October 20, 2015
Media Coverage:
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) is appalled over a UNESCO resolution that would designate the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site, as an “integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Haram al-Sharif”. The resolution is sponsored by the six Arab members of UNESCO’s Executive Board (Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates) on behalf of the Palestinians and proposes making the Kotel part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and renaming it: “Buraq Plaza”.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“This outrageous and vile resolution, which maliciously engages in historical revision, is a cynical tactic clearly designed to deny the Jewish people’s unbreakable and eternal bond with the Kotel. We call on the members of the executive board to reject this blatant attempt to rob Jews of their age-old heritage and identity, and to refuse to become party to this dangerous ploy to further aggravate religious and political tensions in Jerusalem. As Israelis are subjected to a relentless campaign of murderous terror, inspired and driven by disturbing lies about Israel’s plans for the Al-Aqsa Mosque, this resolution will only contribute to the ongoing incitement among Palestinians and further inflame an already highly charged situation. We remind members of UNESCO’s Executive, entrusted with preserving the cultural heritage of humanity, that Israel has always preserved and protected the rights of all faiths to worship freely in Jerusalem, and that Israel has pledged, regarding the Temple Mount/Noble Sanctuary, that it will maintain the current arrangement whereby the site is managed by The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf (Trust) and Muslims are given access. Voting for this resolution and thereby altering the status quo in Jerusalem will not foster religious understanding and tolerance, nor reduce tensions. To the contrary, it will irreparably harm relations during these volatile times, and further damage the prospects of dialogue and peace.”
For more information, please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272-5677