Arthur Goldreich
By Colby Gendron
Biography
Arthur Goldreich was a Jewish South African that played a prominent role in the Anti-Apartheid movement in the late 19th century. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1929 and grew up in Israel. At age 11, he was offended when taught German during WWII. He later on joined the elite Palmach, a military wing of the Haganah, which was part of the Jewish National Movement’s military in Palestine. He fought with this group and learned military tactics for a couple of years before returning to South Africa in 1954. He returned to join the anti-apartheid movement and fight against the wrongdoings of white supremacy. Goldreich was an active member of the South African Communist Party and went on to become head of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. This is where he grew a love for art and became an artist for years to come.
Significance
Arthur Goldreich was part of an underground organization called ANC's Liberation Army or the Spear of the Nation. The Organizations goal was to thwart and hinder the Apartheid movement in South Africa. Of those in the group was Nelson Mandela who Goldreich met and discussed tactics with often. Goldreich was a man who strongly believed in Zionism and went to go fight in the 1948 War for Israel's Independence. Part of the reason why he left was because the Afrikaners won the South African general election. During his fight in Israel his views shifted left and accepted communism. He was incarcerated for his views and actions against the Apartheid government much like Nelson Mandela. He was a great leader in the Anti-Apartheid movement.
Works Cited
Haaretz. The Associated Press. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
The Daily Telegraph (London). 23 June 2011.
London: The Guardian. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
"Arthur Goldreich." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.