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    SASA ISA vote to uphold Israeli Sociology Association suspension vote statement

    SASA ISA vote to uphold Israeli Sociology Association suspension vote statement

    The South African Sociological Association (SASA) reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with students, academics, activists, and governments who continue to raise their voices against the Israeli blockade of Gaza. In 2023, SASA issued a public statement affirming that “our freedom remains incomplete without the concurrent realisation of Palestinian freedom and the preservation of academic freedom.” In keeping with this principled position and our longstanding commitment to social justice, SASA reiterates its unequivocal support for the Palestinian people in their ongoing struggle against apartheid and the continuing genocide in Gaza.

    There have been sustained engagements on Palestine across higher education institutions and broader spheres of society. In the coming week, the International Sociological Association (ISA) will convene the Council of National Associations Conference in India. Dr Nomzamo Ntombela, the current Vice President, will attend this meeting as the SASA representative. It is anticipated that a vote may be held to uphold the decision, taken earlier this year, to suspend the Israeli Sociological Association from the ISA due to its complicity with a settler-colonial regime responsible for widespread violence, terror, and mass destruction.

    As a national association affiliated to the ISA, SASA confirms that it will vote in favour of upholding the suspension of the Israeli Sociological Association at the Council of National Associations Meeting. Until such time as the Israeli Sociological Association adopts a clear and principled stance that holds its government accountable, it remains implicated in sustaining genocidal ideology. SASA further affirms its alignment with the position of the South African government, particularly its filing of a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Palestine. This moment marks a significant juncture in our continued solidarity with Palestine as a national association, and we remain resolute in our support for the liberation of Palestine.

    In collaboration with Global Sociologists for Palestine (GS4P), SASA issues a call to action to all members of SASA and allied organisations. Members are requested to send an email to the ISA Executive Committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) expressing support for the upholding of the suspension of the Israeli Sociological Association. Attached to this communication are the SASA 2023 statement and a briefing document prepared by GS4P addressing frequently asked questions on this matter.

    Free, Free Palestine!