The ADC has condemned the vote by UNESCO’s Executive Board denying Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem, the historic and present capital of Israel. The resolution, which refers to Israel as an “occupying power”, was adopted with 22 countries voting in favour, 23 abstaining and 10 opposing the measure. The ADC praised Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Paraguay, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Togo, Ukraine and the United for rejecting the resolution.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“It is shameful that UNESCO has allowed itself to be exploited by the PA and a number of Arab states and to be marshalled as a weapon to malign Israel, and to erase the historical truth of Israel’s sovereignty, past and present, in Jerusalem. This malicious and cynical tactic has not only harmed the prospects of Israeli-Palestinian peace, but has completely undermined any credibility that UNESCO, established as a non-partisan body, had. It is deeply disappointing that Sweden chose to endorse this biased and misguided motion which denies the Jewish people’s historical and religious bond to Jerusalem, and did not join the ten nations who showed a moral backbone in rejecting this absurd measure. We urge the international community to denounce this distorted measure and to take effective steps to reverse this decision. We do note with appreciation UNESCO Secretary General Irina Bokova’s public declarations and efforts to counter this unbalanced and unfair resolution.”
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting racism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.