Three Jewish students who are a part of "Shministim, (Hebrew slang for "12th graders"), in Israel were put in jail for refusing service in the Israeli Defense Force. The are a small group of young Israelis who object to Israel's "illegal occupation" (according to the students) of Palestinian territory. The three students are now out of jail, and are now traveling around to schools and Universities, and also doing television and radio interviews speaking out about Israel's wrong doings.
Jews in Cape Town, South Africa are very concerned about letting the Shministim come and talk to their students. National Vice Chairman of the South African Zionist Federation David Hirsch says "They are speaking out to the greater South African population, that does not really know or understand the complex issues of the conflict in Israel." Other Cape Town Jews believe that if they let the Shministim talk, it could spread anti-semitism throughout the area.
I think that both sides are correct. I definently see the side of the Jews in Cape Town, because they are right in knowing that the majority of the people in the area do not know exactly what is going on in Israel. All of a sudden some 12th graders come in town preaching about how Israel is bullying Palestinians, without knowing all the details...I dont think so! I also see the point of the Shministim. They believe that they can shed some light on the subject to a wide range of people. If they truly believe it is wrong, there isn't a law saying they can't voice there opinion. It is the law however, that dodging Army service gets you jail time.
