Comedian Nik Rabinowitz at centre of storm over percieved pro Zionist links

Popular comedian Nik Rabinowitz, found himself at the centre of controversy this week when some parents at  Rondebosch Boys High School found his appearance at a comedy show at the school not so funny because of his perceived pro Zionist and Israel stance.

In spite of the objections of the parents his show "Stroke of Genius" went ahead. The show was billed as a fundraising event. 

According to parents, their concerns were downplayed as if only a handful were dissatisfied. One parent said, “The school will always frame it as though it’s just a small issue affecting a small group. But that’s not the case the parents who met with the principal were only a representation of the wider community. You can’t fit 200 people into the office.”

Parents staged a brief demonstration outside the school during the show. They described it as an attempt to highlight their concerns rather than disrupt the event. 

Several parents emphasised that their objections were humanitarian rather than political. “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,” one parent explained.

 “We’re not against the school raising funds, but they should be considerate in their choice. At a school where young boys are impressionable, you have to ask what message you’re sending. Why not invite someone like Riaad Moosa or Emo Adams?”

The controversy also extends to Rabinowitz’s public profile. 

Some parents pointed to a video in which he encouraged people to “semigrate” to Cape Town, which was shared on the South African Zionist Federation’s social media page, as well as his past performances in Israel.

“Zionism is not a religion it’s an ideology, and those supporters are causing femicide and genocide,” one parent argued.

Parents stressed that the protest drew support across communities. “It needs to be made clear that the people demonstrating were of all races and religions, and we even had support from another school. This should not be seen as a Palestinian protest but as a fight to be included and to stop exclusivism.”

Some also criticised what they see as inconsistency in the school’s approach to inclusivity. “This is not an elite school, it’s a public school, and they should have programmes that promote diversity. Instead, they still participate in things like Poppy Day commemorating World War I and exposing learners to European heritage while ignoring current issues of inclusion,” one parent said.

For many, the broader concern is about whether the school listens to its community. “We are all stakeholders and parents at this school. Decisions like this should be taken seriously because our children spend most of their time here. Everyone should feel safe and included, but this decision didn’t include our opinions,” a parent said.

Another added, “I think the school was irresponsible, especially at this time. For the future, they need to educate themselves and the learners, and make sure those who oppose what is happening don’t feel excluded.”

A parent who spoke on condition of anonymity however feels the parents who protested should move past the show and focus on things directly affecting them.

“What about our children in our country dying at the hands of gangsters? I read somewhere that 63 child murdered in the Western Cape. We should turn our focus to our own problems too. The show happened, the funds were raised and Nik did not use any offensive material, it was clean jokes.” 

Rabinowitz spoke openly about his view of the whole debacle.

“I found it uncomfortable, especially because the protest is based on unfounded assumptions about me,” Rabinowitz said. “However, it was peaceful and did not disrupt the event and I accept that people have a right to protest.”

Some parents had linked him to Zionist ideology. Responding, he said:

“Everyone has slightly or vastly differing definitions for what the term Zionist means. If people think Zionist means I support an authoritarian state that believes in Jewish supremacy and Palestinian oppression, then of course not. I think that the current human tragedy in Gaza is horrifying and I long for it to stop. My deep wish is and always has been for liberty, peace and safety for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

Regarding the video he appeared in on the South African Zionist Federation’s social media page. Rabinowitz explained:

“In 2022, I appeared in a video on behalf of the Western Cape Jewish community. Its purpose was to showcase Cape Town, my hometown. If anything, I was trying to help people find better coffee and fewer potholes. I don’t have control over who shares my content on social media.”

On concerns about his past performances in Israel, he said:

“Answering this question implies that I think it’s fair and reasonable, and not answering it implies that I think I have something to hide. Neither of these is true.”

Asked what he would say to those who feel uncomfortable with his presence at a school event, Rabinowitz replied:

“I get it, I also feel uncomfortable with my presence at school events (joke). If people’s discomfort is based on their assumptions about what my views are then I’d say; what if those assumptions you’ve made about me aren’t true?”

Rabinowitz reflected on how this might influence his role as a comedian:

“I’ve spent most of my career navigating topics that intersect with politics and identity, so not really. Anyone who’s been to one of my shows or engaged with me personally in any way will know I have a track record of standing for peace, love and harmonious co-existence for all, in all parts of the world. 

“My chosen platform of communication is on stage. This is where I choose to do the majority of my engaging and communicating and where I share my ideas and express my views.”

 Western Cape Education Department MEC David Maynier confirmed that they are aware that the school hosted a fundraising event.

“A small group of parents raised an objection. The school met with these parents, who were reportedly not able to provide any evidence or basis for their objection. We fully support the school’s decision to move ahead with the fundraising event and we hope that it was a success.”

The school governing body in a statement said a small group of parents approached Rondebosch Boys’ High School with concerns about the participation of comedian Nik Rabinowitz in the recent Comedy Evening fundraising event hosted by the school’s Rowing Club. 

“The parents alleged that Mr Rabinowitz was a Zionist and supported the conflict in Gaza and Palestine. The issue was raised late, as most fundraising events are not normally arranged at school management or SGB level.

“The school engaged with the Western Cape Education Department and the South African Human Rights Commission for guidance on constitutional rights and freedoms, and searched for evidence of the claims. 

“They found only that Mr Rabinowitz is of the Jewish faith. A meeting with parents was arranged, during which it was noted that Rabinowitz had offered to perform at no charge and that his routine did not touch on the Gazan conflict.”

The SGB said parents did not provide evidence to support their claims. The event went ahead successfully, raising vital funds for the Rowing Club, and the performance was widely praised by students, families, and the community for its energy, humor, and generosity.

However, Leader of the Opposition in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature and ANC Western Cape Provincial Spokesperson Khalid Sayed called the moment unpatriotic, and added that the WCED should’ve intervened.

Sayed said he is planning to take up the issue in the Provincial Parliament of the Western Cape.

He again reiterated: “For the record we want to say, we are not against the Jewish people. There are many Jews, freedom loving Jews who support the Palestinian struggles. Let us stand together and condemn the genocide in Gaza and lets ensure that there is no safe or comfortable space for those who support Apartheid.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus