The Anti-Defamation Commission has expressed its profound concern about a press release by the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) which while criticising the Trump Jerusalem decision, accuses Israel of apartheid, “The real question is what is the international community doing to bring about an end to the occupation of Palestinian land, an end to the daily suffering and humiliation of the Palestinian people, and an end to Israel’s apartheid policies?” The Press release also refers to the, “inhumane Israeli occupation.”
The press release can be found here:
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“While the ICV is entitled to voice its opposition to the Trump decision recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, employing such inflammatory rhetoric that delegitimises and demonises the Jewish state is entirely unhelpful and only and empowers those wishing to drive a wedge between communities in Australia. To accuse Israel of promoting the vile racial policies promulgated by the former apartheid government in South Africa has no basis in reality and does not contribute to a thoughtful and respectfully dialogue with people across the political divide . As Richard Goldstone has observed, accusing Israel of apartheid “is an unfair and inaccurate slander…calculated to retard rather than advance peace negotiations.” The ICV is surely aware that Israel has long accepted a two-state solution and self-determination for the Palestinians— trying to achieve this outcome through negotiations, territorial withdrawals and peace offers that clearly rebut any claims that Israel’s objective is to rule over the Palestinian population indefinitely, or to persecute and racially segregate them. We hope that the ICV refrains from using such misguided and statements in the future.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.