The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has expressed its deep disappointment at a series of one-sided resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict passed at General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Church adopted a flawed internal report, “Israel-Palestine: For Human Values in the Absence of a Just Peace” that blames Israel for the stalemate in the peace talks with the Palestinians and casts doubt on the viability of the two state solution given “Israel’s policy trajectory of continued settlements and brutal occupation.” The General Assembly also advocated for a bi-national state and called on the church to explore support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. Another resolution called on the real estate company RE/MAX to stop sales of property within Israeli settlements. In one video, Israeli security checkpoints were compared the Nazi cattle cars that transported Jews to concentration camps.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“It is always highly disconcerting and disappointing when a mainline church embraces divisive, reckless and one-sided motions that demonise one state. By blaming Israel for the deadlock in negotiations and promoting a vision of a bi-national state, the Presbyterian Church is paving the way for the end of Israel as a Jewish, liberal and democratic state, an offensive notion that is out step with the majority of nations. This shameful and hypocritical vote unfairly singles out and vilifies the only democracy in the Middle-east and a safe haven for Christians. As atrocities and crimes against Christians are unfolding in the Mid-east, The Presbyterian Church has chosen to embolden the anti-Israel voices and the global BDS movement that are determined to defame and delegitimize the Jewish state. Such resolutions present a blatantly distorted picture of an enormously complex situation, downplaying the terrorism committed by Hamas, 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