Silent Gaza protest greets Nik Rabinowitz show at elite school
Activists held a silent protest outside Rondebosch Boys’ High School during a performance by top South African comedian Nik Rabinowitz.
Activist group Mothers4Gaza staged a silent protest outside Rondebosch Boys’ High School during a show by leading South African comedian Nik Rabinowitz.
The group called on Rabinowitz to publicly state his position on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Hold accountable
In a statement on Instagram, the group said the protest aimed to hold Rabinowitz accountable for his past performances in Israel and his perceived failure to publicly condemn violence against Palestinians. They highlighted alleged “mass killings, starvation, and displacement” in Gaza and argued that Rabinowitz’s silence on these issues signals implicit consent.
One of the protest slogans read: “Silence is not neutral.”
The group further criticised artists for profiting from South African stages while ignoring what they referred to as “the cries of children buried under rubble.”
Tone and Reception
Organisers described the protest as quiet and respectful, saying they did not intend to disrupt the event but to spark dialogue and raise awareness. They explained that the demonstration called on artists and public figures to use their platforms responsibly in the face of humanitarian crises.
Before the event, some parents of Rondebosch learners objected to the show, raising humanitarian, not political, concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
One parent stated: “This Gaza issue is not political, it’s humanitarian. It’s genocide. That’s why there’s a call for education sessions with the children, so they understand what is happening in the world.”
Despite the concerns, the performance proceeded as scheduled, with the support of both the school administration and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Rabinowitz Responds
In response to the criticism, Rabinowitz denied supporting authoritarianism or Jewish supremacy, calling the situation in Gaza a “horrifying human tragedy.”
He expressed a desire for liberty, peace, and safety for both Palestinians and Israelis, but did not directly address the protest or calls for a clearer political stance.