: "You blacks don't have the right answers."

Achmat was leading a pro-Palestinian protest against the Wellness Warehouse store on Cavendish Square in Claremont.

About 20 protesters walked into the store on Saturday to remove Israeli products. They pretended to buy them but refused to pay once the products had been rung up. They said they were boycotting products made in Israel.

But they were harangued by pro-Israeli Group 18 protesters, who had been tipped off that a pro-Palestine campaign would happen.

Achmat's group included Jewish pro-Palestinians. Local academic Heidi Grunebaum said she wanted to use economic boycotts against Israel "because that is how apartheid in South Africa was brought to an end".

Achmat said it was the start of more action against stores that stocked Israeli products. He said they would also lay criminal charges with the police against Wellness Warehouse shops because the goods were advertised as "being made in Israel but were produced in occupied Palestinian territories".

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.