A visit by South African parliament members to Samaria is making waves and creating controversy in a country considered one of the most hostile to Israel worldwide. The Daily Maverick, one of South Africa's leading media outlets, published an antisemitic-style cartoon by cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro (Zapiro) in response to the visit. The cartoon depicts delegation members returning from a "fact-finding mission" with their eyes covered by Israeli flags, their feet dipped in blood, while declaring they "saw no evidence of apartheid."
Last week, a delegation of South African parliament members – from both coalition and opposition parties – visited Samaria as guests of Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. The 15-member delegation included Parliament Member Ashley Sauls, chairman of the Patriotic Alliance party, which is part of the coalition, Steven Swarts, Parliament Member and chairman of the Christian Democrats party, and additional parliament members. The delegation's visit is considered unprecedented because South Africa is regarded as one of the most hostile countries toward Israel and even led the case against Israel at The Hague.
Dagan and the South African guests visited Israeli communities, and after meeting with Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan and receiving a briefing from him at the "Donald Trump Lookout" at the Gutnik Center on the State Balcony in Peduel, they expressed for the first time from elected officials in a country considered hostile to Israel, open and official support for Israel and sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. They voiced sharp criticism against the delegitimization of Israel in their country. Ashley Sauls, chairman of the Patriotic Alliance party, noted during the visit, "When there is sovereignty, there will be hope for coexistence." Parliament Member Steven Swarts said, "It's important to have sovereignty here."
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, said in response to the cartoon publication, "The integrity of these brave people will triumph over antisemitism and hypocrisy. Some choose to strengthen the forces of life, and some choose to strengthen Hamas. This ugly cartoon is a transparent attempt to intimidate those who dare to think differently. We will not be deterred – we will continue to expose the truth. We will build Samaria, promote sovereignty in Judea and Samaria for Israel's security and historical justice. We will continue to host delegations from around the world, and we will continue to build partnerships together, because the truth and reality are stronger than everything."
