Africa Forms Task Force to Combat Terror Threats from Iran and Jihadist Groups

JOHANNESBURG – A specialized task force is being established in response to growing concerns about terrorism emanating from Iran and jihadist groups.

The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein, follows a recent bomb attack on a Jewish community center in Cape Town. While an improvised explosive device thrown at the Samson Community Center failed to detonate, the incident highlighted heightened security risks.

The “Counter-Terror Task Force” will formulate recommendations to enhance the protection of religious sites, educational institutions, and community centers.

“South Africa’s Jewish community, mirroring global trends, faces increased vulnerability to terrorist attacks,” Goldstein stated. “Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism, specifically targeting Jewish communities worldwide, necessitates a proactive response. The task force’s findings will have global implications.”

He added, “Furthermore, Africa has become a significant hub for global terrorism over the past decade, with escalating threats from groups like al-Shabab, Boko Haram, and ISIS across the continent.”

The task force comprises leading international counter-terrorism experts: Admiral Mike Hewitt (former U.S. Defense Department official), Dean Haydon (former UK counter-terrorism coordinator), Major General David Tsur (former Israeli counter-terrorism unit commander), and Andre Pienaar (co-founder of South Africa’s Directorate of Special Operations).

The chief rabbi added, They will be mobilizing additional resources and personnel as needed.” 

Goldstein explained that the immediate goal is to safeguard the South African Jewish community. The broader objective is to bolster the security of all South Africans and citizens globally.

He continued, “Across Africa, Christians disproportionately bear the brunt of jihadist terror, suffering thousands of faith-based murders annually.”

Goldstein noted that the South African government’s stance at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide, has negatively impacted the perception of Jews both domestically and internationally.

However, Goldstein emphasized that this governmental view doesn’t reflect the broader populace. “The South African public generally maintains moderate and pragmatic views on Israel, and domestic antisemitism remains exceptionally low by Western standards.”

“There were 128 recorded antisemitic incidents in 2024 in South Africa,” Professor Karen Milner, national chair of the Jewish Board of Deputies in South Africa, reported. “This is the second-highest number since 1998, with the peak occurring in 2023 (182 incidents). However, 63% of the 2024 incidents followed the October 7th Hamas attack in Israel.”

“The initial months of 2024 saw a significant surge in antisemitic incidents directly linked to the October 7th attacks,” Milner continued. “It’s important to note that most incidents involved verbal abuse, hate mail, or antagonism, with minimal physical violence.”

Milner concluded, “Despite this, antisemitism remains significantly lower than in comparable countries, and South Africa continues to be a relatively safe place for Jews to practice their faith.”

Digital contacted the South African Justice and Police Departments but received no response.