
South Africa’s chief rabbi establishes Counter-Terror Task Force to protect Jewish communities amid rising threats from Iran and jihadi groups.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Warren Goldstein, South Africa’s chief rabbi, has created a Counter-Terror Task Force in response to a foiled bomb plot in Cape Town.
- The task force aims to protect Jewish places of worship, schools, and community centers from terror threats.
- Global counter-terrorism experts, including Admiral Mike Hewitt and Dean Haydon, are part of the task force.
- Africa has become a hub for jihadi terror, with groups like al-Shabab, Boko Haram, and ISIS increasing threat levels.
- Despite government views, South Africa remains relatively safe for Jews to practice their religion, with low domestic antisemitism levels compared to Western standards.
Establish A Counter-Terror Task Force in South Africa
In a proactive move to safeguard Jewish communities in Africa, Dr. Warren Goldstein, the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, has established a dedicated Counter-Terror Task Force. This initiative comes in the wake of a thwarted bomb attack at a Jewish center in Cape Town, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures. The task force’s primary objective is to protect places of worship, schools, and community centers from terror threats, with a particular focus on potential dangers from Iran and jihadi groups.
The Counter-Terror Task Force brings together a team of global terror experts, including Admiral Mike Hewitt, Dean Haydon, Major General David Tsur, and Andre Pienaar. Their collective expertise aims to bolster the safety of Jewish communities by implementing robust security protocols and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. While the immediate goal is to secure the South African Jewish community, the task force aspires to enhance safety for all South Africans and global citizens in the long run.
Rising Terror Threats in Africa
The establishment of this task force comes at a critical time as Africa faces an escalating threat from jihadi terror groups. Organizations such as al-Shabab, Boko Haram, and ISIS have significantly increased their activities across the continent, posing a grave danger to both Jewish and Christian communities. This surge in extremist activities has transformed Africa into a hub for terrorist operations, necessitating a coordinated and robust response from security agencies and community leaders.
The Counter-Terror Task Force in Africa draws inspiration from successful models like the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) in the United States. These task forces have proven effective in combating both international and domestic terrorism by pooling resources and expertise from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The African initiative aims to replicate this collaborative approach, adapting it to the unique challenges faced by communities on the continent.
South Africa’s Unique Position
Despite the South African government’s controversial stance at the International Court of Justice, which has been criticized for potentially stigmatizing Jews globally, the country presents a relatively safe environment for its Jewish population. Domestic antisemitism levels remain low by Western standards, allowing Jewish cultural and religious practices to continue with fewer threats than in many other regions. In 2024, South Africa recorded 128 antisemitic incidents, the second-highest since 1998, with most being verbal or hate mail incidents rather than physical attacks.
This relative safety, however, does not negate the need for vigilance and proactive security measures. The Counter-Terror Task Force aims to maintain and enhance this secure environment, ensuring that South Africa remains a haven for Jewish communities while addressing the broader concerns of rising extremist activities across the African continent.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the Counter-Terror Task Force begins its operations, it faces the challenge of balancing heightened security measures with the preservation of an open and inclusive society. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar threats, demonstrating the power of community-led security efforts in collaboration with international expertise. Moving forward, the task force’s ability to adapt to evolving threats and maintain strong partnerships with local and international law enforcement agencies will be crucial in ensuring the long-term safety and prosperity of Jewish communities in Africa.
Sources:
- https://www.dni.gov/index.php/gt2040-home/emerging-dynamics/international-dynamics/the-future-of-terrorism
- https://www.state.gov/terrorism-finance/
- https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism/joint-terrorism-task-forces
- https://www.foxnews.com/world/task-force-created-africa-counter-terror-fears-from-iran-jihadi-groups