Johannesburg – A delegation of South African Christian leaders, which included Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, the leader of the opposition African Christian Democratic Party, has returned home after a recent visit to Israel.
The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, said “a high-level” of SA Christian leaders returned home with a unified message: “The reality on the ground in the Middle East cannot be understood through headlines or political rhetoric. It must be witnessed firsthand”.
The mid-November trip to Israel, dubbed a “fact-finding mission”, led by SAFI Chairman Shaun Zagnoev, included Pastor Bert Pretorius, founder of the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF); Prophetess Anthea Gordon, founder and lead pastor of Rock Christian Church; Reverend Kenneth Meshoe and Marcus Norden.
SAFI stated that the trip, and its participants, aimed to strengthen ties between South African Christians and the Holy Land of Israel.
The delegation visited Shiloh, Jerusalem’s Old City, Christian pilgrimage sites across the north, and communities devastated in the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.
Zagnoev said the delegation reaffirmed a reality often ignored in public discourse, in that South Africa’s people do not mirror its political posture: “The overwhelming majority of South Africans want to engage with Israel, not isolate it,” said Zagnoev.
“Christianity is the dominant religion in our country.
“We have millions of friends of Israel, and our purpose is to ensure both Israelis and South Africans know that.
“The government’s stance is totally out of step with the people.”
Zagnoev stated that the delegation was particularly impressed by Israeli efforts to provide exemplary humanitarian relief to the people of Africa, and was disappointed to discover that South African politicians resisted some of these relief efforts.
For Pastor Pretorius, whose networks represent over 10 million South African evangelicals, the visit was deeply spiritual: “It is a joy to be here in Israel. To experience the bible for ourselves.
“It is clear to me that there is a lot that Israel can do for South Africa.
“Our prayer is that both countries will be able to work together in future.”
Prophetess Gordon described her first trip to Israel as life-changing: “This trip exceeded my expectations.
“The reality of what Israel is facing at this moment is so alive, and it’s something that we as Christians must stand in solidarity with – remembering that Israel’s foundation in the Christian walk comes from the Bible.
“And no matter what we do in life, the Bible is always the truth and the Word that we stand on.
“And what SAFI is doing also stands in the Word of God. To walk in peace and love with Israel is to understand the holiness of God.
She added that she had learned that propaganda is designed to be propaganda: “When you meet the people: families, children, communities – when you see coexistence and diversity, you cannot accept the false narratives anymore.”
Her testimony echoed that of Rev. Kenneth Meshoe, who famously declared that comparing Israel to apartheid South Africa was “morally offensive”, a watershed moment Zagnoev believes still resonates today.
Zagnoev concludes by saying the trip reaffirmed a vision for mutual upliftment between South Africa and Israel: “There are certainly people pushing a one-sided narrative in South Africa”.
He added. “But it is not reflective of the sentiment on the ground. South African Christians want peace and solutions for Israel.
“And will continue to share their support and love for Israel, especially if it means they can counter narratives that spew hatred towards Jewish communities and the Jewish nation”.
The Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023, with a deadly attack by Hamas killing 1,139 Israelis and taking 251 hostages, has entered a fragile phase following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025.
Since the October 7 attack, Israel’s army has killed more than 70 000 Palestinians, including women and children, in relentless retaliatory attacks.
The South African government has formally accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case before the International Court of Justice.
However, Zagnoev stated that despite “political friction”, the delegation expressed optimism that relationships built between ordinary people can shape a new future.
“With continual engagement, we can create understanding for peace and resolution,” said Zagnoev.
“This is the position we’ve asked our Members of Parliament to take.”
Zagnoev said at the farewell gathering of the visiting delegation in Jerusalem, the leaders pledged to return home with not just facts, but deeply personal testimonies.
