July 2, 2015

The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC)  has condemned the vote by The United Church of Christ (UCC) to boycott Israeli companies with a presence in the West Bank and to divest from companies conducting business with Israel in the West Bank.

The resolution was passed  during The Church’s General Synod, which took place in Cleveland, Ohio, with almost 80 percent of delegates voting in favour.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:

“I am dismayed and troubled by the counterproductive and aggressive stance adopted by the UCC leadership. This shameful and hypocritical vote unfairly singles out and demonises the only democracy in the Middle-east and a safe haven for Christians. As atrocities and crimes against humanity are occurring in Syria and Iraq, The UCC has chosen to  embolden the anti-Israel voices and the global BDS movement that are determined to defame and delegitimize the Jewish state. This action will not promote reconciliation between Israel and the Palestinians. Such resolutions present a blatantly one-sided and distorted picture of the complex situation in the Middle-East, downplaying the terrorism committed by Hamas, who launched thousands of rockets into Israel, and conveniently ignoring President Mahmoud Abbas’s refusal to return to the negotiating table. Religious organisations should champion the cause of peace, not foment an atmosphere of double-standards and hostility  that undermines the chances of a genuine resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.

For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677

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