The Jewish official who headed a war crimes probe whose findings infuriated Israel and Jewish communities around the world has been asked not to attend his grandson's bar mitzva due to be held in Johannesburg next month, according to a South African newspaper [PDF].

Judge Richard Goldstone, who led the UN-sanctioned investigation into suspected war crimes committed during last year's armed conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, will not be in attendance when his grandson performs the religious rite because of objections by members of the community, the South African Jewish Report said.

The South African Zionist Organization (SAZF) and members of the Beith Hamedrash Hagadol synagogue, where the ceremony will be held, raised objections to hosting Goldstone because of his involvement in the committee which found the IDF guilty of committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in Gaza...

...Rosh Beth Din Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag commented that the Beth Din had not been officially consulted, though there had been "private talks," and had not been asked by the synagogue to give a ruling on the matter. "But I know that there was a very strong feeling in the shul, a lot of anger (around the issue of Justice Goldstone attending)," the Jewish Report quoted Kurtstag as saying.

"I heard also that the SAZF wanted to organise a protest outside the shul - (there were) all kinds of plans. But I think reason prevailed," Kurtstag added.

Meanwhile, Goldstone was quoted by the US Jewish paper The Forward as saying that "In the interests of my grandson, I've decided not to attend the ceremony at the synagogue."

A community has the right to decide who is welcome. Should a shul welcome a man who refuses to give his wife a get? Someone known to abuse children or a thief? Goldstone chose to accept a UN HRC appointment funded by the Arab League. His report has spread outrageous slanders against Israel and ultimately Jews. It justified terrorism and engaged in apologetics for Hamas. He must live with the consequences of that decision. His family could hold the bar mitzvah elsewhere if they want...

...His exoneration of Hamas and his blood libels against Israel are indeed comparable to those who incite genocide. His report has led to diplomatic tension b/w the US & Israel, the Israel & Europe, it has led to special sessions at the UN where Israel has again been attacked; His report was used as part of the "Russell Tribunal" to put Israel "on trial" for international crimes"; his report has directly led to an increase in antisemitic attacks in Europe; his co-panelists have used their position as a platform to wax on about the "Israel/Jewish lobby"; and he has spread numerous lies about Israel in the international media all in service of his own self promotion and career interests.

His report has been used as "evidence" to block arms sales to Israel. It has led to lawsuits against the UK gov't; it has led to arrest warrants against Tzipi Livni and almost Ehud Barak; it might lead to Israeli individuals being tried at the ICC. Israeli officials can no longer travel to the UK for fear of arrest. There are calls for another ICJ opinion. He has renewed BDS movements and further isolated Israel internationally. Need I go on?...